Complete Spain: South to North Adventure

Complete Spain: South to North Adventure

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Complete Spain: South to North Adventure

14 Days Starting in Madrid and ending in Bilbao

Visiting: Madrid, Granada, Seville, Barcelona, Logroño, San Sebastian, Bilbao

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26254

Physical rating:

2 - Light

Age range:

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

In Spain, a land bursting with flavour, artistry, and passion, there's no such thing as going halfway. Start in the south, where the Andalucian capital of Seville will ignite your soul with the heart-pounding rhythms of flamenco. Then head north to explore the vibrant Basque and Catalan regions: soak up the energy of Barcelona, sip your way through Logroño’s wine country, indulge in San Sebastián’s legendary cuisine, and marvel at Bilbao’s striking architecture. With each region offering its own unique character, style, and language, this adventure through Spain's diverse landscapes and cultures is the full package.

Highlights

  • Explore Moorish palaces, Be treated to a lively flamenco performance in Seville, Explore the astounding red-clay fortress of the Alhambra, Taste a traditional paella, Witness Gaudí’s Barcelona with your own eyes, Devour incredible food in San Sebastian, Experience the Basque way of life.

Places You'll See

Plaza De España, Seville

Granada

Plaza De España, Seville

Granada

Itinerary

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Day 1: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Arrive any time.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Lively, passionate Madrid is a treasure trove of art and architecture, with its royal palaces and works by masters including Goya, Picasso, and Dalí. Be sure to take in some tapas. Madrid is one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe, and showcases food from all over Spain.

Day 3: Madrid/Granada

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

ACTIVITY: Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.

Day 4: Granada

Location: Granada

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.

After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

Additional Information: Due to regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at the time of booking in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Enjoy a guided visit of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Learn about Granada’s reign as one of the region’s most regal cities during the Muslim rule of Spain, which is captured in time within the Alhambra.

FREE TIME: EVENING Wander this charming city and sample their famous tapas.

Day 5: Granada/Cordoba/Seville

Location: Granada

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Wander among narrow winding lanes, traditional houses, and charming cafés in Cordoba's historic medieval Jewish quarter. Discover one of Spain’s three remaining synagogues.

ACTIVITY: Be amazed by the diverse and stunning architecture of Córdoba's most famous monument, the extraordinary Mezquita. Built as a mosque in 785 by the Moors, the Mezquita was converted in the 16th century by the remarkable addition of a Christian cathedral inserted into the centre of the building.

Day 6: Seville

Location: Seville

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.

Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.

Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.

Additional Information: Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY With heaps to see and do, get exploring.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a flamenco performance in the city known for the energetic dance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit!

Day 7: Seville/Barcelona

Location: Seville

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy an orientation walk along Las Ramblas and stop at the famous Boqueria market.

ACTIVITY: Mescladis - Catalan for "Mixed Space" - is a migrant training kitchen and cafe in the heart of Barcelona featuring a unique feel that fuses old Catalan favourites and migrants' home recipes. With the help of migrant students, learn how to make paella with the resident chef, accompanied by a discussion that promotes social reflection - with the kitchen and food at the centre of it all. Then enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Day 8: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Get out and explore all that Barcelona has to offer, or choose to journey further afield to the surrounding beaches and countryside to get a true taste of Catalan life.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visit to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Picasso Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask

Day 9: Barcelona/Logroño

Location: Barcelona

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: See (and taste) what all the fuss is about – Basque cuisine is famous worldwide, with many believing this is the best food in the country. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience on this pintxos (tapas) crawl from tavern to tavern, tasting and learning all about the different delicacies of the area.

ACTIVITY: Head to a nearby winery for a tasting experience of some of La Rioja's finest varieties with an on-site expert. Learn a bit about what makes the region so ideal for wine-producing with the area's climate and soil as you try to pick out different flavours and notes from the various types of wines available.

Day 10: Logroño

Location: Logroño

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full free day in La Rioja wine country to do as much or as little as you please.

Day 11: Logroño/San Sebastian

Location: Logroño

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: This section between Obanos and Puente la Reina is a particularly short but picturesque stretch of the Camino de Santiago. The trail follows the gentle flow of the Robo river, winding its way through green fields and orchards. The path itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk, allowing hikers to take in the serene surroundings and absorb the tranquility of the countryside.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit the gorgeous Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite. The grand monument consists of 3 sections, the Old Palace, New Palace and a church named the Iglesia de Santa María la Real. Explore the many hallways, galleries and bedrooms and learn about it's royal history and military significance since it was built in the 13th century.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 12: San Sebastian

Location: San Sebastian

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike or a walking tour or join a cooking class.

ACTIVITY: Head out with your CEO on foot to get your bearings of San Sebastian's vibrant city centre. Get tips on the best places to visit, explore and eat.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Set off to discover San Sebastian as you please and choose from a variety of different optional activities.

Day 13: San Sebastian/Bilbao

Location: San Sebastian

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Bilbao to get your bearings and to see some of the main sights.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bilbao's sights and museums.

Day 14: Bilbao

Location: Bilbao

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

What's Included

  • G for Good Moment

    Enjoy a Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner in Barcelona.

  • Welcome Moment

    Meet Your CEO and Group upon arrival.

  • Discover Moment

    Explore the city of Barcelona.

  • Foodie Moment

    Participate in a Wine Tasting at a Local Winery in Logroño.

  • Orientation Walks

    Orientation walks in Madrid, Granada, Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Bilbao.

  • Albaicin Quarter Visit

    Visit the historic Albaicin quarter.

  • Alhambra Guided Tour

    Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra.

  • Mezquita Mosque and Jewish Quarter Visit

    Visit the Mezquita Mosque and Jewish quarter in Cordoba.

  • Flamenco Show Performance

    Be treated to a lively flamenco performance in Seville.

  • Camino de Santiago Hike

    Hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina.

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What's Not Included

  • Meals Not Included

    Lunches and most dinners are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and entrance fees are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts).

Transport

Public bus, private vehicle, train, taxi, walking.

Meals Included

13 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Group Size

Max 16, avg 12.

Check out our Q&As

  • What's Included

    Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner, Barcelona Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Barcelona Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience, Logroño Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery, Logroño. Orientation walks in Madrid, Granada, Barcelona, San Sebastian and Bilbao. Albaicin quarter visit. Alhambra guided tour. Mezquita Mosque and Jewish quarter visit in Cordoba. Flamenco show performance. Hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina. Entrance and visit to the royal palace of Olite. Visit Pamplona. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

  • Highlights

    Explore Moorish palaces, Be treated to a lively flamenco performance in Seville, Explore the astounding red-clay fortress of the Alhambra, Taste a traditional paella, Witness Gaudí’s Barcelona with your own eyes, Devour incredible food in San Sebastian, Experience the Basque way of life.

  • Group Size Notes

    Max 16, avg 12.

  • Meals Included

    13 breakfasts, 2 dinners

  • Transport

    Public bus, private vehicle, train, taxi, walking.

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (13 nts).

  • My Own Room

    Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

  • Emergency Contact

    Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office - London, United Kingdom During office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5:30pm Local Time) +44 20 7243 9870 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact: +441858378000 If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

  • Packing List

    Conservative Dress: • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders) • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits) Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Hand sanitizer (required) • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear

  • Optional Activities

    Madrid - Reina Sofia Museum (12EUR per person) - El Escorial Visit (10EUR per person) - Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (13EUR per person) - Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit (15EUR per person) - Plaza Mayor Visit (Free) - Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit (12EUR per person) - Taurino Museum (15-20EUR per person) Granada - Albaicín (El Albayzín) Visit (Free) - Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit (5EUR per person) - Granada City Center and Tapas Gourmet Tour Seville - Santa Cruz Quarter Visit (Free) - La Giralda Visit (9EUR per person) - The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro) (3EUR per person) - Casa de Pilatos (10-12EUR per person) - Santa Paula Convent (2EUR per person) - Alcázar Palace Visit (13.50EUR per person) Barcelona - Gothic Quarter Visit (Free) - Las Ramblas Visit - La Sagrada Família Visit (17-37EUR per person) - Parque Güell Visit (10EUR per person) - Casa Batlló (25-30EUR per person) - Picasso Museum (12EUR per person) Logroño - Logroño Cathedral (Free) - Museum of La Rioja (Free) San Sebastian - Cider House Visit and Tastings (55EUR per person) - San Sebastian eBike Tour (50EUR per person) - San Sebastian Walking Tour (50EUR per person) - Cooking Class in San Sebastian Bilbao - Parque de Etxebarría Visit (Free) - Basilica of Begoña Visit (Free) - Guggenheim Museum Visit (13EUR per person) - Casco Viejo Visit (Free)

  • Minimum Age

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

  • International Flights

    Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

  • Group Leader

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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