Compare Sensational Spain by Cosmos vs Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Winter 2021 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,449 | $ 2,538 |
| Price Per Day | $ 175 | $ 282 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Your 14-day affordable tour of Spain begins and ends in elegant Madrid. In between, you’ll discover Spain’s sensational sites and legendary locales of history, culture, and cuisine. We have planned visits to the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian, in the Basque Country and Pamplona—city of the running of the bulls, toreadors, and Hemingway’s famous novel, “The Sun Also Rises.” Venture through countryside vistas of fields and vineyards to Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro Rive, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Take two days to absorb the beauty and history of Barcelona, learning more about its famous sights and and panoramic views on the included guided orientation. Drive along the Costa Dorada and Costa del Azahar to the vibrant art nouveau and modern style of Valencia—the home of paella! Travel inland to Granada, situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and the confluence of four rivers. Experience the Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, exotic tearooms of the Albazyn quarter, and historical sites in this university city. You’ll relish a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings in 889 AD. More stunning architecture awaits in Cordoba—including the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter and the Moorish and Renaissance architecture of the Mezquita. Your introduction to the Andalusian capital of Seville includes a guided city tour, to see its majestic cathedral, Alcazar palace, and Plaza de España. Complete the journey through Cáceres and Salamanca to Madrid. This comprehensive, value-minded tour of Spain is a wealth of experiences in beauty, landscapes, arts, and rich cultural traditions to treasure. | See the beautiful world of Spain during this 9-day guided tour. Begin in Barcelona, where a Local Expert will lead you along the city’s narrow lanes to the lively Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Família, a basilica built by the architect Antoni Gaudí. Paella was created in Valencia. Later, enjoy a private cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant while sampling the local flavors. See glorious views of the Sierra Nevada before reaching Granada, where a Local Expert will guide you through one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built: the Alhambra. In Seville, learn the art of flamenco dancing during a private lesson, then be treated to a passionate performance by professionals. Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian, who can share the stories behind Spanish masterpieces by artists such as Francisco Goya. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (Dinner)
Day 2: MADRID–SEGOVIA–RIBERA DEL DUERO–BURGOS
The first visit of the day is Segovia, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its soaring Roman aqueduct and breathtaking fairytale fortress. Traveling through Castille and Leon, we reach the Ribera del Duero area, which follows the course of the Douro River and is noted for producing some of Spain’s finest wines. Get a taste at a local wine cellar, then continue to Burgos, known for its landmark cathedral. Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 3: BURGOS–BILBAO–SAN SEBASTIAN–PAMPLONA
The day is dedicated to discovering the Basque Countries as we visit the city of Bilbao, with its contemporary architecture, and San Sebastian, with its beautiful sandy beach. On to Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls. Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (Breakfast)
Day 4: PAMPLONA–SARAGOSSA–BARCELONA
Vistas of the Rioja wine-growing region greet you this morning as you travel towards Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. Here, visit the Baroque-style Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pillar before arriving in Barcelona, Catalonia’s lively capital. Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (Breakfast)
Day 5: BARCELONA
This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and to marvel at the incredible panoramic views of the port and city. On to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces. (Breakfast)
Day 6: BARCELONA–VALENCIA
Travel along the Costa Dorada today and on to the Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) to arrive in Valencia, birthplace of paella! Combining striking modern architecture with Art-Nouveau-style buildings and the Old Town, Valencia is one of the most innovative Spanish cities enjoying a very high quality of life. Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (Breakfast)
Day 7: VALENCIA–GRANADA
Spectacular scenery unfolds as you travel inland towards Granada, beautifully situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and at the confluence of four rivers. Granada is a compelling city where Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, and historical sites coexist with a young population of university students, graffiti, and exotic tea houses in the Albazyn quarter. Today’s Distance: 303 mi/ 487 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 8: GRANADA
Today, your Local Guide will bring to life the world-famous Alhambra complex*. Built by Moorish kings in 889 ADinner, this magnificent hilltop palace-fortress features lavish gardens, and is the epitome of architectural beauty. (Breakfast)
NOTE:*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
Day 9: GRANADA–CORDOBA–SEVILLE
Visit Cordoba, known for the white-washed houses of the Jewish quarter, but also for its magnificent 8th-century Mezquita, a mosque inside which a cathedral was built following the Reconquista. Admire its splendid giant arches, domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics and 856 jasper, onyx, marble, and granite pillars. Continue your journey through picturesque Andalusia, on to vibrant, festive Seville! Tonight, a chance to join an exciting optional Flamenco show to immerse yourself in the local culture.Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 10: SEVILLE
An included city tour reveals the best of this vibrant Andalusian capital today: see the majestic cathedral; beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant Moorish architecture; and the landmark Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Expo in 1929. The rest of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 11: SEVILLE–CÁCERES–SALAMANCA
Stop in medieval, walled Cáceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Later, cross the Tagus River and the Guadarrama mountains to arrive in Salamanca. Here you will experience the ambiance and unique Spanish Baroque beauty of Plaza Mayor, heart of the city and one of the most extraordinary public squares in the country. Today’s Distance: 289 mi/ 465 km (Breakfast)
Day 12: SALAMANCA–ÁVILA–MADRID
On to Ávila, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its imposing city walls, monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and 2,500-plus turrets. This city is the essence of Castilla and the epitome of old Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, enjoy a guided tour of the city, discovering its royal elegance and its vibrancy. You’ll appreciate the abundance of museums and cultural livelihood. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km (Breakfast)
Day 13: MADRID
Spend the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to join one of our optional excursions or activities. (Breakfast)
Day 14: MADRID
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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.
