The Mountains & Mediterranean Marvels of Spain (Starts Madrid) 2024

• Revel in the ruins of a Roman settlement at Segóbriga

Today starts with a visit to the former Roman city of Segóbriga. Travel back in time as you explore one of the most important archaeological sites of the Spanish Meseta.

After you’ve wondered at the well-preserved ruins of the amphitheatre, public baths and temples, you’ll travel south to Belmonte.

Here you’ll have free time here to try out some local Spanish delicacies for lunch before a visit to Castillo de Belmonte. This magnificent 15th-century castle is known for its unusual design, with a triangular courtyard and a six-pointed star shape.

Back in Cuenca, you can admire natural wonders and see dinosaurs at the Paleontological Museum if it’s open. Or, you can scroll through your images from the day over tapas and red wine before enjoying a well-earned rest. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segóbriga and Entrance to Castillo de Belmonte

Optional Activities: Entrance to Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

• Savour the flavours of the wines and cuisines of the region
• Relish paella at its birthplace in Valencia

You leave Cuenca and travel to the fascinating town of Alcala del Júcar. Built deep into natural caves, it’s located on a rocky slope between the castle and Júcar river. Here you’ll have time for lunch.

Later on, you head to a winery in Requena for an included wine tasting which will invigorate your taste buds. The delicious beverage has been produced in this area since at least the 7th century BC, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You then travel to Valencia; the home of paella, laid-back nightlife, awesome architecture, and your accommodation for the next three nights. (B)

Included Activities:  Requena wine tasting

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Learn about Monastic life at the Monastery of Santa Maria
• Roam through the unique wetlands of Albufera Natural Park

Today, your journey takes you on a half day trip that combines monastic knowledge with fantastic nature spots.

In the morning, you’ll visit the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig (ticket included). This large building combines cloisters with defensive structures and has been used as a temple, a school, and even a prison.

It’s now time to explore the rice paddies that gave birth to the paella in the Albufera Natural Park. You have the chance to take an optional boat ride or spend your time spotting the unique flora and fauna around the large freshwater lagoon. You’ll also have time here for lunch.

You arrive back in Valencia in the afternoon and discover more about the city on an orientation tour.

Use the evening to either enjoy the city’s famous nightlife or prepare for the next day of your adventure. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig and Orientation tour of Valencia

Optional Activities: Boat ride in Albufera Natural Park

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Lose yourself in the history and narrow streets of Xàtiva

Xàtiva, the town of ‘a thousand fountains’ lies upon the slopes of Monte Vernissa. A castle crowns the hills, and the location is famous for ancient paper production, educational institutions, and the notorious House of Borgia. This morning, you travel here and start off with visiting the castle, orientation tour and free time to delve deep into all this history. The ticket to the fortress is included in your tour.

You’ll then embark on a journey to the lovely town of Cullera. You’ll have free time here to soak up the sun on one of the long sandy beaches or take in the panoramic views from the castle vantage point. The emblematic medieval structure dates back to the 13th century.

Your return to Valencia in the afternoon and can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Xàtiva Castle

Optional Activities: Guided city walk and tapas experience in Valencia

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Admire a fusion of artistic and architectural styles in Sitges

You depart Valencia in the morning and make your way to the seaside town of Peñiscola. This place is known as the ‘City in the Sea’ and boasts a castle built by the Knights Templar. Choose to visit the fortress, which stands on the highest point of the peninsula, and admire the panoramic coastline. Or take a dip in the tranquil seas to cool off. You’ll also have time here for lunch.

A little further along the Mediterranean coast, your journey takes you to Sitges. A happening cultural hotspot, a menagerie of modernist architecture, and a few fascinating museums make this a great preparation for the big city.

You arrive in Barcelona in the evening. (B)

Optional Activities: Entrance to the Papa Lunas Castle in Peñiscola

Accommodation: Abba Sants Hotel or similar, Barcelona

• Stare in awe at the works of Antoni Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism
• Let your hair down and enjoy the beach life

Today, you have a free day to explore Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. This cosmopolitan city has it all: fabled architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and a world-class dining and drinking scene.

If you’re an art lover, marvel at the eccentric style of Gaudí’s finest masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia*.

Sun worshippers can laze around in the enchanting Park Güell before taking the plunge in the Mediterranean Sea on one of the city’s beaches.

Foodies may feast on hearty paella and tasty tapas and head to Mercat de la Boqueria food market for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

The evenings and nights hold limitless possibilities in Barcelona. But don’t get too carried away in bars and clubs because you continue your tour tomorrow. (B)

*This UNESCO-heritage site is very popular, so please book your ticket in advance.

Optional Activities: Ticket for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

Accommodation: Abba Sants Hotel or similar, Barcelona

• Marvel at sculptures and mountainous scenery at the monastery of Montserrat
• Delve into Lleida, one of the most ancient towns in Catalonia

It’s time to contrast the bravado of Barcelona with the serrated peaks of Montserrat. This majestic mountain with strangely shaped crags is home to a Benedictine Monastery and one of Spain’s most venerated statues of the Madonna and Child. At your stop here, you can enjoy lunch, contemplate the life of monks and hermits, and explore the magnificent basilica.

You continue deep into the mountains of Catalonia and visit Lleida. This is one of the oldest towns in the region and is steeped in Roman history. It’s a little off the beaten track and you have time to discover its castle and cathedral.

As the evening settles in, you arrive in Huesca. You overnight here for two evenings and have plenty of time to amble around the medieval streets discovering the many churches and façades of this hilly town.

Optional Activities: Entrance to Montserrat Monastery and a choice of activities at Montserrat including cable car to the top of Montserrat and opportunity to watch the performance of the Montserrat Boys Choir

Accommodation: Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

• Let the perfect panoramas of the Pyrenees take your breath away
• Step back in time and discover the ancient walls of Jaca

Put on your adventure hats and get ready for nature. This morning, you travel to Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to the Monte Perdido National Park.

From here, you explore crumbling cliffs, forests of oaks and pines, and vertical views up to 1,700 metres tall. There may be a little walking involved, so make sure you’re wearing good footwear. It’s worth it to see a few of the most scenic views in all the Pyrenees.

You leave Torla behind and head through the mountains to Jaca. Here, you can explore the perfectly preserved ‘star-shaped’ fortress, find out about the regional cuisine of Aragón, and tick off more quintessential Spanish cathedrals.

You travel back to Huesca and arrive in the early evening. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

• Survey a fusion of Islamic and Gothic style architecture at the Aljafería Palace
• Gaze at gorgeous Goya paintings in Zaragoza

Zaragoza in Aragón looks as enchanting as it sounds. You travel here in the morning and have tickets to the 11th-century Aljafería Palace included in your tour.

After you’ve admired the patterned porticos of the beautiful palace, you have free time to explore the city. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings; history geeks can seek out Roman remains; and foodies can sample chireta, a local and delicious haggis type dish.

You then travel to Tarazona. This town boasts medieval Mudéjar style architecture: a glorious fusion of the ancient Muslim and Christian aesthetic ideals. Your neck will ache from all the staring up in wonder.

You arrive in Haro in time for your first glass of local La Rioja red wine. This wine-soaked village is your overnight location for three evenings. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Aljafería Palace

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

• Tantalise your tastebuds with the regional flavours of the Basque Country

Today, you explore the Basque country, a land of curious customs, incredible coasts, and fabulous flavours.

Your first stop is San Sebastián, a foodie heaven with the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. You have time here to grab lunch and check out the beautiful blonde beach.

You travel back inland to Pamplona. This town is famous for San Fermin, ‘the Running of the Bulls’. Fortunately, you aren’t going to have to run anywhere, instead you can stroll around the town’s splendid fortress walls and relax.

In the early evening, you travel back to Haro. (B)

Optional Activities: Entrance to La Rioja Museum

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

• Take in the rustic villages and rolling green hills of La Rioja region
• Sample famous La Rioja wine from the place it’s produced

In the morning, you embark on a scenic ride amongst the gentle hills of La Rioja region to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can wander the network of medieval streets or take the opportunity to visit the cathedral.  

A visit to the La Rioja region wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local produce and your next stop is a family run winery, for wine tasting and snacks.

From here you continue to the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Cross the medieval bridge over the Ebro river and take in the amazing views over the valley from the castle.

In the afternoon, you arrive back in Haro with time to rest and do whatever you please. (B)

Included Activities: Visit and tasting at Bodegas Lecea, a Rioja winery

Optional Activities: Entrance to Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

• Cherish the stunning Cathedral of Burgos
• Stroll the exquisite grounds of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

You wave goodbye to La Rioja and travel to the region of Castile and León.

Your first stop is in Burgos, where you have a few hours to admire one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Spain and check if the local flavours can compete with your favourite dishes from La Rioja and the Basque regions.

You’ll have free time for lunch in Aranda de Duero, a paradise for lovers of fine wine and food. 

You head further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Your included ticket to this stunning structure lets you wander through the rooms of Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’ and wonder how much the gardening bill must be for its gorgeous grounds.

As the sun sets, you arrive in the country’s capital, Madrid. (B)

Included Activities: Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

Accommodation: Hotel Porcel Ganivet or similar, Madrid