Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter
9 Days Starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Barcelona, Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW936ZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
See the beautiful world of Spain during this 9-day guided tour. Begin in Barcelona, where a Local Expert will lead you along the city’s narrow lanes to the lively Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Família, a basilica built by the architect Antoni Gaudí. Paella was created in Valencia. Later, enjoy a private cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant while sampling the local flavors. See glorious views of the Sierra Nevada before reaching Granada, where a Local Expert will guide you through one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built: the Alhambra. In Seville, learn the art of flamenco dancing during a private lesson, then be treated to a passionate performance by professionals. Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian, who can share the stories behind Spanish masterpieces by artists such as Francisco Goya.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.
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: Barcelona, Valencia
Accommodation: Barceló Valencia.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Valencia
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, 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: Granada, 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: Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
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
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter tour?
The highlights of the tour include a stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz in Seville, a cooking demonstration and dinner in Valencia, a visit to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada, a tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid, an inside visit to Gaudi's Sagrada Família in Barcelona, a flamenco experience with the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, a visit to the castle in Peñíscola, and exploring the Mezquita in Córdoba.
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How many countries does this tour visit?
This tour visits one country, Spain.
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What are the inclusions in the tour package?
The inclusions are personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, Insight Flourish, complimentary Wi-Fi, and airport transfers at scheduled times.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
Exclusions include international airfare, travel insurance, some meals, optional excursions, and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The tour starts in Barcelona.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The tour ends in Madrid.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times at Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente are 09:30, 12:30, and 15:00. Drop-off times at Madrid-Barajas airport are 07:00, 09:00, and 11:00.
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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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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions