Southern Spain Itinerary for Seniors: Uncover Spanish Beauty

The bustling city traffic and energetic pedestrians begin in the morning hours and quicken in pace with each passing hour. Taxis wind sharp bends around major downtown plazas, and street vendors sell souvenirs in front of charming cafes and fountains.

You will touch down in Madrid at the Barajas International Airport, where you will be met by private transport. Momentarily, you will be weaving through the frenzied streets of Spain's capital city. During your transfer, you can catch wafts of churros and the intoxicating aromas of hot chocolate. Waiters will call out to passersby to entice them with the restaurant's daily specials, and shortly, you will arrive at your five-star accommodation in the heart of Madrid.

Once you have checked into your room, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure before you venture into the city for an afternoon of self-guided exploration. You can begin in the Plaza del Sol, where you will witness the beautiful clocktower in addition to the street marker signifying the origin of all major Spanish highways. Later, as the sun begins to set and you have worked up an appetite, you can walk to the illustrious Plaza Mayor, which is a hotbed of activity that hosts a plethora of dining options. As you settle in at an outdoor patio along the plaza's perimeter, you can listen to the soothing serenades of local bands while you bite into the tantalizing sweet saffron flavors of Spain's world-renowned paella.

What's Included:  airport transfer, accommodation, dinner

Today, in the early morning hours, you can enjoy a light breakfast and creamy cafe con leche before indulging in your day’s activity. You can converse with locals before returning to your hotel, and here, you will meet your expert guide for a tour of many of the city's highlights. You will first begin at the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of Spanish royalty. As you enter alongside your expert guide, you will marvel at the gold-leafed gates and the stunning views of the outstretched city. You will walk along the decadent halls of the palace's interior before ambling through the beautiful garden.

Afterward, you will traverse the high-end avenue of Gran Via, which is a shopper's paradise and center of prestige. After a fifteen-minute walk, you will happen upon Parque El Retiro, which is a picturesque oasis of greenery among city concrete and skyscrapers. Your guide will lead you through the park to marvel at the luscious foliage and charming pathways. As time allows, you can even indulge in a paddleboat ride around the park's central lagoon. Finally, you will visit the internationally acclaimed Queen Sofia Museum art museum, where you can see the works of such famed artists like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

What's Included: accommodation, tour, breakfast

This morning, you will embark on your journey to the enchanting region of Andalusia. Known for its laid-back attitude and hospitable locals, Andalusia is also saturated in historical and cultural intrigue.

You will wind through the flat plains of the outer Madrid region en route to your first destination of Cordoba. Home to ancient architecture and a unique blend of culture and religion, Cordoba also notches a mark in many people's calendar during the month of May. During this time, the city hosts a beautiful flower festival in which the white stucco buildings of the city are adorned with bright yellow and pink flowers that are highlighted against their backdrop. Still, the most captivating of all Cordoba's attractions is La Mezquita, which is an extraordinary architectural design that includes a traditional Islamic mosque and Roman Catholic cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is treasured as an example of the regional religious blend that has come to life.

You will begin your visit of Cordoba alongside your guide as you enter La Mezquita. High arches frame the ceiling, and each one is adorned with red and white stripes. Afterward, you will enter the interior, where gold adorns a central altar and ceilings shoot up as part of the Roman Catholic cathedral. In the afternoon, your guide will lead you into Cordoba's downtown, where you can admire charming neighborhoods like the historic Jewish Quarter. Here, you can indulge in some souvenir shopping in addition to perusing artwork of local artisans before settling in at an outdoor cafe for a delectable dinner of rich local flavors.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

The land of savory tapas and soulful flamenco beats waits for you in the lovely city of Granada. Nestled in the foothills of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountain range, this Andalusian town is one that is steeped in vivacious culture and passionate traditions.

You will journey from Cordoba to the undulating terrain of Granada today. Upon your arrival, you will settle into your luxurious accommodation in the center of the city. As you breathe in the fresh air, you will smell the intoxicating aromas of Granada's sweet saffron spices and natural herbal teas, and by the early afternoon, you will set out to the streets to become better-acquainted with the city. After a quick peek inside the Granada Cathedral, you will peruse the Alcaiceria market, which is a beautiful open-aired shopping area that is outfitted in 16th-century style. Later, you will continue to Plaza Bib-Rambla, where locals gather around a fountain for conversations over a warm cup of coffee.

Finally, you will return to the Plaza Nueva, where you will meet up again with your expert guide to partake in a fascinating tapas sampler event. As a group, you will visit a variety of the city's most beloved tapas bars, and in Granada, you will find culinary delicacies to suit every palate: artisanal cheese, seafood, olives, and cured ham. You will pair the bite-sized delights with a refreshing glass of red wine or locally sourced beer as your guide teaches you about tapas history and culture.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

As the sun draws higher in the sky, the air will fill with acoustic melodies. For breakfast, you can indulge in a large slice of toasted bread that is topped with sweet marmalade or tomato paste.

Today, you will peek into Granada's riveting past as you walk the halls of the La Alhambra palace. As you enter the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will learn about Moorish rule in Granada that lasted over seven hundred years. While the Moorish Empire was dissolved in 1492, its influence is still imbued throughout the city. You will begin your tour of the palace alongside your guide at the Palace of the Ambassadors. Then, you will be led to the Palace of the Lions and Mexuar. Brightly colored tiles adorn every wall, and the sun’s rays sneak through geometric patterns on the palace ceiling. You will make one final stop at the Garden of Lindajar before exiting the palace and exploring the extensive gardens that are known as Generalife. Here, perfectly manicured lawns, expertly coiffed hedges, and brightly colored flowers will provide you with idyllic views of the city.

In the afternoon, you will return to your hotel to rest and enjoy a bit of self-exploration. Then, as the sun begins to set, you will have the thrilling opportunity to attend an authentic flamenco show in the hillside caves of Granada's Albaicin neighborhood. You can clap along to the staccato beats as dancers feverishly tap their heels to passionate ballads.

What's Included: accommodation, tour, breakfast

The following morning, you will set out for Sevilla, which is the land of bullfighting, ferias, flamenco, and horseback riding. Locals are beloved for their laid back attitudes and welcoming hospitality, and it is no wonder that siestas are also an integral part of local culture. Regardless, you can grab a cold cana and sit back as you admire the city's beauty. You will depart from Granada around mid-morning and arrive in Sevilla a few hours later. Your private transportation will bring you to your luxurious accommodation. Here, the streets will be alive with daily activity as couples indulge in a romantic ride through the city in horse-drawn carriages. Nearby, visitors will gather in lines in eager anticipation of some of the cities most coveted UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On your first day in Sevilla, you will begin your city tour at the Plaza de Espana. This site was built in 1928 and exudes opulence and prestige. Beautiful tile work adorns serpentine-like benches along the plaza's perimeter, and a central moat flows through the plaza grounds. If time allows, you can even indulge in a short horse-drawn carriage ride around the plaza's perimeter. Afterward, you will stop at the Torre del Oro, which is located along the Guadalquivir river. Now used as a maritime museum, the Torre del Oro was originally built as a military watchtower. At the top, you will spot the vibrantly bold facades of the Triana neighborhood across the river. Lastly, for the day, you will return to downtown Sevilla, where you will venture inside the city's grand cathedral. While the gold-leafed interior is truly stunning, the outer architecture is absolutely breathtaking. Most notably, what has become the cathedral's bell tower was once a minaret that was used during Muslim rule of the region.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

Citrusy aromas of Sevilla's beautiful orange trees will waft in your direction as you listen to the pattering of horse hooves along the brick streets. Pigeons will swoop down to pick up bread crumbs that have been sprinkled by energetic children nearby. You can start your morning off with a light breakfast in downtown Sevilla.

On your second day in the city of Sevilla, you will visit the Royal Alcazar. This internationally acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site is a primary example of Moorish architectural and aesthetic influence in the city. As you enter the gates alongside your expert guide, you will be struck by the high arches and mosaic tile walls that consist of vibrant turquoise, reds, yellows, and oranges. A massive garden spans far beyond the palace gates, and you will be provided with a private tour of the premises that will have you breathing in the sweet aromas and snapping photographs of the iridescent plants and flowers.

After an authentic lunch of delectable tapas delights, you will travel on foot to Sevilla's bullfighting ring, which is one of the most revered in the country. For centuries, locals have come from near and far to witness one of Spain's oldest traditions. You will follow an expert guide around the premises before stepping onto the arena. Then, for those who are interested, you will have the opportunity to attend an authentic bullfighting show the same evening.

What's Included: accommodation, tour, breakfast, lunch

On your last full day in Spain, you will wander to the illustrious city of Malaga, where the light ocean breeze mutes the toasty summer temperatures. Ocean waters are almost always shimmering as beachgoers flock to the sandy shorelines for a relaxing day. Meanwhile, in Malaga's city center, couples and families walk along the enchanting brick streets of the iconic downtown area.

You will travel a few hours to reach Malaga. Soon, you will settle into your luxurious accommodation with magnificent views of Malaga's beaches. Then, your expert guide will meet you in front of your hotel for a day of exploration. First, you will begin at the Alcazaba, which is a fortress that sits majestically on top of the city's downtown area. You can traverse the halls as you marvel at panoramic city views of the city. Later this afternoon, you will visit the Picasso Museum. Since Malaga is the hometown of this beloved and world-famous artist, some of his most prized masterpieces have been donated to this museum by his family. Just down the road, you can pass Picasso's childhood home as well. Lastly, you will travel along the shoreline to the sparkling Costa del Sol, and here, you can lay out your beach towels alongside the locals or dip your toes into the soothing ocean waters.

As the sky begins to soften with the warm hues of sunset, you will enjoy a lovely farewell dinner along the Costa del Sol. You will be served Spain's most famous dish of paella, which is an intoxicating blend of rice, vegetables, saffron, chicken or seafood that is served on a massive cast-iron skillet for the whole table to share. As you look out on the methodically lapping waves, you can cheers with a sweet glass of sangria.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

In the morning, after you have packed your bags, you will enjoy a final few relaxing hours in Malaga's downtown. You can shop for local handicrafts and pick out the perfect souvenirs for family and friends back home. Then, you will enjoy a final creamy cafe con leche before returning to your hotel around mid-morning.

Shortly afterward, you will be met by your private transport who will accompany you the Malaga's international airport. From here, you will connect to your international flights home.

What's Included: airport transfer, brunch