Spain and Andalusian Cities Tour

Granada and the Alhambra

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines 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 Turkish Airlines 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. Among Spain's most visited historical sites and known worldwide, Alhambra is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Construction as a defensive fortress and palace began in the 13th century on a plateau on 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 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Known for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and hills with scenic views, the neighbourhood bears traces of Andalusian Islamic culture and architecture. After our walk here, we will watch a Gypsy show with a drink in caves carved entirely by hand and learn about the residents' 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, 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. Alongside its historic buildings, 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 depart for Valencia. Located on Spain’s eastern coast beside the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Valencia brings together historic and modern buildings. Spain’s third-largest city attracts visitors with its history, culture and art. On our city tour upon arrival, the sights we will see include 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. 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. Poble Espanyol is also home to artisans working in ceramics, glass, leather, jewellery and other crafts.

We then head up Montjuic Hill for panoramic views of Barcelona. Bringing together historical, cultural and natural sites, the area has undergone changes while hosting major 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 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. Guests who wish may join the optional Gaudi’s Work (Park Guell) & Gothic Quarter tour at an extra charge. (50 Euro) Our first stop is Park Guell, one of Antoni Gaudi’s works. The park is on the Unesco World Heritage List and is also known as a fairy-tale park. Its colourful stairways and imaginative pavilions are among its main features.

After visiting Park Guell, we continue to the Gothic Quarter. Here, visitors can see narrow, winding medieval streets, Gothic churches, squares and Roman walls. Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial (Royal Square), Plaça del Rei (King’s Square) and La Rambla are among the quarter’s main historic sites and tourist attractions. After the tour, we transfer to our 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 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. Spain’s capital, Madrid, is among the country’s most visited cities thanks to its history and culture. The tour begins with the Bullring (exterior), followed by Alcala Gate and Independence Square, the Sibeles Monument, the city’s well-known Grand Via avenue, Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Railway Station and the Prado Museum (exterior). We will also visit Plaza de Espana, home to statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the Royal Palace (exterior), Plaza Mayor with its 9 gates, and Sol Square. After the city 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. 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. Hiralda Minaret, immediately beside the cathedral, is also among the sights we will see. Bearing traces of the Umayyad state of Andalusia, the 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.

Next, we will pass through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the time of discovery 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 Seville University, and Torre del Oro, meaning the Golden Tower, now used as a maritime museum. We will then 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. 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 a journey of 1,5 hours, we arrive in Cordoba, where our first sight will be the Guadalquivir River. We will walk across the historic Roman bridge and then enter the city through the Roman gate. Accompanied by our guide, we will visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba, one of the key buildings in this 2000-year-old city, and learn about its history. Supported by 850 columns, the building is among the largest mosques in the world. After visiting the Mosque of Cordoba, we will continue our walking tour to see the old streets, the old inn reflecting Andalusian architecture, and the houses of Cordoba.

After our Cordoba tour, our second stop 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 views of the sea, while the town retains its historic character. Mijas Pueblo, the historic part of the town, has narrow streets, flower-filled balconies and whitewashed houses reflecting traditional Andalusian architecture. With origins dating back to Ancient Rome and the Phoenicians, the town’s present character was largely shaped during the Muslim period in Andalusia. The small bullring at the top of the town and the ruins of Mijas Castle are among its notable sights.

The final stop on our tour will be Malaga, the birthplace of the painter Pablo Picasso. During our Malaga tour, the places we will see include Paseo de Parque (Park Avenue), Plaza de la Merced, the Jewish Quarter, Constitution Square, 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.

Return to Istanbul

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 Turkish Airlines flight TK1298. Our tour ends upon arrival at 17.15 local time.