Compare Spain by Train Singles Vacations by Best Single Travel vs Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Winter 2021 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Barcelona, Spain

Land at the Barcelona airport and take the provided shuttle to the group's hotel, located right in the very heart of Las Ramblas. Throughout history, theaters, music cafes and flamenco bars have opened up in this area. It brings together the bustling and cosmopolitan culture, leisure, traditional gastronomy, popular places and all types of shops.

Tonight meet and greet with your tour leader and your fellow single travelers then walk to a local restaurant for an optional dinner.

Day 2: Barcelona

Discover the ancient, medieval and modern sights of Barcelona on our full day guided tour of this marvelous city. Stroll along the district's streets, squares and old buildings, learn about the quarter's history and people. Our morning will start will with a tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, the center of the old town. Alongside the medieval buildings are remains of an ancient Roman city, and the Temple d'August, the best preserved Roman relic in Barcelona. One of the main attractions, right in the heart of the district is the huge Cathedral, Santa Spain Making PaellaMaria del Mar. This Gothic church was built in the 14th Century in only 55 years. Then we board our bus for a panoramic tour of the city. Enjoy spectacular views over Barcelona including the Waterfront, with the Old Port and Montjuic Hill where we will see the Olympic Ring.

Then it is time to hit the local market with our private Spanish chef. It is all about Paella and Sangria. Enjoy hands on cooking of the famous Spanish dish, paella and learn how to make the fruity Sangria. Then we get to eat and drink what we made.

Day 3: Barcelona

After breakfast we will hop on the hop-on hop-off bus and travel to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most popular attraction. Visit the crypt were Gaudí is buried and central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. We can also visit the towers. An elevator and a long walk leads us to the top of a tower where a magnificent view over Barcelona awaits.

After our tour of the Sagrada Família your afternoon is at leisure. Use the hop-on bus to finish your day in Barcelona.

Day 4: Barcelona to Seville

This morning we transfer to the Barcelona train station for our train to Seville, where Flamenco dancing originates an its rich tradition continues today in the city's 'tablaos'. It is 620 miles to Seville, so sit back and enjoy the leisurely high-speed train ride and beautiful countryside as we speed towards our next destination. Time to relax after we transfer to our hotel, before tonight's entertainment and dinner at the Tablao Flamenco El Palacio Andaluz Restaurant. The sound of the guitarists frantically plucking their guitars, the rhythmic clapping and the sound of pounding heels on stage will fully grab your attention as do the colorful swirling flamenco dresses and the beautiful dancers who wear them. Palacio Andaluz has a large cast of flamenco dancers, musicians, singers and clappers and many of them are award-winning artists in the flamenco world. During the show, the dancers will perform many different styles of flamenco, from the bulerias to the soleares, fandangos, sevillanas and more.

Day 5: Seville

Put on your walking shoes for our morning guided tour of Seville. Enter the Maestanza Bullring, built in 1761, a landmark in Spanish bullfighting, Visit the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace built by Moorish Muslim kings and  renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence. We will climb the ramp to the top of Giralda Tower for spectacular views of Seville Cathedral and visit Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral.

Time to relax as we cruise along the Guadalquivir River. The former capital of Spain hugs the east bank of the river and a cruise offers wonderful views of  Seville's wonderful landmarks. From our vantage point on the Guadalquivir view the magnificent Tower of Gold, Maestranza Bullring and the Saint Telmo Palace. After our cruise the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Seville to Cordoba

A short morning train ride takes us to a thousand-year-old city, Cordoba, a living legacy of different cultures that settled there throughout its history. From the Carthaginians to the Romans and 10th century Arabs, Cordoba achieved world renown as a center of learning, governance and culture. The historic quarter of Cordoba, once home to the Jewish community consists of a beautiful network of small streets and squares all arranged around the city’s impressive Mesquita, one of the largest mosques in the world. Our local guide will show us the incredible Great Mosque and the Spain Cordoba Horse Showruins of Medina Azahara. Other sites we will see include El Puente Romano, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, with its remarkable Arabian baths and Roman mosaics, and an ancient Jewish synagogue, one of the few synagogues left in Spain today.

Tonight we enjoy a Cordoba special show, the unique Passion and "Duende" Equestrian show is the historic 15th century Royal Stables, which reveals the beauty, intelligence and nobleness of the native Andalusian Horse, as well as the skill of the riders.

Day 7: Cordoba to Madrid

Our final train ride takes us to Madrid, once an Arabian Fortress, now a thriving cultural center bursting with monuments, galleries and museums. Upon arrival at the Madrid Atocha Train Station we take a short walk to our hotel for check-in. Our vacation continues with a guided panoramic tour of Madrid through its many historic neighborhoods, down medieval streets, across majestic squares and through 1200 years of history. We'll take the Cable Car to see Madrid from a different view, overflying parks, streets Spain Mercado de San Migueland monuments. Appearing on one side is historical Madrid and on the other side Modern Madrid, with skyscrapers and the Four Towers.

We will stop at Plaza Mayor, the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. Then we will stop at the Mercado de San Miguel, the last iron market hall in Madrid. as there are a number of cafés and mini-restaurants that offer specialty food, from tapas to foreign food, it will be a perfect place to eat.

Day 8: Madrid - Toledo

On our guided morning tour, see Madrid the way it should be seen by walking from the heart of the city through both twisted medieval streets and down grand boulevards. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, including the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the main staircase, the Throne Room, the Gasparini Hall and the Royal Chapel. The rooms are filled with beautiful examples of decorative art and furniture.

This afternoon we travel 43-miles to Toledo, known as the city of three cultures, where Christians, Jews and Arabs lived together in harmony. The whole town has been declared a National Monument, including the houses, the streets, the churches and the palaces with its treasures and artisan crafts. We will explore the imperial city of Toledo, one of the oldest cities in Europe and home to works of El Greco's art, on our afternoon guided tour.  View the medieval castle, with its storybook fortified towers, and the stunning Moorish architecture of Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, Europe’s oldest synagogue.

Day 9: Madrid

To give everyone a chance to explore all the sites of Madrid, including the many art museums at your own pace or shop till you drop, today is a day at leisure.

Tonight our Farewell Dinner is located at Gula Gula, a restaurant-cabaret and show and one of the top 10 Drag shows in the world, Enjoy a generous buffet while a DJ and the outlandish waiters... waitresses?... wait STAFF create a lively, good-humored atmosphere.

Day 10: Depart Madrid

After a final breakfast we have to say "hasta la proxima" (till we meet again) to all our new single travel friends as we are transferred to the airport and our flights home

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona

Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for your Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start

With your Local Expert, see the narrow lanes and old squares behind the cathedral in the Barri Gòtic, Gothic Quarter. See the lively Las Ramblas and then head along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant 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 flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore or perhaps join an optional experience to Montserrat & The Black Madonna.

Day 3: Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start

Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola and see the hilltop castle used in the film '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 flavours of this classic dish with a glass of sangria at your Highlight Dinner.

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.

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 Albaicin 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.

Day 6: Seville, the City of Carmen Relaxed Start

Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Seville’s Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and a short walk through the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz Quarter to enjoy a refreshing beverage. This evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco 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 flamenco performance. With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet?

Day 7: Moorish Córdoba and on to Madrid

Set off 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 magnificent 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.

Day 8: Madrid of the Bourbons Relaxed Start

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. Enjoy a special visit to 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 enjoy an Optional Experience and visit beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast to your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.

Day 9: Depart Madrid

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.