Spanish Heritage (Small Groups, End Barcelona, 18 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the heart of Spain, exploring its vibrant cities, rich history, and stunning landscapes. From the architectural wonders of Barcelona to the Moorish heritage of Granada, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and leisure. Discover the culinary delights of Valencia, the flamenco passion of Seville, and the historic charm of Madrid. Traverse the scenic landscapes of Galicia and Asturias, and relax in the coastal beauty of San Sebastián. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an enriching experience filled with unforgettable memories. Join us for an adventure that captures the essence of Spain's diverse regions and vibrant culture.
Included
17 night accommodation
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.
vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher
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.
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 farm to table 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.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Barcelona
- Barcelona - Arrival day
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Kick off your Spanish adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Pasaje San Juan
- Sagrada Família
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Discover the architectural wonders of Barcelona with a Local Expert. Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and marvel at Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Spend your afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 3 – Day 3: Barcelona to Valencia
- Valencia
- Barcelona
- Peníscola / Peñíscola
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- St Pedro's Church
- City of Arts and Sciences
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Travel along the Costa Dorada to Peñíscola, where you’ll visit the iconic sea-lapped castle. Continue to Valencia, passing through lush orange groves. In Valencia, learn the art of making paella with a local chef and savor this traditional dish for dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Valencia to Granada
- Granada
- Valencia
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- Generalife
- Alhambra
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Journey south to Granada, a city rich in Moorish history. Explore the magnificent Alhambra and the serene gardens of the Generalife with a Local Expert. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
Day 5 – Day 5: Granada to Seville
- Seville
- Granada
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Spend a leisurely morning in Granada, perhaps exploring the Albaicín Quarter. Travel to Seville, passing through picturesque white villages and expansive olive groves. In Seville, enjoy an evening at your leisure to discover the city's charm.
Day 6 – Day 6: Seville
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Casa de Pilatos
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Explore Seville’s rich history with visits to the Seville Cathedral and the old Jewish Quarter. Experience the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you'll enjoy a dance lesson and a captivating performance.
Day 7 – Day 7: Seville to Madrid via Córdoba
- Seville
- Córdoba
- Madrid
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- Puente romano
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Travel through the Guadalquivir Valley to Córdoba, where you'll visit the Roman Bridge and the stunning Mezquita. Continue your journey through La Mancha to reach the vibrant capital, Madrid.
Day 8 – Day 8: Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Explore Madrid’s historic neighborhoods with a Local Expert. Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian. Spend your afternoon at leisure, and in the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your travel companions.
Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid
- Madrid
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Enjoy a full day at leisure in Madrid. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the ancient city of Segovia, known for its fairy-tale castle and impressive Roman aqueduct.
Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid
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- Castle of Coca
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Travel through the Guadarrama Mountains and Old Castile, passing the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history and the final resting place of the Apostle St. James.
Day 11 – Day 11: Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Cervantes square
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Choose between a guided city tour of Santiago de Compostela, including a visit to Praza do Obradoiro, or a scenic walk along part of the Way of St. James. Enjoy free time to explore the city's narrow streets and old squares.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo
- Oviedo
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- Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias
- Casa de los Hevia
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Travel through Galicia's ancient forests to the Green Coast of Asturias. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and cider tasting before continuing to Oviedo. Explore the city's 9th-century churches and the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Day 13 – Day 13: Oviedo to Santander
- Santander
- Oviedo
- Santillana del Mar
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- Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
- Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and see the Roman Bridge in Cangas de Onís. Travel through the Picos de Europa to Santillana del Mar, then continue to the beach resort of Santander for an evening of relaxation.
Day 14 – Day 14: Santander to San Sebastián
- Bilbao
- Santander
- Getaria
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Loretopea
- Guggenheim Museum
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Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, then travel along the Costa Vasca to Getaria. Continue to San Sebastián, where you'll explore the city with a Local Expert, uncovering its maritime heritage.
Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Enjoy a day at leisure in San Sebastián. Stroll along the boardwalk, explore the Old Town, or visit the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The choice is yours in this beautiful coastal city.
Day 16 – Day 16: San Sebastián to Barcelona via Pamplona
- Pamplona
- Barcelona
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Iglesia de San Lorenzo
- Citadel of Pamplona
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Travel to Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls festival. Explore Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña. Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, for an evening at leisure.
Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Can Planes
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Barcelona. Revisit Gaudí’s creations, stroll along Las Ramblas, or take an optional excursion to the Monastery of Montserrat. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a farewell dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Barcelona
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your unforgettable journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport for your onward travels.
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