Best of Spain
Best of Spain
Best of Spain
15 Days Starting and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Madrid, Santander, Pamplona, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBESZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant heart of Spain and the captivating Rock of Gibraltar on our "Best of Spain" tour. This meticulously crafted adventure invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Spain's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the architectural marvels of Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, and Madrid to the charming streets of Toledo and the awe-inspiring Rock of Gibraltar, every step is a discovery. Marvel at the masterpieces housed in the Prado Museum, wander through the Alhambra Palace's exquisite gardens, and soak in the artistic ambiance of the Guggenheim Museum. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an expert Travel Director to guide you, this tour promises a blend of iconic sights, hidden gems, and delightful surprises. Enjoy a mix of guided visits and leisure time to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spain's most beloved cities and regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hola Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Welcome to the fiery Spanish capital that is Madrid. Take in the vibrant essence of Madrid before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day 2: Journey To Burgos And On To Santander
Location: Santander
Accommodation: Santemar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santemar Santander
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey over the pine-clad Guadarrama Mountains to Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, where we will visit the tomb of El Cid, a national hero and the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem – El Cantar de Mio Cid. We cross the Ebro River and the Cantabrian Cordillera Mountains, travelling to the coast and the sophisticated capital of the Cantabrian region, Santander.
Day 3 : Onwards To Culinary San Sebastián And Pamplona
Location: Pamplona
Accommodation: NH Iruña Park
Accommodation Name: NH Pamplona Iruña Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Santander and travel to Bilbao to view the striking Guggenheim Museum. Continuing to San Sebastián, the gourmet capital of Spain with a rich maritime history. Your Tour Director will take you on an orientation of the city.
Our overnight stay is in the vibrant city of Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls fiesta. Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and enjoy a drink at Café Iruña, ramble along the brilliantly lit city ramparts or delight in the local pintxos before enjoying dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 4: Continue To Gaudi Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Apolo affiliated by Meliá
Accommodation Name: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey continues through the Ebro Valley to Zaragoza where we’ll view the Basilica of El Pilar and Cathedral of La Seo. Arrive in Barcelona, soak up the charm of a city that professes two great loves – Gaudà and football. Enjoy panoramic views of a city, which dates back to Roman times, from atop Montjuïc, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Amble through the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine lanes, indulge in the aromas and flavours of La Boqueria and discover the best crema Catalana in town.
Day 5: Discover Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Apolo affiliated by Meliá
Accommodation Name: INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
The whimsical fantasy world of Gaudà is on display this morning as we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada FamÃlia in the company of a Local Specialist. We'll see Las Ramblas, which lies at the heart of Barcelona, before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
Day 6: Off To Coastal PeñÃscola And Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Silken Puerta
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast
The sweet scent of oranges accompanies us on our journey along the Costa Dorada to fortified PeñÃscola, where we'll see the ancient castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continuing through fertile huertas, we arrive in sunny Valencia where we will stay the night.
Our orientation of this cultural city includes views of the modernist style Mercado de Colón, the Bullring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the Art Nouveau Estación del Norte. Witness the modern verve of Valencia and view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava, before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 7: Venture To Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Occidental
Accommodation Name: Hotel Occidental Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey via the dramatic Mora Pass to the city of Granada where we meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular UNESCO-listed Alhambra. Its golden façades and extraordinary Moorish architecture reflect centuries of multi-cultural history, which you will have a rare opportunity to explore as you wander through its palaces and exotic water gardens. Check in to your hotel later, where we will dine tonight.
Day 8: On The Road To Sunny Costa Del Sol
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set your watch to Spanish time and enjoy a leisurely morning on your terms, or consider taking an Optional Experience to explore the medieval Moorish Quarter of Granada - AlbaicÃn - with its narrow winding lanes, churches, minarets and palaces. We leave Granada behind for the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, where we'll spend the next two nights.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Stroll along the beachside promenade, relax at one of the nearby beach cafes or visit the picture-perfect whitewashed Andalusian village of Mijas - the choice is yours.
Day 9: Costa Del Sol Your Way
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another day in paradise for you to kick back, worship the Spanish sunshine and taste la buena vida. Enjoy fresh seafood in Torremolinos, relax on the bleached beaches and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere or consider an Optional Experience to the effervescent Andalusian capital of Málaga to explore centuries of history.
Day 10 : Explore Gibraltar And On To Seville
Location: Gibraltar
Accommodation: Las Casas de La Judería
Accommodation Name: NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A scenic drive takes you past the millionaires' resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Cross to the Rock of Gibraltar for free time to explore or consider joining an Optional Experience to St. Michael's Cave to see the Barbary Macaques (Rock Apes).
This afternoon, continue through the Andalusian countryside past Jerez - famous for its sherry production - to Seville. This evening, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience with the Morillo family at their olive oil farm.
We will overnight in the heart of the Jewish Quarter at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, Las Casas de la Juderia, a collection of 15th-century Andalusian townhouses connected by hidden passages, gardens and patios.
Day 11: See The Sights Of Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Las Casas de La Judería
Accommodation Name: NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a tour of Seville's leafy avenues. See the iconic Giralda Bell Tower and visit the Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Stroll through Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions, palms and orange trees, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Explore the Jewish history of Spain in Seville's former Jewish Quarter, where a wall separated the Jewish community from the rest of the city during medieval times. Tonight, consider soaking up the fiery flamenco atmosphere in the city that made this passionate dance famous.
Day 12: Journey To Córdoba And Toledo
Location: Córdoba
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Toledo
We journey to Córdoba to meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the astounding Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Then visit the remains of the 14th-century Mudéjar-style synagogue in the old Jewish neighbourhood, before spending the rest of the day at leisure admiring the city's extraordinary Moorish architecture and heritage. Continue to Toledo for an evening in Spain's former capital.
Day 13 : Admire Ancient Toledo Then On To Madrid
Location: Toledo
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Local Specialist takes you on a walking tour of Toledo where you’ll Dive Into Culture as you explore this ancient hilltop city. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's masterpiece – 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and the synagogue, the oldest one still standing in Europe. Later, we arrive in feisty Madrid, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 14 : Discover Stylish Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The grand plazas of Madrid take centre stage today as we join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Spain's capital city. See Gran VÃa and the Cibeles Fountain before we Dive Into Culture and visit the world-famous Prado Museum, featuring one of the world's finest collections of European art, including masterpieces by Velazquez. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city. Visit the Royal Palace with its spectacular Goya artworks, relax in the leafy Buen Retiro Park or enjoy the flavours and aromas of jamon in the Market of San Miguel. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic adventure through Spain.
Day 15: Farewell Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our time together has come to an end. For now it's a fond adiós to Spain and newfound friends.
What's Included
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Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Hotel Charges
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Porterage
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour
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Insurance
Travel insurance
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Best of Spain tour visit?
The Best of Spain tour visits Spain and Gibraltar.
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What are the highlights of the Best of Spain tour?
The highlights of the Best of Spain tour include exploring Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo, and Madrid with a Local Specialist, discovering Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Valencia, Peniscola and the Rock of Gibraltar, visiting The Tomb of El Cid in Burgos, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral in Seville, the Mosque of the Caliphs in Córdoba, the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo and the Prado Museum in Madrid, and viewing the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, La Concha Bay in San Sebastián, the Cathedral of Zaragoza, La Sagrada FamÃlia in Barcelona, the Castle of PeñÃscola, the Serrano and Quart Towers and City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia.
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What type of transport is used on the Best of Spain tour?
The Best of Spain tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Best of Spain tour?
The Best of Spain tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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What meals are included in the Best of Spain tour?
The Best of Spain tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
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What are the exclusions of the Best of Spain tour?
The exclusions of the Best of Spain tour are international airfare to/from the start/end of your tour, travel insurance, and costs of optional experiences.
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What is the starting location of the Best of Spain tour?
The starting location of the Best of Spain tour is Madrid.
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What is the ending location of the Best of Spain tour?
The ending location of the Best of Spain tour is Madrid.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times for the Best of Spain tour?
The pick-up times for the Best of Spain tour are 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, and the drop-off times are 08:30, 11:00.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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