A Week in the South with Iberica Travel: Explore Andalusia & Costa del Sol!

Discover the enchanting beauty of southern Spain with Iberica Travel on an exhilarating seven-day Southern Spain Tour that captures the very essence of Spanish culture. Begin your adventure in Madrid before heading straight to the heart of Andalusia - Spain's second-largest region renowned for its vibrant history, diverse landscapes, and significant cultural contributions.

Explore the "Golden Triangle" of southern Spain by visiting the captivating cities of Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Wander through ancient Roman ruins and marvel at Moorish splendors as you immerse yourself in Andalusia's unique charm. Feel the passionate rhythms of flamenco, savor the tempting flavors of tapas, and indulge in the robust notes of local wines.

On your way to the sun-soaked beaches of Torremolinos, stop by the historic village of Ronda, perched dramatically above a deep gorge - a living testament to the area's legendary past. Then, unwind on the stunning shores of the famous Costa del Sol, enjoying two and a half days of pure relaxation and sunbathing. This Southern Spain Tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisure.

Your journey continues with a visit to Toledo, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the majestic Cathedral, the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, and the historic Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Stroll through its UNESCO-listed old town, losing yourself in a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, museums, and churches.

Conclude your unforgettable adventure back in Madrid, cherishing the memories made with Iberica Travel on your extraordinary Southern Spain Tour.

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Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid → Córdoba → Seville (530 km / 329 miles)

Your adventure kicks off bright and early with an 8:00 a.m. departure from Madrid. As we make our way south through Castilla-La Mancha - the land of Don Quixote - you’ll pass sweeping plains and windmills that bring Cervantes' timeless tale to life.

We’ll arrive in Córdoba, one of Andalusia’s crown jewels, where the past feels very much alive. Stroll through the maze of narrow, flower-filled streets in the old town, and soak up the scent of jasmine and the splash of vibrant colors from blooming patios. The highlight here is the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral, a stunning mix of Roman, Moorish, and Christian architecture. Walk beneath its endless forest of striped arches and feel the layers of history in every step. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the charming Judería (Jewish Quarter) - perfect for lunch or picking up a unique local souvenir.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Seville, where a delicious dinner and a cozy night’s stay await.

Day 2: Seville

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Seville, a city brimming with soul, color, and stories. First stop: the dazzling Plaza de España, a sweeping semi-circle of bridges, fountains, and ceramic tiles that showcase Spain’s provinces. Next, we’ll wander through the beautiful María Luisa Park, a leafy haven full of orange trees, fountains, and hidden corners. We’ll admire the exterior of Seville’s mighty Gothic Cathedral - one of the largest in the world - and its famous bell tower, La Giralda. Then it's on to the old Jewish Quarter, Barrio Santa Cruz, with its winding lanes, whitewashed houses, and charming little plazas.

The afternoon is yours to explore. You might climb the Giralda for amazing views, check out the modern Metropol Parasol (nicknamed "The Mushrooms"), or head across the river to Triana, known for its flamenco flair and ceramic shops.

After dinner, enjoy another relaxing night in Seville.

Day 3: Seville → Ronda → Costa del Sol (190 km / 118 miles)

Today we head to one of Spain’s most dramatic towns - Ronda. Perched high above a deep gorge, Ronda offers jaw-dropping views and a fascinating mix of history and legend. You’ll have time to wander the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the historic Bullring, and walk through the old Moorish quarter with its winding lanes and whitewashed homes. Every corner of Ronda is postcard-perfect.

Later in the day, we arrive at the Costa del Sol and check into our hotel in Torremolinos. This laid-back beach town is the perfect spot to unwind with dinner and a relaxing seaside evening.

Day 4: Costa del Sol – Leisure Day

Wake up to sunshine and sea air - the day is yours to enjoy however you like. Lounge on golden beaches, walk the palm-lined promenade, or dive into local attractions like Aqualand or Crocodile Park.

If you’re up for some nightlife, head to nearby Los Álamos or La Nogalera for lively bars and music. End the day with dinner and another peaceful night in Torremolinos.

Day 5: Costa del Sol – Another Day to Unwind

Take another day to soak up the Mediterranean magic. Maybe relax on a Blue Flag beach, explore quaint fishing villages nearby, or enjoy a long, lazy seafood lunch with your feet in the sand. This part of Spain is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment.
In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and our third night on the coast.

Day 6: Costa del Sol → Granada (180 km / 112 miles)

This morning, we leave the coast behind and head inland to Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Our guided tour takes us to the legendary Alhambra and its tranquil Generalife Gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture - every tile and courtyard tells a story.
In the afternoon, explore Granada at your own pace. Wander the narrow alleys of the Alcaicería, browse handcrafted goods, or lose yourself in the Albaicín, the city’s ancient Moorish quarter with sweeping views of the Alhambra. You could also visit the impressive Cathedral and Royal Chapel, the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella. And don’t forget: in Granada, order a drink, and you’ll be treated to a complimentary tapa - a local tradition!

Enjoy dinner and a night in this magical city.

Day 7: Granada → Toledo → Madrid (446 km / 277 miles)

After breakfast, we head to Toledo - once the capital of Spain and a city that blends Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage in its winding streets and timeless buildings. On our guided tour, we’ll see Toledo Cathedral, wander the Judería (Jewish Quarter), and explore the stunning Santa María la Blanca Synagogue. At the Church of Santo Tomé, you’ll see El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. 
We’ll enjoy lunch and stop by a local artisan’s workshop to watch traditional sword-making - a craft that’s been perfected here for centuries.

As the sun sets, we return to Madrid with hearts full of memories from an unforgettable week in southern Spain.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 1115 €

Single Supplement: 365 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 70 €

Supplement for departure on April 15 (Easter), May 6 (Feria), June 24 (Congress): 110 € 

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Discounts:

Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.