Spain's Costa Del Sol & Madrid

Get ready for a true taste of southern Spain, from the sparkling blue waters of Costa del Sol to the chic avenues of Madrid. Your tour begins with an overnight flight.

Welcome to Málaga, one of the oldest cities in Europe, known for its sunny, Andalusian lifestyle and for being the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. Settle into your new surroundings and start enjoying the town of Fuengirola. Depending on your flight arrival time, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at your hotel.

Discover the port city of Málaga with a local guide. Walk through the colorful market stalls and learn about the history and culture of this seaside community. Let Málaga’s winding old town streets and historic Roman Theatre transport you back in time, then it’s your choice! Venture into the The Alcazaba and get to know the fortified palace with a local guide -OR- enter the Picasso Museum, and explore at your own pace many of the paintings by this iconic artist who called Málaga his first home. No matter which you choose, reconnect with your fellow travelers during lunch at a local’s home. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Travel to Setenil de las Bodegas, a town known for its whitewashed houses built into the cliffs. Like many of the Andalusian white villages, Setenil has deep ties to the Arab population that once ruled the region. Enjoy some time to explore on your own before heading to Ronda. Walk the Old Town and see its 18th-century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) over the El Tajo gorge. After some free time to explore on your own, head back to Fuengirola where the sunsets beckon a relaxing ending to the day. Today breakfast will be included.

Journey to romantic Marbella today and enjoy a walking tour of the city’s winding cobblestone streets before spending some free time to explore Marbella’s charming shops, cafés, and galleries on your own. Afterwards, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the beach, just a short walk from your hotel, or perhaps you’ll join an optional tour to Mijas, one of Andalusia’s most famous villages. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Today travel to Granada, the last capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Here, spend the morning with a local expert visiting the Alhambra,* a UNESCO World Heritage site also known as one of the Wonders of the Muslim world. After your extensive morning walk at this centuries-old palace and fortress complex, enjoy some free time in Granada for lunch on your own before returning to your hotel in Fuengirola to spend the evening as you please. Today breakfast will be included.

This morning, say adiós to the Costa del Sol and hop on a northbound fast-speed train** to the capital city of Madrid. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride, then join a panoramic tour of the city’s historic center. See iconic sites like the Gran Via and Puerta de Alcala and get a better sense of the layout of this famous capital city. Tonight, you might choose to experience Madrid like a local with a metro ride and a walking tour followed by dinner with traditional entertainment at a local restaurant. Today breakfast will be included.

**A small overnight bag is required. Your main luggage will be transferred from Malaga to Madrid on the night prior of the train ride. We recommend bringing a cabin-sized duffle bag or backpack, large enough to pack your overnight belongings. You will be responsible for handling this overnight bag.

This morning travel to the historic town of Segovia. Join a local guide for a walking tour and learn about its iconic Roman Aqueduct, massive 16th century cathedral, and historic Main Square. Next, take a tour of the Alcázar de Segovia (Segovia Castle), an impressive medieval castle with lavish interiors, a museum, and military archives. Enjoy lunch on your own in Segovia before heading back to Madrid. Tonight, bid farewell to Spain and your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour comes to a close today. Reflect on the warmth and spirit of the Costa del Sol as you journey home. Today breakfast will be included.