Spain from North to South (Without Alhambra) (2024)

Jour 1

We’ll leave early in the morning and cross Castile and León, making a stop in Tordesillas to learn about the town´s history and enjoy a coffee at its main square. We´ll then continue to León, where we’ll have time for lunch and to visit the stunning Gothic cathedral in this historic city on the Camino de Santiago. Afterward, we´ll cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo in the evening. In Oviedo, we´ll include a one-and-a-half-hour city tour with a local guide, either in the evening or the next morning. During the tour, we´ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Congress Palace of Oviedo, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle Rúa.Note: If the number of travelers from Madrid to León is very limited, the trip might be carried out by train or regular transportation, missing the stop in Tordesillas.

Jour 2

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its well-preserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

Jour 3

We’ll follow the motorway along the Cantabrian coast, passing through stunning landscapes where mountains meet the sea. Our journey will lead us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. There, we´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. Following the tour, you´ll have free time to savor authentic "pintxos". Later, we´ll continue our travels to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines. We´ll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to delve into the ancient art of winemaking. We´ll arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.

Jour 4

We’ll start the day with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We´ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces. The tour will move on to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace.After lunch, we’ll head to Catalonia to visit the Poblet Abbey, a stunning walled monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (tickets included). Our journey will then take us to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the evening.

Jour 5

In the morning we will enjoy the city tour of Barcelona, open to the Mediterranean Sea, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, for its promenades and memories of the Universal Exhibitions and Olympics that took place there. Barcelona is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting European cities. Free time in the afternoon.In the evening we include a transfer to the Maremagnum, an avant-garde leisure center with restaurants facing the sea, next to Plaza Colón, where you can stroll through this lively area and dine.

Jour 6

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, stopping in Peniscola, a charming medieval walled city surrounded by beautiful beaches, where you’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a tour with a local guide of this port city on the Levantine coast, with over 2000 years of history. The city’s urban layout is adorned with monuments from various eras, contrasting with the modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

Jour 7

We’ll continue our journey to the enchanting city of Alicante. Here, we’ll have time for a leisurely walk along the picturesque coast. After lunch, we’ll travel to the Murcia region to visit Caravaca de la Cruz, recognized as a Holy City by the Roman Catholic Church, the church here holds a relic of the Cross. We’ll include a ride on the tourist train to the historic area. Our adventure will then lead us along beautiful roads as we make our way to Andalusia, concluding the day in the vibrant city of Granada.

Jour 8

Full day in GRANADA We recommend visiting the Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or strolling through the Albaicín neighbourhood and enjoying the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.Note: We remind you that the tour you have purchased does not include the entrance to the Alhambra in Granada. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, we suggest to do it through the official website: https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es or through companies that organise visits to the city.

Jour 9

Departure from Granada. We´ll head towards the Costa del Sol. First stop, Malaga, where we´ll have time for a stroll through its historic district, famous for its cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Afterward, we´ll proceed along the coastal highway, enjoying picturesque views of the Mediterranean. Puerto Banús, in Marbella, is a stunning and sophisticated recreational harbor. In the afternoon, we´ll continue our journey through the mountains listening to stories of bandits before reaching Ronda, a picturesque white town known for its cliffside location and a deep canyon that divides the town. Finally, Seville. We’ll arrive in the evening.

Jour 10

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll visit the cathedral with its famous Giralda, explore the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and wander through the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

Jour 11

We’ll leave Seville, following the Guadalquivir Valley to Córdoba. We’ll visit its great Mosque-Cathedral with a local guide (tickets included), walk through the old neighborhood with its famous patios full of flowers, and enter the Old Synagogue (tickets included). After lunch, we’ll leave for Castilian lands. We’ll make a stop in Consuegra, where 12 giant windmills next to the castle overlook the La Mancha plain. We’ll visit the Rucio Mill (tickets included) and head to Madrid at the end of the day.

Jour 12

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.