Spain and Andalusian Cities Tour

Meeting Madrid

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before the flight. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Madrid at 13.25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1859. Following our arrival at 16.55 local time, we begin a panoramic city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is among the country's most visited cities thanks to its historical and cultural heritage. Sights on the city tour include the Bullring (exterior view), Alcala Gate and Independence Square, the Sibeles Monument, Grand Via, Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Train Station, the Prado Museum (exterior view), Plaza de Espana with its statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the Royal Palace (exterior view), Plaza Mayor with its 9 gates, and Sol Square. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and spend the night there.

Toledo to Seville

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Seville. On the way, guests who wish may join the optional Toledo Tour at an extra charge. (70 Euro) Located approximately 70 kilometres from Madrid, Toledo is a historic city that has been home to various cultures of the Iberian Peninsula. Bearing traces of Roman, Visigoth, Muslim and Christian civilisations, the city is protected by Unesco. Toledo is known for its medieval architecture and cultural heritage. During our tour through the narrow historic streets, we will see the exterior of Toledo Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Spain, and explore churches converted from Andalusian mosques and other historic buildings in the city.

After the tour, we continue our journey to Seville. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour. Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Spain's Andalusia region, Seville is known for its historical and cultural heritage. First, we will see Maria Luisa Park, which also contains Plaza de Espana, and Plaza America. We will view the exterior of Seville Cathedral, the world's third-largest cathedral, which houses the tomb of Cristof Colomb. The Hiralda Minaret, right next to the cathedral, is also among the buildings we will see. Dating from the Umayyad state in Andalusia, this minaret is the last surviving part of the mosque on whose site the cathedral was built. We will also see the exterior of Alcazar, the palace of the kings of Castile.

We will then pass through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the discovery of the continent until the 19th century were kept, and reach the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, known as old Seville. At the end of our walk, we will see the former tobacco factory, now used as the main campus of the University of Seville, and Torre del Oro, or the Golden Tower, which now serves as a maritime museum. We will then transfer to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Flamenco Fire Tour at an extra charge. (55 Euro) As one of the birthplaces of flamenco, Seville is considered one of Spain's main centres of flamenco culture. The city is known for its traditional flamenco shows, dance studios, flamenco festivals and events. During the flamenco evening, we will watch the dancers perform. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Cordoba, Mijas and Malaga

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Cities (Cordoba & Mijas & Malaga) tour at an extra cost. (140 Euro) Located in Spain's Andalusia region, Cordoba is known for its history, cultural heritage, architecture and buildings that reflect Andalusian Islamic culture. After a 1,5-hour journey, we will arrive in Cordoba and first see the Guadalquivir River. We will walk across the historic Roman bridge and enter the city through the Roman gate. In this 2000-year-old city, we will visit the Kurtuba Great Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, supported by 850 columns, and learn about the building from our guide. After visiting the Kurtuba Mosque, we will continue our walk to see the old streets, the historic inn reflecting Andalusian architecture and the houses of Cordoba.

Our second stop after the Cordoba tour will be Mijas. This traditional mountain town in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, southern Spain, is known for its whitewashed houses. Located near the Costa del Sol coast, Mijas has sea views and a historic character. Mijas Pueblo, the historic part of the town, has narrow streets featuring Andalusian architecture, balconies decorated with flowers and whitewashed houses. The town's origins date back to Ancient Rome and the Phoenicians, while much of its present character took shape during the period of Muslim rule in Andalusia. The small bullring at the top of the town and the ruins of Mijas Castle are among its main attractions.

Our final stop will be Malaga, the birthplace of the painter Pablo Picasso. During the Malaga tour, the places we will see include Paseo de Parque (Park Avenue), Plaza de la Merced, the Jewish Quarter, Constitution Square and Larios Street, Puerto Marina (Harbour), La Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Ecija. Overnight at the hotel.

Granada and the Alhambra

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada. Located in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is known for its historical heritage, music and dance culture, scenery and Alhambra Palace. One of Spain's main tourist destinations, the city welcomes millions of visitors each year. The city tour will take in Gran Via Street, BibRambla and Town Hall Squares, Granda Cathedral (exterior only), Granada's first university, Madraza, the Silk Bazaar and the old Nasri Caravanserai.

After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Alhambra Palace Tour at an extra charge. (80 Euro) Al Hambra Palace has a daily visitor limit. Depending on availability, the palace visit may therefore exclude the harem. Please inform your agency at the time of booking whether you wish to join this tour.

Alhambra Palace is an example of Andalusian Islamic architecture. Among Spain's most visited historic buildings, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known worldwide. Construction as a defensive castle and palace began in the 13th century on a plateau on Sabika Hill overlooking Granada and continued until the 15th century. It was named Alhambra, meaning Red, because of the colour of the red earth used in its construction.

Guests who wish may join the optional Neighbourhoods Tour (Albaicin and the Sacromonte Gypsy Quarter) at an extra charge. (60 Euro) Albaicin, one of Granada's historic neighbourhoods, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and hills with scenic views, the neighbourhood bears traces of Andalusian Islamic culture and architecture. After touring this area, we will watch a Gypsy show with a drink in caves carved entirely by hand and observe the local way of life. At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meeting Valencia

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Valencia. Located on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, Valencia combines historic and modern features. Spain's third-largest city attracts visitors with its history, culture and art. On arrival, our city tour takes us to City Hall, the Gothic Cathedral, the Arena, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the historic Mercado Central market and the old Silk Exchange. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Then we have free time. We spend the night at the hotel.

Meeting Barcelona

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Barcelona. On arrival, we begin our city tour. Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, is the capital of the Catalonia region. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city is known for its history, art, culture and entertainment. Its architecture, streets, cuisine and nightlife attract millions of visitors every year. Antoni Gaudi’s works also play an important role in the city’s architecture. Sights on the city tour include La Sagrada Familia Church, the Cristof Colomb Statue, Montjuic Hill, La Ramblas Avenue, İspanya and Catalunya Squares, Endülüs Arena and Olimpic Port. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Girona and the Dali Museum

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Pearls of Northern Catalonia (Girona & Figueras & Dali Museum) tour at an extra charge. (70 Euro) The first stop is Girona. Located in northeastern Catalonia, approximately 100 kilometres north of Barcelona, Girona is known for its narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, museums, churches and city walls. Sights on the city tour include the Lion Statue, Cathedral Square and the Jewish Quarter (El Call).

After the Girona tour, we depart for Figueras. Located northeast of Girona, Figueres is the birthplace of Spanish painter Salvador Dali. Dali’s life and work play an important role in the city’s cultural life. The main attraction in Figueres is the Salvador Dali Museum. Dali established this museum to leave his works to his hometown and display them there. Today, the museum houses the largest Dali collection and is also described as Dali’s greatest work, as the artist designed every section himself. The museum contains more than 4000 works created by the artist using various techniques.

After the tour, we return to Barcelona. Guests who wish may join the optional Gaudi’s Work (Park Guell) & Gothic Quarter tour at an extra charge. (50 Euro) The first stop on this tour is Park Guell. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the park is on the Unesco World Heritage List. Also known as a fairy-tale park, Park Guell is known for its colourful stairways and imaginatively shaped pavilions.

After visiting the park, we continue to the Gothic Quarter. The neighbourhood features narrow, interconnected medieval streets, Gothic churches, squares and Roman walls. Here, you can explore the historic buildings and street layout. Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial (Royal Square), Plaça del Rei (King’s Square) and La Rambla are among the neighbourhood’s main attractions. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the airport at the time set by the guide. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we depart for Istanbul at 19.05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1856. Our tour ends upon arrival in Istanbul at 23.30 local time.