Spanish Heritage - End Barcelona, Small Group
Spanish Heritage - End Barcelona, Small Group
$7850
Spanish Heritage - End Barcelona, Small Group
18 Days Starting and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Santander, San Sebastián
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE396ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain with the "Spanish Heritage - End Barcelona, Small Group" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historic heart of Seville, exploring the architectural wonders of Gaudí and the Moorish splendor of the Alhambra Palace. Discover the culinary delights of Valencia with a paella cooking demonstration, and immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms of flamenco in Seville. Wander through the picturesque landscapes of the Picos de Europa and the charming village of Santillana del Mar. With luxurious accommodations, expert local guides, and authentic dining experiences, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Spain's diverse heritage, from the bustling markets of Madrid to the serene beauty of Santiago de Compostela. Travel in comfort aboard a spacious, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a seamless and enriching exploration of Spain's most iconic destinations.
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
A Local Expert joins you for a 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 to visit Gaudi’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 a free afternoon to explore.
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 to stop by Peñíscola and see the sea-lapped castle, used in the film 'El Cid'. Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences. Pass the Old City and see the city's ancient gates, to reach your hotel. 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 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 from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost 8 centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. 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 to the Albaicín Quarter with a Local Expert and fall in love with Granada as you learn about 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. This stunning capital of Andalucía is one of Spain’s most charming highlights, and with the evening at your leisure, you are free to explore this delightful city as you wish.
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, enjoy a drive around the city with panoramic views. 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
Location: Córdoba
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco, Radisson RED Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
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 2,000-year-old Roman Bridge. Meet a local historian and visit to the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and perhaps 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: Wonderful Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco, Radisson RED Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighborhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to 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 enjoy an Optional Experience to beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast to your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner served with wine.
Day 9: Madrid At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco, Radisson RED Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start and a full day at leisure to explore Spain’s capital. Perhaps join the Segovia Optional Experience to visit this wonderful ancient city complete with fairy-tale castle and Roman aqueduct.
Day 10: Through Guadarrama Mountains To Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.
Day 11: Santiago De Compostela Relaxed Start
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose between joining a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.
Day 12: The Costa Verde To Oviedo Relaxed Start
Location: Oviedo
Accommodation: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the color of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade farm to table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.
Day 13: Santander
Location: Santander
Accommodation: Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Real, Santander
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while traveling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel. Why not take the time to explore the hotel terrace with stunning views of the bay below or relax with one of the many therapy treatments offered at the hotels spa?
Day 14: Bilbao And San Sebastián Relaxed Start
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals Included: Breakfast
In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert. Explore the secrets of the harbor area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.
Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Day 16: Pamplona And On To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises?' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.
Day 17: Barcelona At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start and a day completely at leisure for last minute shopping or to perhaps revisit some of Gaudí’s unusual creations? Walk along the leafy Las Ramblas or why not take an Optional Experience to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the Black Madonna? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful dinner.
Day 18: Depart Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
6 Dinners with Wine, 17 Breakfasts, and 1 Lunch with Wine are included.
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Local Expert Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts in Seville, Santiago de Compostela, Granada, Madrid, and other locations.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Taxes and Porterage
All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luggage Handling
Luggage is carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Cooking Demonstration
Learn the authentic recipe of paella in Valencia with a local chef.
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Celebration Dinner
Savor a delicious Celebration Dinner at a typical Catalan restaurant in Barcelona.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Albaicín Quarter tour in Granada and the Segovia tour from Madrid are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not matching the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
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 experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, where you can learn flamenco dance steps and watch a performance. In Valencia, you will learn the authentic recipe of paella from a local chef. Additionally, in Gijón, you will enjoy a farm-to-table meal with locally sourced produce.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada, the Seville Cathedral which houses the Tomb of Columbus, and the Mezquita in Córdoba, a mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. You will also explore the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in Oviedo and the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a paella cooking demonstration and dinner in Valencia, a celebration dinner at a Catalan restaurant in Barcelona, and a farm-to-table meal in Gijón.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Physical distancing measures and sanitization protocols are in place, with hand sanitizer freely available.
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What kind of accommodations can be expected on this tour?
Accommodations include stays in luxurious hotels such as NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Barceló Valencia, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Meliá Sevilla, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, NH Collection Santiago de Compostela, Barceló Oviedo Cervantes, Eurostars Real, and Barceló Costa Vasca.
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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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