Spanish Heritage (Classic, End Madrid, 18 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the vibrant landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture of Spain. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, local experiences, and culinary delights. From the modernist architecture of Barcelona to the Moorish heritage of Granada, the sunny Costa Dorada to the green coast of Asturias, you'll be immersed in the heart and soul of Spain. Learn to cook traditional paella in Valencia, witness the passion of flamenco in Seville, and explore the ancient streets of Santiago de Compostela. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, this tour promises an authentic and enriching Spanish adventure.
Included
6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
17 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
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.
Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
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.
Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.
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.
Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
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: 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.
Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.
Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.
Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'
Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.
San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
Pamplona: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway.
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.
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.
Valencia: The Barceló Valencia hotel is situated right in the centre of the City of Arts and Sciences, opposite the Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, a building designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and is situated in one of the most modern and attractive areas of the city.
Madrid: Located on Madrid’s most chic avenue, the Hesperia Madrid is a centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable and contemporary rooms.
Santiago de Compostela: The NH Collection Santiago De Compostela delivers modern luxury in a timeless setting, just minutes from the historic Plaza del Obradoiro.
Oviedo: The Barceló Oviedo Cervantes is situated in the heart of Oviedo, 10 minutes from the Old Town and cathedral. This striking and stylish designer hotel is restored from an early 20th century mansion.
Santander: The luxury 5-star Eurostars Hotel Real is at the heart and soul of Santander and is a hallmark of excellence and prestige, facing the Playa de los Peligros beach.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
- Barcelona
- el Prat de Llobregat - Arrival day
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Begin your Spanish adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample the city's renowned cuisine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Sagrada Família
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Today, a local expert will guide you through the city's iconic landmarks. Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure.
Day 3 – Day 3: Barcelona to Valencia
- Barcelona
- Valencia
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- Peniscola Castle
- Valencia Cathedral
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Journey along the sunny Costa Dorada to the city of Valencia. En route, stop at Peñíscola to see the sea-lapped castle. In Valencia, explore the Old City and learn to cook the local specialty, paella, at a family-run restaurant.
Day 4 – Day 4: Valencia to Granada
- Valencia
- Granada
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- Generalife
- Alhambra
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Travel south to the historic city of Granada. Visit the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel, and stroll through the elegant gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
Day 5 – Day 5: Granada to Seville
- Granada
- Seville
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Enjoy the morning at your leisure in Granada before travelling to Seville, the stunning capital of Andalucía. Spend the evening exploring this charming city at your own pace.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Seville
- Seville
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- 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 panoramic city drive. Later, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation for a flamenco dance lesson and performance.
Day 7 – Day 7: Seville to Madrid via Córdoba
- Seville
- Madrid
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- Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
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Travel to the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba. Visit the magnificent Mezquita, a mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Continue through La Mancha to the Spanish capital, Madrid.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Explore Madrid's historic neighbourhoods with a local expert. Visit the renowned Prado Museum and marvel at the works of Velázquez, Goya, and more. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before a special dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid at Leisure
- Madrid
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Enjoy a full day at leisure in Spain's capital. You may choose to join an optional experience to the ancient city of Segovia or simply relax and explore Madrid at your own pace.
Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid
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- Castle of Coca
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Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile. Pass the impressive Castillo de la Mota and continue to Santiago de Compostela, the final stop of the famous pilgrimage route.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Santiago de Compostela
Day 11: Exploring Santiago de Compostela
- Cervantes square
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Explore Santiago de Compostela with a local expert. Choose between a city tour, visiting Praza do Obradoiro and admiring the cathedral facade, or embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo
- Oviedo
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- Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias
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Travel through the ancient forests of Galicia and the green coast of Asturias to Oviedo. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour and admire its incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.
Day 13 – Day 13: Oviedo to Santander
- Oviedo
- Santander
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- Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa
- Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and see the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís. Journey into the foothills of the Picos de Europa and enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria en route to the beach resort of Santander.
Day 14 – Day 14: Santander to San Sebastián
- Santander
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- San Telmo Ermita
- Guggenheim Museum
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Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and admire its striking modern architecture. Travel along the Costa Vasca to the seaside city of San Sebastián, where a city tour awaits.
Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián at Leisure
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Enjoy a day at leisure in San Sebastián. Stroll along the boardwalk, explore the harbour, or relax on the sandy beach. You may also choose to visit the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Day 16 – Day 16: San Sebastián to Barcelona via Pamplona
- Donostia / San Sebastián
- Barcelona
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- Plaza de Toros
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Travel to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.
Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona at Leisure
- Barcelona
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Enjoy a relaxed start and a day at leisure in Barcelona. You may choose to revisit some of Gaudí's creations, walk along Las Ramblas, or join an optional experience to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat.
Day 18 – Day 18: Farewell Barcelona
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Your Spanish adventure comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you a lifetime of memories.
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