Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal 3 hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure for Madrid at 07:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1857. Upon arrival at 10:30 local time, our city tour of Madrid begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the country’s most visited cities thanks to its deep historical and cultural richness. On our city tour here, we will first see the Bullring (from the outside), Alcala Gate and Independence Square, the Cibeles Monument, the famous Grand Via, Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Train Station, the famous Prado Museum (from the outside), Plaza de Espana with the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the Royal Palace (from the outside), the 9-gated Plaza Mayor, and Sol Square. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Toledo Tour. (70 Euro) Toledo, located about 70 kilometers from Madrid, is a historic city under UNESCO protection that has hosted the different cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and bears traces of Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, and Christian civilizations. Known for its magnificent medieval architecture and cultural heritage, this open-air museum city will be explored through its historic narrow streets, Spain’s oldest cathedral, Toledo Cathedral (from the outside), churches converted from Andalusian mosques, and many more wonders. After the tour, we depart for Ecija. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Ecija is a historic city in southern Spain, located in the Andalusia region and belonging to the province of Seville. Often referred to as the “Peacock of Andalusia” or the “City of Towers,” Écija is known for its rich Baroque architecture and magnificent historical buildings. In Roman times, the city was known as “Astigi” and was an important center of the Hispania Ulterior province. It also served as an important cultural and economic center during the Umayyad period in Andalusia. Today, while walking through the streets of Écija, one can feel the historic atmosphere filled with elegant palaces, churches, and tall bell towers from the Baroque period. Especially the 18th-century churches of Santa María and San Juan are among the finest examples of Baroque art. For travelers interested in history, art, and traditional Andalusian architecture, Écija is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As you wander through the narrow streets of the city, it is possible to find traces of both Roman and Islamic periods. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Barcelona. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the vibrant, enchanting capital of the Catalonia region, renowned worldwide. Bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, this magnificent city offers a unique blend of history, art, culture, and entertainment. With its majestic architecture, colorful streets, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors every year. The city resembles an open-air museum adorned with the unique works of Antoni Gaudí. During our city tour, we will see the Sagrada Familia Church, the Christopher Columbus Monument, La Ramblas Street, Spain and Catalunya Squares, the Bullring, and the Olympic Port. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Poble Espanyol & Montjuïc Hill tour. (30 Euro) We begin our tour by visiting Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), built for the 1929 World Fair and today a popular destination for visitors to Barcelona, consisting of 117 buildings, streets, and squares. Here we will see sample structures from different regions of Spain, walk through streets reflecting the architecture of various Spanish regions, visit fascinating craft workshops, and take a short journey across all of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to artisans working in ceramics, glass, leather, jewelry, and other handicrafts. Afterwards, we go up Montjuïc Hill, which offers much more than a panoramic view of Barcelona. This area, where history, culture, and nature come together, was transformed by hosting major events such as the 1992 Olympic Games. After our photo break, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Treasures of Northern Catalonia (Girona & Figueres & Dalí Museum) tour. (70 Euro) Our first stop on the tour is Girona. Located in northeastern Catalonia, about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona, Girona is a historic city known for its medieval narrow streets, historical buildings, museums, churches, and walls. On our tour here, we will see the Lion Statue, Cathedral Square, and the famous Jewish Quarter (El Call). After the tour, we continue to Figueres. Figueres is a city located northeast of Girona and known as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. The city is closely associated with the life and works of the famous Spanish painter Salvador Dalí. The most important tourist attraction in Figueres is the Salvador Dalí Museum. Dalí founded this museum in the place where he was born to leave something behind and exhibit his works. Today, it has the largest Dalí collection, and because Dalí designed every part of it, it is regarded as Dalí’s greatest work. The museum contains more than 4,000 works created by Dalí using different techniques. After the tour, we return to Barcelona. Guests who wish may join the optional Gaudí’s Magnificent Masterpiece (Park Güell) & Gothic Quarter tour. (50 Euro) Our first stop is Park Güell. One of Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent works, Park Güell is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Known as a fairy-tale park, it creates a magical atmosphere with its colorful stairs and whimsical pavilions. After seeing this splendid work by Gaudí, our second stop is the Gothic Quarter. In the Gothic Quarter, you can feel the enchanting atmosphere of the Middle Ages with its narrow, labyrinthine streets, Gothic churches, romantic squares, and Roman walls. Among the most important structures in the district are Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial (Royal Square), Plaça del Rei (King’s Square), and La Rambla. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Valencia. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Valencia is a historic and modern city on Spain’s eastern coast, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia attracts visitors with its rich history, culture, and art. On our city tour, we will see the City Hall, Gothic Cathedral, Bullring, City of Arts and Sciences, Mercado Central (Historic Market), and the Old Silk Exchange. After the tour, transfer to our hotel, room check-in, and free time. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Granada is a history- and culture-filled city located in the heart of the Andalusia region. Granada is famous for its historical heritage, music and dance, breathtaking views, and the Alhambra Palace. The city is one of Spain’s leading tourist destinations and welcomes millions of visitors each year. During our city tour, we will see Gran Via Street, Bib-Rambla and City Squares, Granada Cathedral (from the outside), Madraza, Granada’s first university, the Silk Bazaar, and the old Nasrid Caravanserai. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Alhambra Palace Tour. (80 Euro) (There is a daily visitor limit at the Alhambra Palace, and depending on availability, the palace visit may also be conducted without the harem section. It is important that you inform your agency of your participation in this tour during reservation.) One of Granada’s greatest treasures, the Alhambra Palace is one of the most stunning and impressive examples of Andalusian Islamic architecture. One of the most visited historical sites in Spain, the Alhambra is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known worldwide. This famous structure was begun in the 13th century as a fortress and palace on the Sabika hill overlooking Granada, and construction continued until the 15th century. Due to the red color of the clay used in its construction, it was named Alhambra, meaning “the Red.” After the tour, transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Neighborhoods (Albaicín and Sacromonte Gypsy Quarter) tour. (60 Euro) Albaicín is a historic and enchanting district of Granada. This area, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and scenic hills. It bears traces of Andalusian Islamic culture and architecture and reflects Granada’s history. After the tour here, we will watch a Gypsy show in handmade cave dwellings while enjoying a drink and observing their way of life. After the tour, return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Seville. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Seville is a city famous for its historical and cultural richness, located in the Andalusia region of Spain. During our city tour in Seville, situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, we will first see Maria Luisa Park, which includes Plaza de España, and Plaza America, the Seville Cathedral (from the outside), where Christopher Columbus’s tomb is located and which is the third largest cathedral in the world, and right next to the cathedral, the Giralda Minaret, the last remaining part of the mosque built on the site of the cathedral and bearing the memory of the Umayyad State in Andalusia, as well as the Alcázar (from the outside), the palace of the Castilian kings. Then, passing through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all maritime expeditions to the Americas were kept from the time of exploration until the 19th century, we will reach the narrow old streets of Santa Cruz, the district known as “Old” Seville. At the end of our walk, after seeing the Torre del Oro, also known as the Golden Tower, a former tobacco factory and today the campus center of Seville University and a naval museum, we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Flamenco Fire Tour. (55 Euro) Seville is one of the birthplaces of flamenco and is considered one of the most important centers of flamenco culture in Spain. You will be fascinated as you watch flamenco dancers during our flamenco evening. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Grand Cities (Cordoba & Mijas & Malaga) tour. (140 Euro) Cordoba is a historic city located in the Andalusia region of Spain. It is famous for its historical and cultural richness, impressive architecture, and structures bearing traces of Andalusian Islamic culture. After a 1.5-hour journey, we arrive in Cordoba, where the Guadalquivir River welcomes us first. We will enter the city by walking across the historic Roman Bridge and through the Roman Gate. The city’s most magnificent structure, one of the largest mosques in the world, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, rising on 850 columns, will be visited with our guide, who will provide fascinating information as we admire this magnificent work. After our tour of the Mosque of Cordoba, we continue on foot, seeing the spotless old streets, the old inn, and the houses of Cordoba that reflect the elegance of Andalusian architecture. After the tour here, our second stop is Mijas, a charming and traditional mountain town in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, in southern Spain, known especially for its whitewashed houses. Located close to the Costa del Sol coast, Mijas stands out with both its sea view and historical atmosphere. Mijas Pueblo, the historic part of the town, offers a postcard-perfect view with its narrow streets, balconies decorated with flowers, and whitewashed houses in typical Andalusian architecture. Although the origins of the town go back to Ancient Rome and even the Phoenicians, its current appearance was largely shaped during the Muslim period of Andalusia. One of Mijas’s most remarkable points is the small bullring built on the hilltop and the ruins of Mijas Castle. After the tour, our final stop is Malaga. In the tour of Malaga, the city where the famous painter Pablo Picasso was born, we will see Paseo del Parque, Plaza de la Merced, the Jewish Quarter, Constitution Square, Larios Street, Puerto Marina (Harbor), La Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Ecija. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the airport at the time determined by the guide. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, depart for Istanbul at 18:40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1300. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:55 local time, and the end of the tour.