Best of Spain
Best of Spain
Best of Spain
15 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Santander, San Sebastián, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, Seville, Córdoba
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBESZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain with the "Best of Spain" tour, a cultural exploration of the country's most iconic cities and landmarks. Begin in the vibrant capital, Madrid, and traverse the picturesque landscapes to historic Burgos, culinary San Sebastián, and the architectural marvels of Barcelona. Discover the Moorish splendor of Granada's Alhambra Palace, the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, and the British charm of Gibraltar. Experience the rich traditions of Seville and Córdoba, and wander through the ancient streets of Toledo. Enjoy guided tours, including visits to the Prado Museum and La Sagrada FamÃlia, and savor authentic local flavors with a Be My Guest dinner in Seville. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, staying in cherry-picked hotels, and enjoy daily breakfasts and select dinners. This tour promises a deep dive into Spain's diverse culture, history, and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hola Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafael Atocha
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Santemar
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 Make Travel Matter
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: NH Iruña Park
Accommodation Name: NH Iruña Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Santander and travel to Bilbao to view the striking Guggenheim Museum. Continuing on to San Sebastián, we find the gourmet capital of Spain with a rich maritime history. Your Travel 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. Later, we arrive in Barcelona to soak up the charm of a city that professes two great loves – Gaudà and football. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps amble through the aromatic La Bouqeria, or join us for an evening of discovery capped off with a traditional Catalonian style dinner and 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 Make Travel Matter
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Silken Puerta
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta
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. During one of our iconic MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, we will also enjoy horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia.
Day 7: Venture To Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Occidental
Accommodation Name: Occidental
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey by the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountain range 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
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 - the AlbaicÃn - with its narrow winding lanes, churches, minarets and palaces. We then 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
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 Connect With Locals
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.
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 explore the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. 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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Continue to Toledo for an evening in Spain's former capital.
Day 13: Admire Ancient Toledo Then On To Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafael Atocha
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. The grand plazas of Madrid welcome you 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.
Day 14: Discover Stylish Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Rafael Atocha
Accommodation Name: Rafael Atocha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend today 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 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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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour features must-see sightseeing opportunities and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel is conducted in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences are not included in the tour price.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, or enjoy alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, provide comfortable and reliable stays throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Best of Spain tour?
The 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 kind of accommodation can I expect on the Best of Spain tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Are meals included in the Best of Spain tour?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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What is the starting and ending point of the Best of Spain tour?
The tour starts and ends in Madrid.
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Is there a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is a sightseeing tour of the Alhambra Palace in Granada with a Local Specialist.
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Will there be opportunities to explore local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as a Be My Guest dinner with the Morillo family in Seville and a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as a visit to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat and exploring the medieval Moorish Quarter of Granada.
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What is the policy on gratuities during the tour?
All porterage and restaurant gratuities, as well as hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, are included in the tour.
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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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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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