Spain and Andalusian Cities Tour

We meet in front of the Türk Hava Yolları counter at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we depart for Seville at 07.05 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1297. Following our arrival at 10.50 local time, we board our waiting vehicle and set off for Granada. Located in Andalusia, Granada is known for its historical heritage, music and dance, scenery and Alhambra Palace. One of Spain's leading tourist cities, Granada welcomes millions of visitors each year. Our city tour includes Gran Via Street, BibRambla and City Hall 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) As Al Hambra Palace has a daily visitor limit, the visit is subject to availability and may take place with the harem excluded. Guests wishing to join this tour are asked to inform their agency when booking. Alhambra Palace is an example of Andalusian Islamic architecture.

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, a period of cultural and economic development when 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.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Barcelona. On arrival, we begin our city tour. Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona 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. Antoni Gaudi’s works hold an important place in the city’s architecture. Sights on our city tour include La Sagrada Familia Church, the Cristof Colomb Statue, La Ramblas Avenue, İspanya and Catalunya Squares, Endülüs Arena and Olimpic Port. After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional Poble Espanyol & Montjuic Hill tour at an extra cost. (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, showcasing examples of buildings from different regions of Spain. We walk through streets reflecting the architecture of these regions and visit craft workshops.

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. (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 Salvador Dali. The city is closely connected to the life and works of the Spanish painter Salvador Dali. The main attraction in Figueres is the Salvador Dali Museum. Dali established this museum to leave something to his birthplace and display his works. Today, the museum houses the largest Dali collection and is described as the artist’s greatest work, as 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.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Madrid. Along the way, guests who wish can join the optional Zaragoza tour at an extra cost. (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 dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Caesaraugusta, a name derived from Emperor Augustus. Remains of its 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, which survives from this period, is an example of Islamic architecture in Spain. The city was conquered by Christians in 1118 and became one of the key centres of the Kingdom of Aragon. One of Zaragoza’s well-known buildings, Basilica del Pilar, is a large cathedral noted for its Baroque architecture. Christians believe that one of the Virgin Mary’s first apparitions in Spain took place here. For this reason, the building is an important destination for pilgrims. After the Zaragoza tour, we continue our journey to Madrid. On arrival, we begin our city tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the city of Seville in Seville province. Along the way, guests who wish may 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 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 streets of this open-air museum, we will see the exterior of Toledo Cathedral, Spain’s oldest cathedral, and churches converted from Andalusian mosques. After the tour, we continue our journey to Seville. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour. Situated 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, home to Plaza de Espana, and Plaza America. We will view the exterior of Seville Cathedral, the world’s third-largest cathedral, which also houses the tomb of Cristof Colomb.

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. Known for its Baroque architecture and historic buildings, the city was called Astigi during the Roman period and was an important centre in the province of Hispania Ulterior. It remained an important cultural and economic centre under the Umayyads of Andalusia. 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, particularly those dating from the 18th century, are 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 city tour, guests who wish may join the optional Cities (Cordoba & Mijas & Malaga) tour at an extra charge. (140 Euro) Located in Spain’s Andalusia region, Cordoba is known for its history, architecture and buildings that reflect Andalusian Islamic culture.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the airport at the time specified by the guide. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 11.50 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1298. Our tour ends upon arrival at 17.15 local time.