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. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Depending on your flight arrival time, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome reception at your hotel this evening.

Travel to Ronda! Like many of the Andalusian white villages, it has deep ties to the Arab population that once ruled the region. Walk the Old Town and see its 18th-century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) over the El Tajo gorge. Then it’s your choice between visiting the Arab Baths archaeological site with your local guide -OR- delving into bullfighting’s fixture in Spanish culture with an audio-guided visit to the bullring. In Fuengirola this evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Journey to romantic Marbella today and enjoy a walking tour of the city’s winding cobblestone streets before spending some free time exploring Marbella’s charming shops, cafés, and galleries on your own. Afterward, 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 white villages.

Discover the port city of Málaga with a local guide. Meet a local from the Sepulcro Brotherhood to learn about the importance of the religious brotherhoods to the local culture. Let Málaga’s winding old town streets and historic Roman Theatre transport you back in time. Engage in conversation while being welcomed into a local’s home for lunch. Top off your day in Málaga with some free time to explore on your own, perhaps to do some shopping or even visit the Picasso Museum.* Return to Fuengirola, where the sunset beckons a relaxing ending to the day.

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.

**Alhambra tickets are not guaranteed and subject to availability per Spanish Governing Authority. On the rare occasion that tickets are not available for your entire group, you will visit another top Spanish attraction and your group leader or travel agent will be notified. Complete passport information is required 150 days prior to departure to book tickets to the Alhambra. If passport information is incomplete or inaccurate within 150 days prior to your tour departure, there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to confirm entrance tickets. You will be subject to any additional charges incurred from failing to provide passport information within the designated time frame.

This morning, say adiós to the Costa del Sol and hop on a northbound fast-speed train*** from Málaga to the capital city of Madrid, relaxing and enjoying the scenic ride. Then join a panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic center to see iconic sites like the Gran Via and Puerta de Alcala, and get the lay of this capital city. Tonight, experience a dinner with traditional entertainment at a local restaurant and discover the gorgeous Plaza Mayor.

***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.

The day is yours to explore this magnificent city. Take time to discover Madrid’s elegant boulevards and rich culture or visit one of its iconic museums, such as the Prado or Reina Sofia. Perhaps you will choose to join an optional excursion to the historic town of Segovia, with a guided walk to learn about its iconic Roman Aqueduct, massive 16th-century cathedral, and historic main square. Tonight, bid farewell to Spain and your fellow travelers during dinner at a local restaurant.

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