Southern Route Experience: Authentic Andalusia, Starting in Valencia (2025)

Day 1: Madrid - Alarcon - Valencia

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!Leaving Madrid in the morning, we’ll travel towards Castilla La Mancha. On our way, we’ll stop in Alarcón, a charming town with impressive medieval walls, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, where we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide of Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, which beautifully blends modernity with history. Highlights include the city center, the fish market, the cathedral, and the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, as well as the modern districts. A traditional dinner will be included. Note: If the number of travelers from Madrid to Valencia is limited, the trip may be carried out by high-speed train, skipping the stop in Alarcón.

Day 2: Valencia - Denia - Benidorm

After breakfast, we’ll depart along the Mediterranean coast towards Denia, renowned for its beautiful harbor and expansive beaches. We’ll visit its impressive Arab-era castle (admission included) as well as the Toy Museum, one of the most comprehensive in the country, showcasing toys dating back to 1904. You’ll have free time to stroll around its picturesque harbor, explore the old town, and enjoy lunch. Denia was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.In the afternoon, we’ll continue our route south along the coast. We’ll stop at Cabo de San Antonio, one of the easternmost points of the Iberian Peninsula, where cliffs over 150 meters high offer stunning views of Javea and its bay. We’ll then arrive in Benidorm, an iconic vacation city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and towering skyscrapers. The old town retains a traditional charm that contrasts with the modernity of the newer areas. Accommodation will be here.Note: During periods of high demand, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town.

Day 3: Benidorm - Guadalest - Jijona - Valencia

Today, we’ll explore the interior of the Valencian Community. Our first stop will be Guadalest, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the region, known for its charming old town and stunning views, and recognized as a Historic-Artistic Site. We’ll then continue to Alcoy, a city famed for its impressive modernist buildings, such as the Circulo Industrial de Alcoy and the Town Hall, reminders of its significant industrial past. The city is also renowned for its Moors and Christians Festivities, which celebrate its medieval history.Afterward, we’ll head to Jijona, where we’ll visit the Turron Museum to learn about the history and production of this delightful sweet, a hallmark of Christmas desserts in Spain. We’ll then proceed to Bocairent, where you’ll have time for lunch and the opportunity to savor local dishes, with a special focus on regional products and meats. After lunch, we’ll explore this picturesque town, set amidst cliffs and renowned for its beauty. We’ll stroll through its narrow medieval streets and visit the unique caves carved into the rocks, which once served as storage for wheat, wine, and oil. These caves are now cataloged as a Site of Cultural Interest in Spain. We’ll continue our journey to Valencia, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Valencia

In the morning, we’ll depart for the nearby town of Tavernes Blanques, home to the original factory and museum of the legendary Lladró porcelain house. We’ll visit the Lladró Museum (admission included), which displays historical pieces of decorative porcelain, and observe master craftsmen demonstrating their production process. We’ll then continue to Sagunto to explore its main points of interest, where we’ll see a blend of ancient remains, including the Roman Theater and the Castle. We’ll delve into the city’s history through its various buildings and feel the passage of time etched into its stones. After a break for lunch, in the afternoon, we’ll visit Buñol, internationally famous for La Tomatina festival. We’ll explore its old town, dominated by its beautiful castle, and return to Valencia in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Valencia

In the morning, we’ll drive to Cullera and visit the Fallas Museum, where we’ll admire a representative collection of Fallas, the spectacular satirical monuments made of wood and papier-mâché that are placed in the streets and burned as torches during the most iconic festival in Valencia. Next, we’ll ascend the mountain overlooking the city to explore its Arab castle, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Afterward, we’ll continue to La Albufera, one of the largest freshwater lagoons in Spain, and a Natural Park home to significant populations of aquatic and migratory birds. We’ll explore this unique environment with a boat ride (included). Lunch will be in a traditional farming village, where you’ll have the chance to see the historic barracas (traditional Valencian farmer houses), and enjoy a paella, Valencia’s signature dish. We’ll return to Valencia, with arrival expected around 4:00 p.m. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Day 6: Valencia - Alicante - Caravaca de la cruz - Granada

We’ll continue our journey to the enchanting city of Alicante. Here, we’ll have time for a leisurely walk along the picturesque coast. After lunch, we’ll travel to the Murcia region to visit Caravaca de la Cruz, recognized as a Holy City by the Roman Catholic Church, the church here holds a relic of the Cross. We’ll include a ride on the tourist train to the historic area. Our adventure will then lead us along beautiful roads as we make our way to Andalusia, concluding the day in the vibrant city of Granada, where dinner will be included.

Day 7: Granada

We’ll enjoy a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we’ll explore the majestic Alhambra Palace and its stunning Generalife Gardens, both masterpieces from the Arab era. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to discover the city, including the cathedral that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It´s essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.

Day 8: Granada - Nerja - Frigiliana - Malaga

We’ll enjoy spectacular scenery as we cross the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Our journey will then take us along the Mediterranean, through the so-called Costa Tropical, where the mild microclimate year-round allows the cultivation of tropical fruits and crops such as guavas, mango, and avocado, and in the past, sugar cane. We’ll stop in Nerja, a charming coastal village with impressive cliffs. Next, we’ll head to Frigiliana, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia, with its steep streets lined with whitewashed houses, where you’ll discover charm in every corner. Our journey will continue to Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, known for its many museums, as the birthplace of Picasso, and the unfinished cathedral La Manquita, meaning in English “The One-Armed Lady”. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore the city center, or if the weather allows it, you can enjoy a visit to the beach for a swim.

Day 9: Malaga - Puerto banús - Ronda - Setenil de las bodegas - Olvera - Jerez de la frontera

We’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful stages of the trip, travelling through the Andalusian White Towns and mountain ranges. We’ll leave early in the morning for Puerto Banús in Marbella, one of the most luxurious marinas in Spain, famous for its yachts and high-fashion boutiques. After a stroll, we’ll continue to Ronda, a picturesque town perched on the Tajo gorge. You’ll have time to explore, and enjoy a traditional lunch before visiting the bullring (included), one of the oldest and most spectacular in Spain (admission included). Our journey will then take us to Setenil de las Bodegas, a marvelous white village with houses built into the rock, and onward to Olvera, known for its Moorish castle, neoclassical church, and balconies filled with flowers, a classic Andalusian scene. We’ll include admission to the castle and the museum. We’ll arrive in Jerez de la Frontera in the evening, where we recommend a stroll through the historic center and enjoying tapas in the tabancos.

Day 10: Jerez de la frontera - El puerto de santa maría - Cádiz - Seville

Located in the heart of Andalusia, Jerez is famous for its wine tradition, equestrian culture, and flamenco. After breakfast, we’ll photograph the exterior of the Moorish Alcázar and visit the Andalusian Flamenco Center, a symbol of Jerez’s cultural identity. Next, we’ll visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (admission included) to see the harness museum and watch the training of Andalusian horses. Our journey will continue to Puerto de Santa María, a town renowned for its wines and seafood, where we’ll visit the Bodegas Osborne for a wine tasting (admission and tasting included). After some free time, we’ll take a boat to Cádiz for a half-hour crossing. You’ll have free time to explore this ancient city, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its cathedral and charming historic center. In the afternoon, we’ll cross the magnificent bridge to Seville, arriving by the end of the day.

Day 11: Seville - Palos de la frontera - Huelva - El rocio - Seville

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Italica (admission included), an ancient Roman city where emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born. We’ll visit its amphitheater, which once held 25,000 spectators, as well as its baths and mosaics. Next, we’ll head to Palos de la Frontera, from where Columbus´ ships set sail for America in 1492. We’ll visit La Rábida Monastery, where Columbus secured support for his expedition, and the Wharf of the Caravels (tickets included), where we’ll see replicas of his ships. There will be time for lunch in Huelva. In the afternoon, we’ll follow the Atlantic coast, near the Doñana National Park, renowned for its biodiversity. We’ll stop in El Rocío, a village famous for its pilgrimage and rural charm, where we’ll visit its sanctuary and enjoy views of Doñana. We’ll return to Seville in the evening.

Day 12: Seville

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll see the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

Day 13: Seville - Córdoba - Consuegra - Madrid

We’ll leave Seville, following the Guadalquivir Valley to Córdoba, famous for its past as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba in Islamic times. We’ll visit its great Mosque-Cathedral with a local guide (tickets included), walk through the old neighborhood with its famous patios full of flowers, and enter the Old Synagogue (tickets included). After lunch, we’ll leave for Castilian lands. We’ll make a stop in Consuegra, where 12 giant windmills next to the castle overlook the La Mancha plain. We’ll visit the Rucio Mill and head to Madrid at the end of the day.Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful and lasting memories.Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.