Andalusia + Madrid + Barcelona + Marbella

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.

About the destination: The Muslim rulers of Granada adored and adorned this provincial capital. Ignore the low apartments of Granada and look up: the majestic clay-red Alhambra palace looms against the Sierra Nevada, Europe’s sunniest ski slopes. And the refreshing coastline is also nearby. The Alhambra, the red one in Arabic, is an Islamic monument of universal fame and unfaded grandeur, built on a hill covered with splendid woods and gardens. The numerous courtyards and rooms inside the palaces of the Casa Real are among the finest examples of Mudejar art and architecture. Constructed after the Reconquista of Granada to replace the mosque on the site, the Cathedral of Granada is the first purely Renaissance cathedral in Spain. The Royal Chapel, reached by a separate entrance, contains the elaborate tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella, along with Isabella’s splendid private art collection. South of the Cathedral is the Albayzin, the old Arab quarter, a set of winding alleyways with Moorish-style archways decorating the walls. Granada is famous for its holy week celebrations, which include festivities and processions. For less cultural diversion, stick to the student pubs around the university.

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: Welcome to Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain! As the capital city, Madrid is a mesmerizing blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking to experience the local lifestyle, Madrid offers a plethora of activities and sights that will undoubtedly captivate your senses. Begin your journey at the iconic Puerta del Sol, the bustling central square that serves as the perfect starting point for any exploration. From here, you'll find yourself just a short walk away from some of Madrid's most significant landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll to the Royal Palace, one of the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, and marvel at its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. Don't forget to visit Almudena Cathedral, located right next to the palace, which offers an impressive contrast of modern and traditional architectural styles. Art lovers should not miss the "Golden Triangle of Art," which includes the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Prado houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, while the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso's Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró. The Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an extensive collection that spans from the Renaissance to the modern era, providing a comprehensive overview of Western art history. No visit to Madrid would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Head to a traditional tapas bar and savor a variety of small plates, from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico. For a more substantial meal, try a cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew that's a local favorite. Top off your gastronomic adventure with a visit to one of the city's bustling mercados, such as Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Madrid's dynamic spirit and endless attractions ensure an unforgettable experience.

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: 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.

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: 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.