Compare Madrid & Andalusia by Great Value Vacations 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 | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,072 | $ 2,538 |
| Price Per Day | $ 384 | $ 282 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Your journey begins in Madrid - the capital of Spain, which offers the culture and appeal of a sophisticated modern city, while retaining the charm and elegance of its early years. Travel by train through Andalusia, discovering the beauty and culture of three of its most significant cities – Cordoba, Seville and Granada. Each are home to sites which have been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage designation; In Granada, you’ll see the Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the medieval Albaicín neighborhood; in Cordoba, its historic center with the great Mosque; and in Seville, the Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace and the Indies Archive. As you make your way through these gems of Spain, indulge in tapas, sample sangria, hear Spanish guitar played on the streets, and enjoy the leisurely lifestyle while being surrounded by some of the country's most breathtaking buildings and landscapes. |
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 Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to Madrid, the Capital of Spain! On arrival, you’ll be met by your English-speaking driver and transferred by luxury car to your hotel for the next 3 nights. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to begin exploring the city. Consider starting it on a sweet note by treating yourself to a plate of the city's most famous dessert: chocolate con churros!
Day 2 Madrid
In the morning, following your buffet breakfast, you’ll embark on a comprehensive city tour that will showcase all of the most popular and interesting sites in Madrid! The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, to continue to experience Madrid on your own. Take advantage of Madrid's abundance of museums filled with iconic works and breathtaking masterpieces! You can experience surrealism and post-impressionism, including Picasso's Guernica, at the Reina Sofia, or become enveloped in European art at the famous Prado museum.
Day 3 Madrid - Cordoba
After breakfast, make your way to the rail station to catch the high-speed train to Cordoba – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thousand-year-old city that harmoniously blends history with modernity. In Cordoba you should stroll through the historic quarter to discover the great Mosque-Cathedral, a symbol of the city which reflects both its importance during medieval times, as well as the Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula. From there, visit the Synagogue – the only one that still stands in the city, and a symbol of the three cultures – Christians, Arabs and Jews - that lived together for centuries.
Day 4 Cordoba - Seville
After breakfast, make your way to the rail station, to pick up the high-speed train to Seville. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville enjoys a rich Moorish heritage, with many streets, squares and and historic quarters boasting UNESCO World Heritage designation. Check in to your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 5 Seville
Following breakfast, embark on your guided city tour, followed by a scenic river cruise!
Day 6 Seville - Granada
Make your way to the rail station, to catch the train to Granada. Granada is one of the most interesting cities in Eastern Andalusia with its impressive Al-Andalus heritage, and unmistakable Moorish essence; it was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Its old town neighborhood, the Albaicín, has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage designation, together with the Alhambra and Generalife, of which you will enjoy a tour today.
Day 7 Granada - Madrid
Today you will be transferred to the train station, where you'll hop on a high-speed train from Granada back to Madrid! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll get ready for your final night in Spain. Consider heading to a local tapas bar for your final evening, where you can rub elbows with the locals while sampling the flavors of España!
Day 8 Depart Spain
Your tour of Madrid and Andalusia comes to an end today. Following breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport, for your return flight 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.
