Iconic Spain Tour & Italy, Croatia, Slovenia Cruise

Flying to Madrid

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding your flight to Madrid. On arrival in the Spanish capital, check in to the central hotel for two nights, located on the famous Gran Via street. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Close by are Puerta del Sol and three world-renowned art galleries: the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Prado and the Reina Sofia. This evening, you're free to dine independently.

Exploring historic Madrid

A guided sightseeing tour by coach and on foot, taking in Madrid's main sights, historical buildings and El Retiro park. Continue past the magnificent Palacio Real. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, visit world-class museums, relax in sun-drenched plazas or return to El Retiro.

Meals: Breakfast

Uncovering Seville on a guided tour

Travel by First Class rail into Andalucía, arriving in Seville for a two-night stay. After checking in and free time for lunch, embark on an afternoon guided tour through the historic Santa Cruz district and the impressive Gothic cathedral, the largest in Europe. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A free day in Seville

Free to continue exploring Seville at your own pace. Highlights include the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar, and the Museo de Bellas Artes. As the birthplace of tapas, Seville offers countless bars and restaurants. You might also enjoy a flamenco show in the Old Town this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

The Moorish city of Granada

Travel by coach to the station in Seville, then board a train to the Moorish city of Granada for a two-night stay. Begin explorations with a sightseeing tour of the Albaicín Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour, explore at leisure, Moroccan-style tea gardens, bohemian bars, craft shops and the Mirador de San Nicolas. Dine independently this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Experiencing Granada's Alhambra

Visit the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Alhambra on a guided tour. Walk through outstanding palaces with intricate carved wooden ceilings, colourful mosaics and astonishing plasterwork, and enter the beautiful 14th-century Generalife. Transferred back to the hotel with time to relax before an authentic Andalucían dinner at a traditional restaurant with views of the illuminated Alhambra.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A guided tour of Córdoba and La Mezquita

Travel by coach to Córdoba after breakfast. Check in and find lunch independently before a guided tour of the city. Cross the Roman Bridge, visit the Mezquita mosque-cathedral, and explore the narrow streets of Córdoba's historic Jewish Quarter including its ancient synagogue. Dine independently this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Arrival in Barcelona

Travel by First Class high-speed rail to the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Arriving in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore independently, Gaudí's Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are nearby, as are the Gothic Quarter, Picasso Museum, botanical gardens and Park Güell. Dine independently this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Touring Barcelona & a private dinner

A guided tour of Barcelona by coach and on foot: view the exterior of Sagrada Família, walk along Las Ramblas and end in the Gothic Quarter. Free time in the afternoon to explore independently. This evening, head to an authentic 17th-century Catalan farmhouse just outside Barcelona for an excellent dinner of traditional dishes in a private room.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Boarding your cruise ship in Barcelona

Transferred to the Azamara Journey, where you say farewell to the Tour Manager and are welcomed by the crew. All meals and a house drinks package are included on the cruise. Enjoy a relaxing dinner as the ship sets sail towards France.

Meals: Dinner

Exploring Marseille in southern France

The ship docks in Marseille. Explore one of Europe's oldest cities, stroll around Le Vieux Port, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views, or explore Le Panier neighbourhood with its narrow streets, street art and artisan shops. Optional excursions available (payable onboard).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discovering the glamour of Monte Carlo

Arrive in Monte Carlo and explore this jewel of the French Riviera at leisure. Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, admire opulent yachts at Port Hercule, or explore Monaco-Ville's winding streets, the Prince's Palace and scenic gardens.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in artistic Florence

Docking in Livorno, Florence awaits, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Wander through the city, visit Piazza del Duomo, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and explore world-class galleries including the Uffizi (advance booking advised).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uncovering Italy's capital

Arrive in Rome. Discover iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. Explore charming piazzas, cafés and tucked-away ruins. Pre-booking tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day in coastal Sorrento

Overlooking the Bay of Naples, explore the lemon-scented lanes and elegant piazzas of Sorrento. Wander through the historic centre with artisan boutiques, traditional shops and workshops offering handmade leather goods, ceramics and limoncello. Enjoy sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The beautiful town of Amalfi

The ship arrives in the picturesque town of Amalfi. Explore whitewashed buildings, colourful ceramics and the relaxed coastal atmosphere. Stroll the historic centre, visit the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and the Cloister of Paradise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At sea towards Montenegro

A full day at sea sailing towards Montenegro. Relax on the sundeck, take a dip in the outdoor pool, indulge in a spa treatment (payable onboard), enjoy the front-deck bar, dine at one of the dining options, and enjoy onboard entertainment in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The historic city of Kotor

Sail into the Bay of Kotor, greeted by towering mountains and fjord-like waters. Explore Kotor's old town, a maze of cobbled streets and hidden squares. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, browse traditional craft shops, and walk up the old city walls to the Castle of San Giovanni for breathtaking views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sightseeing in Dubrovnik

Dock in Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Stroll ancient stone streets, explore Baroque churches, visit the Rector's Palace or Dubrovnik Cathedral, and walk the iconic city walls for views over the rooftops and harbour. Optionally take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic vistas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring charming Koper

Slovenia's beautiful coastal city of Koper awaits, with Venetian architecture, winding medieval streets and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Visit the Praetorian Palace, Koper Cathedral, and climb the bell tower for panoramic views. Enjoy sunny squares, the waterfront promenade and laid-back cafés.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Homeward bound

Arrive in Venice, the final port. Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to the airport for the flight home to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast