Spain from North to South (Without Alhambra) (2026)

Day 1

We’ll leave early in the morning and cross Castile and León, making a stop in Tordesillas to learn about the town´s history and enjoy a coffee at its main square. We´ll then continue to León, where we’ll have time for lunch and to visit the stunning Gothic cathedral in this historic city on the Camino de Santiago. Afterward, we´ll cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo in the evening. In Oviedo, we´ll include a one-and-a-half-hour city tour with a local guide, either in the evening or the next morning. During the tour, we´ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Congress Palace of Oviedo, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle Rúa. A traditional Asturian dinner will be included in typical cider house.Note: If the number of travelers from Madrid to León is very limited, the trip might be carried out by train or regular transportation, missing the stop in Tordesillas.

Day 2

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its well-preserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

Day 3

We’ll follow the motorway along the Cantabrian coast, passing through stunning landscapes where mountains meet the sea. Our journey will lead us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. There, we´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. Following the tour, you´ll have free time to savor authentic "pintxos". Later, we´ll continue our travels to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines. We´ll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to delve into the ancient art of winemaking. We´ll arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.

Day 4

We’ll start the day with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We´ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces. The tour will move on to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace.After lunch, we’ll head to Catalonia to visit the Poblet Abbey, a stunning walled monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (tickets included). Our journey will then take us to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the evening.

Day 5

In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Day 6

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, stopping in Peniscola, a charming medieval walled city surrounded by beautiful beaches, where you’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a tour with a local guide of this port city on the Levantine coast, with over 2000 years of history. The city’s urban layout is adorned with monuments from various eras, contrasting with the modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. A traditional local dinner will be included.

Day 7

We continue through pleasant landscapes in the Valencian Community. ALICANTE, a city bathed by the Mediterranean, combines golden sandy beaches with a charming historic quarter. The imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara stands out. Free time for a stroll.We continue through arid landscapes in the region of MURCIA. Stop en route for lunch.In Andalusia, we make our first stop in GUADIX, famous for its unique inhabited cave houses. Its historic quarter combines the Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighborhoods, and unique views of the Sierra Nevada.We continue to GRANADA. Arrival in the late afternoon, dinner included.

Day 8

Full day to enjoy Granada, a historic city filled with charming corners and dominated by the iconic Alhambra. We recommend visiting the cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or strolling through the Albaicín neighborhood and enjoying the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.Note: We remind you that the tour you have purchased does not include admission to the Alhambra in Granada. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, we suggest doing it through their official website: https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es or through companies that organize visits to the city.

Day 9

Today we’ll enjoy spectacular landscapes as we leave behind the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We’ll then continue along the Mediterranean, on the so-called Tropical Coast, where the mild year-round microclimate allows for the cultivation of tropical fruits such as guavas, mangoes, and avocados, and in the past, sugar cane.We stop in NERJA, a charming seaside town with impressive cliffs. We continue on to MÁLAGA, the capital of the Costa del Sol, full of life and boasting a beautiful historic center. Time for lunch and a stroll through the city center.Afterward, we head into the Andalusian sierras and arrive in RONDA, a stunning white town famous for its dramatic gorge that splits the city in two.We continue to SEVILLE, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 10

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll see the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

Day 11

We’ll leave Seville, following the Guadalquivir Valley to Córdoba, famous for its past as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba in Islamic times. With a local guide, we’ll enjoy a visit to the stunning Mosque–Cathedral (tickets included). We’ll also explore the charming Jewish Quarter, known for its narrow streets and flower-filled patios—true symbols of the city. After lunch, we’ll leave for Castilian lands. We’ll make a stop in Consuegra, where 12 giant windmills next to the castle overlook the La Mancha plain. We’ll visit the Rucio Mill and head to Madrid at the end of the day.

Day 12

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.