Compare Spain by Train Singles Vacations by Best Single Travel vs Spain in 9 days - Madrid, Andalusia & Costa del Sol - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: Barcelona, Spain

Land at the Barcelona airport and take the provided shuttle to the group's hotel, located right in the very heart of Las Ramblas. Throughout history, theaters, music cafes and flamenco bars have opened up in this area. It brings together the bustling and cosmopolitan culture, leisure, traditional gastronomy, popular places and all types of shops.

Tonight meet and greet with your tour leader and your fellow single travelers then walk to a local restaurant for an optional dinner.

Day 2: Barcelona

Discover the ancient, medieval and modern sights of Barcelona on our full day guided tour of this marvelous city. Stroll along the district's streets, squares and old buildings, learn about the quarter's history and people. Our morning will start will with a tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, the center of the old town. Alongside the medieval buildings are remains of an ancient Roman city, and the Temple d'August, the best preserved Roman relic in Barcelona. One of the main attractions, right in the heart of the district is the huge Cathedral, Santa Spain Making PaellaMaria del Mar. This Gothic church was built in the 14th Century in only 55 years. Then we board our bus for a panoramic tour of the city. Enjoy spectacular views over Barcelona including the Waterfront, with the Old Port and Montjuic Hill where we will see the Olympic Ring.

Then it is time to hit the local market with our private Spanish chef. It is all about Paella and Sangria. Enjoy hands on cooking of the famous Spanish dish, paella and learn how to make the fruity Sangria. Then we get to eat and drink what we made.

Day 3: Barcelona

After breakfast we will hop on the hop-on hop-off bus and travel to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most popular attraction. Visit the crypt were Gaudí is buried and central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. We can also visit the towers. An elevator and a long walk leads us to the top of a tower where a magnificent view over Barcelona awaits.

After our tour of the Sagrada Família your afternoon is at leisure. Use the hop-on bus to finish your day in Barcelona.

Day 4: Barcelona to Seville

This morning we transfer to the Barcelona train station for our train to Seville, where Flamenco dancing originates an its rich tradition continues today in the city's 'tablaos'. It is 620 miles to Seville, so sit back and enjoy the leisurely high-speed train ride and beautiful countryside as we speed towards our next destination. Time to relax after we transfer to our hotel, before tonight's entertainment and dinner at the Tablao Flamenco El Palacio Andaluz Restaurant. The sound of the guitarists frantically plucking their guitars, the rhythmic clapping and the sound of pounding heels on stage will fully grab your attention as do the colorful swirling flamenco dresses and the beautiful dancers who wear them. Palacio Andaluz has a large cast of flamenco dancers, musicians, singers and clappers and many of them are award-winning artists in the flamenco world. During the show, the dancers will perform many different styles of flamenco, from the bulerias to the soleares, fandangos, sevillanas and more.

Day 5: Seville

Put on your walking shoes for our morning guided tour of Seville. Enter the Maestanza Bullring, built in 1761, a landmark in Spanish bullfighting, Visit the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace built by Moorish Muslim kings and  renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence. We will climb the ramp to the top of Giralda Tower for spectacular views of Seville Cathedral and visit Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral.

Time to relax as we cruise along the Guadalquivir River. The former capital of Spain hugs the east bank of the river and a cruise offers wonderful views of  Seville's wonderful landmarks. From our vantage point on the Guadalquivir view the magnificent Tower of Gold, Maestranza Bullring and the Saint Telmo Palace. After our cruise the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Seville to Cordoba

A short morning train ride takes us to a thousand-year-old city, Cordoba, a living legacy of different cultures that settled there throughout its history. From the Carthaginians to the Romans and 10th century Arabs, Cordoba achieved world renown as a center of learning, governance and culture. The historic quarter of Cordoba, once home to the Jewish community consists of a beautiful network of small streets and squares all arranged around the city’s impressive Mesquita, one of the largest mosques in the world. Our local guide will show us the incredible Great Mosque and the Spain Cordoba Horse Showruins of Medina Azahara. Other sites we will see include El Puente Romano, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, with its remarkable Arabian baths and Roman mosaics, and an ancient Jewish synagogue, one of the few synagogues left in Spain today.

Tonight we enjoy a Cordoba special show, the unique Passion and "Duende" Equestrian show is the historic 15th century Royal Stables, which reveals the beauty, intelligence and nobleness of the native Andalusian Horse, as well as the skill of the riders.

Day 7: Cordoba to Madrid

Our final train ride takes us to Madrid, once an Arabian Fortress, now a thriving cultural center bursting with monuments, galleries and museums. Upon arrival at the Madrid Atocha Train Station we take a short walk to our hotel for check-in. Our vacation continues with a guided panoramic tour of Madrid through its many historic neighborhoods, down medieval streets, across majestic squares and through 1200 years of history. We'll take the Cable Car to see Madrid from a different view, overflying parks, streets Spain Mercado de San Migueland monuments. Appearing on one side is historical Madrid and on the other side Modern Madrid, with skyscrapers and the Four Towers.

We will stop at Plaza Mayor, the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. Then we will stop at the Mercado de San Miguel, the last iron market hall in Madrid. as there are a number of cafés and mini-restaurants that offer specialty food, from tapas to foreign food, it will be a perfect place to eat.

Day 8: Madrid - Toledo

On our guided morning tour, see Madrid the way it should be seen by walking from the heart of the city through both twisted medieval streets and down grand boulevards. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, including the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the main staircase, the Throne Room, the Gasparini Hall and the Royal Chapel. The rooms are filled with beautiful examples of decorative art and furniture.

This afternoon we travel 43-miles to Toledo, known as the city of three cultures, where Christians, Jews and Arabs lived together in harmony. The whole town has been declared a National Monument, including the houses, the streets, the churches and the palaces with its treasures and artisan crafts. We will explore the imperial city of Toledo, one of the oldest cities in Europe and home to works of El Greco's art, on our afternoon guided tour.  View the medieval castle, with its storybook fortified towers, and the stunning Moorish architecture of Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, Europe’s oldest synagogue.

Day 9: Madrid

To give everyone a chance to explore all the sites of Madrid, including the many art museums at your own pace or shop till you drop, today is a day at leisure.

Tonight our Farewell Dinner is located at Gula Gula, a restaurant-cabaret and show and one of the top 10 Drag shows in the world, Enjoy a generous buffet while a DJ and the outlandish waiters... waitresses?... wait STAFF create a lively, good-humored atmosphere.

Day 10: Depart Madrid

After a final breakfast we have to say "hasta la proxima" (till we meet again) to all our new single travel friends as we are transferred to the airport and our flights home

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain? Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight* to Madrid. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Madrid

Touch down in Madrid, the enigmatic capital city of Spain, known for its fast-paced atmosphere, classical architecture and beautiful plazas and parks. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Madrid is well-known for its brilliant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to get out after dark to experience the amazing atmosphere of the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 3: Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Madrid. Uncover the medieval origins of the city in Barrio de la Morería, famed for its historic monuments, such as the Muslim-era city walls. Drive through the Baroque-era heart of the city, known for its magnificent boulevards and grand buildings. See the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and both Cibeles and Neptuno Fountain. Pass by the incredible Prado Museum before heading to the more contemporary parts of the city, such as the Gran Via shopping street and the upmarket Salamanca neighborhood. Finally, continue past Parque del Oeste to see the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of the city at your leisure. Madrid has a number of rooftop bars and restaurants, so perhaps head to one of these to enjoy spectacular views of the city as the sunsets. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 4: Madid - Caceres - Cordoba

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you set off for Caceres, in the western region of Extremadura. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caceres is famed for its fusion of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. After a journey of around 3-hours, take a walk through the Plaza Mayor and soak up the atmosphere of the Medieval Quarter in the Old Town. Afterwards, continue towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Islamic caliphate in Spain and a beautiful, historic city, perched on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Arrive after a journey of around 3.5 hours and get settled at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel and you can enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Cordoba.

Day 5: Cordoba - Seville

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a tour of Cordoba to discover its ancient Islamic heritage and famous mosques. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and soak up the unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue to Seville, a journey of just 2-hours through the landscapes of Andalusia. Arrive in Seville, known for its legendary tapas and Flamenco dancing. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Seville.

Day 6: Seville

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a local expert will guide you through a panoramic city tour of Seville featuring the Cathedral and its famous Giralda Bell Tower. Discover the popular neighborhood of Santa Cruz, Maria Luisa Park and the beautiful Plaza de España. In the afternoon, we recommend a stroll through the historic city center and enjoying Seville's fine tapas bars at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Seville.

Day 7: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol

Breakfast at the hotel before leaving Seville behind as you depart southwards, headed for Ronda. Arrive in Ronda, a mountain-top city of Celtic origin, known for its impressive views and scenic surroundings. After some free time here, continue towards the coast and to the idyllic Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas in Spain. Take in the beautiful sea views and get settled at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay on the Costa del Sol.

Day 8: Costa del Sol - Granada

Breakfast at the hotel. Head inland today as you journey towards historic Granada. Arrive in this ancient city, known as the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, and begin a tour of the Alhambra Complex, including the beautiful Generalife Gardens. Be inspired by the Islamic architecture and incredible views of the surrounding city. Afterwards, get settled at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Granada.

Day 9: Granada - Toledo - Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel. Journey northwards this morning to the imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have coexisted side by side for centuries. The entire city is like a living museum, with atmospheric streets and an eclectic collection of monuments. Take a short guided tour of Toledo to get to know its historic old town. Afterwards, visit a famous Damasquinado Factory, where gold and silver are inlaid into iron to create spectacular decorative arts. Continue back to the capital of Madrid and transfer to the hotel. Your final evening in Spain is free at your leisure to make the most of the delicious Spanish cuisine and lively atmosphere of Madrid's bars and cafes. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 10: Madrid - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.