Spain Classic Grand Tour – 6 Nights

Medieval City of Girona / Gerona
Discover Girona on foot and visit highlights such as the Baños Árabes (Arab Baths) and the Cathedral. Over the centuries, Girona has been ruled by many different civilizations, including the Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and finally Charlemagne.

Highlights include:

• Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths): Built in 1194 during the Romanesque period, inspired by Moorish bathhouses.
• Girona Cathedral: Famous filming location for Game of Thrones.
• Plaça de la Independència (Independence Square): A lively plaza lined with cafes and restaurants.
• Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel Bridge): Designed by Gustave Eiffel before his iconic Paris tower.

• Cases de l’Onyar (Houses on the Onyar River): Colorful riverside houses, often called Girona’s “rainbow homes.”

   

  

Mediterranean Balcony – Seaside Town Tarragona
Discover Tarragona on foot and explore its fascinating blend of history and urban charm. Walk along the Roman Walls (Muralla Romana de Tarragona) and step into the Roman Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano), where gladiators once fought with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. The city is full of vibrant street art and graffiti, giving it a colorful modern character amid its ancient ruins.

Once one of the most important towns in the Roman Iberian Peninsula, Tarragona still preserves impressive Roman heritage both inside and outside the old city. Must-see highlights include the Forum Romà (Roman Forum and Square), the lively Mercat Central de Tarragona with its striking mural by Barcelona painter Carles Arola Vera, and the Playa del Milagro (Miracle Beach) – also known as the “Mediterranean Balcony,” where you can enjoy sweeping sea views or even swim in the sparkling waters.

Tarragona is also famous for its tradition of castells (human towers), a UNESCO-recognized cultural performance that showcases both strength and teamwork.

The ancient city of Toledo, perched on a hilltop, can be quite chilly in winter and was a key military stronghold since Roman times. As one of Spain’s earliest cities, it bears the marks of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Its remarkably well-preserved old town, with its strong medieval character, feels like stepping into a time tunnel. You can take a tourist train that circles outside the city walls, offering panoramic views along the moat before returning to the city center to trace the stories of this historic capital.

Toledo’s train station itself is worth visiting, with its strong Islamic–Arabesque design. From the 8th century until 1492, Spain was under Arab/Moorish rule, leaving behind striking architecture filled with arches, carved vines, and decorative tiles.

Ávila, located about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of Spain’s capital, is an ancient city enclosed by 11th-century walls. Built on a rocky hill, Ávila boasts the best-preserved Romanesque city walls in Europe and is also the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Ávila, the first woman to be declared a Doctor of the Church, who held great influence in her time.

The city is easily accessible by train for independent travelers. If you wish to join a guided tour, please consult your travel advisor.

Salamanca, located in western Spain, is an ancient university town, home to the country’s oldest university. The entire city exudes a strong academic atmosphere. At the University of Salamanca, there is a famous legend: hidden among the carvings on the façade of the university’s west entrance is a tiny frog perched on a skull (look at the skull on the right side). It is said that anyone who spots the frog will pass their exams and enjoy good luck!

If you visit the Salamanca Cathedral, keep an eye out for the carving of an astronaut. This curious figure was added during restoration works in 1992 as a symbol of the 20th century.

Located about 95 km from Madrid, Segovia has been a fortified city since Roman times. To the northwest of the city stands the Alcázar of Segovia, a fortress of great military importance in history and said to have inspired Disney’s design for Snow White’s castle.

The Alcázar is a uniquely shaped stone fortress dating back to the Roman era. Though it suffered destruction during several wars, it was fortunately restored each time. Its strategic location is reinforced by a drawbridge connecting it to the city and a 10-meter-deep moat surrounding three sides, making it highly defensible.

Over the centuries, the Alcázar was transformed from a military stronghold into a royal palace. Its architecture reflects a blend of styles—from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, and richly decorated Mudéjar influences.

Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Valencia is the country’s third-largest city and the capital of the Valencian Community. Blessed with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, it is often called Spain’s sunniest city. Its long stretches of white-sand beaches make it a favorite holiday destination. Within the city, visitors can discover many cultural and historical landmarks such as the Valencia Cathedral and its Miguelete Tower, the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), the bustling Central Market, and the green expanse of the Turia Gardens.

Valencia is also a city of striking architecture. Its most iconic landmark, the City of Arts and Sciences, was designed by renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. This futuristic complex includes an opera house, a planetarium, a science museum, and an oceanarium, making it a showcase of modern design. Finally, Valencia is celebrated as the birthplace of paella, Spain’s most famous rice dish—a culinary tradition that no visitor should miss.

Málaga – The Costa del Sol!
Birthplace of Picasso, Málaga is a vibrant city where Moorish, Roman, and Renaissance influences blend seamlessly. One of its highlights is La Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress (about a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride from the train station, approx. €1.30 for 5 stops). The city also boasts Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and an exotic charm that reflects its rich history.

Málaga serves as a major transportation hub in southern Spain, making it an excellent base for further exploration. From here, you can visit Granada, Antequera, or head along the Costa del Sol to Nerja, where the famous “Balcony of Europe” overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean. Picturesque whitewashed villages such as Frigiliana, Manilva, Casares, and Ronda are all within reach, each offering unique beauty and atmosphere. Don’t miss the lush La Concepción Gardens, a botanical haven just outside the city.

In addition to enjoying duty-free shopping along Main Street, don’t miss the chance to soak in the beautiful coastal scenery. At Europa Point, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can take in some of the best views across to Africa and Morocco. You may also want to visit St. Michael’s Cave, an extraordinary natural wonder formed as rainwater slowly filtered through limestone, dissolving the rock. Along the way, you might encounter semi-wild monkeys—Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe, originally from Morocco and Algeria.

If you would like to join a guided excursion, please contact your travel consultant.

Seville is the artistic, cultural, and financial heart of southern Spain. A must-see is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and the third largest church overall, also known as the resting place of Christopher Columbus. The site was originally a mosque built in 1198, later converted into a Catholic church fifty years later. When reconstruction began in 1401, the citizens of Seville declared: “Let us build a church so magnificent that those who see it will think we are mad.” With its nave rising 42 meters high and lavish decorations, the cathedral is a testament to Seville’s former wealth and prominence as a major trading center.

Other highlights include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning blend of Arab and Gothic styles; the charming Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter with its Moorish ambiance; the Plaza de Toros de Sevilla bullring; the iconic Plaza de España; and the striking Metropol Parasol.

Seville is also considered the birthplace of flamenco. Many dancers travel from afar to master this passionate art form here. Watching an authentic performance, full of fiery rhythm and intensity, offers one of the most vivid experiences of Spanish culture.

Granada was the last territory to be reclaimed by the Catholic Monarchs, marking the end of Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula. The city’s unmissable highlight is the Alhambra, a magnificent fortress-palace that embodies this unique historical transition.

Known as the “Red Fortress,” the Alhambra blends mosque, palace, and military stronghold. Its exquisite Islamic architecture and masterfully designed gardens stand as a living testament to centuries of history, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Fun fact: the popular Korean drama “Memories of the Alhambra” was filmed here, showcasing the palace’s timeless beauty in its trailer.