Highlights of Spain

Experience the Art and Architecture of Spain During a 9-Day Guided Tour

$2,471

 

Tour Description

See the beautiful world of Spain during this 9-day guided tour. Begin in Barcelona, where a Local Expert will lead you along the city’s narrow lanes to the lively Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Família, a basilica built by the architect Antoni Gaudí. Paella was created in Valencia. Later, enjoy a private cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant while sampling the local flavors. See glorious views of the Sierra Nevada before reaching Granada, where a Local Expert will guide you through one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built: the Alhambra. In Seville, learn the art of flamenco dancing during a private lesson, then be treated to a passionate performance by professionals. Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian, who can share the stories behind Spanish masterpieces by artists such as Francisco Goya.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Madrid, Spain: Begin your Spanish adventure in the vibrant capital, Madrid. Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, stroll through the elegant Plaza Mayor, and immerse yourself in world-class art at the Prado Museum. Experience the lively atmosphere of the city’s bustling markets and vibrant tapas bars.

Toledo, Spain: Discover the rich history of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "City of Three Cultures" for its blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral, wander through the medieval streets, and admire the artistry of El Greco’s masterpieces.

Seville, Spain: Experience the romance and passion of Seville, the heart of Andalusia. Marvel at the intricate beauty of the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and explore the stunning Alcázar Palace. Don’t miss a traditional flamenco performance to feel the true spirit of Spain.

 
  • Day 1 | Welcome to Barcelona

    Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local

    restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza / Hilton Barcelona

    Day 2 | Barcelona, the City of Gaudí

    With your Local Expert, drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned

    with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most

    amboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample

    district for a visit inside Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the

    Sagrada Família, to see the central nave with its giant, tree-like

    pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows ooding in

    through the intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy the afternoon

    at leisure to explore or perhaps join an Optional Experience to

    Montserrat and The Black Madonna.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza / Hilton Barcelona

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Montserrat & The Black Madonna - We'll enjoy a stunning drive to Montserrat, the mystical sacred serrated mountain, with its unique

    formations and spectacular views. It's home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat and the ‘Virgin of Montserrat’, one of

    the most-venerated Black Madonna’s of Europe. Catalan landscapes unfold before us, as our Local Expert introduces us to this place of

    immense beauty and signicance.

    Adult: 56.00 EUR

    * This optional experience involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

    Barcelona Evening with Montjuïc & Olympic Drive - We'll enjoy the beauty of Barcelona as the day ends, including a drive up to Montjuïc

    hill with our Local Expert to experience an incredible panorama over the city with its impressive harbor. Later, we've included free time for

    dinner in a Catalan restaurant with your newfound friends.

    Adult: 31.00 EUR

    Day 3 | Along the coast to Valencia

    Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice elds of the Ebro

    Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola and see the hilltop

    castle used in the lm 'El Cid'. Pass through the famous orange

    groves to Valencia and see the City of Arts and Sciences. Later

    see the Old City and take in its medieval charm. Valencia is home

    to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a

    local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn

    how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration.

    Later, indulge in the delicious avours of this classic dish with a

    glass of wine at your dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: Barceló Valencia

    Day 4 | Exquisite Granada and Alhambra

    Travel south toward Andalucía, passing the castle at Lorca and

    troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock near Guadix.

    Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains from a distance as

    you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish

    kingdom for almost eight centuries and was the last stronghold to

    fall to the Catholic monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking

    Granada stands the Alhambra, one of the most remarkable

    fortresses ever built. Led by your Local Expert, explore this

    exquisite palace, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th

    century. A fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut

    like lace. Later, stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the

    Generalife, the Royal summer residence.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada

    Day 5 | A Scenic Drive to Seville

    The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join

    an Optional Experience and visit the Albaicín Quarter with a Local

    Expert. Here, in addition to falling in love with Granada, you will also

    uncover its pivotal role in European history. Continue your travels

    to Seville, past gleaming white villages and olive groves that

    stretch as far as the eye can see.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Meliá Sevilla

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Albaicín and the Royal Chapel - Take a leisurely walk with your Local Expert through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the last bastion of Islam

    in Spain. Explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. After a

    photo stop at one of the most famous views of the Alhambra Palace, visit the Royal Chapel housing the tombs of the ‘Catholic

    Monarchs’, Ferdinand and Isabella.

    Adult: 43.00 EUR

    Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville - Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialities in a local restaurant with

    wine included. Perhaps round o the evening with a stroll through the atmospheric squares and lanes of Seville's old quarter, which has a

    magical charm by night.

    Adult: 62.00 EUR

    Day 6 | Seville, the City of Carmen

    Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher

    Columbus. Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark

    on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a

    scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views. This

    evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneciary of a

    TreadRight Foundation grant for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

    Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting

    the conservation of amenco and supports young enthusiasts

    from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the

    Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as

    you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before

    witnessing emotions come to life in a amenco performance.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Meliá Sevilla

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Seville Alcázar and Plaza América - Today with our Local Expert we'll visit the fabulous Real Alcázar - a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in

    richly-scented gardens. Wander through the Arabesque domed halls, horseshoe arches and jewel-box courtyards of this royal

    residence, while the garden fountains and terraces provide an oasis of tranquility. Afterwards, see the fanciful pavilions built for the IberoAmerican Fair of 1929 on the way to the romantic Plaza de América in Maria Luisa Park.

    Adult: 52.00 EUR

    Day 7 | Moorish Córdoba and on to Madrid

    Set o early along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing villages and

    towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses. Stop in the

    perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba and see the famous

    Roman bridge, built in the 1st century BC. Meet a local historian

    and visit the magnicent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th-century

    mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of

    your time at leisure and stroll the narrow streets of the city. Follow

    in the footsteps of Don Quixote as you travel through La Mancha

    and on to the capital, Madrid.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco, Madrid

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    You will be oered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

    Madrid by Night - An evening drive to the most historic area of Madrid including stops for wonderful views of the city and a walk through

    the lively streets and squares of old Madrid. Enjoy free time for dinner in one of the many restaurants and return home along the grand

    Avenida Castellana with its spectacular fountains.

    Adult: 22.00 EUR

    Madrid by Night with Dinner - Enjoy an evening out in the nation's stately capital city. Tonight we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the

    town in a carefully chosen venue, accompanied by Spanish wine and great local entertainment. What a wonderful introduction to Madrid.

    Adult: 69.00 EUR

    Day 8 | Madrid of the Bourbons

    Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you

    through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital.

    Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the

    origins of the city.

    Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will

    guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian,

    Rubens and more. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a

    cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps travel to beautiful

    Toledo with an Optional Experience.

    In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a

    local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast your adventures as

    you enjoy a delicious dinner of regional favourites, served with

    wine.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco, Madrid

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Toledo Excursion - A specialist guide takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain's capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived

    and worked. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the ne Gothic cathedral and admire the old city views along the Tagus

    gorge. We'll also visit a specialist workshop where artisans create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and

    passed down over the centuries. On certain dates when the cathedral is not accessible this will be priced at 40 Euro.

    Adult:5400EUR

    Day 9 | Depart Madrid

    Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through

    Spain as you transfer to the airport and reect on the experiences

    and adventures you've had.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations

    Superior dining in top rated restaurants

    Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am

    24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver

    ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*

    Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences

    Local discovery led by Local Experts

    All porterage, gratuities and tips

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos