Best of Spain
15 Day Spain Tour of Madrid, Barcelona | Operated by Trafalgar
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15 Days
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2 Countries
Spain, Gibraltar -
16 Cities
Madrid, Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Peñíscola, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo -
20 Meals
6 Dinners, 14 Breakfasts -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Welcome to the fiery Spanish capital that is Madrid. Take in the vibrant essence of Madrid before meeting up with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights.
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, traveling to the coast and the sophisticated capital of the Cantabrian region, Santander.
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.
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.
The whimsical fantasy world of Gaudí is on display this morning as we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada Família 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.
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 center 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 walk through the imposing Plaza de España. 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.
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 neighborhood. Continue to Toledo for an evening in Spain's former capital.
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.
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 flavors and aromas of jamon in the Market of San Miguel. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic adventure through Spain.
Our time together has come to an end. For now it's a fond adiós to Spain and newfound friends.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- See exterior of the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.
- Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
- See the impressive historic landmarks of this thriving Spanish metropolis.
- 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 Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
- See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
- See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
- Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- Visit Gibraltar and delve into the typical British culture along Main Street.
- 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.
- 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.
- See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- Taste authentic Valencian street food from a local Horchata 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. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 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.
- Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.
- Embark on a walking tour in the ancient hill-top city of Toledo, renowned for its medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian Monuments.
- 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.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Pamplona Discovery With Tapas And Sangria (Available on Day 3)Enjoy a walking tour of charming Pamplona with our Local Specialist. See the ancient walls with views over the city, explore the beautiful old town and the Cathedral before retracing the steps of the famous ‘Running of the Bulls’. Later, savor traditional Spanish tapas and sangria at Hemingway’s favorite watering hole, the most beautiful and historic café in town!
Adult Price: €37 Gothic Quarter and Dinner (Available on Day 4)Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the Port Vell Waterfront, now a vibrant marina in the old harbor, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favorite local eateries.
Adult Price: €78 Olympic Barcelona with Calatalan Dinner (Available on Day 4)Take a scenic drive up to Montjuic for sweeping views over buzzing Barcelona and a glimpse of the buildings used during the 1992 Olympics. Afterwards, indulge in a delicious Catalonian style dinner complemented by drinks and good company.
Adult Price: €72 Mystical Montserrat (Available on Day 5)Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.
Adult Price: €53 Valencia Dinner and Discovery (Available on Day 6)We'll delve into the country's third-largest city to enjoy its Mediterranean verve. Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The iconic dish "Paella" originated here and tonight we'll learn about its traditions and enjoy this singular Spanish fare during a typical meal in one of the city’s most emblematic restaurants.
Adult Price: €59 Valencia’s Golden Age, a Leisurely Walking Tour (Available on Day 6)Valencia has a well-preserved medieval center which our Local Specialist will bring alive as they take us back to the city's heyday, from Roman and Gothic times into the Golden Age, when Valencia was Spain’s most important city. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets and also visit Lonja, an exquisite late gothic building, UNESCO-listed since 1996.
Adult Price: €32 Albaicín and the Royal Chapel (Available on Day 8)With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendor. You'll explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €41 Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner (Available on Day 8)Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll traverse its narrow streets, pass white-washed houses and see the oval bullring, with time for hunting hidden gems in the shops. Our evening finishes with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €68 Experience Málaga (Available on Day 9)We'll spend the morning with our Local Specialist in this charming, elegant Mediterranean capital, the birth-place of Pablo Picasso. We'll experience panoramic views from the Moorish Gibralfaro fortress, including the magnificent harbor and the Alcazaba ramparts. Then, in the heart of downtown Málaga, we'll see the ancient Roman theater and sample an aperitif in one of the city’s most-famous taverns.
Adult Price: €48 A Guided Tour of the Rock of Gibraltar (Available on Day 10)Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll visit St. Michael`s cave, see the famous Barbary apes and enjoy magnificent views of the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains at this meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas.
Adult Price: €54 The Moorish Alcázar and Plaza América (Available on Day 11)Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
Adult Price: €51 Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville (Available on Day 11)Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavors and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €60 Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town (Available on Day 11)Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Adult Price: €44 Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner (Available on Day 11)This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: €74 Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid (Available on Day 13)Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city center. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €68 Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairytale Castle (Available on Day 14)Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Adult Price: €55