Gold Iberian Peninsula Discovery “Madrid, Barcelona and Andalusia” (MAD-BCN) with Turkish Airlines
Madrid (2 nights) – Cordoba – Sevilla (1 night) – Ronda – Granada (1 night) – Murcia – Valencia (1 night) – Barcelona (2 nights)
7 nights 8 days
Day 1 | Istanbul – Madrid
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in front of the Istanbul Airport international departures terminal at 07:35. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Madrid on Turkish Airlines flight TK1357 at 10:35. We will land at Madrid Barajas Airport at 13:15 local time. After our passport and baggage procedures, we will depart from the airport to begin a panoramic Madrid city tour by vehicle. During this tour in the capital of the Kingdom of Spain, we will see the bullfighting arena Las Ventas, the neoclassical city gate Puerto de Alcala, the neoclassical fountains Fuente de Cibeles and Fuente de Neptuno, the Prado Museum (exterior), the Royal Palace Palacio Real de Madrid (exterior), Plaza de Espana featuring statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the city’s famous avenue Gran Via. Afterwards, we will walk to reach the Plaza del Sol and Plaza Mayor squares from Grand Via and conclude our tour. Following the tour, we will transfer to our hotel, complete check-in procedures, and settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Hotel Chamartin the One (or similar) in Madrid.
Day 2 | Madrid | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, free time. In the morning, guests who wish may join the optional Toledo tour organized by our guide. In the afternoon, guests who wish may join the optional Segovia and Las Rozas Village Outlet tour organized by our guide. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Hotel Chamartin the One (or similar) in Madrid.
→ Toledo tour | 75 EUR adult - 55 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
We will depart by vehicle for Toledo, known throughout history as the "city of three cultures" due to the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. After a pleasant journey of approximately 1 hour, we will begin our tour. During the tour, we will visit the Toledo Cathedral, which construction began in the 13th century, the Alcazar, and the San Martin Bridge. Afterwards, in this city famous for its steel and particularly for its long history of sword production, now commonly used as souvenirs, we will see souvenir shops and workshops where Damasquinos (Damascene work) gold craftsmanship is done. At the end of the tour, we will depart for Segovia.
→ Segovia and Las Rozas Village Outlet tour | 60 EUR adult - 45 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
In this tour, we will depart by vehicle towards another picturesque city, the medieval city of Segovia. The city is famous for its historic buildings, including three main symbolic structures: the Segovia Aqueduct, Segovia Cathedral, and the medieval castle Alcazar. Our first stop on the tour will be the Segovia Aqueduct, built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. The arch was constructed to channel water from springs in the mountains 17 km away to the city’s fountains, baths, and private homes and was used until 1973. Afterwards, we will visit the Segovia Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city’s main square, Plaza Mayor, built in an ornate Gothic style in the mid-16th century. From there, we will have the opportunity to view the Alcazar Palace (exterior). The Alcazar is a structure that has left its mark on cinema and popular culture. It was used in Orson Welles’ film "Chimes at Midnight" and served as inspiration for Walt Disney’s “Cinderella” castle. After our tour through the streets of the city, where every corner holds history, we will head towards Las Rozas Village. Located 30 minutes from Madrid, Las Rozas Village is a world-famous designer outlet shopping mall. After the free time given for shopping here, we will return to Madrid and our hotel.
Day 3 | Madrid – Cordoba – Sevilla | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, we will complete check-out procedures and depart for Cordoba, an important city of Andalusia located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. After a journey of approximately 4 hours, we will begin a panoramic Cordoba city tour. Founded as a Roman settlement, Muslim conquests began in Cordoba in the 8th century, and it subsequently became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba. Under Umayyad rule, it transformed into one of the world’s leading centers of education and learning and became Europe’s second-largest city in the 10th century. We will start our tour of this historic city with the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, dating back 1200 years. Those who wish can also visit the interior (entrance fee 10 Euro). After this historic building, the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos (Royal Palace) and Puente romano de Córdoba (Roman Bridge) are among the places to see. At the end of the tour, we will depart for Sevilla. After a journey of approximately 2 hours, we will arrive at our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Flamenco show tour organized by our guide, depending on whether our daytime program is completed on time. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Hotel TRH La Motilla (or similar) in Sevilla.
→ Important note
The Cordoba and Sevilla tour package worth 120 EUR is included free of charge.
→ Flamenco show tour | 55 EUR adult - 45 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
Peoples want to express themselves in some way, and they do so through music and dance. Gypsies, who suffered persecution for years, endured poverty, were oppressed, considered a social problem, and worked in menial jobs, created flamenco with factors such as ambition, kindness, spirit of freedom, rebellion, and lack of social stereotyping. They expressed their pain and unhappiness through flamenco. The harsh postures and expressions in flamenco are all results of these. Flamenco, beyond being a simple folk genre, possesses a complex and intense cultural tradition. Although it is known to be specific to Spain, it is actually the culture of the Andalusia region. We will return to our hotel after a 1-hour show in a typical hall we will go to by vehicle.
Day 4 | Sevilla – Ronda – Granada | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, we will complete check-out procedures and depart for a panoramic Sevilla city tour in the capital of Andalusia. We will start our tour at Maria Luisa Park, which includes the Plaza de Espana and Plaza de America squares. Afterwards, we will continue with the Sevilla Cathedral (exterior), the largest Gothic church in the world and the third largest church, which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Here, we will have the opportunity to see the Giralda Bell Tower, two-thirds of which dates back to the Almohad period and the remaining third (the upper part) is Spanish Renaissance architecture. Then, starting our walking tour, we will see the old guild building housing the General Archive of the Indies, which contains valuable documents showing the history of the discovery voyages to America and the Spanish Empire of the Philippines. Among the other places we will see are the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, known as Old Sevilla, the Alcazar Palace (exterior), a leading example of Mudéjar style on the Iberian Peninsula and also containing Gothic and Renaissance elements, the former royal tobacco factory now used as the central campus of the University of Sevilla, and the Torre del Oro, currently a naval museum. In the afternoon, we set off towards Ronda. After a journey of approximately 2 hours, we begin a panoramic Ronda city tour. During this walking tour, we will see Mondragon Palace, Santa Maria la Mayor Church, the Puento Nuevo bridge offering the best views of the canyon and river, the Plaza de Toros and Ronda Arena where bullfights take place, and Plaza del Socorro. These are among the places to see in Ronda, known for its narrow winding streets, white houses, location on the edge of a cliff, and the El Tajo Canyon, 120 meters deep, carrying the Guadalevin River and dividing the town. At the end of the tour, we will depart for Granada. After a journey of approximately 2.5 hours, we will arrive at our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Albaicin, Sacromonte and Roman show tour organized by our guide, depending on whether our daytime program is completed on time. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Hotel Granada Palace (or similar) in Granada.
→ Important note
The Roda tour package worth 120 EUR is included free of charge.
→ Albaicin, Sacromonte and Roman show tour | 55 EUR adult - 45 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
We will reach Albaicin by vehicle from our hotel. Albaicin is a pristine white neighborhood on a hill opposite the Alhambra Palace, where Muslims first settled between the 13th and 15th centuries during the Nasrid period. After visiting this unique neighborhood, we will move to Sacromonte, another neighborhood located on a hill opposite the Alhambra Palace, associated with the Romani people (Gypsies) who settled in the region in the 15th century. Sacromonte is one of the most beautiful picturesque neighborhoods in the city, with houses carved into whitewashed caves. In one of these caves, we will have the opportunity to experience this neighborhood by watching a dance show with different themes performed by the Romani people while enjoying a drink. We will return to our hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 5 | Granada – Murcia – Valencia | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, we will complete check-out procedures and have free time until the time announced by the guide. In the morning, guests who wish may join the optional Alhambra Palace tour organized by our guide. We will depart for a panoramic Granada city tour. Among the places to see are Gran Via de Colon Avenue, Granada Cathedral (exterior), Bib-Rambla Square, Palacio de la Madraza (Granada Madrasa), now part of the University of Granada, the authentic Mercado de Alcaicería (Arab/Silk market), Plaza del Carmen Square, and the Town Hall. After this tour, we will set off towards Murcia. After a journey of approximately 3 hours, we will begin a panoramic Murcia city tour in Murcia, known as the vegetable and fruit garden of Europe. Among the main places to see are Santa Domingo Square and Santa Domingo Church, Traperia Street and the Almodóvar Palace built on it in the 17th century, Real Casino de Mucia, a social complex where entry is only allowed in formal attire, the famous Santa Maria Cathedral built on top of the Great Mosque of the Andalusian period in the 13th century, the colorful Murcia Bishopric Palace, Glorieta de España square, the Town Hall, and the new Town Hall adding a modern look to the old city. Afterwards, our journey will continue towards Sagunto. After a journey of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive at our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Exe Puerto de Sagunto (or similar) in Valencia.
→ Alhambra Palace tour | 70 EUR adult - 55 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
(Due to daily visitor limits at the Alhambra Palace, participants are advised to notify us during reservation specifically for this tour). This famous work listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list was started to be built as a defensive fortress and palace in the 13th century on the plateau atop Sabika hill overlooking Granada, and construction continued until the 15th century. As the most important building in Spain, although the exterior may appear somewhat rough, the most skilled craftsmen of the era worked inside and wove the walls like lace. Due to the red clay used in the palace, it took on a red color and was named Alhambra, meaning "Red". We will return to our hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 6 | Valencia – Barcelona | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, we will complete check-out procedures and begin a panoramic Valencia city tour to get to know Valencia, the homeland of Paella, one of the most famous and delicious names of Spanish cuisine, and the Valencian type orange famous for its sweet taste. Among the main places we will see are the City of Arts and Sciences (exterior), Valencia Cathedral, El Miguelete Bell Tower and the Holy Grail, the city’s old market Mercado Central, the Lonja (old silk market), and the old city streets. After our tour, we will depart for Barcelona. After a pleasant journey of approximately 4.5 hours along the coast of the Balearic Sea, upon arriving in the city, we will begin a panoramic Barcelona city tour. In Spain’s second-largest city, where the influence of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, a pioneer of the New Art movement, is strongly felt and his magnificent works are located, among the places to see are Plaça d’Espanya, Montjuic Hill, Plaça de Catalunya, Gaudi’s works Casa Batllo and Casa Mila buildings, La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, also known as the “Unfinished Church,” and Port Olimpic. After our tour in Spain’s third-largest city by population, we will transfer to our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Gothic and El Born neighborhoods tour under lights organized by our guide. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Exe Campus (or similar) in Barcelona.
→ Gothic and El Born neighborhoods tour under lights | 30 EUR adult - 20 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
We will start our walking tour in Barcelona, the city that never sleeps on the Mediterranean, on its most famous street, La Rambla. From there, we will move to the Gothic Quarter, one of the most enchanting regions of historic Barcelona. Entering narrow and characteristic streets, we will see important points such as the ruins of the Temple of Augustus reaching from the Roman period to today, the historic Jewish Quarter, the Palace of the Barcelona Barons, the Building of the Royal Archives of Aragon, the magnificent Barcelona Gothic Cathedral, the photogenic Bisbe Bridge, and Sant Jaume Square, the political heart of the city. Our tour will continue with the El Born neighborhood, one of the city’s most authentic and artistic regions. Here, we will see the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, which sheds light on Catalan history and bears traces of the uprisings of the 18th century, and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, known as the people’s cathedral and famous for its impressive architecture. Afterwards, we will have free time on Passeig del Born, which best reflects the bohemian atmosphere famous for El Born’s renowned cafes and bars. Upon completion of the free time, we will return to our hotel.
Day 7 | Barcelona | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, free time. In the morning, guests who wish may join the optional Girona, Figueres and Dali Museum tour organized by our guide. In the afternoon, guests who wish may join the optional Park Guell and Spanish Village tour organized by our guide. Our overnight stay will be at the 4* Exe Campus (or similar) in Barcelona.
→ Girona, Figueres and Dali Museum tour | 80 EUR adult - 60 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
We will start our tour with Girona, the richest city in the region, built on a lush plain between the Ter and Onyar Rivers and reminiscent of Florence at first glance. Girona, a charming medieval city with narrow streets, a magnificent cathedral, and a unique ambiance, is definitely worth seeing and is a natural film set where various cinema shoots, including the film “Perfume,” have been made. During our panoramic and walking tour, we will see the Lion statue, Cathedral Square, the Jewish Quarter, La Rambla street, the Onyar Apartments, the Iron “Eiffel” Bridge, and Liberty Square. After a short free time, we will go to the famous painter Dali’s birthplace, the town of Figueres, located about 50 minutes away. In the town, we will visit the extraordinary Dali Theatre-Museum, just like the man himself. After this enjoyable museum visit, we will return to Barcelona.
→ Park Guell and Spanish Village tour | 55 EUR adult - 40 EUR child (04-11.99 years)
In this tour, we will have the opportunity to get to know the 116 different buildings of Spain with their unique architectures at Park Guell, which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, created by the famous architect-designer Antoino Gaudi, and afterwards at Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), a historical, cultural, and entertainment venue built in 1929. We will return to our hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 8 | Barcelona – Istanbul | [K]
After breakfast at our hotel, we will complete check-out procedures and have free time until the transfer time. At the transfer time announced by the guide, we will depart towards Barcelona Airport. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1856 at 18:30.
Day 9 | Barcelona – Istanbul
Landing at Istanbul Airport at 00:05 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting you again on our next distinguished and enjoyable trip.
Abbreviations explanations: [K] = Breakfast, [Ö] = Lunch, [A] = Dinner