Spain for seniors: relaxed trip to Barcelona, Andalusia & more

Madrid

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid!

Upon your arrival at the international airport in Madrid, transfer to your hotel for check-in and take time to rest after your journey. The start of your 13-day itinerary through Spain begins here!

In the evening, set out for a comfortable walk through the buzzing Puerta del Sol square and the surrounding neighborhood. Marvel at the sights by night, gazing upon the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, the statue of Charles III, and the 16th-century buildings that line the plaza, before returning to your accommodation for the night.

Madrid

Day 2: Take a private tour of the capital

A capital city filled with regal charm and grandeur, Madrid never fails to stun and surprise. Today, you'll dig deeper into what it has to offer as you embark on a private guided tour through the city.

Explore icons such as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, the Palacio Real with its beautiful gardens, and Gran Vía - a vibrant and popular street known for its shopping and entertainment thrills. Optionally, foodies can plan to visit a tapas bar for dinner, where you'll get a taste of the local flavors as you immerse yourself in a lively and authentic atmosphere.

Madrid

Day 3: At leisure in Madrid

Enjoy the day in Madrid at your own pace, with a selection of optional activities available to help you explore the best of this culturally-rich capital. You could head into the depths of Retiro Park, an expansive green space that's perfect for leisurely strolls and boat rides. Elsewhere, surround yourself with the delightful chaos of El Rastro, a local flea market, where you could go in search of old treasures to bring home with you. The day is free for you to spend however you wish, so make the most of it!

Madrid - Seville

Day 4: Journey to Seville

Leaving Madrid behind, today you'll travel on to Seville by high-speed train, a journey of just under three hours. Sit back and relax, soaking in the views as you make your way from central Spain down to the southern delights of Andalusia.

Upon arrival into Seville, transfer to your hotel for check-in, with some time afterwards to rest and relax after your travels. You'll head back out in the evening, to witness a dynamic and immersive flamenco show at a local tablao.

Seville

Day 5: Explore sun-warmed Seville on foot

Today you’ll join a walking tour to explore the many wonders of Seville on foot. You'll make a stop at the Alcázar, a stunning royal palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where lovers of history and architecture can dive into its long past and intricate features. Next, ascend to the top of the 12th-century Giralda bell tower for sprawling city views; a reasonable fitness level is needed for this activity, though its combination of sloping ramps and only 17 steps makes for a fairly gentle climb.

You’ll also visit the Seville Cathedral, another UNESCO-listed marvel of huge architectural and historical significance, before strolling through Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter. Optionally, you could also visit the Plaza de España for a leisurely stroll, a boat ride on the pond, or a break to simply relax in the shade of its trees.

Seville

Day 6: At leisure in Seville

Enjoy the day at your own pace, uncovering the sights of Seville that you most want to see. You've a selection of optional activities to choose from: you could walk through the bustling Mercado de Triana to discover local produce, seafood, and traditional foods in the heart of the Triana neighborhood. Alternatively, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Andalusian dishes, such as gazpacho or paella. However relaxed or active you wish to be, the options for a wonderful day are all at your fingertips!

Seville - Ronda - Granada

Day 7: Journey to Granada via Ronda

Say goodbye to Seville, as you check out of your hotel after breakfast for a private transfer or train journey to Granada, located up to three hours away.

Along the way, make a stop to visit Ronda, a mountaintop spot perched atop the steep gorge of El Tajo, which separates the city's old town from its new town. Cross the ancient bridge and take a moment to snap a few photographs of this iconic architectural display, before continuing on to Granada - home of Moorish marvels in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Check into your hotel and rest, before heading back out for an evening stroll through the Albayzín neighborhood, with enchanting views of the Alhambra by night.

Granada

Day 8: Dive into Moorish history in Granada

Good morning, Granada! You have a fantastic program of activities in store today: first, pay a visit to the Alhambra, a Moorish palace complex that showcases Islamic architecture and history at their finest. Explore the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens on a guided tour, for an enriching experience of these iconic grounds.

Next, continue your tour with a visit to the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel, before indulging in an olive oil and tapas tasting at Granada Central Market. You'll then have the rest of the day free to explore some more, or rest at your accommodation.

Granada

Day 9: At leisure in Granada

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Granada. You could relax at a local cafe or explore the streets of the Realejo district, the old Jewish quarter where age-old history comes alive. Optionally, pay a visit to the Arab baths for a traditional hammam experience, concluding your stay in Granada with a most relaxing activity.

Granada - Barcelona

Day 10: Journey on to Barcelona

This morning, pack your bags and check out, bidding farewell to Granada as you transfer to the airport to board a plane to Barcelona - a flight time of approximately 90 minutes. You'll be heading from southern Spain straight up to the autonomous community of Catalonia, near the French border.

Upon arrival at the airport in Barcelona, transfer and check into your hotel, then take time to relax after your journey. Once you're feeling up to it, head back out for a leisurely stroll along La Rambla, a famous street filled with shops, performers, and cafes. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Catalan restaurant, before retiring to your hotel for the evening.

Barcelona

Day 11: Explore architectural gems in Barcelona

Today, the many marvels of Barcelona await! First up, you'll visit the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's iconic basilica in the stylish Eixample district. Explore Park Güell, another of the Spanish artist's masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Optionally, take some time to wander through the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and visit the Cathedral of Barcelona. For a dive into the city's heritage, artisanal wares and cultural heart, you'll find no better area to explore.

Barcelona

Day 12: One last day of exploring

You'll have this last full day to spend at leisure, with the option of planning an excursion to Montserrat, a mountain monastery known for its natural beauty and religious significance.

Visit the Basilica of Montserrat and see the famous Black Madonna, then enjoy a light hike to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, head to a local winery for a tour and wine tasting session; you'll sample cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine, before returning to Barcelona in the late afternoon.

The evening is free for you to explore more of Barcelona’s nightlife, or simply relax at your hotel, basking in a flurry of new and wonderful memories.

Barcelona

Day 13: Goodbye, Spain!

Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Barcelona. If the weather permits, why not suit up and savor some R&R time on the beach?

Finally, transfer to the international airport in time for your flight home - safe travels and visit again soon!