Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
$3218
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
9 Days Starting in Barcelona, Spain and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW936ZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Spain with the "Highlights of Spain - Small Group" tour. Begin in vibrant Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudí's architectural marvels, including the iconic Sagrada Família. Travel along the picturesque Costa Dorada to Valencia, where you'll learn the art of making authentic paella. Discover the historic allure of Granada's Alhambra Palace and the enchanting gardens of Generalife. In Seville, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry with a flamenco experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation. Wander through Córdoba's ancient streets and marvel at the Mezquita's stunning architecture. Conclude your adventure in Madrid, exploring its historic neighborhoods and the renowned Prado Museum. With expert local guides, authentic dining experiences, and seamless travel arrangements, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable Spanish escapade.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
- Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Top Rated Highlights
- Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
- Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
- Peñíscola: See the seaside castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
- Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
- Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
- Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
- Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
- Córdoba: Visit the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
Make Travel Matter
Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Authentic Dining
Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during dinner.
Madrid: Toast to your travels and enjoy local specialties in one of the city's elegant central neighbourhoods.
Insight Choice
Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, 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 flavours 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: NH Madrid Balboa.
Accommodation Name: 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: NH Madrid Balboa.
Accommodation Name: NH Madrid Balboa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. 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 favourites, served with wine.
Day 9: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport and reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.
What's Included
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Personal radio headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and restaurant tips
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.
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Baggage handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Airport transfers
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.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end points of the tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all participants.
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Some Meals
While many meals are included, some will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore local cuisine on your own.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your experience.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included and are at your discretion.
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets for a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente, Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barceló Valencia, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Meliá Sevilla, and NH Madrid Balboa, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey in Spain.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Seville part of the tour?
In Seville, you will have the opportunity to visit the Seville Cathedral, explore the old Jewish quarter or enjoy a scenic drive around the city. Additionally, you will visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you can learn flamenco dance steps and watch a passionate flamenco performance.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Alhambra in Granada?
During the visit to the Alhambra in Granada, you will be guided by a Local Expert through this exquisite palace, which was built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. You will explore its arabesque gardens, fountains, and intricately carved stonework, and also stroll through the elegant gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
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What is the focus of the Make Travel Matter experience in Seville?
The Make Travel Matter experience in Seville focuses on the Cristina Heeren Foundation, which promotes the teaching and conservation of flamenco. You will meet students, learn basic flamenco steps, and watch an emotional flamenco performance. This experience supports cultural education and the preservation of Andalusian heritage.
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What culinary experience is offered in Valencia?
In Valencia, you will join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration to learn the authentic recipe of paella. You will then savor this classic dish for dinner, accompanied by a glass of Sangria.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, you will drive along the Passeig de Gràcia to see some of the finest Modernist architecture and visit Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. You will explore its central nave with giant, tree-like pillars and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows.
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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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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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