Compare Spanish Discovery by Wingbuddy 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 | 10 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,998 | $ 2,538 |
| Price Per Day | $ 200 | $ 282 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Cordoba was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. Visits include the Park of María Luisa, the famous Plaza de España, outskirts of the great Cathedral and its La Giralda Tower and the typical Barrio de Santa Cruz, former Jewish quarter |
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: USA - Madrid (Spain)
Flight with good itinerary.
Day 2: Madrid
Arrival at Madrid International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3: Madrid - Cordoba - Sevilla
After breakfast, departure towards Cordoba through La Mancha. Full day visit of the city and it’s famous Mezquita. Cordoba was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century. Continuation towards Sevilla. Overnight and dinner in Sevilla.
Day 4: Sevilla
Breakfast. Morning city tour of Sevilla, capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It's famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood. Visits include the Park of María Luisa, the famous Plaza de España, outskirts of the great Cathedral and its La Giralda Tower and the typical Barrio de Santa Cruz, former Jewish quarter. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight and dinner in Sevilla.
Day 5: Sevilla - Granada
After breakfast, departure to Granada for a visit of the famous Alhambra palace and its Generalife gardens. Part palace, part fort, part World Heritage site, part lesson in medieval architecture, the Alhambra has long enchanted a never-ending line of expectant visitors. Optional visit ($) to the caves of Sacromonte and attend a typical show of gipsy flamenco. Overnight and dinner in Granada.
Day 6: Granada - Valencia
Breakfast. Departure towards Valencia via Guadix, Baza and Puerto Lumbreras. The port city of Valencia lies on Spain’s southeastern coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic structures including a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum. Accommodation in Valencia.
Day 7: Valencia - Barcelona
After breakfast, late departure towards Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region known for its art and architecture. Afternoon at leisure in Barcelona.
Day 8: Barcelona
Breakfast. Morning city tour of Barcelona include the Park of Montjuic with its spectacular views, the Olympic Ring, the monument of Columbus and one of the most impressive old Gothic Quarter in Europe. Afternoon at leisure. Optional night city tour ($) of Barcelona through the wide avenues and lighted buildings and fountains.
Day 9: Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid
After breakfast, departure towards Madrid through Lerida and Zaragoza. Zaragoza is the capital of northeastern Spain's Aragon region. Overlooking the Ebro River in the city center is the baroque Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica, a famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Free time to discover the city. Continuation to Madrid. Overnight in Madrid.
Day 10: Madrid - USA
Breakfast. Transfer to Madrid International Airport for your return flight home.
End of services
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.
