Unforgetable Spanish Experience 5*

About the destination: Marbella is one of the most representative tourist venues in the Mediterranean and a top favourite for travellers thanks to the high quality of the facilities and services it provides. This city was a small white village of fishermen and now is one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol in Spain. The city also has a significant archaeological heritage, several museums and performance spaces, and a cultural calendar with events ranging from reggae concerts to opera performances. Inaugurated in May 1970, Puerto Banús in Marbella has become the focus of national and international tourist interest. This place is one of the main focal points for tourists in the town, houses an exclusive leisure area inside the excellent facilities of its marina. The reservoir of La Concepción is located in Sierra de las Nieves. Despite having been imposed in the valley by the hand of man, it has served to create a unique place where you can enjoy a wide variety of biological resources.

About the destination: Granada is a province of southern Spain, in the eastern part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is bordered by the provinces of Albacete, Murcia, Almería, Jaén, Córdoba, Málaga, and the Mediterranean Sea (along the Costa Tropical). Its capital city is also called Granada. The province covers an area of 12,531 km2 (4,838 sq mi). Its population was 919,455 as of 2014, of whom about 30% live in the capital, and its average population density is 72.41/km2 (187.5/sq mi). It contains 170 municipalities. The Alhambra World Heritage Site, Granada's biggest tourist attraction, showcases one of the very finest architectural legacies of Moorish rule in Spain, which in Granada lasted from 711 until 1492. There are Roman Catholic cathedrals at Granada and Guadix. The Royal Chapel of Granada houses the remains of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504) and Ferdinand II of Aragon (1452–1516); as well as of their daughter Joanna of Castile (1479-1555) and of her husband Philip the Handsome (1478-1506).

About the destination: Córdoba, nestled in the heart of Andalusia, is a city where Roman, Islamic, Jewish, and Christian histories weave together in a remarkably walkable old town. Its star attraction is the Mezquita-Catedral, a former mosque whose forest of red-and-white arches and tranquil courtyard of orange trees create an unforgettable atmosphere. Step inside to see the astonishing blend of Islamic architecture and a later inserted Renaissance cathedral nave, a striking symbol of the city’s layered past. Beyond the Mezquita, Córdoba’s historic centre is a maze of whitewashed lanes, flower-filled patios, and hidden plazas. Wander through the Jewish Quarter (Judería), where you’ll find one of the few remaining medieval synagogues in Spain, as well as traditional craft shops and tapas bars. Don’t miss Calleja de las Flores, a tiny alley framed with potted geraniums and one of the city’s most photographed spots, especially with the bell tower rising in the background. The Guadalquivir River frames the city’s southern edge, crossed by the Roman Bridge, which is especially atmospheric at sunset when the skyline glows golden. On the far side of the bridge, the Calahorra Tower hosts a small museum with panoramic views. A short bus or taxi ride away lies the archaeological site of Medina Azahara, the ruins of a vast 10th‑century palatial city that once showcased the power of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Food is an essential part of the experience here. Sample salmorejo, a thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho often topped with ham and boiled egg, and flamenquín, a rolled, fried pork dish typical of the region. Visit in May to see the famous Patios Festival, when residents decorate their courtyards with hundreds of flowers and open them to visitors, turning the entire city into a living celebration of colour, fragrance, and local pride.

About the destination: Seville has a unique hue, this vibrant city is brimming with enchanting traditional architecture in shades of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir flows roughly north-south through Seville. The majority of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana is on the west bank. At midnight, spontaneous singing, clapping and guitar playing fill pubs and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes evident. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, throngs of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to ignite the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unremarkable; you must go inside to grasp its scale. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the spiked spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air capable of hypnotising and if you know how to experience it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Barcelona is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It's the capital and biggest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona and is home to around 4.8 million people, making it the fifth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid, and Milan. It's one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the tallest peak of which is 512 metres (1,680 feet) high.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, radiates art from every brick. Considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe, this cosmopolitan port is vibrantly modern yet it clings to its vast historic past. The palm-lined Paseo el Parque will lead you beneath Alcazaba, a Moorish palace whose fortified walls enclose fragrant gardens and an archaeological museum. The towering Gibralfaro Castle crowns a nearby hill, with outstanding views of the sprawling city below. Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum that, aside from an impressive artistic heritage, offers educational activities and cultural events. Málaga deserves a good night visit: don't miss a good stroll along the harbour where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars) and enjoy the illuminated Alcazaba, which watches over the city from Mount Gibralfaro.