Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cádiz, and Seville
Join us for a 11 day/ 10 night journey through vibrant cities, scenic coastlines, and centuries of captivating history.
Discover rich cultural traditions, architectural wonders, and unforgettable flavors in every stop.
Agenda
Schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, May 24 – Arrival in Madrid
Plan to arrive in Madrid on May 24, which will likely mean departing the U.S. on May 23.
Settle in and unwind before joining us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Santo Mauro Madrid
Monday, May 25 – Madrid
- Begin the day with a guided visit to either the Palacio Real, Europe’s largest royal palace, or the Museo del Prado, Spain’s renowned national art museum.
- Lunch at Café de Oriente – A historic bistro with vaulted ceilings and views of the Royal Palace, offering refined Spanish cuisine in a setting once part of a 17th-century convent.
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore or relax.
- Dinner at Lhardy – A Madrid institution since 1839, celebrated for its elegant interiors and classic dishes such as cocido madrileño.
Overnight: Santo Mauro Madrid
Tuesday, May 26 - Madrid & Toledo
- Embark on a full-day excursion to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval architecture and multicultural legacy. Highlights include a visit to the Toledo Cathedral.
- Lunch and tasting at Cigarral de Santa María – A scenic estate overlooking the city, featuring regional cuisine and local wines.
- Dinner at Gaytán – A Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Javier Aranda, offering an immersive culinary experience with views into the open kitchen.
Overnight: Santo Mauro Madrid
Wednesday, May 27 - Granada
- Travel by high-speed train to Granada.
- After check-in, enjoy lunch at the hotel.
- In the afternoon, explore Granada’s historic center, including the Albaicín district and Mirador de San Nicolás.
- Dinner at either Estrellas de San Nicolás or Las Tomasas – Both offer breathtaking views of the Alhambra and elevated Andalusian cuisine.
Overnight: Palacio de Santa Paula
Thursday, May 28 - Granada
- Begin with a guided tour of the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural masterpiece.
- Lunch at Parador de Granada – A serene dining experience within the Alhambra grounds, housed in a former convent.
- Afternoon free time to explore or rest.
- Group dinner at the hotel to close the day.
Overnight: Palacio de Santa Paula
Friday, May 29 - Cádiz via Antequera
- Journey to Cádiz, with a scenic stop at the Dolmens of Antequera, a prehistoric archaeological site.
- Lunch at Parador de Antequera – A modern hotel with panoramic views of Andalusia’s countryside.
- Continue with a walking tour of Jerez de la Frontera, known for its flamenco heritage, sherry production, and equestrian traditions.
- Group dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Casa Palacio María Luisa
Saturday, May 30 - Cádiz
- Visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, a prestigious institution preserving classical dressage.
- Lunch and tasting at Bodegas González Byass – A historic sherry winery offering cellar tours and samples of its famed Tío Pepe.
- Dinner at La Carboná – A Michelin-recommended restaurant housed in a former sherry bodega, known for its wine-paired tasting menus.
Overnight: Casa Palacio María Luisa
Sunday, May 31 - Cádiz
- Spend the day aboard the Pura Vida Catamaran, enjoying a relaxing coastal cruise with onboard lunch and views of Cádiz’s golden beaches.
- Dinner at Código de Barra – A creative fine-dining destination blending tradition and innovation in Cádiz’s old town.
Overnight: Casa Palacio María Luisa
Monday, June 1 - Seville
- Travel to Seville in the morning.
- Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower.
- Dinner at Casa Robles – A classic Sevillian restaurant known for its seasonal Andalusian fare.
Overnight: Casa Palacio Don Ramón
Tuesday, June 2 - Seville
- Experience Seville by horse-drawn carriage, gliding through the city’s historic streets.
- Discover the flavors and production of Spain’s “liquid gold” with an olive oil tasting.
- Lunch at Río Grande – Riverside dining with views of the Torre del Oro and Triana district.
- Afternoon free time to pack or explore.
- Private visit to Palacio de las Dueñas – A noble residence with lush gardens and a rich aristocratic history.
- Final celebratory dinner at Las Casa del Tigre, a stylish and contemporary culinary gem.
Overnight: Casa Palacio Don Ramón
Wednesday, June 3 - Departure
Transfer to the Seville airport for return flights .
ACTIVITIES & ACCOMMODATIONS
MADRID & TOLEDO
Palacio Real (Royal Palace of Madrid)
Step into a realm of regal splendor at the Palacio Real, where centuries of Spanish monarchy unfold in gilded halls and sweeping courtyards. This architectural masterpiece, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, dazzles with its baroque grandeur — think marble staircases, frescoed ceilings, and rooms adorned with tapestries, porcelain, and chandeliers that shimmer like starlight. Though no longer a royal residence, the palace remains a ceremonial heart of Spain, hosting state occasions with timeless elegance. Outside, the Sabatini Gardens offer a tranquil escape, where symmetry and serenity reign beneath the watchful gaze of stone kings.
Museo del Prado
A sanctuary for the soul and a feast for the eyes, the Museo del Prado is one of the world’s most revered art institutions. Its neoclassical façade opens into a treasure trove of European masterpieces, where Velázquez’s enigmatic Las Meninas, Goya’s haunting Black Paintings, and Bosch’s surreal Garden of Earthly Delights command awe and introspection. The museum’s collection spans centuries, illuminating Spain’s cultural evolution through brushstroke and canvas.
Toledo
Perched above the Tagus River like a crown of stone and story, Toledo is a city of layers all etched into its winding streets and golden skyline. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” it’s a living tapestry of coexistence and contrast. Wander through medieval alleyways where every arch and plaza whispers of conquest and communion. From artisan sword shops to panoramic viewpoints, Toledo is both a time capsule and a revelation.
Toledo Cathedral
A triumph of Gothic architecture and spiritual grandeur, the Toledo Cathedral rises like a symphony in stone. Its soaring nave, radiant rose windows, and richly carved choir stir awe and reverence. Inside, El Greco’s brush meets divine light, and the sacristy becomes a gallery of faith and finesse. The cathedral’s altarpiece glows with gold leaf and biblical drama, while the transparent vault — a Baroque marvel — opens heavenward in a cascade of angels and alabaster.
Madrid Accommodations
Santo Mauro Madrid
Once the home of the influential Duke of Santo Mauro, the hotel’s French-influenced design and architecture consists of three buildings set in a sophisticated private garden, with fountains and terraces shaded by ancient chestnut trees. The guest rooms are full of special details and historical references that immerse you in the past. Each public room is unique: The Red Room reflects pure French Classicism, while the oriental pieces in the Chinese Lounge recall the objects the Duke used to collect on his travels. The Wine Bar offers an extensive list of wines and small dishes, while the main restaurant, housed in the Duke’s former Library, offers a level of cuisine commensurate with its palatial setting.
Granada
High-speed Train from Madrid to Granada
The journey from Madrid to Granada is more than transit — it’s a passage through Spain’s soul. As the high-speed train glides southward, landscapes shift from Castilian plains to Andalusian olive groves, punctuated by distant sierras and sunlit villages. Comfortable, efficient, and scenic, the ride offers a moment to exhale and anticipate the magic of Granada, with onboard amenities.
Alhambra
The Alhambra is poetry carved in stone — a palace, fortress, and garden complex that defies time and gravity. Moorish arches frame views of the Sierra Nevada, while intricate stucco, calligraphy, and tilework shimmer with mathematical beauty and spiritual grace. The Nasrid Palaces whisper of sultans and scholars; the Generalife gardens bloom with fountains and jasmine. At sunset, the Alhambra blushes rose-gold, a vision of paradise perched above the city.
Granada Accommodations
Palacio de Santa Paula
One of the best five-star hotels in Granada that is a restored masterpiece that was also declared an artistic and historic monument. It replaced the Santa Paula Monastery and the Casa Morisca, which existed in the XVI and XII centuries respectively. The beautiful fully renovated hotel is located in the historic center of Granada near the Albaicín and Sacromonte areas, the Cathedral and of course, the Alhambra. The luxury hotel’s restaurant offers guests haute cuisine that fuses elements of traditional Andalusian gastronomy with modern culinary concepts.
Cádiz
Trocal de Antequera Dolmens
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, the Dolmens of Antequera—including the majestic Tholos of El Romeral (also known as Trocal de Antequera)—stand as awe-inspiring testaments to Neolithic ingenuity and spiritual grandeur. This ancient megalithic complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exudes an almost mystical serenity, with its perfectly aligned stones forming sacred corridors that whisper the secrets of early European civilizations. The Tholos, in particular, with its beehive-shaped chamber and finely laid concentric rings of stone, evokes a sense of architectural sophistication rarely matched in prehistoric Europe.
Jerez de la Frontera
The elegant heart of Andalusia exudes a refined charm where tradition, culture, and opulence intertwine effortlessly. Revered as the cradle of sherry, flamenco, and Andalusian horsemanship, this storied city invites visitors into a world of sensory indulgence—from the golden glow of its centuries-old bodegas to the rhythmic soul of a spontaneous flamenco performance echoing through sun-drenched plazas. Grand palaces, ornate churches, and Moorish fortresses reflect a rich tapestry of influences, while the air itself seems steeped in the scent of orange blossoms and aged oak barrels.
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
Grace becomes motion at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where the noble Andalusian horse performs with balletic precision. Set within a stately 19th-century palace, this institution is a sanctuary of tradition, discipline, and beauty. The “dancing stallions” glide through choreographed routines to classical music, showcasing centuries of horsemanship passed down through Spanish lineage. From the polished arenas to the serene stables, every detail reflects reverence for the art of riding — a living symphony of strength and elegance.
Bodegas González Byass
Step into the soul of sherry at Bodegas González Byass, where history and flavor ferment beneath vaulted cellars and sun-dappled courtyards. Founded in 1835, this iconic bodega — home to the beloved Tío Pepe — invites guests to wander among ancient barrels, aromatic aging rooms, and vine-covered walls. The scent of oak and wine lingers in the air as expert guides share stories of soleras, criaderas, and the alchemy of time. Tastings unfold like rituals, pairing amber-hued sherries with Andalusian tapas in a setting that feels both timeless and intoxicating.
Pura Vida Catamaran
Sail into serenity aboard the Pura Vida Catamaran, where the Mediterranean sparkles like liquid sapphire and the breeze carries whispers of flamenco and salt. Whether gliding past the golden shores of Cádiz or anchoring in a hidden cove along the Costa del Sol, this luxury vessel offers a floating escape into Andalusian bliss. Lounge on deck with a chilled cava, dive into crystalline waters, or simply watch the sun melt into the horizon — every moment is curated for joy, connection, and pura vida.
CÁDIZ Accommodations
Casa Palacio María Luisa
The only Grand Luxury Five Star Hotel that can be found in Jerez de la Frontera, CÁDIZ. It is located in a historic palatial house from the beginning of the 19th century, which throughout that century and during the 20th century was home to important Jerez families and housed the Jerez casino, where the city’s aristocracy and high society met.
Seville
Santa Cruz Neighborhood
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine charm of Santa Cruz, Seville’s most storied quarter. Once the heart of the city’s Jewish community, this neighborhood is a mosaic of cobbled alleys, flower-draped balconies, and secret courtyards where orange trees bloom and guitars echo. Each turn reveals a new enchantment: a tucked-away tapas bar, a whispering fountain, a glimpse of the Giralda rising above tiled rooftops. Santa Cruz is not just a place — it’s a mood, a memory, a love letter to Andalusia.
Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower
Majestic and magnetic, Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world — a soaring testament to faith, artistry, and ambition. Its cavernous interior houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, golden altarpieces, and stained glass that dances with light. Adjacent stands La Giralda, the cathedral’s iconic bell tower, once a minaret and now a symbol of Seville’s layered history. Ascend its gentle ramps to behold a panoramic view of the city — terracotta rooftops, palm-lined boulevards, and the distant shimmer of the Guadalquivir.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Experience Seville in cinematic style with a horse-drawn carriage tour, where the clip-clop of hooves sets the rhythm for discovery. Glide past the Alcázar’s Moorish arches, the lush gardens of María Luisa Park, and the ornate façades of Plaza de España. Your carriage, often adorned with velvet and brass, becomes a moving salon — a place to relax, reflect, and revel in the city’s romance. It’s not just transport; it’s theater, nostalgia, and elegance on wheels.
Palacio de las Dueñas
This stunning 15th-century palace nestled in the heart of Seville. Once the residence of the noble House of Alba, this architectural gem offers a captivating blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance styles, surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil courtyards. Wander through elegantly furnished rooms filled with centuries-old art, antiques, and personal memorabilia that reveal the palace’s rich history and the legacy of its most famous resident, the Duchess of Alba.
Seville Accommodations
Casa Palacio Don Ramón
A palatial house in a wonderful city full of history and the know-how of years of experience go hand in hand at Casa Palacio Don Ramon to offer an experience marked by a way of living and feeling. Because for Don Ramon, elegance characterizes the one who is grateful, the one who feels happiness at the enjoyment of those who visit him, the one who welcomes you and invites you to live his dream. At Casa Palacio Don Ramon, elegant is the one who opens the doors of Seville and teaches you its secrets, the one who offers you his best delicacies and cares about every detail when you stay at his house.
Travel Information
Plan to arrive Sunday, May 24 at Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and depart on June 3 from Seville (SVQ.)
L3’s partner It’s Done can help make these travel arrangements.
Further travel instructions will be given if you are joining on the post-trip to Portugal.
Registration
As we prepare for our 2026 journey to Spain, we want to share a brief update on pricing. While we’ve worked diligently to curb travel expenses, it’s proven increasingly challenging given rising costs across the board.
This 10-day, 9-night program is rich with curated events and immersive experiences, and its pricing aligns closely with our France program, which ran 9 days and 8 nights at $13,441. We recognize that this is a significant investment, and we want to assure you that every effort is being made to deliver exceptional quality, thoughtful planning, and meaningful value.
Thank you for your continued trust and enthusiasm. We’re excited to bring this unforgettable experience to life.
$14,222 – Per person Double Occupancy
$18,598 – Per person Single Occupancy
$4,700 due at registration
Timely Registration Encouraged
This trip is limited to 25 attendees.
To secure your accommodations and lock in current pricing, we strongly encourage early registration. Hotel rooms will be reserved as payments are received, and our group rates are only guaranteed through November 15.
Per Person Payment Schedule
Payments may be made by check or eCheck at no additional cost. Credit card payments will incur processing fees – calculated on the payment page of this form.
- $4,700 per person due at registration
- $4,700 per person due by December 15, 2025
- Remaining balance due by March 15, 2026
Optional Suite Upgrade
Enhance your stay with a suite upgrade at all hotels for an additional $1,976. This reflects the total cost of the upgraded rooms across all properties and is not calculated per person.
Registration includes all meals, group activities, and accommodations beginning at 4 p.m. on May 24, 2026 to June 3, 2026.
L3 Foundation, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit. A portion of your registration fee may be tax deductible if your tax professional advises it.
Registrants will receive a tax receipt listing the fair market value of this event after the trip is completed.