Begin with pickup at your Benidorm hotel, then travel inland to Elche in the scenic region of Baix Vinalopó. Learn the fascinating history of the historic city: Elche’s sprawling palm groves were first planted by the Phoenicians, and the town’s distinctive stone buildings recall years of Moorish rule. Explore the town and see Elche’s two UNESCO Sites, starting with the Palm Grove, where you’ll find a diverse range of Mediterranean and tropical palm species. After touring the groves, continue to the Basilica of Saint Mary, whose the Middle Ages-era ‘Elche Mystery Play’ is staged each August.
Return to the coast to see Alicante to visit Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views across the bay, then take in the Saint Nicholas Co-Cathedral, which was built over an existing mosque and is a gorgeous example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Tour the Alicante Town Hall and the Modernist Casa Carbonell, overlooking the waterside Explanada de España, then continue past Alicante's most important landmarks. This tour concludes with return transport to your Benidorm hotel.
