Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Arrive in Madrid, an Artistic city with its beautiful Architecture & a Culinary Capital. No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this city really knows how to live.

Welcome to mesmerizing Spain. After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Madrid Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport, subsequent to Customs & Immigration, you will be met by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

Here is a place where the passions of Europe’s most passionate country are the fabric of daily life, a city with music in its soul and an unshakeable spring in its step. But Madrid is also one of the most open cities on earth and it doesn’t matter where you’re from for the oft-heard phrase to ring true: ‘If you are in Madrid, you are from Madrid’.

Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards & expansive, manicured parks.  It is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez & other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace & Armory, displaying historic weaponry.

Madrid may lack the cachet of Paris, the monumental history of Rome, or Barcelona’s reputation for Modernista masterpieces. And no, there is no equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum or La Sagrada Família that you can point to and say ‘this is Madrid’. But Madrid has nothing to be envious of. Spain's broad sweep of architectural history provides a glorious backdrop to city life, from medieval mansions & royal palaces to the unimagined angles of Spanish contemporary architecture, from the sober brickwork & slate spires of Madrid baroque to the extravagant confections of the belle epoque. Put simply, this is one beautiful city.

Few cities can boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s - many art lovers return here again & again. For centuries, Spanish royals showered praise & riches upon the finest artists of the day, from home-grown talents such as Goya & Velazquez to Flemish & Italian greats. Masterpieces by these and other Spanish painters such as Picasso, Dalí & Miro now adorn the walls of the city’s world-class galleries. Three in particular are iconic giants - the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía &  Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - but in Madrid these are merely good places to start.

Rising above the humble claims of its local cuisine, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe and the city has wholeheartedly embraced all the creativity & innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution. But this acceptance of the new is wedded to a passion for the enduring traditions of Spanish cooking, for the conviviality of the eating experience & for showcasing the infinite variety of food from every Spanish region. From tapas in sleek temples to all that is new to sit-down meals beneath centuries-old vaulted ceilings, eating in Madrid is a genuine pleasure.

Not to forget, Madrid nights are the stuff of legend, and the perfect complement to the more sedate charms of fine arts & fine dining. The city may have more bars than any other city on earth - a collection of storied cocktail bars & nightclubs that combine a hint of glamour with non-stop marcha (action).

But that only goes some way to explaining the appeal of after-dark Madrid. Step out into the night-time streets of many Madrid neighbourhoods and you will find yourself swept along on a tide of people, accompanied by a happy crowd intent on dancing until dawn.

Check-in at your centrally located hotel.

No services are envisaged for this evening. However, if time permits and you wish to explore independently, let us know (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions). Overnight.    

Morning, at around 08.30 am, you will be met by the Tour-guide & proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.  

During this tour you will have the chance to visit some of the city's most important historical sites along with its Royal Palace (from outside only) & its newest city park at Rio Madrid.

Get an overview of the centuries of the city's architectural history, culture & traditions, following its evolution from "Moorish Madrid" into the Habsburg & Bourbon periods, during which the city's palaces & central squares like Plaza Mayor & Puerto del Sol changed dramatically.

Start in central Madrid, heading out to begin your exploration of the many hundreds of years of architectural history that have shaped the boundaries & buildings of this dynamic urban area. Discover the Moorish history of Madrid in the Barrio de la Moreria, an old Moorish section of the city.

Proceed from there to view some of the various structures of Madrid's Habsburg period, including Calle Mayor, Plaza de la Villa & the Prado Museum (outside only), an era characterized by its renaissance & baroque architectural styles.

Continue your visit with an examination of the architecture of the period surrounding the reign of Charles III in the 18^th century. During this era, Madrid gained in importance as a critical knowledge center for culture & science, as artists & intellectuals flocked to its neighborhoods.

Check out the Monumento de la Encarnacion, Puerta del Sol & Puerta de la Opera, which provide excellent examples of the flurry of construction that took place during this time.

Head next into the contemporary era of Madrid's history, first by exploring the boulevards of Gran Vía & Paseo de la Castellana.

Move to the beautiful structures of the Barrio Salamanca & Parque del Oeste neighborhood, along with a chance to view some of Madrid's most important commercial & financial areas.

Stop for a break at the Hard Rock Cafe for a free drink before heading to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). This former home of the Spanish royal family was constructed in Italian baroque style in the 18^th century near the city's historic alcazar (Arab-fortress).

Return to the city center through Plaza de Colon.

Continue towards the new Madrid, with its modern buildings, gardens, the great avenue Paseo de la Castellana, until Plaza de Castilla (Europe’s Gate) and go down towards Ventas Bullring, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza de Cibeles, & Plaza del Callao, to end at Plaza de Isabel II (in front of Royal Opera House).

We will make convenient stops for walking & taking pictures at Templo de Debod, before taking time for a stroll at the city's newest public park Madrid Rio where the Tour concludes.

Continue exploring or return to the hotel on your own (the Tour-guide can provide suggestions or directions).

Morning & afternoon at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Evening, you will be picked up from the hotel by our Rep & transferred to the famous Cafe de Chinitas - one of Spain’s most esteemed ‘tablaos’ (flamenco venues) in Madrid, to immerse yourself in the fiery fever of flamenco dancing during a spectacular show.    

Founded in 1970, Cafe Chinitas is located in a beautiful & inviting 18^th century mansion - a perfect place for those wishing to combine Mediterranean cuisine with the best flamenco in the Spanish capital.

Some of flamenco’s most important artistes have performed at Cafe de Chinitas. Tomas de Madrid, La Chunga, always barefoot & spontaneous, the legendary Rosario, Maria Albaicin, Carmen Mora, Pastora Imperio, Manuela Vargas, & the "Los Pelaos" family, to name a few.

And also the most outstanding singers dominating a variety of styles, such as Carmen Linares, Tony Maya, Maria Vargas, Enrique Morente, El Lebrijano, & Jose Merce, who started his career in this tablao to become one of the most famous flamenco artistes. Among the guitarists that have performed here, one must not forget the grand maestro Victor Monge "Serranito", Andres Heredia, Manuel Sison, El Entri & the Carmona brothers, better known as "Los Habichuela". Nowadays, some of flamenco’s top virtuosos & young promises perform regularly at Cafe Chinitas, who see the tableo as a door to the flamenco world.

Settle into your seat for an evening of exuberant entertainment as you feast upon an authentic meal inspired by Spanish culinary classics & sip drinks (drinks not included) during the electrifying performance.

Morning, you will be met by the Tour-guide / Rep at the hotel around 08.30 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to Toledo.

Toledo a city located in central Spain, is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has a great artistic beauty and buildings from almost all periods in history (Arabian, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance & Baroque style).

In a world where religion continues to act as a divisive force, Toledo is a refreshing throwback. Dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where – legend has it - Christian, Muslim & Jewish communities peacefully co-existed. It was declared a World Heritage city by UNESCO for its extensive cultural & monumental heritage.

Toledo is known as the "Imperial City" for having been the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. 

Rediscovering the vestiges of this unique cultural synthesis remains modern Toledo’s most compelling attraction. Horseshoe-arched mosques, Sephardic synagogues & one of Spain’s finest Gothic cathedrals cram into its dense historical core.

But the layers go much deeper. Further sleuthing will reveal Visigothic and Roman roots. It was the place of important historic events such as the Visigothic Councils of Toledo. Toledo’s other forte is art, in particular the haunting canvases of El Greco, the influential, impossible-to-classify painter who lived here in the 16th century. Toledo has a history in the production of bladed weapons, which are now popular souvenirs of the city.

Arrive in Toledo & delve into the cultural tapestry, a treasure trove of El Greco artworks & ancient fortifications. Navigate the ancient labyrinth of cobbled streets & explore the diverse architecture of the medieval city. Admire masterpieces by El Greco as you go on a morning, afternoon or full-day excursion.

Commence your guided tour in the old quarter. Marvel at the Arabic, Renaissance & Gothic architecture and learn about Toledo’s intriguing history. Gaze at the medieval castle, with its towering turrets reminiscent of fairy tales.

Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 13^th century Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo. Declared Spain’s finest example of Gothic architecture, its architecture illustrates the various stages of Spanish Gothic influence & inside the Cathedral. you will see a large number of artworks (stained glasses, choir, main chapel, altarpieces, El Greco paintings, etc.). 

Then, feast your eyes on some of El Greco’s most influential artworks in the 12^th century Church of St Tome, which was completely rebuilt in the 14^th century by the Count of Orgaz. The church tower is one of the best examples of Mudejar art in Toledo, and the interior is home to one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, which you will see on display.

Continue on to admire the ancient majesty of Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca (Synagogue of Saint Mary the White), where you will spend time admiring the interesting arches designed in the damascene technique, which involves the incrustation of precious metals in steel.

Next, delve into Muslim history & stop at the Mosque of El Cristo de la Luz (also known as Bib-al-Mardum Mosque) - a former mosque in Toledo, Spain, the only one of the ten once existing in the city which remains largely as it was in the Moorish period.

Built over the site of a Visigothic church, the Mezquita is one of the oldest Moorish monuments in Spain. An Arabic inscription on the facade tells us that it was constructed by one Musa Ibn Ali in 999 AD (390 AH).

The history is a little more obscure. When King Alfonso VI rode into Toledo in triumph in 1085, his horse fell to its knees out front (a white stone marks the spot). It was then discovered that a candle had burned continuously behind the masonry throughout three & a half centuries of Muslim rule, illuminating a hidden crucifix.

It was not until 1186 that the mosque was converted to a chapel, when it was given by King Alfonso VIII to the Knights of St. John and named it Ermita de la Santa Cruz (Chapel of the Holy Cross). Despite its dimunitive size, this mosque was very important in the Islamic era, due both to its location in a wealthy quarter & its proximity to the Alcazaba, an elevated fortress that stood on the site of the Alcazar.

Stroll amid the courtyard cloisters & royal coats of arms in the religious structure and then head to the house of a local sculptor - Victorio Macho, to see the eponymous museum dedicated to his impressive sculptures.

At the end, you will enjoy learning about the famous technique of damascene (incrustation of precious metals in steel) and the forge of the steel of Toledo for making swords.

Finally, it is time to return to Madrid.

Morning, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Madrid Puerta De Atocha Station to board the train for Seville.

On arrival at Seville Santa Justa Station, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver (holding a placard with your Name, on the Platform near the Engine) & transferred to the hotel.

Some cities have looks, other cities have personality. The sevillanos - lucky devils - get both, courtesy of their flamboyant, charismatic, ever-evolving Andalucian metropolis founded, according to myth, 3000 years ago by the Greek god Hercules.

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood.

Its Old Town, with an area of 4 sq. km, contains 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. The Seville harbour, located about 80 km from the Atlantic Ocean, is the only river port in Spain.

Drenched for most of the year in spirit-enriching sunlight, this is a city of feelings as much as sights, with different seasons prompting vastly contrasting moods: solemn for Semana Santa, flirtatious for the spring fiesta and soporific for the gasping heat of summer.

Seville was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis & later became known as Ishbiliya, after the Muslim conquest in 712. During the Muslim rule in Spain, Seville came under the jurisdiction of the Caliphate of Cordoba before becoming the independent ‘Taifa of Seville’; later it was ruled by the Muslim Almoravids & the Almohads until finally being incorporated into the Christian Kingdom of Castile under Ferdinand III in 1248.

After the discovery of the Americas, Seville became one of the economic centres of the Spanish Empire as its port monopolised the trans-oceanic trade and the Casa de Contratacion (House of Trade) wielded its power, opening a Golden Age of arts and literature.

In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan departed from Seville for the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Coinciding with the Baroque period of European history, the 17^th century in Seville represented the most brilliant flowering of the city's culture; then began a gradual economic & demographic decline as silting in the Guadalquivir forced the trade monopoly to relocate to the nearby port of Cadiz.

The 20^th century in Seville saw the tribulations of the Spanish Civil War, decisive cultural milestones such as the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 & Expo '92.

Check-in at the hotel.

Morning, you will be met by the Tour-guide at around 09.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Like all great cities, Seville has historical layers. Roman ruins testify the settlement’s earliest face, memories of the Moorish era flicker like medieval engravings in the Santa Cruz quarter, while the riverside Arenal reeks of lost colonial glory. Yet, one of the most remarkable things about modern Seville is its ability to adapt and etch fresh new brushstrokes onto an ancient canvas

Major landmarks include the ornate Alcazar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and the 18^th century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza Bullring. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giraldo

Get acquainted with the history of the city as your guide offers intriguing narration and you pass by the lavish sprawl of Plaza de Espana, a Renaissance beauty home to several Government buildings.

See, too, the Palace of San Telmo & Torre del Oro, two legendary landmarks shrouded in historical legend.

Cruise through the charming Santa Cruz, the famous Jewish quarter - a labyrinth of narrow streets which lead to the gorgeous Plaza de los Venerables and admire the colorful facades of houses flanked with blooming flower boxes.

As you approach the center of the city, catch a glimpse of two magnificent UNESCO-listed structures; observe the protective turrets of the Royal Alcazar Palace and gasp at the sky-piercing spires of Seville Cathedral - the largest gothic cathedral of the world. 

Drive by the University, the Old Tobacco Factory, the Plaza de Espana - centerpiece of the 1929 Ibero-american Exposition.

Continue to the Bullring of the Royal Maestranza, an important cultural institution that has hosted some of the country’s most famous bullfights. Explore the vast stadium & then enrich your knowledge of the controversial sport in the interesting museum. 

Travel next to the colorful neighborhood of Triana for a panoramic tour of the district; relish the artistic atmosphere of the area and capture stunning views of the Guadalquivir River as you pass the Isabel II Bridge.

The tour ends & you will be transferred back to the hotel.  .

Morning, you will be met by the Tour-guide at around 08.00 am & proceed for a full day 9 hour excursion to discover the charms of Cordoba.

Cordoba in Andalusia, was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine & wheat back to Ancient Rome.

The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus & this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which - after several centuries of additions & enlargements - became one of the largest in the Islamic world.

When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches & columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today.

Once here, you'll find there's much more to this city: Cordoba is a great place for exploring on foot or by bicycle, staying and eating well in old buildings centred on verdant patios, diving into old wine bars, and feeling millennia of history at every turn. The narrow streets of the old Judería (Jewish quarter) and Muslim quarter stretch out from the great mosque like capillaries (to the northwest and northeast respectively), some clogged with tourist bric-a-brac, others delightfully peaceful. The life of the modern city focuses a little further north, around Plaza de las Tendillas, where you'll find a more boisterous vibe with some excellent bars and restaurants. Andalucía's major river, the Guadalquivir, flows just below the Mezquita, and the riverfront streets are home to a growing band of lively restaurants and bars making the most of the view.

Cordoba bursts into life from mid-April to mid-June, when it stages most of its major fiestas. At this time of year the skies are blue, the temperatures are perfect and the city's many trees, gardens and courtyards drip with foliage and blooms. September & October are also excellent weather-wise, but July & August can sizzle.

On arrival, commence the sightseeing of this iconic city.

Notice the charismatic mix of Muslim, Christian and Jewish architecture and disembark to explore the historical heart of the city on foot. 

One building alone is enough to put Cordoba high on any traveller's itinerary: the mesmerising multi-arched La Mezquita - an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall & older Byzantine mosaics. One of the world's greatest Islamic buildings, it is a symbol of the worldly & sophisticated Islamic culture that flourished here more than a millennium ago when Cordoba was the capital of Islamic Spain, and Western Europe's biggest & most cultured city. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17^th century.

Get acquainted with the history & cultural melange of the fascinating city as you follow your knowledgeable Guide through the ambient tangle of whitewashed courtyards, cobbled lanes & alluring landmarks and see UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders.

Weave your way down Cordoba’s quaint cobbled lanes and observe the abundance of flowering balcony boxes, antique bodegas and bespoke craft boutiques. Hear of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city’s prosperous past & arrive at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos of the Catholic Kings - a medieval palace-fortress thronged with gorgeous gardens & distinct architectural features. 

Continue to the Mezquita - a majestic Moorish monument considered one of Europe’s most impressive. Listen to legends surrounding the mosque-cathedral’s 600 AD origin & 13^th century Christian conversion and marvel at the architectural accomplishment of the building as you explore the richly ornamented interior. 

Next, amble along the medieval streets of the old Jewish quarter full of life & shops to see locals enjoy post-siesta tapas in ambient bars. Delve into the medieval myriad of the enclave & visit the Cordoba Synagogue - Spain’s oldest, to enrich your knowledge of the city’s Jewish heritage. 

Conclude your tour with a leisurely stroll down Calleja de las Flores, a quaint alleyway that affords excellent views of Cordoba’s most prominent monuments.

Once the guided tour has finished, you will have enough free time to walk around the town on your own, go shopping in the wonderful pedestrian streets of the Jewish Quarter or try some of the delicious local cuisine.

Finally, time to depart for the return journey to Seville.

Morning, you will be met by the Tour-guide at around 06.00 am & proceed for a full day 13 hour excursion to ancient & culturally diverse city of Gibraltar.

Enjoy the scenic sights as you travel towards the island & listen as your Guide sets the historical scene.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory & headland, on Spain's south coast. Red pillar boxes, fish & chip shops and creaky 1970s seaside hotels: Gibraltar - as British writer Laurie Lee once commented - is a piece of Portsmouth sliced off & towed 500 miles south. Poised strategically at the jaws of Europe & Africa, Gibraltar, with its Palladian architecture and camera-hogging Barbary macaques, makes for an interesting break from Cadiz province's white towns and tapas. Gibraltarians speak English, Spanish & a curiously accented, sing-song mix of the two, swapping back & forth mid-sentence. Signs are in English.

In Greek mythology Gibraltar was Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules, which marked the edge of the Mediterranean & the known world. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim governor of Tangier, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name - Jabal Tariq (Mountain of Tariq) eventually became Gibraltar.

Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded in perpetuity to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. Spain continues to hassle & harass Gibraltar in a so far fruitless effort to grab this territory that has been loyal to the British crown for more than 300 years. In referendums held in 1967 and 2002, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to stay a territory of the United Kingdom

It is dominated by the towering Rock of Gibraltar, a natural formation of a 426m-high limestone ridge that rises resplendently over the curvaceous coastline with dramatic cliffs on its northern & eastern sides.

As with many colonial outposts, ‘the Rock’ overstates its Britishness, a bonus for pub-grub and afternoon-tea lovers, but a confusing double-take for modern Brits who thought their country had moved on since the days of Lord Nelson memorabilia. Playing an admirable supporting role is the swashbuckling local history; lest we forget, the Rock has been British longer than the United States has been American. The topmost part of the Rock is still a British military installation, and off-limits to the public.  Layers of fortifications include the remains of a 14^th century Moorish Castle and the 18^th century Great Siege Tunnels, which were expanded in WWII.

Accompanied by the Guide, immerse yourself in the intricate cultural tapestry of the city.

The first stop will be at the southernmost point of the so-called “Europe end” city, where you could admire the lighthouse colored with English Trinity house colors, placed at 49 meters above the sea level & gaze at the dramatic landmark of the Rock of Gibraltar. Admire views of the Moroccan & Spanish coastlines lining the Mediterranean Sea.

Then, head to the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. The inside of the Rock is an absolute labyrinth with secret internal roads & tunnels four times longer than those on the surface. Capture the landmark on camera then delve into the darkened subterranean depths of one of the caves - St. Michael’s, in order to admire some of the unearthly rock sculptures that reside within. Take time to explore the other caves & tunnels especially those not meant for tourists!    

After visiting Saint Michael’s cave, continue your journey to the next stop, the enclosure of the famous local monkeys, the Barbary macaques. Revel in the outrageous antics of the island’s resident monkeys as they frolic in an attempt to win your attention & affection. You will have the chance to walk aside to these monkeys, as they are totally free to go around the rock.

Our next stop would be the historic district “Casemates”, where the tour ends Emerge early and climb aboard a comfortable air-conditioned minivan at your Seville hotel.

Then, enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration as you soak up the atmosphere of charming cafes & browse the boutiques of Main Street for special souvenirs.  Treat your taste buds to the traditional flavors of Spanish cuisine in a rustic local restaurant (own expense).   

In time, climb aboard your comfortable air-conditioned minivan for the transfer back to the hotel.

Early morning, you will be met by the Tour-guide at around 06.00 am & proceed for a full day 13 hour excursion to ancient & culturally diverse city of Gibraltar.

Settle aboard your air-conditioned coach & admire the rugged Andalucian countryside as you journey to Granada. Along the way, hear an introduction to your destination’s history, and learn how your route is the same as the one taken by the 19^th century American essayist Washington Irving, author of the famous Tales of the Alhambra. Catch glimpses of the Alhambra Palace on your approach.

Rich in history and culture, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain for visitors. A city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation. It has been continuously inhabited by humans for at least 2500 years, originating as an Ibero-Celtic settlement prior to the establishment of a Greek colony in the area.

Elegant yet edgy, grandiose but gritty, monumental but marked by pockets of stirring graffiti, 21^st century Granada is anything but straightforward. Instead, this sometimes stunning, sometimes ugly city set spectacularly in the crook of the Sierra Nevada is an enigmatic place where - if the mood is right - you sense you might find something that you’ve long been looking for. A free tapa, perhaps? An inspirational piece of street art? A flamenco performance that finally unmasks the intangible spirit of duende?

Endowed with relics from various epochs of history, there is lots to do & plenty to admire - the mausoleum of the Catholic monarchs, old-school bars selling generous tapas, bohemian teterías where Arabic youths smoke cachimbas (hookah pipes), and an exciting nightlife that bristles with the creative aura of counterculture. Make no mistake, you will fall in love here, but you may spend days & weeks trying to work out why. Best idea - don’t bother. Instead, immerse yourself in the splendour & leave the poetic stanzas to the aesthetes.

Internationally revered for its lavish Alhambra palace, and enshrined in medieval history as the last stronghold of the Moors in Western Europe, Granada is the darker, more complicated cousin of sunny, exuberant Seville.

Under ancient Roman rule, Granada developed as an economic centre of Roman Hispania, with the construction of aqueducts, roads & other infrastructure. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was ruled by the Visigoths before being reconquered by the Byzantine Empire, all the time being maintained as a strategic military & economic hub for the region.

The Moorish conquest of 711 brought Islamic rule to the Iberian Peninsula & Granada was quickly established as one of the main cities of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for the region.

Following the fall of Cordoba in 1236 to the Christian Reconquista, the city became the capital of the Emirate of Granada, and for the next 250 years Granada stood as the heart of a powerful & self-sufficient kingdom with the construction of the royal palace & fortress, the Alhambra.

Arrive in Granada, humming with a feisty cosmopolitanism & awash with riddles, question marks, contradictions & myths - a place to put down your guidebook & let your intuition lead the way through the narrow ascending streets of the Albayzín, & the tumbling white-walled house gardens of the Realejo quarter.

First stop will be UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace, wedged between Granada & Sierra Nevada mountains., A vision of Moorish architecture & art, this exquisite sprawling hilltop fortress complex dating back to 13^th century & built as a royal city, court and retreat for Spain’s Moorish rulers, encompasses royal palaces, serene patios & reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains & orchards in the gardens.

Bypass the entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket (included) & enjoy priority access to its main attractions, including the Alcazabar, Nasrid Palace, its unique Jannat al’Ariff (Generalife Gardens) & Palace of Charles V.  Admire the Court of Lions & Hall of the Ambassadors, and stroll around the enchanting courtyards, fountains & pavilions as your Guide shares details of their history

Stroll down the narrow streets through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Moorish quarter - Albaycin & Sacromonte, two neighborhoods of Granada built on two hills, past the with its whitewashed houses, churches, gardens & flower-filled balconies, and stop to take in the area’s spectacular panoramas over the hilltop Alhambra. See the Moorish salons, courtyards and pavilions.

Then, enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration as you soak up the atmosphere of charming cafes & browse the boutiques for special souvenirs. Treat your taste buds to the traditional flavors of Spanish cuisine in a rustic local restaurant (own expense).   

In time, climb aboard your comfortable air-conditioned minivan for the transfer back to the hotel.

Morning, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Sevilla Santa Justa Station to board your train for Malaga.

On arrival at Malaga Station, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver (holding a placard with your Name, on the Platform near the engine) & transferred to the hotel

Malaga is a port city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, a historic & culturally rich provincial capital which has long lived in the shadow of the iconic Andalucian cities of Granada, Cordoba & Seville.

It has rapidly emerged as the province's city of culture with its so-called 'mile of art' being compared to Madrid, and its dynamism & fine dining to Barcelona.

The tastefully restored historic centre is a delight: its Gothic cathedral is surrounded by narrow pedestrian streets flanked by traditional and modern bars & shops that range from idiosyncratic & family owned, to urban-chic & contemporary.

Cast your eyes up to enjoy a skyline that reflects the city’s eclectic character; church spires jostle for space with russet-red tiled roofs and lofty apartment buildings while, like a grand old dame, the 11^th century Gibralfaro castle sits grandly aloft and provides the best view of all.

The former rundown port has also been grandly rebuilt and cruise-line passengers are now boosting the city's coffers and contributing to the overall increase in tourism to the city.

Check-in at the hotel.

Full day at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements). Overnight.  B 

Full day at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements). Overnight.  B 

Finally, it is time to say good-bye.

You will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Malaga Costa del Sol Airport for the flight back home.* B

*Check-out of the hotel before 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

***        End of Services      ***

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