Best of Spain

Visit Europe

Day 1

Hola 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

Journey over the pine-clad Guadarrama Mountains to Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, where we will admire the exterior of the cathedral during an orientation tour with your tour leader.

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

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

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 – Gaudí 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

Consider joining a morning Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.

Afterwards, the whimsical fantasy world of Gaudí is on display as we embark on a sightseeing tour to visit the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada Família in the company of a Local Specialist.

Day 6

Off to Coastal Peñíscola and Valencia Make Travel Matter

The sweet scent of oranges accompanies us on our journey along the Costa Dorada to fortified Peñíscola, 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

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

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 Albaicín - 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

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

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

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

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

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 Vía 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

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

Our time together has come to an end.

For now it's a fond adiós to Spain and newfound friends.

Dining Summary

7 Dinner (D)

14 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Seville: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of your host, Isaac. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.

Dive Into Culture

Barcelona: During a visit to Barcelona's La Sagrada Família, you'll have time to admire Gaudi's fairy-tale architecture and creative genius.

Toledo: Embark on a walking tour in the ancient hill-top city of Toledo, renowned for its medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian Monuments.

Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.

Iconic Experience

Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Burgos: See exterior of the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bilbao: See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.

Pamplona: Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.

Zaragoza: See the impressive historic landmarks of this thriving Spanish metropolis. 

Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família

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

Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.

Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.

Gibraltar: Visit Gibraltar and delve into the typical British culture along Main Street. 

Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.

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

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Valencia: Taste authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor. This rich and flavourful nut-based drink loved by many is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo and Madrid

Discover Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Valencia, Peñíscola and the Rock of Gibraltar

Visit La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral in Seville, the Mosque of the Caliphs in Córdoba, the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo and Madrid's Prado Museum

View the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, La Concha Bay in San Sebastián, the Cathedral of Zaragoza, the Castle of Peñíscola, the Serrano and Quart Towers and City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia

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