Does the very thought of Spain stir your heart? Does flamenco guitar quicken your pulse? Do you dream of dining on paella with a glass of wine as you gaze over the orange groves of Seville? Maybe it’s time to experience the culture, romance and passion of spectacular Spain for yourself.
In this edition of our Collette travel series, we take an unforgettable 10-day tour that immerses you in the magic of Spain. Wander through the Mezquita, a religious marvel in Cordoba, step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire, tour the Alhambra palace. Watch, learn and sample a ‘paella experience’ along with exquisite local cuisine and local wines. And of course, feel the energy of Spain with an unforgettable flamenco performance.
Wondering what you’ll see? Here’s the itinerary. Vamos! (Let’s go!)
Day 1: Madrid, Spain – Tour Begins
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital and largest city. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers and enjoy a welcome dinner. Today, dinner will be included.
Day 2: Madrid – Toledo – Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. An expert-led tour of the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armoury and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon, travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and a visit to the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Today, breakfast will be included.
*At times, without advance notice, the Royal Palace in Madrid may be closed due to official government business. When this happens, the Royal Palace will be substituted with a visit to the Prado Museum or the Modern Art Museum.
Day 3: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. You may opt to take the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and increase leisure time in Cordoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital”. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Seville
Decide how you see Seville today because it’s your choice! Walk along the cobblestone streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the whitewashed houses and aromatic orange trees before continuing to the stunning Plaza de España -OR- get a glimpse into the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, gently drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the ornate Seville Cathedral (UNESCO), the largest Gothic church in the world, and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. This evening you’ll enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville’s top performers. Today, breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Seville – Granada
Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Upon arrival, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra (UNESCO),** a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and a mesmerising example of Islamic architecture. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.
**On the rare occasion that the Alhambra Palace in Granada is not available, you will instead visit another top Spanish attraction.
Day 6: Granada – Valencia
Travel through Spain’s amazing landscape, viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves, while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves. Today, breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Valencia – Albufera – Valencia
See the City of Arts and Sciences; an ultramodern, multi-faceted educational institution, on your way to Valencia’s historic old town where you will enjoy a walking tour guided by a local expert. View the ornate 14th-century Serranos Towers and imposing 15th-century Quart Towers; then arrive at the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll shop side-by-side with the locals before concluding your tour at the impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Later, travel to Albufera, the area where paella cuisine originated. A paella experience awaits you. Enjoy a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field plantations, a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home known as a barraca, a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Today, breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 8: Valencia – Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colourful bird and flower stalls. Today, breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Barcelona
Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your panoramic tour showcases the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, Antoni Gaudi’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including La Sagrada Familia, Batllo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building with a guided visit to Parc Güell. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain! Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Barcelona – Tour Ends
You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. Today, breakfast will be included.
Turn someday into today
Life’s too short to dream of travel and say you’ll go ‘someday’. Let Collette turn your someday into today. Collette has been making travellers’ dreams come true for over 100 years, and they make it easy. They take care of all the fiddly details like transfers, booking accommodation and connecting flights, so you can relax and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. All you need to do is start each morning on tour ready for the new experiences in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow you’ve clocked up yet another amazing day.
Ready? Set. Explore.
All you need to do now is explore your options. Contact Collette Travel to speak to one of their knowledgeable travel consultants or explore the range of tours online at gocollette.com.au.
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