Spanish Heritage end Madrid

18 days
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Asturians drink cider, not sangria! Transcend stereotypical Spain on this in–depth orbit of one of Europe's most diverse countries. Yet the nation’s reputation for gastronomic excellence remains resolute, as does the amazing art, architecture and a historic heritage dating back to Roman times.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Barcelona: With a Local Expert, enter Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família Basilica.
    • Granada: With a Local Expert visit the Alhambra Palace, an arabesque fantasy in stone, the ultimate in Muslim architecture, complemented by the rich scented Gardens of the Generalife.
    • Seville: From the Moorish Patio de los Naranjos, step inside the cathedral, past the altarpiece, dripping with gold to the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
    • Cordoba: See the Roman Bridge and explore the Mezquita's forest of horseshoe arches with a Local Expert.
    • Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish painting plus an impressive foreign collection as you tour the Prado Museum with an expert art historian.
    • Santiago de Compostela: Let a Local Expert take you through the Gateway of Glory into the cathedral to witness the final stage of 'the Way of St James'.
    • Santillana del Mar: Step back in time at this perfectly preserved and ‘most beautiful village in Spain.'

What's this trip about?

    Asturians drink cider, not sangria! Transcend stereotypical Spain on this in–depth orbit of one of Europe's most diverse countries. Yet the nation’s reputation for gastronomic excellence remains resolute, as does the amazing art, architecture and a historic heritage dating back to Roman times.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBarcelona
End CityBarcelona

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Barcelona
  • Córdoba
  • Granada
  • Madrid
  • Santiago de Compostela
  • Santillana del Mar
  • Seville
  • Star Wars
  • Valencia

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • All hotel accommodations
    • All applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary
    • Motor coach, cruise or rail transportation
    • Services of a professional insight tour director
    • All meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling
    • All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona

On arrival at Barcelona Airport, your airport transfers leave for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Day 2: Barcelona, the City of Gaudi

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona

Join a Local Expert in the Gothic Quarter and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Now drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most fla...

Day 3: Along the Orange Blossom Coast to Valencia

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Barcelo, Valencia

(Relaxed Start) Cross the rice fields of the Ebro Delta to stop by Peñíscola and see the sea-lapped castle, used in the film El Cid. Now to Valencia to see the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and S...

Day 4: Follow the Sierra Nevada to Granada and the Alhambra

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Vincci Albayzin/NH Collection Victoria, Granada

Drive along the Costa Blanca, past the troglodyte dwellings at Purullena. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada from the distance as you reach glorious Granada. A guide...

Day 5: Scenic drive to Seville and the Flavours of Andalucía

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ayre, Seville

 (Relaxed Start) In the morning there is time, if you wish, to explore the labyrinthine Albaicin quarter. Then drive past olive groves and gleaming white villages, to Seville. At night, enjoy the flavours of Andalucía and share in the passion of Spain's most fiery region at a Flamenco show and dinner.

 

Day 6: Seville, the City of Carmen

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ayre, Seville

(Relaxed Start) Visit the Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park with a Local Expert. Then stroll through the Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought-iron balconies. Emerge by the Alcazar - a Moorish f...

Day 7: To Moorish Cordoba, the Mezquita and Madrid

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hesperia Madrid

Set off early along the Guadalquivir Valley, for the well-preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. See the 2,000-year-old bridge, then embark on a guided visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque w...

Day 8: Madrid of the Bourbons

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hesperia Madrid

(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert for morning sightseeing along the noble avenues. See the statue of Don Quixote in the Plaza de España, the Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and cross the Puerta de...

Day 9: Free Time in Madrid

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hesperia Madrid

(Relaxed Start) Your last day in Madrid is completely free for shopping or additional sightseeing. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions.

Day 10: On to Rueda wine-tasting and Santiago

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela

Head through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile. Some of Spain's best white wines are produced in the Rueda region, so stop for a tasting. Continue to Santiago de Compostela, a historic gem with a 1,000-year-old tradition of welcoming travellers.

Day 11: Saintly Santiago de Compostela

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, become acquainted with some of Europe's finest historical buildings with a Local Expert. Walk through the ‘Gateway of Glory' as pilgrims have done for c...

Day 12: Along the Costa Verde to Oviedo

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Barcelo Cervantes, Oviedo

(Relaxed Start) Get your cameras ready for a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, one of Spain's most beautiful. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to the m...

Day 13: Picturesque Santillana del Mar and Santander

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Eurostar Real, Santander

See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis as you head into the mountain scenery of the Picos de Europa. Visit the holy cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian vi...

Day 14: Bilbao, along the Costa Vasca to San Sebastián

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Barcelo Costa Vasca/ Mercure Monte Igualdo, San Sebastián

(Relaxed Start) In nearby Bilbao admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Then along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small fishing vil...

Day 15: Bahía de La Concha & San Sebastián

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Barcelo Costa Vasca/ Mercure Monte Igualdo, San Sebastián

(Relaxed Start) Admire the beauty of San Sebastián on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitución, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 16: Drive to Pamplona and return to Barcelona

Accommodation: Pullman Skipper/ NH Constanza, Barcelona

Your first stop is in Pamplona, the city of the running of the bulls. Perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street before moving on past the famous Rioja wine producing region? Continue into Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions. Return to Barcelona.

Day 17: Barcelona, the City of Gaudi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Pullman Skipper/ NH Constanza, Barcelona

(Relaxed Start) This day is completely at leisure for last minute shopping or to perhaps revisit some of Gaudi's unusual creations. Walk along the leafy Ramblas, or why n...

Day 18: Depart Barcelona

Meals: Breakfast

Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues to arrive early evening at Madrid Airport followed by the Hotel Hesperia, Madrid. This tour is a combination of our Highlights of Spain and Northern Spain itineraries, on which you will benefit from the experience of two of our specialist Iberian Tour Directors.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,204
Price per day$234
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International Flights
    • Passport and Visa Charges
    • Personal Expenses

Accommodation

,Meliá Barcelona Sarrià - 0 star Meliá Barcelona Sarrià Barcelo Valencia - 0 star Valencia (Central) - Spain Complimentary WifiThe Barceló Valencia hotel is situated right in the centre of the City of Arts and Sciences, opposite the Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, a building which was designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, and is situated in one of the most modern and attractive areas of the city of Valencia. Vincci Albayzin - 0 star Granada (Central) - Spain Complimentary WifiLocated in the centre of Granada, the Andalusian-style Vincci Albayzín boasts a magnificent enclosed patio that bathes its rooms in natural light. Ayre Seville - 0 star Seville (Central) - Spain Complimentary WifiAyre Hotel Seville, The hotel is located in a very active and dynamic area full of shops and restaurants to enjoy. It is close to the most important monuments and tourist attractions of this great Andalusian city. Hesperia Madrid - 0 star Madrid (Central) - Spain Complimentary WifiIdeally located, the sophisticated and chic Hotel Hesperia Madrid is one of the city’s leading contemporary luxury showcases and is member of the exclusive group of The Leading Hotels of the World. Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes - 0 star Oviedo (Central) - Spain Eurostar Real - 0 star Santander (Scenic) - Spain Barcelo Costa Vasca - 0 star San Sebastian (Scenic) - Spain
Cancellation policy

Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be cancelled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking. Please note the following:

If notice of cancellation is received by Insight more than 45 days prior to the tour departure date, (80 days for La Serenissima) deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection payment.

If full payment is not received 45 days prior to departure date (80 days for La Serenissima) , Insight has the right to cancel your reservation. Insight will not be responsible for lost reservations.

If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as loss of Friendly Five discount -Twin to Single, or Triple to Twin), charges for the upgrade will be the responsibility of the remaining party.

The following charges will apply when notice of cancellation is given after the booking is confirmed:

No. of days prior to Tour departure date and the related Cancellation Fee as % of total price

  • Over 45 days - Loss of Deposit
  • 45-22 days - 25%
  • 21-8 days - 30%
  • 7-1 days - 50%
  • Day of departure/no show - 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

17 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations. The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Montserrat & The Black Madonna

Ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia's most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views before entering the dark, ornate “Basilica Real” and climbing the stairs to the mystical Black Madonna, surrounded by an altar of gold.

Adult Price: EUR 37

Code: BAR0004

Guell Park & Evening Drive

Enter a strange fantasy world at Parc Güell, Spain's most impressive public park! Here Gaudi designed mushroom-like houses, 'bird nest' pillars and a mosaic dragon on a flight of stairs. The huge central terrace is enveloped by a ceramic-encrusted serpentine bench (reputedly the world's longest seat) and offers panoramic views of Barcelona and the bay. A night drive through the city rounds off the evening, taking in some of the illuminated buildings and monuments on your way back to the hotel.

Adult Price: EUR 36

Code: BAR0005

Albaicin & Royal Chapel

Take a leisurely walk with your local expert through the Albaicin neighbourhood, the last bastion of Islam in Spain. Explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. After a photo stop at one of the most famous views of the Alhambra Palace, visit the Royal Chapel housing the tombs of the ‘Catholic Monarchs’, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Adult Price: EUR 34

Code: GRA0001

Seville Alcazar & Plaza America

Visit the fabulous Real Alcazar - a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in richly scented gardens. Wander through the Arabesque domed halls, horseshoe arches and jewel box courtyards of this royal residence, while the garden fountains and terraces provide an oasis of tranquillity. Afterwards, see the fanciful pavilions built for the Ibero-American Fair of 1929 on the way to the romantic Plaza de America in Maria Luisa Park.

Adult Price: EUR 35

Code: SEV0005

Andalusian Tapas & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville With Carriage Ride

 

Enjoy a delicious selection of tapas specialities in a local restaurant with wine included. Then later we conclude the evening by taking a carriage ride through the old quarter of Seville which holds a special magic at night.

Adult Price: EUR 65

Code: SEV0003

Madrid By Night With Dinner

The compact heart of Old Madrid is steeped in history. Take an evening stroll through the lively streets and squares followed by dinner in a traditional restaurant with wine included. Afterwards, an illuminations drive shows you the grand avenues and spectacular fountains of the city lit up in all their glory.

Adult Price: EUR 60

Code: MAD0008

Madrid By Night

An evening drive to the most historic area of Madrid including a stop for wonderful views over the city and a walk through the lively streets and squares of old Madrid. Enjoy free time for dinner in one of the many restaurants and return home along the grand Avenida Castellana with its spectacular fountains.

Adult Price: EUR 18

Code: MAD0006

Excursion To Segovia

Drive to the fortified city of Segovia where a local expert leads you through the medieval streets from the ancient aqueduct to the magnificent Alcazar, one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella castle. Inside this 14th century palace, experience the paintings, tapestries, weaponry and armoury of the Spanish medieval era. Then take a panoramic drive outside the walls to admire stunning views over the Eresma valley, the Roman aqueduct and picturesque buildings of this medieval jewel.

Adult Price: EUR 44

Code: MAD0001

Toledo Excursion

A specialist guide takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain's capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived and worked. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the fine Gothic cathedral and admire the old city views along the Tagus gorge. Afterwards, visit a specialist workshop where artisans create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and passed down over the centuries.

Adult Price: EUR 42

Code: MAD0004

Madrileno Dinner & Illuminations Drive

Drive to a traditional 'Meson' to be tempted by dishes for which the capital is famous. Regional wine, beer and soft drinks are included or you could even try Spain's signature 'Sangria'. Your meal is accompanied by a local 'Tuna de Madrid' playing all your favourite Spanish songs on traditional instruments. Afterwards, an illuminations drive shows you the grand avenues and spectacular fountains of the city lit up in all their glory.

Adult Price: EUR 60

Code: MAD0002

Rias Baixas

Southward to the RIA DE AROUSA one of the deep fjord-like estuaries of GALICIA. Beautiful coastal scenery with beaches, vineyards, palm trees, grand villas and old stone houses. Visit a typical Galician granite 'Pazo' grand manor house of the old aristocracy, the island of A Toxa and the port of O Grove.

Adult Price: EUR 33

Code: SAN0008

St Jean De Luz, Jewel Of The Basque Country

With your local expert, explore St. Jean the Luz, jewel of the Basque Country and visit the church where Louis XIV "The Sun King" married the Spanish princess Maria Teresa. An extra surprise awaits us next as we drive to the famous Biarritz summer residence of Napoleon III with its sophisticated spa resort.

Adult Price: EUR 36

Code: SAN0007

Barcelona By Night

We enjoy the beauty of Barcelona as the day ends, including a drive up to Montjuic hill to enjoy an incredible panorama over the city and its impressive harbor. Also, enjoy free time for dinner in a Catalan restaurant with your new-found friends.

Adult Price: EUR 19

Code: BAR0007

Additional Information

STAY AT THE BEST ADDRESSES

Barcelona: The fully renovated Meliá Barcelona Sarrià is a luxury city hotel with a strategic location in the heart of the city.

Granada: Centrally located, the Andalusian-style Vincci Albayzin boasts a magnificent enclosed patio that bathes its rooms in natural light.

Santiago de Compostela: The NH Collection hotel delivers modern luxury in a timeless setting, just minutes from the historic Plaza del Obradoiro.

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL FLAVOURS

Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella in a fun cookery demonstration and savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner washed down with a glass of Sangria!

Seville: Over dinner with wine, beyond your dimly lit table, the stage suddenly erupts with the unmistakable singing, clapping and throbbing guitars of flamenco.

Valdepeñas: The light-red wines upon which the reputation of Valdepeñas was founded are slowly giving way to more serious reds. Enjoy a delicious exploration of these wines, their robust flavours and absorbing history.

Madrid: Honest culinary traditions and a fiesta of fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of your Madrid dinner.

Rueda: During your wine tasting, learn about the Verdejo grape and what to look for in a fresh white.

Oviedo: Relax in a cider house with a glass of Asturia's famous ‘Sidra'.

Barcelona: Enjoy your Celebration Dinner with wine at a typical Catalan restaurant.

1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 17 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Signature Evening (SE), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD), 3 three-course table d'hôte Dinners with wine, plus tea or coffee (D) and 2 Celebration Dinners (CD).

Trip ID
insightvacations-SpaHerIns

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