Our Ancient Spain adventure begins in the ancient Phoenician port city of Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Set on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic, Cádiz provides a magnificent starting point for our journey into the historic heart of southern Spain.

This evening, crews come together to meet their fellow adventurers and prepare for the days ahead as we begin our journey through Spain’s timeless landscapes, extraordinary architecture and fascinating history.

Leaving Cádiz behind, we begin our journey north along the Gulf of Cádiz, following the Atlantic coast through some of the most evocative landscapes of Andalucía. The route takes us towards Doñana National Park, one of Spain’s most remarkable natural areas, before continuing to the historic city of Huelva.

Our overnight stop brings us to a region closely associated with Spain’s maritime history and the great age of exploration.

Continuing eastwards through Andalucía, we leave the Atlantic behind and journey towards Seville, one of Spain’s most captivating cities. The route takes us deeper into the heart of southern Spain, where historic towns, rolling countryside and the unmistakable character of Andalucía accompany us towards the regional capital.

Seville provides a dramatic change of pace, with its Moorish heritage, grand architecture and vibrant cultural traditions.

Today we turn south towards Gibraltar, following increasingly rugged landscapes through the mountains and forests of southern Andalucía. The route takes us through the Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, where cork oak forests and dramatic mountain scenery provide a spectacular backdrop to the drive.

Our destination is the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, perched at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula.

Today is one of the great driving days of Ancient Spain. Leaving Gibraltar, we climb north through the narrow prehistoric valleys and whitewashed villages of the Sierra de Grazalema, following spectacular mountain roads towards Ronda.

Perched dramatically above the Tajo gorge, Ronda has been shaped by Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. After lunch, we continue southeast through the mountain roads of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park towards Málaga and the Mediterranean.

Leaving Málaga, we turn east along the Mediterranean coast before heading inland towards the mountains and magnificent city of Granada. Our route takes us through the dramatic landscapes of the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, where steep ridges, deep valleys and spectacular mountain scenery provide a memorable backdrop to the drive.

We pause for lunch in the ancient Roman town of Almuñécar, overlooked by the centuries-old Arab fortress of San Miguel, before continuing north through the mountains towards Granada. As we approach the city, the landscape opens beneath the mighty Sierra Nevada, signalling our arrival in one of the great historic cities of southern Spain.

Tonight, we settle into Granada and prepare to spend tomorrow discovering this extraordinary city at leisure.

Lunch is in the ancient Roman town of Almuñécar, overlooked by the centuries-old Arab fortress of San Miguel, before we turn north towards magnificent Granada.

Today we put the cars aside and spend a full day discovering Granada, giving us the opportunity to properly experience one of the most extraordinary cities of southern Spain.

Once the capital of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and the final great Muslim kingdom of Iberia, the city is rich in Moorish architecture, ancient streets and centuries of fascinating history. The magnificent Alhambra dominates the city from its hilltop setting, while the atmospheric Albaicín and historic centre invite leisurely exploration.

The day is deliberately unhurried, allowing crews to choose how they wish to experience Granada. Whether exploring its historic quarters, visiting the Alhambra, enjoying a long Andalusian lunch or simply relaxing at the hotel, today provides a welcome pause from the road.

This evening, we come together for dinner and enjoy the atmosphere of Granada after dark.

Leaving Granada, we head northwest through some of Andalucía’s most beautiful inland landscapes. We cross the Iznájar Reservoir via the Puente Agromán before entering the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Sierras Subbéticas.

Wildflowers, rocky outcrops and ancient Moorish ruins accompany us towards Jaén, a city celebrated for its extraordinary architecture and world-renowned olive oil, overlooked by the imposing Santa Catalina Castle.

After lunch in the beautiful mountain town of Santiago de la Espada, we continue through the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas before descending towards the Mediterranean and our overnight stop in the ancient Carthaginian city of Cartagena.

Today we leave Jaén and follow the eastern banks of the Guadalquivir River, entering an increasingly wild landscape of mountain valleys and pine forests. At the Mirador de Bujaraiza, we pause for panoramic views across the Tranco Reservoir and the evocative ruins of the 12th-century island fortress of Bujaraiza Castle.

After lunch in the beautiful mountain town of Santiago de la Espada, we continue through the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas before descending towards the Mediterranean and our overnight stop in the ancient Carthaginian city of Cartagena.

From Murcia, we continue north through vast farmland, vineyards and rugged valleys towards Albacete, the largest city in Castilla-La Mancha and our overnight destination.

Today brings another dramatic change of scenery as we leave the mountains and Mediterranean behind and travel north through the Murcian countryside. Our route passes through the pristine valleys and pine forests of the El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park before reaching the regional capital of Murcia for lunch.

From Murcia, we continue north through vast farmland, vineyards and rugged valleys towards Albacete, the largest city in Castilla-La Mancha and our overnight destination.

Our final day on the road brings one of the most dramatic changes in landscape of the entire journey. Leaving the relatively flat plains around Albacete, we enter the steep valleys, spectacular gorges and turquoise waters of the interior of Valencia.

Our route traces the Júcar River, following the edge of the Embalse de Embarcaderos reservoir before looping over the dramatic Embalse de Cortes de Pallás. From these remote mountain landscapes, we finally descend towards the cosmopolitan city of Valencia, where our driving adventure comes to its spectacular conclusion.

Today we put the cars aside and spend a full day discovering Valencia, one of Spain’s most captivating cities. Blending centuries of history with striking modern architecture, lively plazas and a superb food culture, Valencia offers plenty to explore at a relaxed pace.

Our day takes us through the city's historic heart and some of its most memorable sights, with time to enjoy the atmosphere, discover local traditions and savour the flavours of the region. As evening approaches, we come together for our special Valencian Gala Evening, enjoying exceptional local cuisine, Spanish wines, music and, perhaps, a little dancing.