Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter

Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter

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9 Days From

$3135

$2655

Highlights of Spain - Small Group, Winter

9 Days Starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid

Visiting: Barcelona, Peniscola, Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SW936ZM19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$3135
$2655 (USD) Operator discount: -$480 -15%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.

  • Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.

  • 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.

  • Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture.

  • Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show.

  • Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.

  • Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.

Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.

Accommodation Name: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza

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 & The Black Madonna.

Day 3: Along The Coast To Valencia Relaxed Start

Location: Barcelona, Peniscola, Valencia

Accommodation: Barceló Valencia.

Accommodation Name: Barceló Valencia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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 sangria at your Highlight 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, Dinner with Wine

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 Albaicin 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: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco

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: AC Hotel by Marriott Cuzco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

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 Celebration Dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.

Day 9: Depart Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Baggage handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • 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

  • Airfare

    International airfare to and from the start and end points of the tour is not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all participants.

  • 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.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your experience.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included and are at your discretion.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What is the starting location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Barcelona.

  • How many countries does this tour visit?

    This tour visits one country, Spain.

  • 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.

  • What is the ending location of the tour?

    The tour ends in Madrid.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this Operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
$3135 $2655 (USD)

Operator discount: -$480 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$3218 $3207 (USD)

Operator discount: -$11 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$3405 $3394 (USD)

Operator discount: -$11 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$3515 $3504 (USD)

Operator discount: -$11 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.