Spain and Andalusian Cities Tour

Granada and the Alhambra

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we depart for Seville at 07.55 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1297. Upon arrival at 10.50 local time, we travel to Granada in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport.

Located in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is known for its historical heritage, music, dance, scenery and Alhambra Palace. One of Spain's main tourist cities, Granada welcomes millions of visitors every year. Our city tour includes Gran Via Avenue, BibRambla and Belediye Squares, Granda Cathedral (exterior only), Granada's first university, Madraza, the Silk Bazaar and the old Nasri Caravanserai.

After the city 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 when 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 fortress and palace began in the 13th century on the plateau atop Sabika Hill overlooking Granada and continued until the 15th century. It takes its name, Alhambra, meaning Red, from the colour of the red earth used in its construction. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel.

In the evening, 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 and reflects Granada's history. After exploring the area, we watch a Gypsy show with a drink in caves carved entirely by hand and observe the local way of life. After the tour, we return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Alicante and Valencia

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Valencia. Along the way, guests who wish can join the optional Alicante tour at an extra cost. (40 Euro) Located in southeastern Spain on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante is a historic tourist destination. An important settlement since ancient times, the city was founded by the Iberians and later conquered by the Carthaginians and Romans. Known as Lucentum during the Roman period, it retained its importance throughout the Middle Ages thanks to its strategic location. Alicante came under Arab rule in the 9th century, when cultural and economic development took place and city walls and irrigation systems were built. The city was conquered by the Castilians in the 13th century and came under Christian rule.

Alicante’s main historic landmark is Santa Bárbara Castle. Built by the Arabs in the 9th century, the castle was later expanded by the Christians. The Old Town (El Barrio) reflects the city’s past through its historic buildings, narrow streets, churches and traditional houses. Alongside its historic character, Alicante attracts thousands of tourists each year with its sunny climate, Golden Sand Beach (Playa del Postiguet), Mediterranean cuisine and festivals.

After the tour, we continue to Valencia. Located on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, Valencia brings together historic and modern buildings. Spain’s third-largest city attracts visitors with its history, culture and art. On arrival, our city tour takes us to sights including 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. Free time follows. Overnight at the hotel.

Sagrada Familia and Montjuic

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Barcelona. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour. Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region, is known worldwide. 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. Barcelona is also home to works by Antoni Gaudi. During our city tour, we will see La Sagrada Familia Church, the Cristof Colomb Statue, La Ramblas Street, Spain and Catalunya Squares, the Endülüs Arena and Olimpic Port.

After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Poble Espanyol & Montjuic Hill tour at an extra charge. (30 Euro) We begin this tour with a visit to Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), built for the 1929 World’s Fair and now a popular stop for visitors to Barcelona. This site consists of 117 buildings, streets and squares, with examples of buildings from all regions of Spain. We will walk through streets reflecting the architecture of different regions and visit craft workshops. Poble Espanyol is home to artisans working in ceramics, glass, leather, jewellery and other crafts.

We then head up Montjuic Hill for panoramic views of Barcelona. Known for its historical, cultural and natural features, this area underwent changes as it hosted events such as the 1992 Olympic Games. After a photo stop, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Girona, Figueras and Park Guell

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Pearls of Northern Catalonia (Girona & Figueras & Dali Museum) tour at an extra charge. (70Euro) 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 visiting Girona, we depart for Figueras. Located northeast of Girona, Figueres is the birthplace of Spanish painter Salvador Dali. The painter’s life and work play an important role in the city’s identity. The main attraction in Figueres is the Salvador Dali Museum. Dali founded this museum to leave his works to his birthplace and display them there. Today, the museum houses the largest Dali collection and is described as the artist’s greatest work because he designed it in its entirety. The museum contains more than 4000 works created by Dali using various techniques.

After the tour, we return to Barcelona. Guests who wish can 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. One of Antoni Gaudi’s works, 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 quarter features narrow, maze-like medieval streets, Gothic churches, squares and Roman walls. These structures form the historic character of the neighbourhood. Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial (Royal Square), Plaça del Rei (King’s Square) and La Rambla are among its main sights. After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Zaragoza and Madrid

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Madrid. Along the way, guests who wish can join the optional Zaragoza tour at an extra charge. (30 Euro) Located on the banks of the Ebro River in northeastern Spain, Zaragoza is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Aragon. The city’s history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Caesaraugusta, a name derived from Emperor Augustus. The remains of a Roman theatre, walls and thermal baths can still be seen today. Zaragoza came under Muslim rule in the 8th century and remained under the influence of Islamic culture for approximately 400 years. Aljaferia Palace, built during this period, is an example of Islamic architecture in Spain. The city was conquered by Christians in 1118 and became an important centre of the Kingdom of Aragon. One of Zaragoza’s well-known buildings, Basilica del Pilar, is a large cathedral with Baroque architectural features. Christians regard it as the site of one of the Virgin Mary’s first apparitions in Spain. The cathedral is also an important destination for pilgrims.

After the tour, we continue to Madrid. On arrival, we begin our city tour. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is among the country’s most visited cities thanks to its rich history and culture. Sights on the city tour include the Bullring (from the outside), Alcala Gate and Independence Square, the Sibeles Monument, Grand Via, Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Train Station, the Prado Museum (from the outside), Plaza de Espana with its statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the Royal Palace (from the outside), Plaza Mayor with its 9 gates, and Sol Square. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Toledo and Seville

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the city of Seville in Seville province. On the way, guests who wish can join the optional Toledo Tour at an extra cost. (70 Euro) Located approximately 70 kilometres from Madrid, Toledo is a historic city that has been home to different 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 streets of this open-air museum, we will see the exterior of Toledo Cathedral, Spain’s oldest cathedral. Churches converted from Andalusian mosques and other historic buildings are also among the sights on our tour.

After the tour, we depart for 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. We will first see Maria Luisa Park, which includes Plaza de Espana, and Plaza America. We will view the exterior of Seville Cathedral, the third-largest cathedral in the world and the burial place of Cristof Colomb. The Hiralda Minaret, immediately beside the cathedral, is also among the buildings we will see. Dating from the Andalusian Umayyad state, 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 Indies Archives, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the discovery of the continent until the 19th century were kept. From here, we will 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 is now a maritime museum. Afterwards, we will transfer to our hotel in Ecija. Overnight at the hotel.

Cordoba, Mijas and Malaga

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Ecija. Located in the province of Seville in Andalusia, southern Spain, Écija is also known as the Peacock of Andalusia or the City of Towers. The city is known for its Baroque architecture and historic buildings. Known as Astigi in Roman times, it was one of the main centres of the province of Hispania Ulterior. It continued to be an important cultural and economic centre during the Andalusian Umayyad period. Palaces, churches and tall bell towers from the Baroque period can be seen along the streets of Écija. The churches of Santa María and San Juan, dating from the 18th century, are notable examples of Baroque art. The city's historic buildings and traditional Andalusian architecture offer a variety of sights for travellers interested in history and art. Traces of the Roman and Islamic periods can be found in its narrow streets.

After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Cordoba & Mijas & Malaga tour at an extra cost. (140 Euro) Located in Spain's Andalusia region, Cordoba is known for its historic buildings, architecture and traces of Andalusian Islamic culture. After a journey of 1,5 hours, we arrive in Cordoba, where our first stop will be the Guadalquivir River. We will walk across the historic Roman bridge and pass through the Roman gate to enter the city. In this 2000-year-old city, we will visit the Kurtuba Grand Mosque with our guide and learn about the building. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and stands on 850 columns. After our visit to the Kurtuba Mosque, we will continue our walk to see the old streets, the old inn reflecting Andalusian architecture and the houses of Cordoba.

Our next stop after the Cordoba tour will be Mijas. This mountain town in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, southern Spain, is known for its whitewashed houses. Its location near the Costa del Sol coast gives Mijas sea views, while the town retains its historic character. Mijas Pueblo, the historic part of town, has narrow streets, flower-decorated balconies and whitewashed houses reflecting traditional Andalusian architecture. The town's origins go back to Ancient Rome and, before that, the Phoenicians. Its present character was largely shaped 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 notable sights.

Our final stop will be Malaga, the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso. During the city 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 transfer to our hotel in Ecija. Overnight at the hotel.

Return 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 procedures, we fly to Istanbul at 11.50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1298. Our tour ends upon arrival at 18.25 local time.