Southern Spain: Journey by Car (Return to Madrid)

Arrival
Bienvenido a Madrid - the glorious Spanish capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Upon arrival, you are transferred to your downtown hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent old town on your own, dine in one of the authentic local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Madrid Old Town Tour
Today prepare to enjoy a fascinating sightseeing tour around the most brilliant attractions of Madrid de los Austrias - the amazing old town of the Spanish capital that treasures historical monuments dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries when Spain was ruled by the House of the Habsburg.

After breakfast you meet your private guide and set off on a journey around the city. You walk towards Plaza de Oriente, admire and then enter the gorgeous Palacio Real (the Royal Palace), see the beautiful exteriors of the Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Almudena and stroll through Major Street.

Next you proceed to Plaza de la Villa, pass through the always bustling St. Michel's Market and walk down the picturesque Cava de San Miguel. Your tour finishes at iconic Plaza Mayor and breathtaking
Puerta del Sol.

After the touring is over you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Optional activity: for this evening you can consider joining tapas or paella cooking class or to have a guided vermouth tasting.

Madrid of the Bourbons & Prado Museum
Today you explore the so-called Madrid of the Bourbons - the 19th-century historical area of the Spanish capital.

During the tour your guide walks you through a chain of fabulous squares - Puerta de Alcala, Plaza Cibeles and three monumental fountains: Cibeles, Apolo and Neptuno, you proceed to the Spanish Parliament building You will then see the main terminus of the capital - Atocha train station and explore the area of the Golden Triangle of Art made up of three most important art museums of Madrid - the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to one of the world's greatest art galleries and Madrid's top cultural sight - the Prado Museum. This venue houses a unique collection of fine art displayed in the halls and rooms of this 18th-century Neo-Classical building. You see the most significant gems of the museum's collection, including the famous masterpieces of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Raphael and Rubens.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Journey to Toledo
It is time to say goodbye to the glorious Spanish capital and head down towards the south of the country.

After breakfast you check out from the hotel, pick up your rental car and start a beautiful journey by car towards Toledo - the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrival in Toledo & City Tour
Welcome to the historical capital of Spain - the medieval town of Toledo.

Upon arrival, you check in and have some time for lunch. In the afternoon your local guide meets you at the hotel lobby and takes you on a city tour around the mesmerising landmarks of the ancient Toledo.

During the tour you walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, explore the fortified city walls and see the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval architecture, including the 13th-century Cathedral of Toledo and Synagogue (entrances included).

After the tour you either return to your hotel or continue exploring the magnificent town on your own.

Journey to Granada
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and start a non-guided journey by car. 

The first stop planned for today is the historic town of Consuegra in the region of La Mancha. 12 white tower Consuegra windmills set on the top of the Cerro Calderico mountain are beleived to be the windmills described by Miguel de Cervantes in his legendary 17th-century novel Don Quixote. Consuegra is a place where you can relive and better understand Spanish history, traditions and culture.

Next you take a great chance to travel along the new motorway named the Autovia del Olivar (Olive Motorway) from the UNESCO towns of Ubeda and Baeza to Jaen. Province of Jaen is the largest producer of olive oil in the world, so no wonder that along your way you see impressive endless fields of olive trees. Your route also covers two of Andalucia´s fine historic towns - Ubeda and Baeza that display the grand era of the Renaissance times between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Recommendation: you can visit the Olive and Olive Oli Visitor Center in Ubeda to get better understanding of every aspect of olive oil production (closed from 2 pm to 5 pm, closed on Mondays).

Recommendation: you can continue your journey by car through the picturesque Parque Natural Sierra Mágina (this extends your trip by 2 hours).

Arrival
Welcome to Granada, known as the last stronghold of the Moors in Western Europe full of numerous historical sights and medieval architecture.

Upon arrival, you check in to your centrally-located hotel and have evening at leisure.

Alhambra of Granada Tour
You are right, today you join the club of those lucky ones who have visited one of Spain's... no - the world's most significant attractions - the mind-boggling Alhambra Fortress that used to be the residence of the Muslim rulers and their court.

In the morning after breakfast you meet your local guide and head towards Alhambra. Get awe-inspired by its numerous arabesques, porticos, pools and Islamic ornamental masterpieces of its hallways. Alhambra entrance and parking fare are included.

After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Journey by car: one way trip from Granada center to Alhambra is 9 km or 6 mi (approximate 0.5 hour).

Recommendation:or this evening we recommend you to visit one of the Michelin-rated restaurant in Granada.

Exploring Cordoba Highlights
After breakfast you check out from your hotel and start your trip to Cordoba.

Recommendation: your way goes through Antequera that combines the significant influence of Moorish, Roman and Spanish cultures. Spend some time exploring this ancient Andalusian town before you arrive to Cordoba.

Arrival
Upon arrival, you check in to your centrally-located hotel and have a good rest after busy though exciting day. 

Visit of the Seville Cathedral & Alcazar
After breakfast you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and have a panoramic city tour of Seville.

Today you get to experience authentic Andalusian spirit in one of its most important cities. Your sightseeing program features top sights starting from the symbol of the city - the Giralda Tower that used to be a minaret back in the days. You then visit the Seville Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral that is the third-largest church in the world. It was built in the 16th century to demonstrate power and wealth of the city. Next on your list is the beautiful Real Alcazar of Seville - the oldest European royal residence composed of a group of buildings from different time periods. Cathedral and Alcazar along with General Archive of the Indies are registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The rest of the day after the tour is at leisure.

Optional activity: we suggest you attend an authentic flamenco show - one of the most characteristic elements of southern Spanish culture accompanied with a traditional Spanish Tapas dinner and a drink.

Exploring Extremadura
Today you check out from your Seville hotel and start a self-guided journey by car through Extremadura, famous for rich history and some of the finest jamon (ham) in the world.

Recommendation: visit the Museo Del Jamon in the town of Monesterio located right on your way from Seville to Zafra. Here you get the valuable lessons in the art of choosing, appreciating, and enjoying jamon, as well as learn about the history of the region, agriculture and local gastronomic arts. The museum is free, audioguides are available.

The first on your list is Zafra. This charming town attracts visitors with 15th century Moorish Castle and charming white houses. Next you proceed to Marida, the capital of Extremadura, that was once also capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. The city boasts its spectacular Roman ruins. Do not miss well-preserved Roman Theater, a 2,000 year old Roman bridge and Miraculous Aqueduct that still remains intact today.

You continue to Caceres‎ that faced long history of battles between Moors and Christians. The city's history reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of Roman, Northern Gothic, Islamic and Italian Renaissance styles. Old Town of Cáceres is declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. In Caceres‎ we planned for you a walking tour with a private guide, who shows you the main attractions of the city.

Arrival
The last stop for today is Trujillo. You check in to your hotel and have evening free to discover the town.

Trujillo was home to several conquerors who helped conquer the New World. Do not forget to include Plaza Mayor framed by churches and three palaces, bronze statue commemorating Francisco Pizarro, Santa María Mayor Church and Casa Museo Pizarro into your tour route.

Recommendation: for those who want to sample and buy delicious cheeses, Trujillo hosts the National Cheese fair every May. 

Departure from Madrid
This is the last day of your amazing tour in Spain! After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and travel to Madrid where you drop off your rental car.

Journey by car: the total distance to be covered for the one way trip is 290 km or 180 mi (approximately 2,5 hours pure driving).

Note: in case your flight is scheduled to morning or early afternoon, extra night in Madrid or Madrid airport can be included.