Sensational Spain
TOUR DETAILS
Overview
Your 14-day affordable tour of Spain begins and ends in marvelous Madrid. In between, you’ll discover Spain’s sensational sites and legendary locales of history, culture, and cuisine. You’ll visit the Basque Country in the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian, and on to Pamplona—city of the running of the bulls, toreadors, and Hemingway’s famous novel, The Sun Also Rises.
Venture through the vistas of wine-growing region on your way to Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. Visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar before arriving in Barcelona. Take two days to explore the beauty and history of Barcelona, including a guided orientation of its famous sights and panoramic views. Drive along the Costa Dorada and Costa del Azahar to the vibrant art nouveau and modern style of Valencia—the home of paella!
Travel inland to Granada, situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and the confluence of four rivers. Experience the Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, exotic tearooms of the Albazyn quarter, and historical sites in this university city. You’ll relish a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra Complex, built by Moorish kings in 889 AD. More stunning architecture awaits in Cordoba—including the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter and the Moorish and Christian architecture of The Mosque of Córdoba.
Your introduction to the Andalusian capital of Seville includes a guided city tour. See its majestic cathedral, palace, and Plaza de España before you travel through Cáceres and Salamanca to Madrid. This comprehensive, value-minded tour of Spain is a wealth of experiences in beauty, architecture, and rich cultural traditions to treasure.
ITINERARY
Day 1: ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: MADRID–SEGOVIA–RIBERA DEL DUERO–BURGOS
The first visit of the day is Segovia, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its soaring Roman aqueduct and breathtaking fairytale fortress. Traveling through Castille and Leon, we reach the Ribera del Duero area, which follows the course of the Douro River and is noted for producing some of Spain’s finest wines. Get a taste at a local wine cellar, then on to Burgos with its landmark cathedral.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: BURGOS–BILBAO–SAN SEBASTIAN–PAMPLONA
The day is dedicated to discovering the Basque Countries as we visit the city of Bilbao, with its contemporary architecture, and San Sebastian, with its beautiful sandy beach. On to Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: PAMPLONA–SARAGOSSA–BARCELONA
Vistas of the Rioja wine-growing region greet you this morning as you travel towards Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. Here, visit the Baroque-style Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pillar before arriving in Barcelona, Catalonia’s lively capital.
Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: BARCELONA
This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and to marvel at the incredible panoramic views of the port and city. On to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: BARCELONA–VALENCIA
Travel along the Costa Dorada today and on to the Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) to arrive in Valencia, birthplace of paella! Combining striking modern architecture with Art-Nouveau-style buildings and the Old Town, Valencia is one of the most innovative Spanish cities enjoying a very high quality of life.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: VALENCIA–GRANADA
Spectacular scenery unfolds as you travel inland towards Granada, beautifully situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and at the confluence of four rivers. Granada is a compelling city where Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, and historical sites coexist with a young population of university students, graffiti, and exotic tea houses in the Albazyn quarter.
Today’s Distance: 303 mi/ 487 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: GRANADA
Today, your Local Guide will bring to life the world-famous Alhambra complex*. Built by Moorish kings in 889 AD, this magnificent hilltop palace-fortress features lavish gardens, and is the epitome of architectural beauty.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: GRANADA–CORDOBA–SEVILLE
Visit Cordoba, known for the white-washed houses of the Jewish quarter, but also for its magnificent 8th-century Mezquita, a mosque inside which a cathedral was built following the Reconquista. Admire its splendid giant arches, domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics and 856 jasper, onyx, marble, and granite pillars. Continue your journey through picturesque Andalusia, on to vibrant, festive Seville! Tonight, a chance to join an exciting optional Flamenco show to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: SEVILLE
An included city tour reveals the best of this colorful Andalusian capital today: see the majestic cathedral; beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant Moorish architecture; and the landmark Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Expo in 1929. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: SEVILLE–CÁCERES–SALAMANCA
Stop in medieval, walled Cáceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Later, cross the Tagus River and the Guadarrama mountains to arrive in Salamanca. Here you will experience the ambiance and unique Spanish Baroque beauty of Plaza Mayor, heart of the city and one of the most extraordinary public squares in the country.
Today’s Distance: 289 mi/ 465 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: SALAMANCA–ÁVILA–MADRID
On to Ávila, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its imposing city walls, monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and 2,500-plus turrets. This city is the essence of Castilla and the epitome of old Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, enjoy a guided tour of the city, discovering its royal elegance and its vibrancy. You’ll enjoy the abundance of museums and cultural livelihood.
Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: MADRID
Spend the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to join one of our optional excursions or activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: MADRID
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included: Breakfast