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Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 20-day journey through the heart of Spain, where you'll experience the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the serene beauty of Toledo, from the flamboyant flamenco shows in Seville to the architectural marvels of Barcelona, this multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the Spanish way of life. Explore the stunning landscapes of Andalucia, the medieval charm of Cordoba, and the gastronomic delights of Valencia. Witness the grandeur of Alhambra in Granada, the futuristic City of Arts and Science in Valencia, and the iconic Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This tour is a perfect blend of guided activities and free time, allowing you to discover Spain at your own pace.
Included
19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Madrid - (Tapas) Welcome Dinner
Toledo - Marzipan Tasting
Toledo - Day Trip
Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
Seville - Alcazar Visit
Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
Granada – Alhambra Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens Tour
Lake Albufera - Boat Tour & Barraca Visit
Valencia - Paella Lunch
Barcelona - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Dinner in Restaurant - Barcelona
Barcelona - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Barcelona - Welcome Meeting
Barcelona - Welcome Dinner
Zaragoza - Town Visit
La Guardia - Village Visit
La Rioja - Winery Visit with Tasting
Pamplona - Orientation Walk
San Sebastian - Walking Tour
San Sebastian - Gastronomical Society Dinner
Bilbao - Orientation Walk
Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum admission
Oviedo - Walking Tour with Cathedral
Ovideo - Traditional Cider House Experience
Galician Coast Stop
Santiago de Compostela - Camino Walk
Santiago de Compostela - Farewell Dinner
Private vehicle , High-speed train
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (15 nights), Feature stay (4 nights)
hotel: 15 night(s);
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
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- Museo de Cera
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
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Welcome to Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, explore Madrid's renowned art museums - the Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. In the evening, meet your group and tour leader for a welcome meeting, followed by a delightful dinner featuring Madrid's famous tapas.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Toledo and Madrid
- Madrid
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- FLY TOLEDO
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Today, we travel to the historic city of Toledo, known for its rich architectural treasures. Experience Toledo's culture through a marzipan tasting, a sweet treat that has been produced in this city for generations. Afterward, return to Madrid for a free afternoon. You may wish to visit the Royal Palace or stroll around the Parque del Retiro.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Seville
- Seville
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- Metropol Parasol
- Museo del Baile Flamenco
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Bid farewell to Madrid as we journey to Seville, the largest city in southern Spain. Check into your boutique hotel, a collection of traditional Sevillian cottages. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture with a live flamenco show, a traditional Spanish dance with roots in Seville.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Seville
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Royal Alcázar of Seville
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Today, explore Seville with a local guide. Wander through narrow streets, hidden squares, and flower-adorned patios as you learn about the city's history. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal palace, and uncover its secrets. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore - perhaps visit the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, home to Christopher Columbus' elevated tomb.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Cordoba
- Córdoba
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Today, we journey to Cordoba, a city where Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences are present in architecture, culture, and cuisine. Visit the Mezquita, a unique site that has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a guided tour.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Cordoba to Granada
- Granada
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Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. En route, learn about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil mill. Taste different variations of olive oil, along with olives, olive marmalade, olive pate, and wine. Upon arrival in Granada, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the city's dining scene.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Granada
- Granada
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- Nasrid Palaces
- Alhambra
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Get acquainted with Granada during an orientation walk. Discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. After dinner, return to the Alhambra to explore the famed Nasrid Palaces under the enchanting glow of the evening.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Valencia
- Valencia
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- El Palmerar
- Valencia Cathedral
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Depart Granada and travel to Valencia. En route, pass through Elche, known for its palm tree grove, one of the largest in Europe. Upon arrival in Valencia, explore the city's unique cultural identity and the old town centre that dates back 2000 years.
Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Valencia
- Valencia
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- City of Arts and Sciences
- Parc de Capçalera
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Start the day with a short drive to Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. Visit the island of El Palmar and learn about the local rice cultivation. Enjoy a traditional Valencian paella for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia. You may like to visit the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex.
Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Barceloneta Beach
- Sagrada Família
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Bid farewell to Valencia and travel to Barcelona. After a walking tour with your leader, explore the city at your leisure. You might like to visit one of the city's galleries, historic corners, or perhaps lose yourself in the wonders of Gaudi's bizarre La Sagrada Familia Basilica. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Barceloneta Beach
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Enjoy a free day exploring Barcelona's iconic sites. This city's fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. There are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. In the evening, join your group for a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Barcelona to Zaragoza and La Rioja
- Barcelona
- Zaragoza
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- Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
- Zaragoza Museum
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Travel to Zaragoza, the capital of Spain's Aragon region, filled with lavish buildings and palaces. After a brief orientation walk, explore Zaragoza at your leisure. Perhaps check out the stunning Basilica of El Pilar or visit the Goya Museum. Continue to your feature stay in the La Rioja region, an elegant hotel surrounded by lush palm gardens. Join your group for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring La Rioja
Day 13: Exploring La Rioja
- La Laurel
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Join your leader for a walking tour of Laguardia, a medieval town that remains virtually unchanged. After exploring the town, visit a family-owned business for a guided tour and tasting of local wines, followed by an authentic lunch. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel in La Rioja.
Day 14 – Day 14: From La Rioja to Pamplona and San Sebastian
- Lardero
- Pamplona
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- Plaza de Toros
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Today, drive to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country. Join your leader for an orientation walk and get acquainted with this well-preserved fortified medieval town. After spending time in Pamplona, continue to San Sebastian, the jewel of the Basque country. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring San Sebastian
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Delve deeper into Basque culture on an orientation walk around San Sebastian, a city known for its food obsession. Discover some of San Sebastian's landmarks and the Port and Old Town during a leisurely paced walk. In the evening, enjoy a special experience as you dine at a gastronomic society, traditionally only available via an invitation from an existing member.
Day 16 – Day 16: From San Sebastian to Bilbao and Oviedo
- Oviedo
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- Ecomuseo de Somiedo
- Guggenheim Museum
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After breakfast, drive to Bilbao for an orientation walk followed by the opportunity to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum. After some free time for lunch, continue to the town of Oviedo, in the heart of Asturias where you'll spend the next two nights at a comfortable hotel.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Oviedo
- Oviedo
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- Church of San Salvador de Valdediós
- Plaza del Fontán
- Ecomuseo de Somiedo
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Oviedo is a great town to explore on foot and today you'll be joined by a specialist local guide who will take you on a guided walk of the city. Stroll around the handsome city centre, with its unique personality, quaint pre-Romanesque churches, elegant streetscapes, fine monuments and grand houses. In the evening, head to a local cidreria for a traditional Asturian dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: Journey to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
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Travel by private vehicle along the northern part of Asturias and enter the Spanish region of Galicia. Stop in one of the small seaside villages with time to explore and enjoy lunch before heading towards Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and a symbol of the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam.
Day 19 – Day 19: Exploring Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
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Today, join pilgrims on the last stretch of the Santiago de Compostela route. Walk alongside those who may have trekked over 800 kilometres to be here. Once back in Santiago, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. Santiago de Compostela is a World Heritage site, an open-air museum that holds many wonderful sights within its walls. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for an included Galician dinner.
Day 20 – Day 20: Farewell
- Santiago de Compostela - Departure day
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After breakfast, your tour adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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