touring
A GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN
Spend two weeks discovering the highlights of Spain with this whistle-stop tour which takes in nine great Spanish cities . Our suggested holiday includes travel by rail and by car , taking advantage of convenient rail connections for some journeys and allowing you to travel at your own pace for others . Start in southern Spain , where you soak up the Andalucían culture and visit some well-known tourist attractions . Continue to Madrid , with plenty of time to explore the city before travelling eastwards to Barcelona . Spend a few days in this cosmopolitan seaside city before heading north west to the Basque Country . From here , travel westwards through historic cities in northern Spain , ending your holiday in the western region of Galicia .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Begin your touring holiday by flying into Seville , where you spend two nights at Corral del Rey , a boutique property in the city ’ s historic quarter .
DAY TWO
Seville is the capital of Andalucía and Spain ’ s fourth largest city . Art and architecture are very important here , where the centre is formed of a maze of narrow lanes and hidden plazas . Be sure to visit the Barrio de Santa Cruz , the Real Alcazar , the Royal Palaces with their Moorish craftmanship and landscaped gardens , the Cathedral and belltower ( La Giralda ), the market squares near the Plaza del Salvador and marvel at the numerous colourful azulejos , glazed ceramic tiles .
Madrid Plaza Mayor
DAY THREE
Collect your hire-car and drive approximately two and a half hours eastwards to Granada , passing through the undulating Andalucian landscape and miles of olive groves . On the route is the town of Osuna , with a grand church and ornate Palacio del Marques de la Gomera . Further on is the town of Estepa famous for its biscuits . Stay at Hotel Alhambra Palace , a well-established hotel on the hillside within the grounds of its namesake . In Granada visit the Alhambra Royal Palace and gardens , the narrow streets of the Albaicin quarter and the Generalife , the country estate of the Nasrid kings .
DAY FOUR
Just two hours ’ drive northwest of Granada is the city of Cordoba , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . At the city ’ s heart is the astounding Mezquita de Cordoba , a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral , whilst other highlights include the fascinating Jewish quarter and Roman ruins galore . Drop off your hire-car when you arrive in Cordoba and stay at Hotel Las Casas de la Judería , a charming hotel occupying a fortress palace in the city ’ s Jewish quarter .
DAY FIVE
Catch a late morning train to Madrid , arriving around two hours later . Stay at the five-star Hotel Urban , located within easy reach of the city ’ s three world-class art galleries and the relaxing Parque del Retiro .
DAY SIX
You have the whole day to explore the city , with its many attractive plazas and museums , including the Prado , the Museo Thyssen- Bornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which houses Picasso ’ s Guernica . In Old Madrid visit the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace . There is also the large royal residence and monastery at El Escorial , located about 45 minutes away .
DAY SEVEN
Catch a morning train to Barcelona , arriving around three hours later . Stay at Grand Hotel Central , a luxury five star hotel in the Gothic district close to the Picasso Museum and historic cathedral .
DAY EIGHT
Spend the day exploring Barcelona , a dynamic and cosmopolitan city which is full of charm and bustle . The capital of Catalonia is famed for its staggering concentration of Gothic architecture such as the cathedral in the heart of the Gothic quarter as well as surreal wonders such as the Sagrada Familia and other works of Gaudi . Discover the city ’ s unique architecture and rich culture , dine in gourmet restaurants or shop in designer boutiques near Las Ramblas .
Taberna in Madrid
Seville orange tree
Granada the Alhambra
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