Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Summer
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Summer
$3675
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Summer
9 Days Starting in Barcelona, Spain and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE936ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain with the "Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Summer" tour. This cultural adventure begins in vibrant Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Família. Travel along the stunning Costa Dorada to Valencia, where you'll learn the art of making authentic paella. Discover the Moorish charm of Granada and the exquisite Alhambra Palace. In Seville, immerse yourself in the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation and explore the historic Jewish quarter. Visit Córdoba's magnificent Mezquita and conclude your journey in Madrid, where you'll delve into the city's rich history and art at the Prado Museum. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, stay in top-rated hotels, and enjoy guided tours with local experts, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. With included meals, tips, and porterage, this tour offers a hassle-free way to experience the best of Spain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, drive 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 and The Black Madonna.
Day 3: Along The Coast To Valencia Relaxed Start
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Barceló Valencia.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Valencia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 flavors of this classic dish with a glass of wine at your dinner.
Day 4: Exquisite Granada And Alhambra
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada.
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the Albaicín 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
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views. 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.
Day 7: Moorish Córdoba And On To Madrid
Location: Córdoba
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Madrid Balboa
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Madrid Balboa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit 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 travel to beautiful Toledo with an Optional Experience.In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast your adventures as you enjoy a delicious dinner of regional favorites, served with wine.
Day 9: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, your remarkable journey comes to an end as you transfer to the Madrid-Barajas Airport. Take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections and enriching encounters that have shaped your travels.
What's Included
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Meals
4 Dinners with Wine (DW) and 8 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Local Expert Guides
Guided tours and insights from Local Experts in various cities including Seville, Granada, Madrid, and more.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don’t have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Porterage
Porterage is included, with your bags being carried and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Cooking Demonstration
In Valencia, learn the authentic recipe of paella from a local chef and enjoy the dish with a glass of Sangria.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the visit to Montserrat and The Black Madonna, and the Albaicín Quarter tour are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights’ accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in Seville?
In Seville, you will visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you can learn some basic flamenco steps and watch a passionate flamenco performance. This experience supports the conservation of flamenco and promotes cultural education.
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What is the significance of the Alhambra visit in Granada?
The Alhambra in Granada is a remarkable fortress built by the Moors in the 13th century. During the visit, you will explore its exquisite palace and gardens, guided by a Local Expert who will share insights into this historic landmark.
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What can I expect from the paella cooking demonstration in Valencia?
In Valencia, you will join a local chef for a cooking demonstration to learn the authentic recipe of paella. After the demonstration, you will savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, accompanied by a glass of Sangria.
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How does the tour ensure comfort during travel?
The tour ensures comfort by providing travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of the tour, and physical distancing measures are in place.
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What is included in the guided tour of Madrid?
In Madrid, you will enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert who will guide you through the city's most historic neighborhoods. The tour includes a visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian, who will guide you through the works of famous artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Rubens.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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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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