Compare Discover Moorish Spain by G Adventures vs Madrid & Andalusia by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,349 | $ 3,072 |
| Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 384 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
Andalucia exudes history and romance, from its grand plazas and iconic architecture to soulful traditions and evocative alleyways. Experience the spirit of southern Spain on a captivating voyage through five alluring cities. Explore Madrid’s famed museums, join a local historian along the cobblestoned streets of El Greco’s Toledo, and take a flamenco lesson in Granada. Along the way, glimpse the region’s Moorish legacy amid a string of spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
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. |
Day 1 Madrid
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. If arriving early, head out and explore the city. Madrid has it all; history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks, and wild nightlife. The capital's most exciting street is the Gran Vía, but be sure to visit the Plaza Mayor – the true heart of Madrid. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafés and watch the world go by. After the group meeting, opt to head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group.
If you want more time to explore the city, we recommend booking pre-nights in Madrid. Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.
Day 2 Madrid
Drive south to the ancient walled city of Toledo, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Tagus River. Join a local historian on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with churches, synagogues, mosques, and plazas. Explore the old quarter and glimpse the soaring tower of the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Return to Madrid and enjoy free time to admire the world-renowned artworks at the Museo del Prado, relax at a café, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife.
Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.
Day 3 Madrid/Córdoba
Take the high-speed train to Córdoba, a beguiling Andalusian town steeped in history. As the capital of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) until its fall in 1236, Córdoba was once the largest city in Europe, known for its mosques, palaces, and libraries. Discover the medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or Mezquita, where a 13th-century Catholic cathedral stands in the center of a former Moorish mosque that dates to the 8th century. Afterwards, stroll the historic Jewish quarter’s maze of winding lanes and traditional whitewashed houses. This evening, opt to savour the city’s distinctive gastronomy—a mélange of Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.
Day 4 Córdoba/Granada
Arrive in Granada and set out on a CEO led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city. Here, in the birthplace of flamenco, take a private dance class in a professional studio. This evening, put your new moves to practice as you experience the city’s upbeat nightlife on your own.
Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.
Day 5 Granada
Spend today immersed in the majesty of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. This fortress and palace built by 13th-century Nasrid sultans crowns a hilltop overlooking Granada. On a guided tour of this extraordinary World Heritage site, marvel at the intricate stuccowork, elegant archways, and intimate courtyards bursting with blooms. Later, explore on your own time as you amble through the old Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, and enjoy views of the Alhambra glowing in the twilight.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Due to revised regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at least 30 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.
Day 6 Granada/Seville
Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk and choose to climb the cathedral Giralda’s bell tower or visit Casa Pilatos, a prototypical Andalusian palace that combines Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar architectural styles. Get a glimpse of traditional gypsy culture by opting to witness a soulful performance of flamenco dance.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 7 Seville
Enjoy a full day of free time to follow your impulses in Seville. Lose yourself among the winding alleys, flower-draped patios, and picturesque squares of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Opt to visit the ornate Mudéjar palace and gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site and former filming location for Game of Thrones.
Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 8 Seville
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.
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.
