This thirteen-day Spain tour from Barcelona follows a route between the Cantabrian Coast, central Spain and the Mediterranean. After San Sebastian, Bilbao and Covadonga, you will spend three nights in Madrid. Merida opens the route to Seville, Cordoba and Granada before continuing to Valencia and returning to Barcelona. The journey combines major monuments, historic cities and free time.
Day 1. Barcelona – Zaragoza – Pamplona
The tour begins in Barcelona at 7:45. We will travel to Zaragoza for a short stop with free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar beside the Ebro. We will then continue to Pamplona. Navarre's capital, known for the San Fermin festivities, has a distinctive historic centre of narrow streets and squares. Arrival and overnight stay.
Day 2. Pamplona – San Sebastian – Bilbao – Santander
After breakfast, we will head to San Sebastian. A short panoramic tour and a trip up Mount Igueldo offer views of La Concha Bay and the city's seaside setting. We will continue to Bilbao for a short stop to see the exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, whose curved forms contrast with the riverside cityscape. The route continues to Santander. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3. Santander – Santillana del Mar – Covadonga – Oviedo
After breakfast, we will leave for Santillana del Mar, where cobbled streets and stone buildings retain the atmosphere of a historic town. We will continue towards Asturias through the green landscapes of the Cantabrian Coast. In Covadonga we will have free time to visit the sanctuary and enjoy its mountain setting. We will then travel to Oviedo for our overnight stay.
Day 4. Oviedo – Salamanca – Madrid
After breakfast, we will leave Asturias and head to Salamanca. A short stop gives us free time to explore its old town and Plaza Mayor, a baroque square that captures the monumental character of this university city. We will continue to Madrid. Arrival and overnight in Madrid.
Day 5. Madrid · Free day
Breakfast and free day in Madrid. Explore at your own pace, enjoy the city's cultural attractions or book an optional excursion, such as Avila and Segovia, or El Escorial and the Valley of Cuelgamuros. Today's visits are made independently or on a separately booked excursion. Overnight in Madrid.
Day 6. Madrid · Panoramic city tour
After breakfast, we will discover Madrid on a panoramic city tour through its main avenues, squares and landmarks. This introduction helps you get your bearings and appreciate the contrast between the city's historic areas and broad urban thoroughfares. The rest of the day is free for walking, shopping or further sightseeing independently. Overnight stay.
Day 7. Madrid – Merida – Seville
Breakfast and departure towards Extremadura. In Merida, we will have free time to explore the ancient Roman city's archaeological site independently, particularly its theatre and amphitheatre. Lunch is at your own expense. We will then continue along the Autovia de la Plata to Seville. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8. Seville · City tour
After breakfast, we will explore with a local guide the Maria Luisa Park, Plaza de Espana and Santa Cruz quarter. Their gardens, tiles, squares and narrow streets reveal different sides of Seville. We will also see the exterior of the cathedral and Giralda. There will be free time and optional activities, such as a boat trip on the Guadalquivir, a visit to the Maestranza bullring or a flamenco show. Overnight stay.
Day 9. Seville – Cordoba
After breakfast, we will head to Cordoba. The walking tour begins at Puerta de Almodovar and explores the Jewish Quarter before reaching the Mosque-Cathedral, with admission included. The monument's layers of architectural styles and the surrounding streets reveal different chapters of Cordoba's history. The rest of the day is free. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10. Cordoba – Ronda – Costa del Sol
After breakfast, we will leave Cordoba along the White Villages Route towards Ronda. We will have free time to explore this Andalusian town, known for its gorge and views over the mountain scenery. We will continue to the Costa del Sol to relax beside the Mediterranean. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11. Costa del Sol – Granada
After breakfast, we will travel to Granada and visit the Alhambra and Generalife, where Nasrid architecture combines with courtyards, fountains and gardens. This highlight of the Andalusian itinerary reveals the close relationship between water, vegetation and palace spaces. Dinner and overnight stay. An optional evening visit to Sacromonte with a zambra flamenco show is available. The Alhambra visit is subject to the access conditions stated in the Important information section.
Day 12. Granada – Valencia
Breakfast and departure towards the Mediterranean, via Guadix, Baza and Puerto Lumbreras to Valencia. The city combines historic heritage with a contemporary urban character. After arrival, the rest of the day is free for an independent introduction to the city. Overnight stay. On the departures listed in the Accommodation section, this overnight stay will be in Alicante.
Day 13. Valencia – Barcelona · End of the tour
Breakfast and free time before our mid-morning departure towards Catalonia. We will continue to Barcelona, where the tour ends on arrival. This final stage completes the journey along the Mediterranean side of the peninsula.
