Recently updated on July 4th, 2025 at 04:15 pm
I’d arrived in Madrid early and still had a whole day to wander before the start of my Highlights of Spain & Portugal trip with Trafalgar. So I decided to go for a walk to the Botanic Gardens and found there were many locals in the streets, strolling on this pleasant April day. It was very nice to be here without the tourists and extreme heat of summer.
That evening I met our Travel Director, Manuel, and the rest of my travel companions over a glass of Sangria. We were each given the “whisperer”, an audio device to hear the Local Guides while they walk and explain the sights.
Next morning we drove to Toledo. Our Local Guide took us on a walking tour of the old city through cobble stone streets. A cute town with interesting architecture. We stopped at a metal-work factory to see how for generations they’ve made swords, knives, and other metal work to sell all over the world.
As we continued on to Cordoba, we were given the optional excursions list and I decided to do all of them! That night, dinner was at 7.45pm in our very elegant hotel. Manuel explained that generally in Spain dinner is very late; the Spaniards eat at about 9pm or later!
In the morning we explored the old city of Cordoba, stopping to see the Jewish Synagogue, which is no longer used but well preserved. We went on to the former Great Mosque that is now a Catholic cathedral. It is an amazing structure with beautiful art work, gold décor and statues. Very impressive and just incredible to see how a Mosque with Arab architecture was turned into a cathedral.
We made our way to Granada and the Alhambra Palace – residence of the Moorish kings! Located on a mountain top, a Local Guide took us on a tour through the palace and gardens. The palace was built by the Arabs and is decorated in Arab motifs, writings and tiles. Amazing art work carved in wood and marble!
After walking around the Alhambra, we were happy to get on the coach for a relaxing and scenic drive to Costa del Sol. We stopped at a gorgeous village – Mijas – with white-washed houses, cute little shops and restaurants and beautiful views everywhere. A few of us had lunch outdoors and there was enough time to wander around, eat ice cream and buy gifts.
Arriving at our hotel at Costa del Sol, we had some free time before an optional seafood dinner at a restaurant on the boardwalk. It was an amazing meal. We counted 10 different seafood dishes that kept on coming and coming! After dinner, we walked on the boardwalk back to the hotel enjoying the beautifully warm evening.
We had a full day to relax on the beach unless you signed up for a full day’s trip to Morocco (which I did!). Our Local Guide explained everything about Morocco, the customs, religion and the Kasbah (old city). As we walked through narrow streets crowded with locals, it took us back a few centuries – the vendors selling food in the streets, unbelievable fruits and vegetables, so vibrant, fresh and plentiful. We ended up at a local restaurant for lunch, with musicians and a belly dancer to entertain us!
Next morning, we were off to the Rock of Gibraltar. We had about an hour to wander and shop in the town before visiting the limestone cave up at the Rock. Coming out of the cave, we were met by the playful monkeys that roam all over Gibraltar.
By Anna Dolgin from USA