9 days Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid
Let yourself be charmed by the sunny Andalusian lifestyle and discover the culture, cuisine, and history of southern Spain. Explore Costa del Sol’s beaches, boutiques, and cafés during a 5-night stay in the seaside town of Fuengirola. Immerse yourself in Andalusian culture during a visit to the picturesque, whitewashed village of Ronda. Tour and experience the vibrant energy of the capital city during a 2-night stay in Madrid. Revel in the magic of this unique region, from the sparkling waters of the Costa del Sol to the cosmopolitan elegance of Spain’s historic city centers.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight | 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. |
| 2 | Costa Del Sol | 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. |
| 3 | Costa Del Sol | 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. This afternoon, enjoy lunch in the welcoming home of a local resident. After some free time, return to Fuengirola where the sunset beckons a relaxing ending to the day. |
| 4 | Costa Del Sol | 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. After some free time to explore on your own, head back to Fuengirola and gather for dinner at a local restaurant. |
| 5 | Costa Del Sol | 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. |
| 6 | Costa Del Sol | 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. |
| 7 | Madrid | 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. |
| 8 | Madrid | 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. |
| 9 | Madrid | Your tour comes to a close today. Reflect on the warmth and spirit of the Costa del Sol as you journey home. |