Compare Madrid & Andalusia by Great Value Vacations vs Spain in 9 days - Madrid, Andalusia & Costa del Sol - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,072 | $ 1,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 384 | $ 211 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners. |
| Description |
Your journey begins in Madrid - the capital of Spain, which offers the culture and appeal of a sophisticated modern city, while retaining the charm and elegance of its early years. Travel by train through Andalusia, discovering the beauty and culture of three of its most significant cities – Cordoba, Seville and Granada. Each are home to sites which have been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage designation; In Granada, you’ll see the Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the medieval Albaicín neighborhood; in Cordoba, its historic center with the great Mosque; and in Seville, the Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace and the Indies Archive. As you make your way through these gems of Spain, indulge in tapas, sample sangria, hear Spanish guitar played on the streets, and enjoy the leisurely lifestyle while being surrounded by some of the country's most breathtaking buildings and landscapes. |
Begin your journey in elegant Madrid, known for its artistic heritage and Baroque architecture. Next, head south to discover the treasures of Andalusia in historic Cordoba and vibrant Seville, the home of flamenco, before enjoying the sunkissed beaches of the Costa del Sol. End your journey by uncovering the Islamic architecture of the Alhambra in Granada. |
Day 1 Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to Madrid, the Capital of Spain! On arrival, you’ll be met by your English-speaking driver and transferred by luxury car to your hotel for the next 3 nights. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to begin exploring the city. Consider starting it on a sweet note by treating yourself to a plate of the city's most famous dessert: chocolate con churros!
Day 2 Madrid
In the morning, following your buffet breakfast, you’ll embark on a comprehensive city tour that will showcase all of the most popular and interesting sites in Madrid! The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to continue to experience Madrid on your own. Take advantage of Madrid's abundance of museums filled with iconic works and breathtaking masterpieces! You can experience surrealism and post-impressionism, including Picasso's Guernica, at the Reina Sofia, or become enveloped in European art at the famous Prado museum.
Day 3 Madrid - Cordoba
After breakfast, make your way to the rail station to catch the high-speed train to Cordoba – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thousand-year-old city that harmoniously blends history with modernity. In Cordoba you should stroll through the historic quarter to discover the great Mosque-Cathedral, a symbol of the city which reflects both its importance during medieval times, as well as the Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula. From there, visit the Synagogue – the only one that still stands in the city, and a symbol of the three cultures – Christians, Arabs and Jews - that lived together for centuries.
Day 4 Cordoba - Seville
After breakfast, make your way to the rail station, to pick up the high-speed train to Seville. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville enjoys a rich Moorish heritage, with many streets, squares and and historic quarters boasting UNESCO World Heritage designation. Check in to your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 5 Seville
Following breakfast, embark on your guided city tour, followed by a scenic river cruise!
Day 6 Seville - Granada
Make your way to the rail station, to catch the train to Granada. Granada is one of the most interesting cities in Eastern Andalusia with its impressive Al-Andalus heritage, and unmistakable Moorish essence; it was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Its old town neighborhood, the Albaicín, has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage designation, together with the Alhambra and Generalife, of which you will enjoy a tour today.
Day 7 Granada - Madrid
Today you will be transferred to the train station, where you'll hop on a high-speed train from Granada back to Madrid! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll get ready for your final night in Spain. Consider heading to a local tapas bar for your final evening, where you can rub elbows with the locals while sampling the flavors of España!
Day 8 Depart Spain
Your tour of Madrid and Andalusia comes to an end today. Following breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport, for your return flight 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.
