Historical Madrid
Philip III and Philip IV enlarged and embellished the city but the Bourbons brought new cultural and architectural tastes. It is to them Madrid owes the spectacular Royal Palace, the Paseo del Prado and the Puerta de Alcalá. A drive down the Gran Vía, the capital's most important road during the first half of the last century, gives us an insight into its unique architectural diversity and outstanding examples of the Belle Epoque, such as the Casino de Madrid and the Palace Hotel.
Modern Madrid
The 19th century saw Madrid expand. The Salamanca neighborhood was built, a residential area and the site of the first bourgeois homes. The Paseo de la Castellana was developed, where the city's palatial mansions give way to modern skyscrapers of great architectural value, and which are a testament to Madrid's position as one of Europe's most cosmopolitan, attractive and modern cities.
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Barcelona
Stroll through Plaza de Catalunya, considered to be the centre of the city. The plaza is known for its many fountains and statues. Wander the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter where you will find many buildings dating from the 15th century including the Barcelona Cathedral. Continue to Plaza Sant Jaume where the important government buildings are located, including the Palace of Generalitat and the Town Hall. Continue to the Villa Olimpica (home to athletes during the Olympics) and the Port Olimpic.
Ascend Montjuich Mountain, offering a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Tour the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi and Calatrava Tower.
Visit the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) which reproduces the most typical regional architectural styles in Spain. Here you will also be able to taste Catalan Cava, the renowned local sparkling wine.
Start along Paseo de Gracia to see Gaudi's famous apartment buildings including Casa Batllo and La Pedrera; enjoy a visit at Gaudi's bizarre Parc Guell which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to the La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Cathedral, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece which is Barcelona's most famous landmark.
Visit Barcelona's Monumental Bull Ring and the famous Cathedral Sta Maria del Mar, the only gothic church in Catalonia completely finished. The Picasso Museum which exhibits works from the blue and pink periods of the world-famous painter.
Hotels Barcelona
 Sevilla - The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the biggest in Spain and is where Christopher Columbus is buried and his tomb is always of great interest to visitors.
The Giralda tower is an ancient Arabic minaret and symbol of the city, dominating the city skyline. This magnificent structure has been used a inspiration for similar architecture in Rabat and Marrakech.
An Arabic palace from the 14th century, the Royal Alcazar was originally a Moorish fortress. Nowadays the Alcazar is residence of the Spanish kings.
Hotels Sevilla - Tours, Sightseeing & Things to Do
 Granada - The city of Granada has been shaped by the hills, where the old districts in the Albaicin and the Alhambra were founded, brimming with steep, narrow streets, beautiful nooks and crannies, and marvelous landscapes. The new part of the city is situated on the plain, crisscrossed by the large arteries of Gran Via de Colon and Calle de los Reyes Catolicos, and where the busy streets around the Cathedral are found.
Main highlights include the Cathedral, Acera de Darro, Alhambra, Palaco de Congresos and the Museo Federico G'Lorca.
Hotels Granada - Tours, Sightseeing & Things to Do
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