DAY 1 Arrive Madrid (3) On arrival in Madrid you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to take an optional excursion or simply relax and unwind after your flight. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink then why not go out and explore this vibrant city? DAY 2 Madrid sightseeing & at leisure This morning after breakfast we enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a local guide which begins with an unforgettable visit to the Prado Art Gallery, particularly famous for its paintings by Velasquez. We also see the Cibleles Fountain, the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de Espana with its monument to Cervantes. In the afternoon with time at leisure you may wish to take a trip out to the nearby hills to San Lorenzo del Escorial where Philip II built his first palace or perhaps shop in the famous Serrano district and later feast on delicious 'tapas' in the ancient Plaza Mayor. (BB) DAY 3 Toledo Excursion A little south of Madrid lies the ancient former capital of Castile, the picturesque city of Toledo, encircled by the River Ebro. With a local guide we will explore this fascinating site, starting with a visit to the ancient Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome with its El Greco masterpiece, a Damascene workshop plus we'll admire views of the mighty Cathedral. In the early afternoon we return to Madrid with time at leisure. Why not indulge in a Spanish siesta! (BB) DAY 4 Madrid - Cordoba - Seville This morning we drive to Puerto Lapice where Don Quixote was dubbed knight by the local innkeeper. From here we continue to Cordoba, where our sightseeing tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. From here we make our way to the lovely Andalusian city of Seville. This evening after dinner, why not enjoy the passion of a fiery Flamenco show? (BB D) DAY 5 Seville - Costa del Sol (4) This morning, we are met by our local guide who will take us on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Seville showing us the Bell Tower and weather vane of the Giralda, the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park and the magnificent gothic Cathedral in the old town. Afterwards we drive to the Costa del Sol for a leisurely four-night stay. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a typical restaurant. (BB) (HD) DAY 6 Costa del Sol at leisure & Mijas Excursion A leisurely day, to relax by the pool, write your postcards or maybe go to the beach. This afternoon we will enjoy an excursion to Mijas, the pretty white-washed hilltop village, brimming with boutiques selling local handicrafts, 'tapas' bars, restaurants and of course a Spanish Bullring! (BB) DAY 7 Granada Excursion An early start today as we drive past the Sierra Nevada to arguably Spain's greatest tourist site - the Alhambra Palace at Granada. The cool and peaceful courtyards of this elaborate palace with its delightful perfumed gardens will not fail to fill you with awe and wonderment. Then we will visit the area known as the Albaicin - a quarter of the city famous for its white-washed houses with wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers. From here we can admire breathtaking views over the Alhambra before we leave this beautiful city behind and drive back to the Costa del Sol for dinner at our hotel. (BB D) DAY 8 Costa del Sol at leisure After breakfast enjoy a full day at leisure. You will have the option of taking an excursion to Tangiers in Morocco with the opportunity to shop in the exciting 'Casbah' in old Tangiers and on your return you'll see the Rock of Gibraltar. Or you may wish to simply take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy a jug of Sangria with a paella lunch. The choice is yours! Tonight, why not join your travelling companions for a final farewell dinner? (BB) DAY 9 Costa del Sol - Depart Malaga We hope we will see you again, in the meantime, bid farewell to new-found friends as your Trafalgar Tour Director organises your transfer to Malaga Airport for your return flight home, at the end of this relaxing Spanish vacation. (BB) |