Jewels of Spain

Day 1 - UK - Albir

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Valencia or Alicante. On arrival, transfer to the locally rated four-star Hotel Kaktus Albir for a four-night stay. The hotel sits on the seafront between Benidorm and the historic town of Altea and offers a buffet restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and gym.

Day 2 - Guadalest

This morning, travel into the mountains to visit Guadalest, one of the most photographed villages in Spain. The Moors founded the settlement in the 11th century, carving it dramatically into a rocky outcrop high above the valley below. Walk through a tunnel cut into the rock to reach the old town, where whitewashed houses cling to the hillside and sweeping views open across the turquoise reservoir. Explore narrow streets, browse local craft shops and enjoy time at leisure before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3 - Valencia

Travel approximately two hours to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. The Romans founded Valencia in 138 BC, and over the centuries it grew into one of the Mediterranean’s most important trading hubs. It’s blend of Roman, Gothic and ultra-modern architecture makes it one of Spain’s most distinctive cities. A guided tour introduces the historic heart of the city, including Valencia Cathedral – home to what many believe to be the Holy Grail – and the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture that reflects Valencia’s 15th-century golden age of trade.

Day 4 - Albir

Enjoy a day at leisure in Albir. This quieter stretch of the Costa Blanca offers a pebble beach promenade, cafés and small shops within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 5 - Albir - Murcia - Águilas

Depart the Costa Blanca and travel south to Águilas in the region of Murcia. En route, stop in Murcia for an orientation walk and free time. The Moors founded the city in the 9th century and introduced advanced irrigation systems that still support agriculture in the region today. After lunch, continue to the locally rated four-star Senator Águilas Hotel. Águilas began as a Roman fishing port and later became an important 18th-century naval base. Today, it is known for its relaxed seafront setting and beaches. The 128-room hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar free Wi-Fi and has direct access to the beach.

Day 6 - Águilas

Join an included orientation walk of Águilas this morning to become familiar with the town centre, marina and nearby amenities. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or explore independently.

Day 7 - Lorca

Travel inland to Lorca, once a frontier city between Muslim and Christian kingdoms. Its strategic position shaped centuries of conflict and cultural exchange. Visit the imposing Fortaleza del Sol Castle, which dominates the skyline, and explore the archaeological park. Visit the former synagogue – discovered as recently as 2003 – and the Embroidery Museum to learn about Lorca’s spectacular Easter Week processions, declared of International Tourist Interest.

Day 8 - Cartagena

This full-day excursion follows the coast to Cartagena. Founded by the Carthaginians in 227 BC and later developed by the Romans, the city became one of the Mediterranean’s most important naval ports due to its sheltered natural harbour. Visit the Roman Theatre, uncovered in 1988, and explore the Castillo de la Concepción, a 12th-century Moorish fortress built on earlier Roman foundations. Layers of Carthaginian, Roman and Spanish naval history remain visible throughout the city.

Day 9 - Águilas

Enjoy a free day. Relax by the pool, walk along the promenade, visit the small archaeological museum or enjoy a coffee in the main square.

Day 10 - Águilas

Another day at leisure to enjoy the coast, revisit favourite spots or explore further at your own pace.

Day 11 - Águilas – Mojácar – Sorbas – Salobreña

Travel west into Andalucía, where Moorish architectural influence remains evident in whitewashed villages and historic hilltop towns. Stop in Mojácar, located above the Mediterranean coast before continuing to Sorbas, situated above a ravine, before stopping for lunch in the Tabernas area – recognised as Europe’s only true desert and a filming location for numerous classic westerns. After lunch, continue to Salobreña, to the locally rated 3-star hotel Hotel Salobreña for four-night stay. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this hotel offers some of the best views along Andalusia’s Costa Tropical. Despite its tranquil and secluded location, the hotel's complimentary shuttle services make it a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool, a buffet restaurant, a seasonal pool bar, and an indoor TV lounge with comfortable sofas and armchairs.

Day 12 - Salobreña

Salobreña town is developed around its Moorish castle, which crowns the hilltop and once served as a royal prison for Nasrid sultans. The old quarter rises in steep, winding streets above the coast – a classic Andalusian scene. The town later prospered through sugar cane production, introduced during Moorish rule.

Day 13 - Granada

Travel to Granada, set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and once the last Moorish kingdom in Spain. Visit the Royal Chapel of Granada (Capilla Real), the burial place of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand sitting alongside the 16th-century cathedral. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 14 - Lecrin Valley

Lecrín Valley is an agricultural region between Granada and the coast whose valley is known for citrus groves, olive trees and small villages. It supports more than 300 species of wildflower and has long benefited from irrigation systems introduced during Moorish rule. Enjoy a guided tour of the area and take in the rural scenery.

Day 15 - Salobreña - Málaga - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.