Madrid, Seville, and the Costa del Sol 9 days

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.

We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin enjoying the capital of Spain.

Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds and from anywhere come together.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and incomparable nightlife, Madrid surprises with quiet historic corners full of charm for strolls.

There, we will find centuries-old taverns with family traditions where friends gather for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers away from the more touristy circuits.

At the same time, this city has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting in Europe.

Greca Tip: As in any other large city, the center of Madrid offers a diverse variety of gastronomic venues to suit all tastes, where you can taste the traditional local tapas.

The morning begins with the promise of discovering a city that beats between past and present. After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Madrid. You’ll walk through the Morería quarter, where the echoes of its Andalusian origins still linger, and feel the soul of age-old taverns hidden among medieval alleys. Next, Habsburg Madrid will reveal its Renaissance and Baroque plazas, a legacy of Philip II. Then, the grandeur of Bourbon Madrid unfolds with landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain, and the Puerta de Alcalá, shaped by the enlightened vision of Charles III. The elegance of the 19th century shines through in Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum, before giving way to the modern pulse of Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy an excursion to Toledo, a magical city where Christians, Jews, and Muslims once lived in harmony. As you stroll its narrow streets, you’ll admire the majestic Gothic cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé with El Greco’s Burial of the Count of Orgaz, living relics of a time of cultural coexistence.

At the end of the day, return to Madrid and overnight in the selected hotel category.

Greca Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and take a moment to admire Toledo from the Mirador del Valle. The view of the old town rising above the Tagus River is one that will stay with you forever.

The morning unfolds with the thrill of setting out westward, toward Extremadura, cradle of daring conquistadors who once dreamed of distant worlds. After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, your journey takes you through landscapes of timeless beauty until you arrive in Mérida, a city where the past refuses to fade.

Once the Roman capital of Lusitania, Mérida still wears its history with pride. As you explore during your free time, you’ll walk the same paths once trodden by emperors and gladiators. The Roman theatre stands majestic and silent, as if awaiting the next performance, while the vast amphitheater whispers tales of courage and spectacle. The ancient bridge over the Guadiana River connects not only two shores, but two eras.

In the afternoon, the road leads you to Córdoba, city of philosophers, poets, and caliphs. Once the glittering capital of Al-Andalus, Córdoba invites you to lose yourself in its narrow streets and centuries-old soul.

Upon arrival, settle in for the evening in your selected hotel category accommodation.

Greca Tip: Don’t rush Mérida. Even a brief pause at the theatre steps, eyes closed, can transport you back two thousand years, no ticket required.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will start the panoramic tour to Córdoba, you will visit the city including the interior of the famous Mosque/Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

Córdoba was an important Roman city and a great Islamic center during the Middle Ages. Its buildings and architecture reflect the coexistence of various religions throughout its history: Christian, Jewish, and Islamic.

After visiting this beautiful city, you will continue the route to Seville where you will have free time to start knowing the city and then check in the hotel where you will stay.

Greca Tip: Seville is the cradle of tapas and although many cities dispute this title, it is said that the origin of tapas goes back to the 16th century when King Alfonso XIII to prevent dirt from getting into his glass, the waiter used a slice of ham to cover the glass.

After a delicious breakfast, we will visit the city accompanied by our guide and explore its most important landmarks. Seville is an emblematic city with a rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, making it a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.

We will start our visit at Maria Luisa Park, designed by the French landscape architect Forestier for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Here, you can appreciate the "neosevillian" style that served as inspiration and influence for other Spanish public parks in the early 20th century.

Next, our tour will take us to the Plaza de España, a semi-elliptical square symbolizing Spain's embrace of its former American territories. It is known as the masterpiece of Sevillian architect Aníbal González and covers a total area of 50,000 square meters, making it undoubtedly the most colossal square in Spain.

The tour concludes with an exterior view of the impressive Cathedral and the Giralda (the name of the bell tower) and a visit to the typical Santa Cruz neighborhood with its streets, squares, and narrow alleys.

The rest of the day will be free for you to continue enjoying this wonderful city.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to visit an authentic Sevillian "tablao" to enjoy a typical regional dance show, "las sevillanas."

After a delicious breakfast, we will head towards our next destination, Ronda, along the White Towns Route.

Ronda is a charming town situated on a gorge overlooking the Guadalevín River. Its historic center is a treasure trove of iconic monuments, including its renowned bullring, one of the most famous in the world. The town is also known for its ancient bridge and Arab baths, adding to its historical and monumental appeal.

You will have free time to explore this beautiful Andalusian town before continuing your journey to the Costa del Sol, a modern and popular tourist destination.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the Puente Nuevo, also known as the New Bridge or El Tajo, a majestic structure with over 200 years of history, symbolizing the city of Malaga.

After breakfast, we will head to the city of Granada. As we reach Sabikah Hill, prepare to be captivated by the rosy walls of the Alhambra Palace. With our "skip-the-line" access, we will enter the palace without delay and embark on a tour of this extraordinary masterpiece.

The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, will transport you to a realm of opulence and beauty. From the royal palace to the palatial city and fortress, every corner tells a fascinating story.

Accompanied by our guide, you will explore the intricately designed rooms, courtyards, and gardens, discovering the rich history of this 9th-century fortress. The Alhambra showcases a unique blend of Islamic and Renaissance architecture, with the Nasrid and Charles V Palaces showcasing the harmony of these different styles.

Greca Tip: The name "Alhambra" derives from Arabic, meaning "red castle," owing to the reddish hues of its towers and walls.

After a delicious breakfast, we will head north, gradually watching the magnificent city of Madrid emerge before us. Upon arrival, we will go to our hotel to rest after a long day of travel.

Greca Tip: if you still have some energy left, take advantage of the sunset to enjoy a short walk around the hotel area; Madrid reveals itself even in the smallest details.

After savoring a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas International Airport at the designated time to catch your international flight.

On behalf of everyone at Greca, we extend our warm wishes for a safe journey and hope to welcome you back soon to create more unforgettable memories together.

Wishing you a pleasant trip! Or, as the locals say: "¡Buen viaje!".

Greca Tip: If you feel your time in Madrid was too short, you can easily add extra nights when making your booking.