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18-Day Best of Spain: Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona

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Overview

With this trip, you'll have 18 days to experience the very best that Spain can offer. You'll get acquainted with the cosmopolitan city and the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid. You'll also discover the main sites of the UNESCO-listed city of Cordoba, where the Mosque/cathedral is an absolute must-visit destination on your journey. Whilst in Granada, you will discover the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace and the beautiful Generalife gardens.

When you reach Seville, the true home of tapas, you'll experience the mysteries, the emotion and the power of true flamenco before heading to the final destination, Barcelona.

Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures in Barcelona for the discerning traveller to discover.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Hiking & Trekking
Wellness
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Madrid

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Welcome to Madrid

Upon arrival at Madrid airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Madrid city centre. You'll be provided with maps, tips and recommendations in order to get acquainted on your first day in the vibrant, atmospheric city of Madrid. You'll visit the Reina Sofia Museum where you'll discover over 21,000 works of art from the likes of Dali and Picasso, and the Crystal Palace, before later having dinner at Ramón Freixa, a famous restaurant run by a Michelin star Chef.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Reina Sofia MuseumOptional Activity

    Crystal PalaceOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Ramón FreixaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport to Madrid

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 2

Highlights of Madrid

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Highlights of Madrid

Today, you'll be taken on a tour of the best sights to see in Madrid. You'll be focussing on the Hapsburg and Bourbon legacy which includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, the largest palace in Europe and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. You'll also visit the Prado Museum, a huge collection of paintings dating back almost 200 years, and you'll enjoy dinner at the CEBO restaurant, a contemporary Spanish restaurant which prides itself on local produce.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Madrid City Tour

    Royal Palace of Madrid

    Prado MuseumOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    VP Jardín de Recoletos

    CEBO RestaurantOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 3

Segovia and El Escorial Day Trip

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Segovia and El Escorial Day Trip

Today, you'll be taken on a tour of El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain, which will include visits to the Monastery, Basilica, Royal Palace, Library, and the Habsburg apartments. In the afternoon, you'll venture out on a walking tour around the old town of Segovia including its famous Aqueduct and the Alcazar which dates back to the 11th-century. In the evening, you'll have dinner at Taberna El Sur, a popular tapas restaurant famed for its friendly service and ambience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    El Escorial Tour

    Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    Segovia Tour

    Alcazar of Segovia

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    VP Jardín de Recoletos

    Taberna El SurOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Community of Madrid

    San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    Segovia

Day 4

Toledo Day Trip

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Toledo Day Trip

You'll take the high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo for the day where you'll take a tour of the city stopping at the most wonderful viewpoints along the way. You'll then head out on a walking tour of the historic centre of Toledo where you'll visit the Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the El Tránsito Synagogue and the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo. In the evening, you'll have the option to dine at the popular La Candela.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Toledo Sightseeing

    Jewish Quarter of Toledo

    Synagogue of El Transito

    Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

    San Bartolome ChurchOptional Activity

    Synagogue of Santa Maria La BlancaOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    VP Jardín de Recoletos

    La Candela RestóOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Madrid to Toledo

    High-Speed Rail from Toledo to Madrid

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Toledo

Day 5

Onwards to Cordoba

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Onwards to Cordoba

Another train trip today to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Cordoba where you'll be staying the night. Once you arrive, you'll be taken on a walking tour of the beautiful sights of Cordoba including a visit to the Mosque-Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the Synagogue and the Royal Alcazar. The afternoon in Cordoba is free to do as you wish, you may want to visit Viana Palace or Museo Julio Romero De Torres, an art museum dedicated to the famous painter.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de la Juderia4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cordoba Sightseeing Tour

    Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

    Jewish Quarter of Cordoba

    Alcazar of the Christian Kings

    Viana PalaceOptional Activity

    Museo Julio Romero De TorresOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    VP Jardín de Recoletos

    El ChotoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from VP Jardín de Recoletos to Atocha Renfe

    High-Speed Rail from Madrid to Córdoba

    Private Driver from Córdoba to Hotel las Casas de la Judería Córdoba, Calle Tomás Conde, Córdoba, Spain

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Córdoba

Day 6

Montilla Vineyards Day Tour

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Montilla Vineyards Day Tour

Today, you'll be exploring the vineyards of the Montilla Hills where some of the most beautiful olive oil and wine is produced. You'll visit a local olive oil mill to learn about the extra virgin olive oil production. You'll also head to a local winery located right in the heart of the vineyards, where you'll also enjoy a traditional tapas lunch homemade by the winery owners. You'll have the afternoon free to explore Cordoba, before heading to a marvellous equestrian exhibition in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de la Juderia4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Montilla Olive Oil and Wine Region Day Trip

    Andalusian Equestrian Show

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Las Casas de la Juderia

    Bodegas MezquitaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Córdoba

    Montilla

Day 7

Ubeda and Baeza Tour

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Ubeda and Baeza Tour

Today, you'll be heading to Ubeda and Baeza, where you'll be staying for the night. You'll begin by taking a walking tour of the old town of Ubeda where you'll visit the main monuments of Renaissance and Baroque architecture together with the recently discovered Water Synagogue. In the afternoon, you will continue making your way to your hotel in Granada where you'll have the option to dine at the local's favourite Alameda Restaurant in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ubeda Tour

    Baeza

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Las Casas de la Juderia

    Alameda RestaurantOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Córdoba to Úbeda

    Private Driver from Baeza to Gar Anat Hotel Boutique

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Córdoba

    Úbeda

    Baeza

    Granada

Day 8

Exploring Granada's Alhambra

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Exploring Granada's Alhambra

Today, you'll have a few hours to explore the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most famous and visited monuments, followed by a visit to the beautiful Generalife gardens. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish, you may want to indulge in the Hammam Experience at the Andalusian Arab Baths or perhaps visit the gypsy quarter of Granada where you can learn about the gypsy way of life.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Alhambra

    Hammam Al AndalusOptional Activity

    SacromonteOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel

    Parador de GranadaOptional Activity

    Restaurante Carmen Mirador De AixaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Granada

Day 9

Caminito del Rey Hike

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Caminito del Rey Hike

El Caminito del Rey is a daring and impressive walkway, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro. You'll be dropped at the beginning of the trail which is roughly 7.7 kilometres long. The Caminito del Rey Hike is famous among adventurers, hikers and tourists of Spain and is definitely something to tick off your bucket list whilst in this region. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish in Ronda, you may want to visit the famous Ronda Bridge.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Caminito Del Rey Hike

    El Tajo Gorge WalkOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel

    TropicanaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Caminito del Rey de Ardales to Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Granada

    Andalusia

    Ronda

Day 10

Ronda Walking Tour

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Ronda Walking Tour

Ronda is a mountaintop city set dramatically above a deep gorge and surrounded by lush river valleys, it is absolutely breathtaking. You will venture out on a walking tour which will include a visit to the old town, the cliffs, the New bridge and the bullring. You'll also visit the magnificent Cuenca Gardens, a series of gardens that cling to the edges of the El Tajo gorge. In the evening you may choose to dine at De Locos Tapas, a famous restaurant in Ronda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ronda City Tour

    La Casa del Rey MoroOptional Activity

    Cuenca GardensOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa

    De Locos TapasOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ronda

Day 11

White Villages Day Trip

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White Villages Day Trip

This morning you'll visit the white villages driving through the spectacular Grazalema Natural Park with sightseeing stops at the charming towns of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. Grazalema is a famous producer of honey, cheese and meat-filled stews and is home to the adrenaline-filled bull-running festival. After lunch, you can stroll the narrow streets of the Moorish old town of Zahara before heading to Seville where you will have the evening to explore this beautifully charming city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    White Villages Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa

    Al-Medina RestaurantOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Zahara de la Sierra to Seville

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ronda

    Grazalema

    Seville

Day 12

Explore Seville

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Explore Seville

Your day will start with a walking tour to discover the main historic sites Seville including the Cathedral which is the third largest church in the world, the Royal Alcazar and the Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter. This is the perfect way to explore Seville's historical centre and in just a half day, you’ll be able to say you've visited the most important monuments of Seville and learned about the part they played in the history of this city. A fresh seafood dinner awaits at La Azotea if you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Seville City Tour

    Seville Cathedral

    Alcazar of Seville

    Santa Cruz

    Plaza de EspanaOptional Activity

    Jardin de MurilloOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Las Casas de El Arenal

    La AzoteaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

Day 13

Flamenco and Tapas Tour

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Flamenco and Tapas Tour

Today, you'll have a full day to explore Seville at your leisure, whether that be a trip to Triana the colourful riverside neighbourhood of the city or enjoying some shopping and lunch in Plaza Del Duque. In the evening, you’ll discover and taste why Seville is the true home of tapas and experience the mysteries, the emotion and the power of true flamenco in this evening tour. Your bellies and minds will be full to the brim after this experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    TrianaOptional Activity

    Plaza del DuqueOptional Activity

    Tapas and Flamenco Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Las Casas de El Arenal

    Petit Comité SevillaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

Day 14

Gaudi Highlights

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Gaudi Highlights

This morning you'll take a short flight from Seville to your final stop, Barcelona. Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the place where the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, worked and lived. Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures in Barcelona for the discerning traveller to discover. Today, You'll enter Gaudi's fascinating world of geometry and visit some of his masterpieces including the famous unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Barcelona Gaudi Tour

    La Sagrada Familia

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Las Casas de El Arenal

    Con Gracia RestaurantOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Seville to Seville Airport

    Plane from Seville Airport to Barcelona–El Prat Airport

    Private Driver from Barcelona–El Prat Airport to Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

    Barcelona

Day 15

Explore Barcelona

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Explore Barcelona

Barcelona has a very old history and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods but what most defines its character is all that has been built during the last 100 years. Barcelona has been a centre of Modernist architecture and is especially distinguished by the works of the genius, Gaudi. Today, you'll have the day to yourself to explore Barcelona as you wish. You may visit Casa Batllo, another of Gaudi's creations, the Born Cultural Centre or relax on Barceloneta Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in BarcelonaOptional Activity

    Casa BatlloOptional Activity

    Born Cultural CentreOptional Activity

    Barceloneta BeachOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

    Vai Moana BarcelonaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Day 16

All about Salvador Dali

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All about Salvador Dali

Today, you'll drive to Figueres, where you'll visit Salvador Dali's birthplace and the famous Dali Museum and Theatre, which houses the biggest and most diverse collection of Dali's work. After the museum visit, it's off to the lovely fishing town of Cadaqués followed by a trip to Portlligat where Dali spent many of his summers inspired by the bay here. In Cadaques, you'll have some free time to explore and have lunch in the Duran restaurant, an old inn which was a favourite of Salvador Dali's.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dali Highlights Tour

    Dali Theatre and Museum

    Salvador Dali House

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

    BlavisOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

    Figueres

    Catalonia

Day 17

Montserrat Mountains Trip

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Montserrat Mountains Trip

Today, you'll venture out of Barcelona to one of the most popular sites in the region, the Montserrat Mountains. The drive to the mountain-top monastery is incomparable and full of breathtaking views. At the top, you will visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey which houses an ancient monastery and Royal Basilica and is famous across Spain for its shrine of the Virgin of Montserrat, who is known to perform miracles. You'll also have the option to explore the mountains further with a hike.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Montserrat Half-Day Trip

    Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

    Free Time in BarcelonaOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

    Catalonia

    Monestir de Montserrat

Day 18

Adios!

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Adios!

Today, your Spanish adventure comes to an end. You will be picked up from your hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport and bid you a safe onward journey.

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Barcelona to Barcelona–El Prat Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Included in Price

  • 17 nights accommodation
  • 34 activities
  • 17 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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