Classic Spanish Grand Tour

About Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain and its largest city, is the seat of the government of Spain and the residence of the Spanish monarch. In short, Madrid is the political, economic, and cultural center of Spain. 

This city which never sleeps was built in the 16th century when Philip II, who disliked the capital Valladolid, decided to turn a remote, ancient village in Castile into a capital. Lying at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the Monzanares River flows through the city. Madrid is home to impressive architecture, leading international art museums, green parks, phenomenal food, and a lively nightlife. The Royal Palace Palacio Real serves as the official seat of the King of Spain. This huge palace, one of the largest Italian Baroque style palaces in Europe, is located on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Monzanares River. The palace contains thousands of art treasures, including paintings and wall murals, porcelain objects, musical instruments, and medieval weapons. There are breathtaking gardens surrounding the palace -the Sabatini Gardens to the north and the Campo del Moro Gardens at the foot of the hill on which the palace is located. Madrid’s large, Neo-Gothic style Santa Maria de la Almudena Cathedral is among the newest cathedrals in Europe, inaugurated in 1993 after over 100 years of construction. Madrid is a city with three famous museums. The Prado El, which began to be constructed in the 18th century, has a neo-classical façade and was intended to be a vast center for nature and science studies. It later became a museum with tens of thousands of works of art from the royal palaces of Spain. It has a huge collection of Spanish paintings, including works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco; Italian paintings by foremost painters such as Botticelli, Veronese, Caravaggio; and Flemish masterpieces by Hieronymus Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. The Reina Sofia Museum is housed in a building that was used as a hospital until the 18th century. It is home to an impressive collection of 20th century works, including cubism, surrealism, and realism, and a permanent collection with works by Salvador Dali, Juan Miro, and Pablo Picasso. The highlight of the museum is Picasso's famous masterpiece from 1937, "Guernica.” Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is the third famous museum in Madrid. It began in 1920 as an exhibit of the private collection of Baron Heinrich Thyssen- Bornemisza, who was a well-known collector. It is considered to be one of the most impressive private collections in the world. The museum was sold to Spain and opened to the public in 1992. Much of Madrid’s charm lies in its many public squares, each with its own character and beautiful parks and gardens. The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) square is a focal point of the city. It was built as a half moon decorated with two fountains and the equestrian statue of Carlos III (who built most of the squares in the city). The Bear and Strawberry Tree statues are attractions, as well, and have become symbols of the city. Today, the square’s central building is used by the Autonomous Community of Madrid. The square is known for its New Year’s Eve tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each chime at midnight. Plaza Mayor (Town Square) is in the heart of the old city. Originally used in the 15th century as the town market, it was established in the 17th century as a town square, and the 19th century equestrian sculpture of Philip III stands in the center. There are ten entrances to the square and nine gates. Plaza Mayor has historically been the scene of many events, including bullfights and soccer games, and today is the venue for the annual Christmas market. The Casa de la Panaderia, a municipal and cultural building on the north side of the plaza, has a beautiful façade and angular towers to its sides. Plaza Mayor is a thriving center of Madrid life both day and night with its cafes, restaurants, and bars. Plaza Oriente is built in the shape of a crescent with an impressive facade of the Royal Palace as its base. It is surrounded by flower beds, beautiful shrubbery, and statues of the kings of Spain. In the center, above an imposing fountain surrounded by lions, is the equestrian statue of Philip IV. In the rectangular Plaza Espania, a spacious square surrounded by trees, there is a large stone monument honoring one of Spain's greatest writers, Miguel Cervantes, and the two iconic characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The 18th century Plaza de Cibeles is one of the main squares in the city and is considered to be one of its most important symbols. The fountain in the square depicts the goddess Cybele sitting in a chariot driven by two lions. At one end of the square is the Madrid City Hall building. The Parquet del Buen Retiro is the green lung of Madrid. It was established as a royal garden with a summer palace, and its garden paths, fountains, lake, playgrounds, and cafes attract many visitors. The Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park, was created in the 16th century for the royal family and nobility and became a public park in 1931. It is a popular urban park and destination for both visitors and locals, especially on the weekends. The park contains lakes as well as an amusement park and a large zoo. Madrid is also a great shopping destination with its many colorful markets. The San Miguel Market is one of the most famous in the city with a wide variety of food, wine, and tapas stalls. San Ildefonso market is a food market, which, at dark, turns into a lively entertainment area with a stunning balcony and comfortable seating. The Platea Market, which used to be a theatre, bustles with restaurants, shops, bars, and bakeries. Anton Martin Market is a food market with cafeterias, restaurants, and even a flamenco school. Last but not least, be sure to visit Calle Gran Via, the busiest thoroughfare in Madrid with cinemas, shopping malls, international chain stores, and banks. If you’re a foodie, Madrid won’t disappoint! It has its own gastronomy as well as culinary specialties from all over Spain. Madrid’s many restaurants and cafes serve the famous bean stews, roast suckling piglet, Galician octopus, and the iconic Paella.

About Granada

Situated approximately 2421 feet above sea level, Granada is perched against the background of the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains while also being close to the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol. All these features, combined with its comfortable climate, make Granada an attractive destination for tourists.

Granada was the last stronghold of the Muslims in Spain, and the huge complex of remaining palaces, fortresses, and beautiful gardens – many declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites- are among the city’s highlights. The 13th century Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex which sits atop the hill above the city, reflects the splendor of Muslim rule in Spain, and is an unparalleled architectural gem. It is one of the most well-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, and it also contains remarkable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Nasrid palaces, Palacio Nazarias, built in the 14th century around the patios, are the heart of the Alhambra and great expressions of classic Moorish architecture. Arches, domes, wall murals, intricately decorated stucco walls, wooden ceilings, vividly colored tiles, and inscriptions in original Arabic calligraphy add to the grandeur of the palaces. Generalife, located on a hillside near the Alhambra palace complex, was the summer palace of the sultans of Granada. It is a villa with gardens surrounded by abundant orchards, and it includes beautiful terraced gardens, courtyards, ancient trees, and fragrant flowers. There are also narrow paths, pools, fountains, and water that flows from the melting snow on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. At the center of the complex is the pool patio - Patio de la Acequia (Patio of the Water Channel) – which is thought to be the oldest garden in the West. Pavilions, which provide a great lookout point for the impressive Alhambra complex, stand on both ends. El Albaicin, the old Moorish quarter of Granada, is situated on a hill facing the Alhambra and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Among the maze of narrow stone-paved alleys are the "Carmen Houses,” large walled villas with beautiful orchards and gardens. The fortifications, pools, fountains, gates, and Muslim houses are well-preserved. The construction of the grand Granada Cathedral in the center of the city was begun by Queen Isabella in the early 16th century on the site of the old mosque, and it lasted about 200 years. It was originally a Gothic building, and then became a Spanish Renaissance masterpiece. Its exterior structure is Gothic. The church’s interior combines Renaissance style with a Gothic floor plan - chapels at the side and an impressive, magnificent main chapel in the middle, a masterpiece by Siloe. The cathedral houses many ornaments and priceless treasures. The Capilla Real, the Royal Chapel of Granada, is one of the city’s most spectacular Christian buildings. Built in a magnificent Isabelline Gothic style, the Catholic kings ordered its construction in the early 16th century and requested that it be used as a mausoleum. It is the burial place of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand among other Spanish monarchs. The chapel is decorated with symbols of the kings' heroism and of the royal power, with beautiful wrought iron bars that enclose the two chapels. The chapel also houses a collection of invaluable art and historical objects including, Isabella's scepter and crown, Fernando's sword, and paintings by Flemish, Italian and Spanish artists. Along with its rich history and culture, Granada boasts a lively night life and abundant bars, cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants which are a magnet for visitors and students.

About Seville

It is also home to great art, outstanding architecture, colorful flamenco dancing – and let’s not forget its renowned tapas! 

Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain, and it is said to have been founded 2,200 years ago. Home to over 700,000 inhabitants, the city is situated in the lower part of the Guadalajara River, which originates in the northern mountains of Andalusia and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is full of beautiful churches, impressive monuments, and many charming streets and squares, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The historic Santa Cruz district is the heart of the tourist area and home to the Alcazar Palace - the fortified structure built in the 10th century by the Muslim kings of Córdoba. In the 11th century, the Muslim rulers of Seville added a palace in the western part of the Alcazar, and, in the 14th century, Pedro I added a residential palace for his wives and concubines. The Alcazar is a magnificent palace built in the Mudejar style, and one of the most beautiful in Spain. Also in Santa Cruz is the Seville Cathedral which is located where the Great Mosque stood in the 12th century. Converted to a Christian church in the mid-13th century, it is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and one of the last to be built in the Gothic style, clearly reflecting a Renaissance influence. There are two remnants of the original mosque – the iconic minaret, known as the Giralda (Bell Tower), and the Orange Patio with 66 orange trees. The historic Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and orange tree-lined squares is also located here, and today boast charming boutiques and shops selling crafts, ceramics, and other souvenirs. Seville is also home to green parks, and the most celebrated is Maria Luisa Park with its beautiful gardens and fountains. The park was designed for the International Exhibition in 1929, and it is adjacent to the famous Plaza Espania. Plaza de America is located in the park, as well, where the city’s magnificent archaeological museum is now housed. One of the most innovative and unique landmarks in the city is the Metropol Parasol (“the Mushrooms of Seville”), one of the largest wooden structures in the world. A modern architectural wonder, it consists of six parasols in the shape of mushrooms, and it combines an archaeological museum, a covered farmers' market, a public square, restaurants, and an elevated promenade. Alongside its rich history, Seville is a fun, bustling city with a lively nightlife, festive parades, and annual fairs – such as the Seville Fair (Feria de Abril) -that attract tourists from all over Spain. Don’t miss out on the renowned tapas – an integral part of the city’s culture, you’ll find tapas bars scattered throughout the city. With its rich history and culture, Seville is truly the place to experience authentic Spain!

About Salamanca

Salamanca, located in northwestern Spain near the Tormes River, is part of the regions of Castile and Leon, close to the Portuguese border. Home to the University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), it is a small, vibrant university town that attracts students from all over the world who come here to study Spanish.

In fact, the city has a long-standing tradition of being an important intellectual center as the university was founded in 1218 – the 2nd university in all of Spain and one of the oldest in the world. Its magnificent sculptured entrance, built in the 16th century, is an outstanding work of art with its fine detail, resembling delicate goldsmith's craft. With buildings made of golden stone, Salamanca has been nicknamed “the Golden City.” The city’s architecture has historical richness - narrow streets, charming buildings, decorated facades, domes, and pointed towers- earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status The main square, Plaza Mayor, was built in baroque style in the 18th century and is considered one of the most magnificent squares in Spain. Salamanca City Hall is in the center of the square with the clock tower above it. Other city highlights include the old Romanesque church, Cathedral Vieja, which dates back to the 12th century, the “new” Cathedral Nueva from the 16th century which is built in Gothic Renaissance and Baroque style, and the bell tower which soars high above and is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

About Bilbao

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which was designed by the famed Frank Gehry and has become the architectural symbol of the city due to its unique architecture, including over 33,000 titanium plates on its exterior. Inaugurated in 1997, the museum, with its unique avant-garde and futuristic look, put Bilbao on the world tourism map, attracting about 1 million tourists a year to see its modern and contemporary works. Thanks to the museum, the shipyards were taken out, the river was cleaned, and international architects built additional spectacular projects, including the airport that looks like a bird and the white Zubizuri Bridge (“White Bridge”), designed by Santiago Calatrava, that crosses the river. Other architectural highlights in Bilbao include the subway, designed by Norman Foster, and Alhondiga, a fascinating building that had served as a warehouse and has been transformed into an art and entertainment center with a library, cinema, auditorium, bars and restaurants- all designed by French architect Philippe Starck. The Puente de San Anton, the famous 14th century bridge, is another of the city’s icons, and Mercado de La Ribera is one of the most beautiful historic markets in Spain. The Palacio de la Diputacion (Delegation Palace), the seat of the executive branch of the government, is designed in royal baroque style and is famous for its stunning stained glass windows. Bilbao is also home to a wide variety of museums, such as the Euskal Museoa and the Arkeologi Museo which present collections from centuries past, and performing arts halls such as the Euskalduna Palace. Bilbao’s historic old city, dating back to the early 14th century, is full of narrow and interesting cobblestone alleyways with small shops and a collection of bars, restaurants, and wine bars. And be sure to partake of the dining scene in Bilbao- diverse and outstanding, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside family-run restaurants, all offering a range of mouthwatering Basque cuisine.

About Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the capital city of the Zaragoza province and of the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It is situated on the Ebro river, near the center of the region, in a valley with a variety of landscapes, ranging from desert to thick forest, meadows and mountains. The city is famous for its folklore, local gastronomy, and landmarks such as the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljaferia Palace. Together with La Seo and the Aljaferia, several other buildings form part of the Mudejar Architecture of Aragon which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fiestas del Pilar are among the most celebrated festivals in Spain.

About Barcelona

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

Barcelona is not only the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, but a leading international city, having major influence on global commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. It is an important cultural center, blending modernity and tradition. The city’s most famous landmarks include the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The center of the city and its heart is Placa de Catalunya, a charming square with statues and fountains, shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants. La Rambla, a bustling boulevard that connects Placa de Catalunya to the ocean, extends from the square. Also extending from the square is one of the city’s most prestigious boulevards, the Passeig de Gracie, where two of Gaudi’s iconic houses are located, the Casa Batllo and the Casa Mila- also known as La Padrera. One of Barcelona’s main highlights is the Church of the Holy Family - La Sagrada Familia – which was designed by Antonio Gaudi and to which he devoted much of his life. The church, which began construction in 1882 and is still not finished, is one of the city's most exciting and awe-inspiring sites. Not far from the church, at the end of Gaudi Avenue, is the Sant Pau Hospital, one of Lluis Domenech I Montaner’s most important architectural works. It is a large complex in which the buildings fit together harmoniously and are surrounded by magnificent gardens. The city’s Gothic Quarter, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is considered the historic heart of the city, and there are numerous city landmarks located within its narrow streets. The Sinagoga Major de Barcelona, which was the main synagogue in the Jewish neighborhood until the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, still remains, as does the 14th-15th century Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia. The historic palace, Palau de la Generalitat, is also found here and continues to function as the seat of the Government of Catalonia and the Presidency of the Generalitat. The 14th century Ajuntament City Hall building is another landmark in the Quarter. The Picasso Museum is housed in one of the Gothic Quarter’s elegant mansions, and the Palau de la Musica Catalana is a magnificent concert hall designed in Catalan modernista style by Lluis Domenech I Montaner in the early 20th century. There is a mountain overlooking the city known as Montjuic, the Jewish Mountain, a name derived from the medieval Jewish cemetery that is found there. Situated on the mountain is the National Palace, an enormous Italian-style building built in 1929, which today houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia as well as the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Espanyol tourist complex. Also located here is the Joan Miro Museum, a museum of modern art dedicated to the famous Catalan artist who initiated its establishment of the museum and donated many of her works. Just beneath Monjuic, you’ll find Placa de Espana, Barcelona’s largest square. The square had once been used as an entrance gate to the museum and today is a center for fairs and exhibits. The Font Magica provides fun entertainment in the evening as the illuminated fountain shoots jets of water, which change shape and color, 164 feet high – all accompanied by great music. Barcelona is also home to some outstanding parks. In the center of the city is the Parc De La Ciutadella, a green oasis with a large central fountain, statues, and an artificial lake with row boats. On the park’s grounds you’ll also find the zoo, the Catalan Parliament building which today houses the Modern Art Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Cascada, a large triumphal arch. Park Guell, located in the García district atop a hill, is one of the city's most intriguing sites and a unique example of creative environmental design. Originally intended as a private residential area with 60 single-family homes, the project was unsuccessful, and it became municipal property in 1923. Though not complete, it is one of Antonio Gaudi's best-known and most imaginative works. The buildings are coated with colorful ceramic fragments whose combination throughout the garden creates a mosaic of shapes. Along the beautiful stairway at the entrance gate, you’ll see one of the park’s most famous features: the huge, mythological dragon– or salamander. At the top of the stairs is La Placa, a square with a colorful, rolling bench covered with ceramic fragments and spectacular views of the city. Tibidabo is the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola, and, at its peak, is the Sagrat Cor Church. Adjacent to it is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a historic theme park with modern attractions, events, shows, and panoramic views. Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe and the home field of FC Barcelona. It includes a museum and a visitor’s center. Markets are another important feature of life in Barcelona and a great place to feel the city’s vibe. The 13th century Boqueria Market, located off the famous Rambla and a popular tourist destination, is filled with the sites, smells, and sounds of a bustling city market. In addition to fresh, delicious produce, you’ll find fresh fish, cheeses, juices, Catalan sausages, and other local delicacies – as well as numerous bars and restaurants. The San Antonio Market located in the Eixampla area is one of the largest in Barcelona, combining stalls, restaurants, and bars alongside clothes, books, and stamps for collectors. The Encants flea market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 13th century, and a place to find diverse and unique art, crafts, gifts, fashion, and more. Not far from Catalonia Square is El Nacional, a charming restaurant complex where you’ll find many traditional dishes from the Iberian Peninsula. Established in 1870 as a theater, the building served other purposes before undergoing a massive renovation and opening in 2013 as a luxurious and well-designed entertainment complex in the heart of the city. And there’s more – Barcelona is also home to shopping centers, an extensive and delectable restaurant scene, and a vibrant night life. To sum up, Barcelona – an innovative, cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean flair- shouldn’t be missed!

Classic Spanish Grand Tour

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