Arrive in Spain’s vibrant capital, where you are met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel. Take a moment to settle in, freshen up, and absorb your first impressions of Madrid, a city of grand boulevards, elegant squares and lively cafés. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to step outside for a gentle stroll around the neighbourhood or simply relax at the hotel after your journey. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers in the lobby and walk together to a local restaurant for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner. This relaxed first evening is the perfect introduction to Spanish flavours and to the friendly small-group atmosphere of the tour. Share a toast, sample classic dishes, and get to know your companions while your Tour Director outlines the days ahead, offers practical tips and answers any initial questions. After dinner, you may return to the hotel or enjoy a short walk through Madrid’s illuminated streets before turning in for the night. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out with your Local Expert to discover Madrid’s many contrasting faces. Begin in the historic quarter, passing through the Barrio de la Moreria and the elegant Habsburg area, where Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa recall the city’s imperial past. Continue into the Madrid of the Bourbons, admiring grand avenues and monumental landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptune fountains and the famous Puerta de Alcala. Your tour then reveals contemporary Madrid along Gran Via, Castellana and the stylish Salamanca district, as well as the commercial and financial heart of the city. You will also see the exterior of the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium, home of Real Madrid, a landmark for football fans. During the visit, pause to enjoy one of the city’s favourite treats: hot chocolate with churros, a delicious snack that locals love at any time of day. The afternoon is free for museums, shopping or simply soaking up Madrid’s vibrant street life at your own pace, perhaps ending the day with a relaxed drink in a lively plaza. (B)

After breakfast, leave Madrid by luxury coach and travel west towards Merida, a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable Roman remains. On arrival, you will have time to admire the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre from the exterior and appreciate how well these structures have survived through the centuries. Merida offers a fascinating glimpse into the period when this region formed part of the Roman Empire, and your Tour Director will highlight the key sites and stories that make it so special. You may also notice elements of everyday life, such as bridges, streets and public buildings that still follow ancient Roman layouts. Later, continue south towards Andalusia and the historic city of Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate and one of the most important centres of learning in medieval Europe. As you approach, your Tour Director will introduce the background to the city’s unique mix of cultures. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may like to wander through the nearby streets, sample local tapas or simply relax and look forward to the discoveries to come in the morning. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your Local Expert for a guided exploration of Cordoba. The highlight of the morning is a visit to the magnificent Mosque Cathedral, whose forest of arches and columns reflects the city’s Islamic Golden Age and later Christian transformation. Inside, your guide will point out architectural details, chapels and artworks that reveal how different eras and faiths overlap within a single building. Afterwards, stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, where whitewashed houses, decorative patios and traditional shops create a charming atmosphere. You may pause in small squares framed by orange trees or peek into flower-filled courtyards, a hallmark of Cordoba’s identity. Your guide will explain how Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians each contributed to the city’s character over many centuries. In the afternoon, rejoin your coach and travel through gentle Andalusian landscapes towards Seville, the radiant capital of the region. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to settle in, take a short walk or relax before an evening at leisure to dine independently or explore nearby streets. (B, D)

After breakfast, set off with your Local Expert for a guided tour of Seville, a city filled with orange trees, hidden courtyards and grand monuments. Visit the impressive Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, and learn how it was built on the site of a former mosque, blending Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Those who wish may glimpse the famous Giralda Tower, symbol of the city, originally a minaret later transformed into a bell tower. Continue on foot through the atmospheric Santa Cruz quarter, once the old Jewish district and now a maze of narrow lanes, small squares and flower-filled balconies. Your guide will share stories and legends associated with Seville’s literary and operatic characters, from Carmen to Don Juan. The tour then takes you to Maria Luisa Park and the striking Plaza de Espana, created for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and now one of Seville’s most iconic sights. The remainder of the day is free. You might choose to relax at a pavement café, visit additional monuments or explore the city’s colourful neighbourhoods and lively tapas bars at your own pace. (B)

After breakfast, depart Seville and travel south through the countryside towards Jerez, a city famous for its sherry wines and equestrian tradition. Here you will visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where you can admire the beautiful horses and learn about the region’s long-standing riding heritage and training techniques. Afterwards, continue to one of the renowned local wineries for a sherry tasting, discovering the different styles and production methods that make this fortified wine so distinctive. A relaxed tapas lunch is included at a local venue, showcasing regional flavours in an informal setting where you can chat with your fellow travellers. Later, journey on towards Ronda, pausing en route at an organic olive oil estate known as LA Organic. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and visit the Philippe Starck Olive Oil Museum to better understand how this essential ingredient is cultivated and produced. Arrive in Ronda in the late afternoon and enjoy free time to begin exploring this spectacular cliff-top town at your own pace, perhaps seeking out its famous views over the deep El Tajo gorge. (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Ronda and travel towards the coastal city of Malaga. On arrival, take a guided visit to discover some of its main historic and cultural landmarks. Your Tour Director will introduce you to the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba fortress, and you will enjoy views towards Gibralfaro Castle, which together tell the story of Malaga from ancient times through the Moorish period and into the present day. Depending on timing, there may be a short opportunity to stroll through the historic centre or enjoy a coffee before continuing. In the afternoon, travel inland towards Granada, dramatically set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take a short break before the evening’s activities. Later, you will participate in a flamenco masterclass where you can learn the basic rhythms and movements of this passionate Andalusian art form. The experience continues with dinner and a flamenco show in one of Granada’s atmospheric venues, giving you a deeper appreciation of the music and dance. Afterwards, there may be an opportunity to admire night-time views over the illuminated city from a nearby viewpoint before returning to the hotel. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to visit Granada’s most famous landmark, the Alhambra, together with the Generalife Gardens. With your Local Expert, explore the richly decorated palaces, tranquil courtyards and intricate tilework that reflect the splendour of the Nasrid dynasty. Stroll through the Generalife’s terraces and fountains, where the sound of water and the scent of flowers create a serene contrast to the dramatic history of the fortress. Your guide will explain how the complex was both a royal residence and a defensive stronghold, and how its beauty has inspired writers and travellers over the centuries. After the visit, there may be some free time for lunch or last-minute exploration in Granada, depending on the day’s schedule. In the afternoon, board your coach for the journey back to Madrid, watching the changing landscapes of Andalusia and Castile from your comfortable seat. Upon arrival in the capital, check in to your hotel and gather once more with your group for a Farewell Dinner. This final evening is a chance to share memories and celebrate the highlights of your journey through Spain’s Golden Triangle. (B, D)

After breakfast, enjoy some final moments in Madrid, perhaps taking a short walk around the neighbourhood or relaxing in the hotel lounge. At the appropriate time, your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to Madrid Airport for your onward or homebound flight. As you leave Spain, reflect on the many experiences that have filled the past days, from ancient Roman sites and grand cathedrals to atmospheric old quarters, vibrant plazas, equestrian traditions, sherry bodegas, olive groves and the passion of flamenco. Travelling in a small group with a dedicated Tour Director and local experts has allowed you to connect more closely with the destinations and with your fellow travellers. You will take with you a deeper understanding of Spain’s history and culture, as well as the warmth of Andalusian hospitality and the pleasure of sharing these moments with like-minded guests. We hope the memories created on this journey will inspire future travels and a lasting affection for this remarkable region. (B)