Compare Spanish Splendors by Great Value Vacations vs Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Winter 2021 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 11 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,233 | $ 2,538 |
| Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 282 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Set out to Spain and make everyone back home jealous! This vacation will have you hopping from city to city, seeing the country's most iconic landmarks and outstanding natural beauty. Make the most of each destination and take advantage of your included guided tours! Begin your journey in Barcelona and see the intricate architecture of the legendary Antoni Gaudi. See Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and his other masterpieces up-close! Next, take the train to seaside Valencia. Stroll through this gorgeous, artistic city and stop in Mercado Central for some tasty treats! After seeing Valencia, hop aboard the train to Madrid. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, spend the afternoon in Buen Retiro Park, and visit the "Golden Triangle of Art." When in Madrid, be sure to see a bullfight or a Flamenco show! Next stop, Seville. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, the Plaza de Espana, and beautiful Maria Luisa Park. Seville is foodie-central, so be sure to try Paella, Gazpacho, Churros con Chocolate, and other traditional Spanish favorites! Lastly, your journey will conclude in the stunning city of Malaga. Take in gorgeous views of the bright blue Alboran Sea, visit amazing monuments and cathedrals, and soak up the vibrant culture of Spain. |
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 Barcelona!
Arrive in the bright, bustling city of Barcelona! Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your first luxurious hotel, then explore the city at your leisure. You might want to stroll through colorful Park Guell or the charming Gothic Quarter. On your first night, treat yourself to a delicious meal of authentic paella!
Day 2 Barcelona
Enjoy breakfast, grab your camera, and get ready for your included half-day guided tour of Barcelona! Come face-to-face with the city's most iconic sights, such as Via Layetana, the Cathedral, Plaza Sant Jaume, the Olympic Village, and much more. Take in the stunning views from Montjuic and the port, from the highest mirador (gazebo) in the city. After the tour, spend the afternoon making sure you've seen everything in Barcelona that you'd hoped to. Be sure to check out all of Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces, such as La Rambla, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Mila.
Day 3 Barcelona - Valencia
Enjoy a scenic train ride to Valencia today! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, then spend the afternoon leisurely getting to know the city. Stroll through the streets of this artistic city and gawk at its amazing architecture. Consider stopping into the Mercado Central and grabbing a bite to eat!
Day 4 Valencia
Today, use your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and see every nook and cranny of the city. Be sure to "hop off" whenever something sparks your interest! Be on the lookout for Plaza de la Virgen, the Church of San Nicolas, the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, and the Valencia Cathedral. Take some time to stroll through the historic, charming streets of Casco Antiguo!
Day 5 Valencia - Madrid
Take a ride on Spain's high-speed rail from Valencia to Madrid. As the train slows and pulls into Madrid, look around at all the colorful culture and intricate architecture! Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. Stroll through the extraordinary Buen Retiro Park, then head to Plaza Mayor and treat yourself to dinner at a quaint cafe in the area.
Day 6 Madrid
Enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet, then embark on your included city tour that will take you to the most popular sights in Madrid. Experience the elegant Plaza de Oriente, the Plaza de Espana, the Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcala, the Bullring, and much more! After this panoramic overview of the city's highlights, enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Royal Palace. Spend your last night in Madrid sampling some tasty tapas!
Day 7 Madrid - Seville
Hop aboard the train to stunning Seville. After you settle into your comfortable hotel, get exploring! Take a walk through the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, then relax in Plaza de Espana. Seville is known for being a culinary haven, so be sure to try its renowned dishes such as Gazpacho, jamón Iberico de Bellota, and pavías de pescado
Day 8 Seville
Wake up, recharge during breakfast, then enjoy a tour of the most iconic monuments of Seville. See the University, the Old Tobacco Factory, the setting of Bizet's opera Carmen, and more! Conclude your tour with a pleasant river cruise, a truly unique way to experience this beautiful city.
Day 9 Seville - Malaga
Enjoy your last Spanish train ride to magnificent Malaga. After settling into your accommodation, take a relaxing stroll along the gorgeous Puerto de Malaga. Walk around, unwind with a drink, and treat yourself to a delicious, authentic meal at one of the area's many restaurants.
Day 10 Malaga
Spend your last full day in Spain experiencing the beauty of Malaga. Take advantage of your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and see this seaside city front to back! Feel free to "hop off" whenever a sight strikes you. Be sure to spend time in Alcazaba, Malaga Park, Plaza de la Constitucion, and Malaga Cathedral. Experience true Spanish culture at the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, then end your day with an unforgettable view of Malaga from Castillo de Gibralfaro.
Day 11 Depart Spain
Squeeze all of your souvenirs into your luggage and meet your private transfer to the airport. Spend your flight scrolling through pictures and dreaming about your next adventure. Until next time, Spain.
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.
