Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter

Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter

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9 Days From

$3218

$3207

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:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SW936ZM19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $3218 $3207 Operator discount: -$11

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Expand All

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, 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Baggage handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • 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

  • Airfare

    International airfare to and from the start and end points of the tour is not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all participants.

  • 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.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your experience.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$3218 $3207

Operator discount: -$11

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$3685 $3619

Operator discount: -$66

Prices last published on 25-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • 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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