Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Summer
Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Summer
Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Summer
9 Days Starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Barcelona, Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E936ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
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 FamÃlia, a basilica built by the architect Antoni GaudÃ. 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: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudà Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, drive along the Passeig de Grà cia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district for a visit inside GaudÃ’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada FamÃlia, 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 PeñÃscola 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 flavors 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 AndalucÃa, 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 AlbaicÃn 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: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, 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: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Madrid Balboa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods 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 favorites, 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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Meals
4 dinners with wine and 8 breakfasts are included.
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Local Expert Guides
Guided tours and insights from local experts in various cities including Seville, Granada, Madrid, and more.
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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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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling and delivery to your hotel door are included.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination provided by your Travel Director.
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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 your 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 with a local chef in Valencia.
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Flamenco Experience
Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation for a flamenco dance lesson and performance.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the visit to Montserrat and The Black Madonna, and the trip to Toledo are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not matching the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available for your safety.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton Barcelona, Barceló Valencia, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Meliá Sevilla, and Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Madrid Balboa. These hotels offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay throughout your journey.
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 kind of activities can I expect in Seville?
In Seville, you can choose between a stroll through the old Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city for panoramic views. You will also visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus, and have the opportunity to experience a flamenco dance lesson and performance at the Cristina Heeren Foundation.
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Will I have free time to explore on my own during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for leisure time throughout the tour. For example, on Day 2 in Barcelona, you have the afternoon at leisure to explore or join an optional experience. Similarly, on Day 5 in Granada, the morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish.
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What unique experiences are included in Valencia?
In Valencia, you will see the City of Arts and Sciences and the Old City. You will also have a unique experience of learning how to make paella from a local chef during a cooking demonstration, followed by enjoying the dish with a glass of wine at dinner.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Alhambra in Granada?
During your visit to the Alhambra in Granada, you will be led by a Local Expert to explore this exquisite palace, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. You will also stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. 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.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
You will travel in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented. Hand sanitizer is also freely available on board.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners with wine. Specific meals include a dinner at a local restaurant in Barcelona on Day 1, a paella dinner in Valencia on Day 3, and a farewell dinner in Madrid on Day 8.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian, exploring the Alhambra in Granada, and learning flamenco dance steps at the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to make paella in Valencia and visit the Sagrada FamÃlia in Barcelona.
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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