Direct Departure from Ankara: Magnificent Spain and Andalusian Cities, 7 Nights - with Ajet on October 24 (October 29 Special)

1. Day Istanbul – Madrid Meeting 3 hours before the flight at the AJet Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Ankara Esenboğa Airport. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure to Madrid on AJet Airlines flight VF605 at 12:10. Arrival at 16:05 local time, then our Madrid city tour begins with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the city’s most visited destinations thanks to its deep historical and cultural richness. On our city tour in Madrid, we will first see the Bullring Arena (from outside), Alcalá Gate and Independence Square, Cibeles Monument, the famous Gran Via, Bernabéu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Train Station, the famous Prado Museum (from outside), Plaza de España with the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the Royal Palace (from outside), the 9-gated Plaza Mayor, and Sol Square. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 2. Day Madrid – Toledo – Seville After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Seville. On the way, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Toledo Tour. (70 Euro) Toledo, located about 70 kilometers from Madrid, is a historical city that has hosted different cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and has been protected by UNESCO for preserving traces of Roman, Visigothic, Muslim, and Christian civilizations. Known for its magnificent medieval architecture and cultural heritage, this open-air museum city offers a tour through narrow historic streets, the Toledo Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain (from outside), churches converted from Andalusian mosques, and many other wonders. After the tour, we continue to Écija. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Écija is a historic city in southern Spain, in the Andalusia region, within the province of Seville. Often called the “Peacock of Andalusia” or the “City of Towers,” Écija is known for its rich Baroque architecture and magnificent historical structures. Known in Roman times as “Astigi,” the city was one of the important centers of the Hispania Ulterior province. It was also an important cultural and economic center during the period of the Umayyads in Andalusia. Walking through the streets of Écija today, one can feel a historical atmosphere filled with elegant Baroque palaces, churches, and tall bell towers from the 18th century. In particular, the Santa María and San Juan churches, dating from the 18th century, 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. After strolling through the narrow streets, it is possible to find traces of both Roman and Islamic periods. After the tour, we depart for Seville. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Seville is a historically and culturally rich city in the Andalusia region of Spain. During our city tour in Seville, we will first see Maria Luisa Park, where Plaza de España and Plaza América are located, Seville Cathedral (from outside), the third largest cathedral in the world, where Christopher Columbus’s tomb is also located, and right next to the cathedral the Giralda Minaret, the remaining part of the mosque upon which the cathedral was built and a legacy of the Andalusian Umayyad State, as well as the Alcázar Palace (from outside), the palace of the Castilian kings. Then, passing through the Archive of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the discovery era until the 19th century were kept, we will reach the narrow old streets of Santa Cruz, known as “old” Seville. At the end of our walk, after seeing Torre del Oro, or the Golden Tower, formerly a tobacco factory and now a maritime museum used as the central campus of Seville University, we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent 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. At the Flamenco night, you will be mesmerized while watching the flamenco dancers. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 3. Day Seville – Cordoba – Mijas – Malaga – Seville After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Cities (Cordoba & Mijas & Malaga) tour. (140 Euro) Cordoba is a historic city in the Andalusia region of Spain. It is famous for its historical and cultural richness, impressive architecture, and buildings that bear traces of Andalusian Islamic culture. After a 1.5-hour journey, we arrive in Cordoba, where the Guadalquivir River welcomes us first. We will cross the historic Roman bridge and enter the city 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 impressive information while we witness the grandeur of this magnificent work. After our tour of the Great Mosque, we continue on foot to see the clean old streets, the old inn reflecting the elegance of Andalusian architecture, and the houses of Cordoba. After the tour here, our second stop is Mijas, a charming and traditional mountain town in southern Spain, in the Málaga province of the Andalusia region, especially famous for its whitewashed houses. Located close to the Costa del Sol coast, Mijas attracts attention with both sea views and its historical character. Mijas Pueblo, the historic part of the town, offers a postcard-like scene with its narrow streets, balconies decorated with flowers, and whitewashed houses in typical Andalusian style. Although the town’s origins go back to Ancient Rome and even the Phoenicians, its present-day character was largely shaped during the Muslim period in Andalusia. One of the most striking points of Mijas is the small bullring and the ruins of Mijas Castle on the hill above the town. After our tour, our final stop is Malaga. In our Malaga tour, 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 (Port), La Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Écija. Overnight at the hotel. 4. Day Seville – Granada After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada. Upon arrival, our city tour begins. Granada is a city full of history and culture, 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 here, we will see Gran Via Street, Bib-Rambla and the Town Hall Squares, Granada Cathedral (from outside), Madraza, the city’s first university, the Silk Market, and the old Nasrid Caravanserai. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Alhambra Palace Tour. (80 Euro) (The Alhambra Palace has a daily visitor limit, and depending on availability, our visit to the palace may also be carried out without the harem section. It is very important that you inform your agency of your participation in this tour at the time of reservation.) The Alhambra Palace, one of Granada’s greatest treasures, is one of the most striking and impressive examples of Andalusian Islamic architecture. One of the most visited historical sites in Spain, the Alhambra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized worldwide. This famous work began to be built in the 13th century on the plain atop Sabika Hill overlooking Granada, as a fortress and palace, and construction continued until the 15th century. Due to the red color it took from the red earth used in its construction, it was called Alhambra, meaning “Red.” After the tour, transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Neighborhoods (Albaicín and Sacromonte Gypsy Quarter) tour. (60 Euro) Albaicín is Granada’s historic and enchanting neighborhood. 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 houses accompanied by a drink, while observing their way of life. After the tour, return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 5. Day Granada – Alicante – Valencia After breakfast at the hotel, we set off toward Valencia. On the way, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Alicante tour. (40 Euro) Alicante is a historical and touristic city located on the Mediterranean coast in southeastern Spain. An important settlement since ancient times, the city was first founded by the Iberians and later conquered by the Carthaginians and Romans. Known as “Lucentum” during the Roman period, the region remained strategically important throughout the Middle Ages. In the 9th century, Alicante came under Arab rule and experienced significant cultural and economic development, with city walls and irrigation systems built during this period. In the 13th century, it was conquered by the Castilians and came under Christian rule. Today, Alicante’s most prominent historical symbol is Santa Bárbara Castle, built by the Arabs in the 9th century and later expanded by Christians. The Old Town area (El Barrio), surrounded by historical buildings, reflects the traces of the past with its narrow streets, churches, and traditional houses. Alongside all this historical texture, Alicante also attracts thousands of tourists each year with its sunny climate, Golden Sand Beach (Playa del Postiguet), delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and colorful festivals. After the tour, we continue to Valencia. Valencia is a historical and modern city on Spain’s eastern coast, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia attracts visitors with its rich history, culture, and art. Upon arrival, our city tour will include the Town Hall, Gothic Cathedral, Arena, Museum of Arts and Sciences, the historic Mercado Central, and the Old Silk Exchange. After the tour, transfer to our hotel, check-in, and free time. Overnight at the hotel. 6. Day Valencia – Barcelona 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, captivating 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 magnificent architecture, colorful streets, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is like an open-air museum adorned with Antoni Gaudí’s unique works. During our city tour in this beautiful city, we will see the Sagrada Familia Church, Christopher Columbus Monument, La Rambla Street, Spain Square and Catalunya Square, the Bullring, and the Olympic Port. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Poble Espanyol & Montjuïc Hill tour. (30 Euro) Our tour begins with Poble Espanyol, built for the 1929 World Fair and still a popular destination for visitors to Barcelona, consisting of 117 buildings, streets, and squares. Here, we will see example structures from all regions of Spain, walk through streets reflecting the architecture of different parts of Spain, visit interesting craft workshops, and make a short journey through all of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to artisans working in ceramics, glass, leather, jewelry, and other crafts. Then we head to Montjuïc Hill, which offers much more than a panoramic view of Barcelona. This area, where history, culture, and nature come together, underwent transformation by hosting major events such as the 1992 Olympic Games. After our photo stop, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 7. Day Barcelona After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Magnificent Pearls of Northern Catalonia (Girona & Figueres & Dali Museum) tour. (70 Euro) Our first stop is Girona. Girona is a historic city in northeastern Catalonia, about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona, famous for its medieval narrow streets, historic buildings, museums, churches, and ramparts. During our tour here, we will see the Lion Statue, Cathedral Square, and the famous Jewish Quarter (El Call). After the tour, we head to Figueres. Figueres is a city located northeast of Girona and known as the birthplace of Salvador Dali. The city is closely associated with the life and works of the famous Spanish painter Salvador Dali. The most important tourist site in Figueres is the Salvador Dali Museum. Dali founded this museum here to leave something behind in the place where he was born and to exhibit his works. Today, it has the largest Dali collection and is considered Dali’s greatest work because every part of it was designed by Dali himself. The museum contains more than 4,000 works created by Dali using different techniques. After our tour, we return to Barcelona. Guests who wish may join the optionally arranged Gaudi’s Magnificent Creation (Park Güell) & Gothic Quarter tour. (50 Euro) Our first stop is Park Güell. One of Antoni Gaudi’s magnificent works, Park Güell is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as a fairy-tale park, it creates a magical atmosphere with its colorful stairs and imaginative pavilions. After seeing this magnificent work of Gaudi, 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. 8. Day Barcelona – Ankara After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the airport at the time determined by the guide. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, departure to Ankara on AJet Airlines flight VF608 at 14:20. Arrival at 20:20 local time, and the end of our tour.