The Best of Spain
The Best of Spain
The Best of Spain
9 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZV-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Spain on this immersive tour, "The Best of Spain." Begin your journey in Madrid with a welcome dinner and explore iconic landmarks like the Prado Museum. Travel to Cordoba for a guided tour of the Mosque of the Caliphs, then continue to Seville to visit Plaza de España and the historic Santa Cruz quarter. In Granada, marvel at the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Savor traditional Horchata and Paella in Valencia, and enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Barcelona, where you'll visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica and enjoy a farewell dinner with Sangria. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and local flavors, ensuring an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Novotel Madrid Center
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Novotel Madrid Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
MADRID Masterpieces in Madrid MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Day 3: Madrid,Cordoba,Seville
Location: Cordoba
Accommodation Name: Macia Sevilla Kubb
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLE Treasures of Cordoba CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Enjoy free time to browse before departing for Seville. (B,D) 354 mi / 570 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
Day 4: Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Macia Sevilla Kubb
Meals Included: Breakfast
SEVILLE The Squares of Seville SEVILLE Visit Plaza de España. Guided sightseeing includes Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville’s picturesque Plaza de España, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair. The 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafés
Day 5: Seville,Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation Name: Tent Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
SEVILLE–GRANADA Splendid Spain GRANADA Guided walking tour includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. (B) 155 mi / 250 kmNOTE:Day 5 Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteedTOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
Day 6: Granada,Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation Name: NH Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GRANADA–VALENCIA Spanish Specialties VALENCIA Guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata (drink made from tiger nuts) tasting. [LF] Enjoy a traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 311 mi / 500 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella dinner in Valencia. Traditional Paella Valenciana is made with chicken and sweet paprika and golden saffron in a slow simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Day 7: Valencia,Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: HCC St. Moritz
Meals Included: Breakfast
VALENCIA–BARCELONA The Boulevards of Barcelona Scenic drive along the coast en route to Barcelona.BARCELONA Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 211 mi / 340 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Barcelona in the footsteps of Picasso through the historic heart of the old city. Indulge in the tradition and tastes of 2,000 years in the Gothic Quarter. Take in the charm and captivating history with a walk down the tree-lined avenue of La Rambla amid the terraces and street performers on Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare.
Day 8: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: HCC St. Moritz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BARCELONA Adiós, Barcelona! BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. Visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica. [LF] Enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Say farewell to Spain with Sangria and culinary specialties at a local city center restaurant. Often considered the signature drink of Spain and taking its name from its “blood red color”, Sangria’s origins are thought to go back to Roman times, when it was simply wine added to water. Since then, the recipe has been revisited many times and there are many delicious local variations. Tonight, lift your glass for a toast to your Best of Spain tour.
Day 9: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona.
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Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona.
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Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner on the first day in Madrid.
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Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner with Sangria at a local restaurant in Barcelona.
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Local Experiences
Traditional Horchata tasting in Valencia and a traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Historic Centre of Cordoba, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, and Works of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia.
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Small Group Discoveries
Option for Small-Group Discoveries with an average of just 24 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
Entrance to Nasrid PalaceEntrance to Nasrid Palace in the Alhambra complex is not guaranteed.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Alhambra and Generalife Granada|Historic Centre of Cordoba|La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia (See only)|Works of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia
Accommodation
Madrid: Novotel Madrid Center, Seville: Macia Sevilla Kubb, Granada: Tent Granada, Valencia: NH Center, Barcelona: HCC St. Moritz
Mode of Transport
Travel between cities by coach, covering distances such as 354 mi / 570 km from Madrid to Seville, 155 mi / 250 km from Seville to Granada, and 311 mi / 500 km from Granada to Valencia.
Notes
The Alhambra complex: Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.The Alhambra complex is wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily and 4 three-course dinners.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, the Historic Centre of Cordoba, La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia (viewed only), and the Works of Antoni Gaudi including the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Madrid and meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel at 6 pm.
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What activities are planned in Madrid?
In Madrid, the guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala.
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What will we do in Cordoba?
In Cordoba, there will be a guided walking tour that includes the Mosque of the Caliphs, followed by some free time to browse before departing for Seville.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Seville?
In Seville, the tour includes a visit to Plaza de España, guided sightseeing of Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter.
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What can I expect during the visit to Granada?
In Granada, there will be a guided walking tour that includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Note that entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
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What unique experiences are included in Valencia?
In Valencia, the guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata tasting. Additionally, you will enjoy a traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant.
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What will we do in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, the guided sightseeing includes the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. You will also visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica and enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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