ISTANBUL (IST) - MADRID
Meeting with our valued guests at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, at least 3 hours prior to departure. After completing ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will depart for Madrid on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight TK 1857 at 07:05, arriving in Madrid at 10:30 local time. Upon arrival, we will leave the airport and begin our city tour of Madrid. Our tour starts at Plaza Mayor, a grand square featuring 136 buildings with 437 balconies opening onto courtyards; historically, bullfights and executions by the Inquisition were watched from these balconies. Other highlights include Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city; Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace addresses the public; the Puerta de Alcalá, built as an entrance gate to showcase the city's wealth; Gran Via, renowned for its covered rooftops; Plaza Colón; Cibeles Square and its fountain; and the Monument to Cervantes. Following the tour, we will transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation.
MADRID-TOLEDO-MADRID
After breakfast at our hotel, we will embark on a tour of Toledo and its Cathedral. Toledo, the capital of the Castilla-La Mancha region located 70 km southwest of Madrid, is undoubtedly one of Spain's most historically significant cities. With traces of every civilization that has ever graced Spanish soil, it offers visitors unforgettable memories. Perched on protected, steep cliffs encircled by high walls and surrounded by the Tagus River, Toledo has always been a city of great importance throughout history—from the Romans to the Visigoths, from Al-Andalus to the Kingdom of Spain. Until the late 15th century, Toledo also served as the center of Judaism on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, it houses numerous important structures, including Europe's oldest surviving synagogue, dozens of churches converted from mosques, and the magnificent cathedral where Spain was once religiously governed. In essence, Toledo is a living mosaic where three Abrahamic faiths and their peoples have intertwined for centuries. Before the imperial capital was moved to Madrid in 1561, Toledo remained the political, cultural, commercial, and military heart of the nation. It also inspired Cervantes' immortal masterpiece Don Quixote, much of which takes place within this city and its surroundings. For all these reasons, Toledo has earned its place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. During our visit, we will see iconic sites such as the famous viewpoint offering a breathtaking, picture-perfect view of the 16th-century cityscape, San Martín Bridge, San Juan Monastery, the Jewish Quarter, Santo Tome Church, Santa Maria Cathedral Square, the main shopping street featuring everything unique to the city, and Zocodover Square, the central hub of Toledo. In the free time following the tour, you can savor Mazapán, a traditional almond paste specialty of Toledo, and try Manchego, Spain's world-renowned aged sheep's cheese named after the region. As souvenirs, you may explore traditionally crafted swords, knives, and accessories made using medieval techniques—Toledo being the historic home of the finest steel, even featured in Hollywood films. Additionally, you can purchase intricate wirework items known as Damascening (Damasquinado), a craft inherited from the Andalusian period, adorned with delicate gold wires forming exquisite motifs. After the Toledo tour, we will proceed to the Segovia & Outlet Tour. This excursion includes visits to Segovia and Ávila, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon crossing the 11th-century walls of Ávila, we will explore its old town, viewing the exterior of the cathedral, visiting the interior of San Vicente Basilica, Plaza Mayor, and the birthplace of Santa Teresa de Jesús. Following this, we will head to Segovia, where we will admire the massive Roman aqueduct, the façade of Segovia Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and the magnificent Alcázar of Segovia—a castle reminiscent of the fairy tale setting of Snow White. Afterward, we will visit Las Rozas Village, the largest outlet center in the region. After enjoying some free time for shopping, we will return to our hotel in Madrid. Overnight stay at our hotel.
MADRID-ZARAGOZA-BARCELONA
After breakfast, we will depart for Barcelona. Along the route, we will take a tour of Zaragoza, visiting the Ebro River, the Pilar Cathedral (the city's central cathedral), La Seo Cathedral, San Pablo Church, Plaza España, and the Pilar Bridge. Barcelona, the capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and Spain's second-largest city, is renowned for the magnificent works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Thanks to these masterpieces, it attracts a number of tourists four times its own population. Following our tour, we will transfer to and arrive in Barcelona. Our panoramic city tour will include La Sagrada Familia, also known as "The Unfinished Church," Spain Square, Gaudí's Houses (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà), Catalunya Square, La Rambla Street, and Port Olímpic. After the city tour, we will transfer back to our hotel. We will have free time until the time determined by our guide, followed by another transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
Barcelona
Following breakfast at the hotel, our tour of Girona and Figueres will commence. We begin in Girona, the region's wealthiest city, nestled along the banks of the Onyar River and reminiscent of Florence at first glance. This charming medieval town, with its narrow streets and cathedral, is also famous as the filming location for the movie Perfume. Our panoramic tour will include the Lion Statue, Cathedral Square, houses with mezuzahs, the Jewish Quarter, La Rambla, and renowned shops. After some free time, we set off towards the city of Figueres, accompanied by views of the Pyrenees Mountains. The town possesses such an inspiring atmosphere that it has served as a lifelong source of inspiration for the boundary-defying artist Salvador Dalí, admired by people worldwide. Here, we will visit the museum house personally decorated by the renowned surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. In this museum, where each artwork is valued at millions of dollars, we will explore pieces depicting his immortal love, Gala, alongside his mind-bending masterpieces. Following our visit, we will transfer back to our hotel for overnight accommodation.
BARCELONA – ISTANBUL (IST)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Following ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, departure on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight TK1854 at 12:10 to Istanbul. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 16:40 local time, marking the end of our tour.