Highlights of Spain (Small Groups, Winter, 9 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Spain, where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine. This multi-day tour takes you from the flamboyant Modernist buildings of Barcelona to the Moorish fortresses of Andalucía, and finally to the historic neighborhoods of Madrid. Along the way, you'll marvel at architectural masterpieces, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Whether you're exploring the intricate stained-glass windows of the Sagrada Família, learning to cook authentic paella in Valencia, or witnessing the passion of a flamenco performance in Seville, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Accommodation is provided in comfortable and centrally located hotels (or similar), ensuring you're well-rested for each day's adventures.
Included
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
8 Breakfast (B)
Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during dinner.
Madrid: Toast to your travels and enjoy local specialties in one of the city's elegant central neighbourhoods.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
8 nights hotel accommodation
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generates quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Peñíscola: See the seaside castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
Córdoba: Visit the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
- Barcelona
- el Prat de Llobregat - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get a taste of the city's renowned culinary scene.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Barcelona's Architectural Wonders
- Barcelona
- el Prat de Llobregat
- More
- Sagrada Família
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With a local expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with wrought-iron street lamps and flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue to the Eixample district to visit Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city or perhaps join an optional experience to Montserrat and The Black Madonna.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Barcelona to Valencia
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- More
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Peniscola Castle
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Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola to see the hilltop castle featured in the film 'El Cid'. Continue through the famous orange groves to Valencia, where you'll visit the City of Arts and Sciences and the charming Old City. Learn to make the local specialty, paella, during a cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant, and later, enjoy the delicious dish with a glass of sangria.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Granada
- Granada
- Valencia
- More
- Generalife
- Castle of Lorca
- Alhambra
- S.A.I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación
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Travel south toward Andalucía, passing the castle at Lorca and the troglodyte dwellings near Guadix. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as you reach the historic city of Granada. Explore the Alhambra, a remarkable 13th-century Moorish fortress, and stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Granada to Seville
- Granada
- Seville
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Spend the morning at leisure in Granada, exploring its many attractions or perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the Albaicín Quarter. Later, journey to Seville, passing by gleaming white villages and vast olive groves.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Seville
- Seville
- More
- Sevilla Aquarium
- Casa de Pilatos
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Visit the Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Choose between a walk through the old Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city. In the evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a dance school dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco. Experience the passion of this traditional dance during a lesson and performance.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Seville to Madrid via Córdoba
- Madrid
- Seville
- Córdoba
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Travel along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing Moorish towers and fortresses. Stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba to see the famous Roman bridge and visit the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th-century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Continue through La Mancha to reach the capital, Madrid.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Madrid
- Madrid
- More
Enjoy a guided tour through Madrid's most historic neighborhoods and visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting beautiful Toledo. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, toasting your adventures with regional favourites and wine.
Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell Madrid
- Madrid - Departure day
- More
Your Spanish adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you a suitcase full of memories from this unforgettable tour.
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