Compare Spain's Cultural Capitals by Grand Circle Travel vs Premium Spain by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Arrive Madrid, Spain

Land in Madrid this morning, where a Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. This evening, meet up with your Program Director for an orientation briefing, in which you'll get a preview of the upcoming discoveries of your Spain tour, before getting to know your fellow travelers, including those returning from their Bilbao & San Sebastian pre-trip extension, over a Welcome Drink.

Dinner is on your own tonight—your Program Director will be happy to suggest a local restaurant for you.

Day 2: Madrid • City tour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Spain's vibrant capital city enjoys a reputation as an extraordinarily welcoming one. Though the metropolis boasts a population of more than three million people, a great many of the city's residents (called madrilenos) are transplants from other parts of Spain or the world at large, calling Madrid their home by choice rather than by birth. As a city of outsiders, its people know how to welcome visitors, giving rise to the phrase “if you're in Madrid, you're from Madrid.”

After breakfast this morning, you'll begin your exploration of the city with a half-day panoramic tour. You'll drive by important landmarks like the opulent Royal Palace, constructed in the 18th century. You'll continue on to drive past the Almudena Cathedral. The building's construction was completed in 1993, making it one of Europe's youngest cathedrals, though with its massive size and unique blend of modern and traditional influences, it is still one of Madrid's most remarkable-looking religious buildings. You'll also see the Temple of Debod, a 2,000-year-old Egyptian monument that was dismantled and then painstakingly reconstructed in Spain as a result of Nile River flooding caused by Egypt's Aswan High Dam project.

After your tour, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to make your own discoveries. In addition to the sites shown off during your tour, Madrid boasts a number of other important cultural attractions, including the world-renowned Prado Museum, a repository of treasures from Spain's artistic golden age, including masterpieces from El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, and more.

Tonight, regroup with your fellow passengers for an included Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant to toast the day's discoveries along with those that lie ahead.

Day 3: Madrid • Optional Segovia tour

Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to make your own discoveries in Madrid, if you'd like. Or you can join an optional full-day tour to Segovia, which, with its dramatic hilltop location and stunning medieval architecture, might feel like a fairy tale come to life. Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site begins with the Roman aqueduct, which was constructed without the use of mortar and is still standing today, due to the passionate efforts of the local community to preserve it. Then stroll through the charming, narrow streets of the old Jewish Quarter before visiting the Plaza Mayor, a picturesque square surrounded by many of Segovia's most important buildings, including its Gothic cathedral, an imposing 16th-century church that was one of the last of its kind built in Spain. The last stop on your tour is the Alcazar, a skyline-dominating castle perched idyllically on the top of a hill, whose romantic gables and turrets inspired Walt Disney's design for the castle of Sleeping Beauty. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included with the cost of the optional tour).

Return to Madrid late this afternoon, where dinner is on your own.

Day 4: Madrid • Optional Toledo tour • Flamenco experience

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Spend another day acquainting yourself with Madrid, or join an optional half-day tour to another one of Spain's historic cities (and another UNESCO World Heritage Site), Toledo. This quintessentially Old-World city boasts a rich multicultural legacy—throughout the centuries, it has been home to Romans, Jews, Catholics, Muslims, and more, all of whom have left their indelible mark on the city's culture and architecture.

Your tour of the city starts in its Old Town, where you'll visit the Synagogue of El Transito. The building is unique in that it was built during a time in the 14th century when construction of synagogues was generally forbidden in Spain. In 1492, Toledo's Jewish community was expelled from the city, and the synagogue was converted into a church. Today, it is a museum. You'll also stop at the Church of Santo Tome and the Gothic Toledo Cathedral, an important spiritual center of Catholic Spain since its construction in the 13th century. You'll go inside to see its elaborate decor, including the magnificent altarpiece, a towering depiction of scenes from the life of Christ.

Return to Madrid this evening, where you'll enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series flamenco experience, followed by dinner. You'll learn about the romantic Spanish dance and, if you're feeling bold, even get the chance to go on stage and try your hand at it yourself to experience the passion of this iconic form of expression.

Day 5: Madrid • Cuenca • Home-Hosted Lunch • Valencia

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodations: Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace or similar

Depart Madrid this morning for Valencia, stopping along the way to explore the breathtaking mountaintop city of Cuenca. The Moors who founded the city chose its hilltop location, straddling a rocky ridge dividing two river gorges, for its strategic defensive benefits. But the area's enchanting aesthetic qualities cannot be denied, as you'll discover for yourself during an included tour of the city's medieval walled Old Town, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

As the population of Cuenca grew into the 18th century, the city faced a problem: Though beautiful, the local mountain topography provided limited opportunities for physical expansion. The people came up with an ingenious solution, to be mimicked later by the skyscrapers of the industrial era—rather than expand outward, they built upward, building homes alongside the very cliffs of the mountain. These are the casas colgadas, or Hanging Houses, seven- or eight-story homes which hang precariously over the Huecar Gorge. Today, the peculiar houses are home to Cuenca's Museum of Abstract Art, a symbol of the city's flourishing artistic community.

You'll have a chance to see the Hanging Houses from the outside, then your tour continues with a stop at Cuenca's Old Walls, a relic from the Moors' original fortifications. Then explore the Plaza Mayor, a picturesque square lined with colorful buildings alongside the city's Gothic Cathedral, built in the twelfth century after the Catholic Reconquista of the region.

Following your city tour, you'll venture off the beaten path to experience what is likely to be another highlight of your trip—a Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family. During this exclusive Discovery Series event, you'll have the opportunity to practice your Spanish, and sample authentic, home-cooked cuisine as you learn about local culture during meaningful, up-close and personal interactions with local residents.

After bidding farewell to your gracious hosts, you'll continue on your way to Valencia, arriving at your hotel this evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 6: Valencia • City tour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace or similar

Continue your tour of Spain in Valencia, the country's third-largest city, as well as one of its oldest. It has been many things over the centuries—a Roman settlement, a Moorish stronghold, and even an independent multicultural fiefdom under the short-lived rule of El Cid, the famous Spanish warrior. You'll become acquainted with the city this morning on a half-day panoramic tour, which will take you past a rich blend of Moorish architecture and medieval squares existing alongside contemporary avant-garde buildings.

Your tour starts with a drive past one of Valencia's most impressive ultra-modern institutions—the City of Arts and Sciences, a massive cultural complex built in the dry riverbed of the Turia River (now converted into a picturesque set of garden walkways), which features an opera house rising like a leviathan out of a massive reflecting pool. You'll then discover the historical side of Valencia, with a visit to the site of the old city walls—the walls are no longer standing, but several impressive medieval gates and fortifications still remain. Then continue to the Mercado de Colon, an upscale marketplace built in 1914 and renovated with a modern flourish in 2003. Conclude your city tour with a stop to view La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange), a 15th-century Renaissance trading hall recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a unique example of Gothic secular architecture.

After your tour, you have the afternoon to explore the city on your own, or to simply unwind before rejoining your fellow travelers for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Valencia

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace or similar

Today is yours to spend in Valencia as you please, with lunch on your own. You might choose to stroll idly along the manicured gardens of the Turia riverbed, or seek out local restaurants to find the perfect paella, chased with a refreshing Agua de Valencia, a local fruity cocktail. Your Program Director can point you toward the treasures of this Mediterranean city. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Valencia • Lladro Museum

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodations: Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace or similar

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit the Lladro Museum, where you'll find a collection of highly valued handcrafted porcelain figurines. Lladro figurines are internationally renowned for their painstaking attention to detail and intricate coloration. You'll see the collection and tour the Lladro factory, to watch the specially trained artisans at work and learn about their creative technique.

Next, head to scenic Malvarrosa Beach for an included lunch, where you'll have the opportunity to sample authentic Valencian paella, a dish of rice, meat, vegetables, olive oil, and spices. Paella is enjoyed around the world, but was invented in Valencia, whose residents consider it to be an important part of their cultural heritage.

After lunch, you'll return to Valencia, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 9: Valencia • Tarragona • Barcelona

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodations: Eurostars Cristal Palace or similar

Depart Valencia by motorcoach this morning for Barcelona, stopping along the way to stretch your legs in Peniscola, a scenic seaside town. Here, you'll have some time on your own to wander the town's streets and admire its medieval castle, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, before returning to the bus to resume your journey.

You'll enjoy an included lunch along the way before stopping again at the Catalonian coastal city of Tarragona for an included tour. Tarragona was first founded as a Roman settlement and soon prospered as a vital port city. Much of the original Roman construction still stands today, and has earned the city recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's ruins include the Praetorium, an imposing ancient tower that in the middle ages was converted into a Royal Palace for the Kings of Aragon, as well as the well-preserved Roman Circus, where horse and chariot races were held. The city also boasts an amphitheater, which in later centuries became the site of a Christian church.

After your tour, continue your transfer to Barcelona, where you'll arrive this evening to check into your hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 10: Barcelona • City tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodations: Eurostars Cristal Palace or similar

Today, begin your exploration of Barcelona, the second-largest city in Spain and the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Barcelona has been a vital center of trade in the Mediterranean from the Middle Ages up until the present day, which has helped to cement its status as one of the great cities of Europe—an important center of cultural, artistic, and scientific innovation for centuries.

You'll start your discoveries here with a panoramic tour of the city, beginning with the wooded slopes of Montjuic Hill, which hosts Castell de Montjuic, a 17th-century fortress. Scattered along the hillside are buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games, including Santiago Calatrava's Olympic Needle. Then continue to the city's scenic waterfront, a modernized, trendy district with shops and pedestrian walkways that still retains much of its old medieval charm. Next, you'll drive along the Passeig de Gracia, an upscale boulevard which showcases some prime examples of Barcelona's Catalan modernist architecture, a standing legacy of the late 19th- and early 20th-century cultural movement to assert an independent Catalan national identity. The architectural style, spearheaded by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi, is characterized by unconventional, asymmetrical, borderline chaotic, yet visually striking designs. You'll enjoy an included lunch during your exploration.

After your tour, you have the rest of the afternoon to make your own discoveries. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 11: Barcelona • Optional Montserrat & Codorniu Winery tour  OPTIONAL TOUR

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Eurostars Cristal Palace or similar

Today you have the opportunity to explore Barcelona on your own. You might choose to wander through the winding alleyways of Barcelona’s old city center, or Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), which offers visitors a glimpse of medieval Barcelona. Some of the structures in this charming section of the city date as far back as the first Roman settlements of Barcelona. Today, centurions and garrisons have been replaced by quaint antique shops, hidden courtyards, and strolling street musicians.

Or, you can choose to join an optional half-day tour to Montserrat and the Codorniu Winery. Begin your tour in Montserrat, a jagged mountain range outside the city which offers exhilarating hikes past peculiar rock formations and spectacular views of the Catalonian countryside below. The mountain is also home to a Benedictine abbey, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat, a Black Madonna statue which attracts many devout pilgrims.

You'll then continue on to the Codorniu Winery, a major producer of the local Spanish sparkling wine called cava. You'll learn about the production process and tour the cellars, where you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the finished product. The wine isn't the only thing on display—the building itself is visually impressive, as it is designed in the Catalan Modernist style for which the area is so well known.

The remainder of your afternoon is yours to explore Barcelona as you please, before you rejoin your fellow travelers for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Barcelona • Life of Gaudi experience

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodations: Eurostars Cristal Palace or similar

One of Barcelona's most significant contributions to the European cultural scene is its one-of-a-kind architecture, designed in the Catalan Modernist style. The man who spearheaded this architectural movement was the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, and today's exclusive Discovery Series Event will take you on a journey through his life, as you survey some of Gaudi's most famous works while discussing his historical legacy with an expert local guide.

One of the highlights of your tour is sure to be the Sagrada Familia basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While construction of the cathedral began in 1882, the colossal structure isn’t scheduled for completion until 2026. Originally started by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, Gaudí took over in 1883 and then devoted his entire life to its construction. When he died in 1926, after nearly 43 years of work on the cathedral, the project was only 15 percent completed. At first blush, the breathtaking mixture of Gothic and geometric Art Nouveau forms appear to be dripping in melted wax, but closer inspection reveals a meticulous stone tapestry depicting the life and acts of Jesus Christ. Once completed, the church will accommodate some 13,000 worshipers.

This afternoon is yours to seek out the many treasures of Barcelona. Rejoin your fellow travelers tonight for an included Farewell Dinner.

Day 13: Barcelona • Return to U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport today for your flight home. Or continue your tour of Spain as you begin your optional post-trip extension to Malaga.

Day 1 Madrid

Beinvenido – welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Madrid, a city filled with elegant boulevards, manicured parks and superb cuisine. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your leader and small group for a welcome meeting this evening. If you arrive early, you may like to visit the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. Your Spanish adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:30pm. Once the formalities are out of the way get to know your leader and group over dinner at a wonderful restaurant that showcases Madrid’s famous tapas.

Day 2 Madrid

Travel to the city of Toledo this morning. The unique old town of this city sits on a high craggy rock and is encircled by the Tagus River. As a former capital of Spain, Toledo has immense historic significance and holds many architectural treasures. Examples of buildings from most architectural periods in Spain’s history can be seen here, from the Gothic to the Baroque. Today you’ll experience Toledo’s culture in the form of a marzipan tasting. While a few countries compete for the rights, the Spanish argue that marzipan was invented in Toledo. Either way, the sweet treat made from almond meal, honey and sugar has been produced in this city for generations, and is some of the world’s best. Find out how it’s made, its significance to Toledo, and taste some yourself. Return to Madrid for a free afternoon – you may like to check out the Royal Palace, or stroll around the Parque del Retiro.

Day 3 Seville

Travel from Madrid to Seville by train.The largest city in southern Spain,Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and dazzling architecture.On arrival, check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel.Housed in 27 typical Sevillian cottages with patios and corridors connecting them,the hotel  celebrates its roots with its elegant décor and antique furnishings.Walking about the hotel's interior is like taking a stroll through centuries-old parts of the city: statues, floors, columns, amphorae, jugs, all create the impression that you are in a living museum.Personal touches are everywhere, from incredibly friendly service to hand painted details in the rooms and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Not to mention, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location on the Alameda de Hercules, lined with cafes, restaurants and music venues. This evening, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. This colourful, lively and rousing performance will certainly be one to remember.

Day 4 Seville

This morning, meet with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city and how it’s enjoyed today. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal palace, and uncover its secrets with your guide. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still to this day use the Alcazar as their residence in Seville. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further discoveries - you may wish to take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.

Day 5 Cordoba

Today you will journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine, via a private transfer. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site which has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today a cathedral stands within the centre of this amazing mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside of the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.

Day 6 Granada

Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. Along the way, you will learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil mill. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production, and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with olives, olive marmalade, olive pate and wine. On arrival, check in to your hotel. This evening, perhaps head out to explore Granada’s drinking and dining scene with your group.

Day 7 Granada

This morning you will get acquainted with Granada during an orientation walk with your leader. Learn the fascinating history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Enjoy some time for your own explorations of the city – perhaps head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. With ancient defensive walls, turrets and fountains set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, touring this magnificent site is an experience that will stick with you. After seeing the monumental Alhambra during the day, join your group for an included dinner at a nearby restaurant. After this break you’ll return to the Alhambra after dark and explore the famed Nasrid Palaces with your local guide. By now the crowds have dispersed and you are free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace decor and a multitude of architectural styles through the intricate Nasrid Palaces.

Day 8 Valencia

Depart Granada and travel to Valencia. Along the way you will travel through the distinctive countryside of the region and pass through Elche, capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around palm tree grove, one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The palmeral consists of several parts spreading across downtown. Then it's on to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, to soak up its unique cultural identity and explore the old town centre that dates back 2000 years. On arrival, you’re free to explore the city and discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and magnificent gardens.

Day 9 Valencia

Start the day with a short drive south of Valencia to discover Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. The lake is surrounded by beach, dunes, lagoons, wetlands and Mediterranean forest, and is home to six small islands. You will visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical ‘barraca’ houses. Travel by boat to the middle of the lake and learn about the important agricultural crop of the area, namely the local rice. Finish off with an included lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia. You may like to visit the city's major landmark – the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or perhaps head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer – from horchata to artisan chocolates, the city is a gastronomical heaven.

Day 10 Barcelona

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Valencia and travel to Barcelona. We arrive into Barcelona early afternoon. Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget.  After a walking tour with your leader,  you’ll get to enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Celebrate the final night of your trip as you dine on some of the region’s most delicious foods like olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Belotta, Catalan cheeses, olive oil, and sweet desserts.

Day 11 Barcelona

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Barcelona and delve deeper into this exciting city, please speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation in advance (subject to availability).