22-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path: Madrid, Andalusia, and Barcelona

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Today, you'll be taken on a tour of the best sights to see in Madrid. You'll be focussing on the Hapsburg and Bourbon legacy which includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, the largest palace in Europe and the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

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You'll take the high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo for the day where you'll take a tour of the city stopping at the most wonderful viewpoints along the way. You'll then head out on a walking tour of the historic center of Toledo where you'll visit the Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the El Tránsito Synagogue and the San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo.

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You will have this entire last day in Madrid to enjoy at your leisure. You will, of course, be provided with suggested activities to do on your own. You may want to take in the arts at the Reina Sofia Museum or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, or perhaps you'll like to visit the architectural wonder of the Crystal Palace. You could also spend the day revisiting some of your newly discovered favourite Madrid spots.

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Your Spain tour's taking you to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Cordoba where you'll be spending the next few days. Once you arrive, you'll be taken on a walking tour of the beautiful sights of Cordoba including a visit to the mosque-cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue and the Royal Alcazar. The afternoon in Cordoba is free to enjoy as you wish, you may want to visit Viana Palace or Museo Julio Romero De Torres, an art museum dedicated to the famous painter.

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Today, you will have the day to enjoy this beautiful and ancient city at your leisure. Being a walkable city, it is wise to spend the day exploring the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter and discovering its many hidden architectural and cultural treasures. Follow the self-guided city walks and find out for yourself why Cordoba is considered a cultural reference point in Europe.

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Today, en route to Granada, your next destination, you'll have the option of exploring the vineyards of the Montilla Hills where some of the most delectable olive oil and wine is produced. You'll visit a local olive oil mill to learn about the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You'll also head to a local winery located right in the heart of the vineyards, followed by a traditional tapas lunch before heading to your hotel in Granada.

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Today, you'll be taken for a guided tour during which you will explore the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most famous and visited monuments, followed by a visit to the beautiful Generalife gardens. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish, you may want to indulge in the Hammam Experience at the Andalusian Arab Baths or perhaps visit the famous gypsy quarter of Granada.

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Today, you have the option of discovering the region of mountain villages known as La Alpujarra. Located on the southern side of the Sierra Nevada and famous throughout Spain for being the last stronghold of the Moors, La Alpujarra is home to a unique microenvironment. Its terraced farmlands are constantly watered by the melting snow from above, creating a high-altitude oasis of greenery which stands in dramatic contrast to the dry foothills below.

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On your way to Malaga, you will take the time to visit the towns of Nerja and Frigiliana. In Frigiliana, you will be taken back to the times of Moorish Kingdoms and the Reconquista with its little neighborhood bars and maze of alleys. Be seduced by Nerja's many coves and beautiful beaches, step put onto its perennially beautiful Balcón de Europa, a palm-lined a mirador or viewpoint built on the foundations of an old fort and gives stunning panoramic views all the way across the sea.

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Malaga is an authentic Mediterranean city steeped in history culture and traditions. Today, you'll explore this city and its incredible architecture visiting the Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba of Málaga. In the afternoon, you'll be free to further explore this unique city at your leisure. You may want to check out some of its many museums or, if the weather permits, head to the beach and fill up on some fresh air.

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Today, you'll leave Malaga for the picturesque little town of Ronda stopping on the way to spend the day in the outdoors exploring the Grazalema Natural Park and its charming white villages such as Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, both home to narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Your evening in Ronda is free to enjoy how you wish.

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Today you'll explore a little bit more of Ronda, this mountaintop city home to a stunning deep gorge, ancient bridges, and lush river valleys is full of character. You'll start your day with a guided tour around the city before arriving at a lovely winery where you'll discover the secrets of Ronda's flavourful wines before sitting down to a lovely lunch surrounded by vineyards. This evening, complete your Ronda experience by attending a guitar concert.

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You'll have the morning free to relax and enjoy this beautiful city in the clouds before making your way to Andalusia's charming capital: the legendary Sevilla. You'll have the evening free to explore this city's lovely winding cobbled streets. You may wish to explore the bars and restaurants of Santa Cruz, or discover one of the hidden flamenco bars for an authentically Sevillian evening.

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Seville is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia and is home to the third-largest old town in the whole of Europe. A large part of your day will be spent exploring Seville on a guided walking tour, you'll visit the largest Gothic Church in the world; the Seville Cathedral as well as the Alcazar of Seville among others. You will have the option of spending your evening experiencing the exciting tapas and flamenco culture of Seville.

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You will have the day free to enjoy at your leisure. You may want to take part in the 3-hour cooking class during which you will learn how some of Andalusia's most traditional and typical dishes are made. In the evening, you're invited to attend a unique Flamenco show at the Flamenco Museum, a venue for some of the best flamenco dancing in Spain! Get a taste of Seville by dicing into its most defining traditions: flamenco and gastronomy!

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It's time to bid farewell to Mythical Andalusia and head North to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, Catalunya's enchanting seaside capital. Known worldwide for its fabled art and architecture by the renowned architect, Gaudi, its boundless culture and of course, its world-class drinking and dining scene. You'll have the first evening free to enjoy as you wish with recommendations of what to see, eat and do!

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This morning you'll discover why Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism. Antoni Gaudí, one of the genre's greatest innovators, worked and lived here and left behind numerous treasures for the discerning traveler to discover. Today, You'll enter Gaudi's fascinating world by visiting some of his masterpieces including the famous unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia. You'll also have the option of continuing your exploration of Barcelona with an optional historic tour of the city.

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Today, you'll venture out of Barcelona to one of the most popular sites in the region, the Montserrat Mountains. The drive to the mountain-top monastery is incomparable and full of breathtaking views. At the top, you will visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey which houses an ancient monastery and Royal Basilica famous across Spain for its shrine of the Virgin of Montserrat, who is known to perform miracles. You'll also have the option to explore the mountains further with a hike.

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You will have the free for you to enjoy Barcelona at your leisure. You may want to take part in one or both of the two very Barcelonian options for you to take full advantage of this free day and to spend it in the most authenticly Catalunyan way: eating and drinking your way through the city! In the morning you'll have the option to visit the Gracia neighbourhood and learn all about the traditional Spanish cuisine and in the evening, you'll be able to venture out on an authentic tapas tour!

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Discover one of the most romantic and unspoiled stretches of coast in Europe, reaching north all the way to the French border, the Costa Brava is one of the prettiest in Spain. With its sandy beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages and mountain scenery, La Costa Brava has something to offer everyone. Today, you'll explore this beautiful coast and will enjoy a lovely lunch by the sea before arriving in the ancient walled city of Girona with its huge 15th-century cathedral.