Spain's Proud Soul

Journey southwards through eastern France to the Brive-la-Gaillarde region. Arrival at the hotel in the evening for a first dinner together.

Onward journey across the Pyrenees into the Basque Country. Arrival in Bilbao in the afternoon, the former industrial city on the Nervión that has transformed itself over recent decades into one of Europe's most exciting cities. After checking in at the hotel, there is time for a first stroll or an aperitif in one of the typical pintxos bars.

On the city tour you will discover the many facets of Bilbao. The medieval old town of Casco Viejo, with its seven original streets, the neo-Gothic Santiago Cathedral and the lively market halls, reveals the historic soul of the city. On the opposite bank of the river, the spectacular architecture around Frank Gehry's world-famous Guggenheim Museum, with its curving titanium façades, is truly impressive. Those who wish to experience the museum's interior with its works of contemporary art can do so in the afternoon (optional).

A longer stage through the wide landscapes of Castile takes you to the Spanish capital. Arrival in Madrid in the afternoon and check-in at the centrally located hotel. The evening is at your leisure.

Madrid is both regal and down-to-earth. The city tour begins at the famous Puerta del Sol, the geographical and symbolic centre of Spain, and leads to the magnificent Plaza Mayor with its arcades. Along the Gran Vía, Madrid's glamorous boulevard, you reach the Mercado de San Miguel, one of Europe's most beautiful cast-iron market halls. The highlight of the day is the visit to the Royal Palace. With over three thousand rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe and houses opulent halls, a famous collection of weapons and paintings by Goya and Velázquez. In the evening, a typical tapas meal invites you to immerse yourself in Madrid's cuisine (optional).

In the morning, visit Toledo, the former capital of Spain, where Christians, Moors and Jews lived side by side for centuries. The guided tour through the narrow lanes of the old town leads to the imposing Gothic cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings on the Iberian Peninsula, and to the Synagoga del Tránsito, a quiet witness to Jewish culture in Spain. In the afternoon, onward journey to Granada. Dinner together awaits you at the hotel.

For many, Granada is the emotional heart of a trip to Spain. The city tour takes you to the lively Plaza Nueva, into the mysterious Calle Elvira with its Oriental-style tea rooms and along the picturesque Carrera del Darro, one of the most beautiful streets in Spain. The absolute highlight follows with the visit to the Alhambra. The fairytale palace complex of the Nasrid sultans is part of humanity's most precious heritage. Filigree stucco work, babbling fountains, intricate mosaics and gardens with water features tell of the splendour of Moorish Spain.

You leave Andalusia and travel eastwards to the Mediterranean coast. Valencia, the country's third-largest city, welcomes you with mild sea air and a Mediterranean way of life. Dinner together awaits you at the hotel.

City tour of Valencia in the morning. The elegant Town Hall Square and the imposing cathedral reveal a city full of history and Mediterranean ease. At lunchtime you have the opportunity to try Valencia's signature speciality: an authentic paella with a glass of sangria (optional). In the afternoon, journey along the Mediterranean coast to the Costa Brava, where you will spend two nights (half board) right by the sea.

Today it's Barcelona. The city tour begins at Plaça de Catalunya and leads down the famous Rambla to the Mercat de la Boqueria, with its mountains of exotic fruit, fresh seafood and colourful stalls. You will wander through the medieval Barri Gòtic with its Roman remains and quiet courtyards, as well as the trendy El Born district. The highlight is the visit to the Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudí's religious masterpiece, under construction for over 140 years and still unfinished, fascinates with its unique play of light through the stained-glass windows.

You travel back to France across the Pyrenees. Arrival in the Lyon region in the evening, where you will enjoy a final dinner together.

Leisurely journey back to Switzerland, with pictures and impressions of an unforgettable trip through Spain's great cities, magnificent palaces and Mediterranean coastal landscapes in your luggage.