8. Moorish Spain

This compact 4-day journey is a beautifully curated introduction to southern and central Spain, ideal for travelers seeking iconic landmarks, rich history, and a strong sense of place within a shorter time frame. Beginning and ending in Madrid, the route follows Spain’s cultural spine from Castilian plains into Andalucía’s golden cities, then returns north through one of the country’s most historically layered former capitals. Roman legacies, Islamic artistry, Gothic grandeur, and living traditions unfold in a smooth, well-paced progression.

Journey Highlights

• Castilla–La Mancha Landscapes – Depart Madrid and travel south through the literary heartland of Castilla-La Mancha, long associated with Don Quixote, where open plains and distant windmills set a timeless tone.

• Historic Córdoba – Discover Córdoba, once the capital of Islamic Spain. Highlights include the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a rare fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the atmospheric Judería with its patios and cobbled lanes.

• Seville, Andalusia’s Soul – Explore Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalucía. A guided tour showcases Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, Seville Cathedral, and the romantic streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, blending imperial grandeur with everyday Andalusian life.

• Moorish Granada – Travel east to Granada, set beneath the Sierra Nevada. A guided visit to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens reveals one of Europe’s greatest artistic achievements, where refined Islamic design, water, light, and landscape form a harmonious whole.

• Imperial Toledo – Journey north to Toledo, Spain’s former capital and emblematic “City of Three Cultures.” Gothic cathedrals, synagogues, and centuries-old streets reflect Christian, Jewish, and Muslim coexistence, while a traditional sword-making workshop preserves one of Toledo’s most famous crafts.

• Return to Madrid – Conclude the journey back in Madrid, completing a route that captures Spain’s cultural evolution across regions and centuries.

This itinerary delivers a concentrated yet deeply immersive experience - pairing world-famous monuments with evocative landscapes and historic cities - perfect for travelers who want to experience the essence of Spain’s south without rushing or overload.

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

Your journey begins with an 8:00 AM departure from Madrid, heading south through the wide-open landscapes of Castilla–La Mancha. This legendary region is forever linked to Don Quixote, and along the way you may catch sight of the iconic windmills that inspired Cervantes’ classic tale - an unforgettable introduction to Spain’s literary and cultural heritage. As the scenery unfolds, sit back and enjoy a comfortable drive through one of Spain’s most storied regions.
By late morning, you’ll arrive in Córdoba, where history feels alive around every corner. Spend time exploring the atmospheric historic center, known for its narrow streets, colorful façades, and flower-filled courtyards that feel both intimate and vibrant. A guided visit to the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba highlights one of Spain’s most remarkable landmarks - a stunning fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture unlike anything else in Europe. Continue through the charming Jewish Quarter, where quiet squares and shaded patios offer a slower, more local pace.
You’ll have free time for lunch and souvenir shopping, perfect for enjoying traditional Andalusian flavors or relaxing at a café. Later in the afternoon, continue on to Seville, arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight accommodations allow you to unwind and prepare for a full day in Andalusia’s capital.

Day 2 – Seville: The Heart of Andalusia

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Seville, a city known for its passion, elegance, and unmistakable Andalusian spirit. Begin at the spectacular Plaza de España, whose sweeping design, colorful ceramic details, and tranquil canals make it one of Spain’s most iconic public spaces. Continue through María Luisa Park, where shaded paths, fountains, and palm trees offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s lively streets. You’ll also admire the impressive Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and a symbol of the city’s historic importance. Nearby, stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish quarter, where whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and hidden courtyards create a postcard-perfect setting. Throughout the tour, your guide brings Seville’s past to life with engaging stories and local insights.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Seville at your own pace. You may choose to relax with tapas, people-watch from a lively square, or explore neighborhoods beyond the historic center. As evening approaches, the city takes on a warm glow, making dinner and another overnight stay in Seville especially enjoyable.

Day 3 – Seville → Granada (254 km / 158 miles)

After breakfast, travel east toward Granada, passing rolling countryside and olive groves on your way to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada’s dramatic setting and deep Moorish roots make it one of Spain’s most captivating destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit to the legendary Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most extraordinary palace complexes. Explore the elegant Nasrid Palaces and peaceful Generalife Gardens, where flowing fountains, detailed tilework, and panoramic views create an atmosphere of timeless beauty. Your guide will explain how this former royal residence reflects centuries of Islamic art, power, and culture. The experience is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
The afternoon is free to continue discovering Granada on your own. Take time to wander, sit at a café, or soak in the city’s slower rhythm before dinner. Overnight in Granada.

Day 4 – Granada → Toledo → Madrid (446 km / 277 miles)

Today’s journey takes you north to Toledo, a city often described as an open-air museum. Set high above the Tagus River, Toledo is celebrated for its unique blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences that shaped the city over centuries. As you stroll through its ancient streets, you’ll feel the weight of history in the stone walls, narrow alleys, and timeless architecture. Highlights include the soaring Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s greatest Gothic masterpieces, and the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, where synagogues and churches stand side by side. A visit to a traditional sword-making workshop offers a fascinating look at one of Toledo’s most famous crafts, still practiced using centuries-old techniques.
After lunch and some free time, return to Madrid in the afternoon. The evening arrival marks the end of a rich and memorable journey through southern Spain - filled with historic cities, cultural treasures, and unforgettable moments.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 700 €

Single Supplement: 220 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 50 €

Supplement for departure on May 5 (Feria): 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.