Easy Pace Spain
11 Days from $2,925 per person
Relax and immerse yourself in three of Spain's most contrasting and cultural cities. Vibrant Barcelona, idyllic San Sebastián and historic Madrid
Overview
Relax and immerse yourself in three of Spain's most contrasting and cultural cities. Vibrant Barcelona, idyllic San Sebastián and historic Madrid
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Day 1: Your Journey Begins.
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Welcome to Barcelona.
Airport transfers depart from Barcelona Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with dinner and wine.
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Day 3: Exploring Catalonia’s Creative Capital.
The lively port of Barcelona boasts an impressive Old Town, although it’s the daring architecture of the Catalan Art Nouveau that really sets it apart. Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins in the medieval maze of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, a tangle of streets and squares just behind the old cathedral. Travel down the gracious Passeig de Gràcia, past the wrought-iron street lamps. Continue on to Gaudí's Sagrada Família, the leviathan of the Eixample, where giant mosaic spires pierce the sky like a jeweled crown. Inside, a tree canopy carved from stone, holds up the roof while sun pours through stained glass on to sea creature caverns. Then you are free to explore this amazing city at your own pace.
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Day 4: Barcelona at Leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Spain's most vibrant city. Consider a stroll along the famous Las Ramblas, explore Gaudi's Güell Park or enjoy the ancient Gothic Quarter. Perhaps you would like to ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia's most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years? On this Optional Excursion enjoy spectacular panoramic views and a light tapas lunch.
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Day 5: Pamplona and San Sebastián.
Journey west to Zaragoza where the four towers of El Pilar soar over the banks of the mighty Río Ebro. Continue to Pamplona in the region of Navarre, famous for the Running of the Bulls festival. With free time to explore as you wish, perhaps stroll to the famous Estafeta Street. Travel to the aristocratic seaside resort of San Sebastián. Northern Spain’s Basque country has evolved into the best place to eat in the Western world, so in the evening, discover the city’s rich gastronomic tradition in the heart of Lo Viejo, the Old Town. Here you will have a chance to explore the Old Town in small groups during your progressive Highlight Dinner with the locals, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine. ¡Que aproveche!
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Day 6: Bilbao and Guggenheim.
Few places have been able to reinvent themselves quite like Bilbao. The former industrial city has changed its ways and is now a pin-up for urban redevelopment. Your fascinating venture here includes a visit to Bilbao's sensuous, rippling, Guggenheim Museum, designed by the North American architect Frank O. Gehry. On return, join a Local Expert to admire San Sebastián and the crescent-shaped La Concha Bay from the heights of Monte Igueldo. After taking in the amazing views, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitución, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square.
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Day 7: San Sebastián, Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast.
Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk. The harbour is filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, so you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known as the Jewel of the Basque Country? During this Optional Experience you will explore this town with a Local Expert and visit the church where The Sun King, Louis XIV, married the Spanish princess Maria Teresa.
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Day 8: Burgos and Madrid.
Journey south through the Pyrenees foothills and the land of 'El Cid' to stop in Burgos where you can see his burial place in the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
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Day 9: The Elegant Spanish Capital of Madrid.
Your Local Expert will show you the Royal Palace, the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and Puerta del Sol. Then enjoy a highlight visit to the palatial Prado Museum, one of the world’s greatest art galleries with works by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, as well as Italian and Dutch masters. With the afternoon free for you to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps travel to Segovia to join a Local Expert and visit the 14th century Alcazar to see painting, tapestries, weaponry and armory of the Spanish medieval era and enjoy a panoramic drive for stunning views over the Eresma Valley?
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Day 10: The Cobbled Streets of Toledo.
Venture south to visit the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. Walk within the city walls, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your a Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. On return to Madrid, the afternoon is free for last-minute shopping. Make the most of your final night as you join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a generous Celebration Dinner of delightful produce, typical of the region and of course accompanied with wine.
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Day 11: Depart Madrid.
After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Aug 18 | 3 Sep 18 | $3,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 5 Oct 18 | 15 Oct 18 | $2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 19 Oct 18 | 29 Oct 18 | $2,925pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,050 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $116 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Professional Travel Director
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Included Quality Dining
9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); and 3 Dinners with wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
Barcelona:
- Venture inside Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture.
- Explore the medieval maze of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, with your Local Expert.
San Sebastian:
- Journey up Monte Igueldo with your Local Expert to take in breath-taking views over the town and La Concha Bay. Walk
through the Old Quarter to Plaza de la Constitucion.
Bilbao:
- Visit the magnificent Guggenheim Museum.
Madrid:
- Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings plus an impressive foreign collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an expert art historian.
- With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace, the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain,
Parliament and Puerta del Sol.
Toledo:
- With a Local Expert, visit the Church of Santo Tomé and see an El Greco's masterpiece.
- Visit a local Damascene workshop where expert craftsmen inlay steel with gold, silver and copper thread.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Spain. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Spain offers a delicious selection of cured hams, chorizo sausage, seafood, cheeses, and more. Try traditional dishes such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet), paella, and desserts such as flan, churros, and Catalan cream.
Lunch is the largest meal of the day in Spain, with many restaurants offering multi course menus at a fixed price. For a quick lunch at a reasonable price, stop by a café, outdoor market, or food cart for a bocadillo, a traditional Spanish sandwich made with baguette-style bread, ham and cheese.
Tapas are small bites served in bars and restaurants that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal. Try a variety of marinated olives, potatoes, croquettes, grilled octopus, and toasted bread with various toppings.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase. This will also give you many options for how to dress in Spain’s different climates. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Spain is much less common than in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appreciated, although not required, to leave a few extra euros for your server, and up to 10 percent for particularly good service. Leave your tip on the table rather than adding it to your credit card slip to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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.
Barcelona
Barcelona By Night With Dinner
Adult Price: € 58.00
After a delightful dinner in a traditional Catalan restaurant, take a sparkling illuminations drive up the hill of Montjuic for spectacular panoramic views over the city and harbour twinkling below.
Barcelona
Catalan Dinner & Flamenco
Adult Price: € 86.00
The food of the Catalan region is quite different from the rest of Spain. Enjoy a plentiful Catalan buffet dinner including drinks, followed by the throbbing guitars, fire and passion of Spain’s national dance – the Flamenco.
Barcelona
Montserrat with Light Lunch at Castellroig Cava Estate
Adult Price: € 69.00
Ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia's most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and then a light lunch of tapas at the beautiful Castellroig Cava Estate, where we'll also sample their amazing sparkling wine.
Barcelona
Flamenco Evening
Adult Price: € 58.00
Enjoy an evening full of the passionate artistry of Spain’s national dance – the Flamenco, comprising strident guitars, fiery dancing and passion.
San Sebastian
Basque Coastal Drive and Fishing Village
Adult Price: € 36.00
Enjoy a drive along the scenic Basque coast to arrive at Getaria. This charming fishing village is the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, famous for completing Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe after the explorer’s demise. We’ll wander the narrow streets towards the port and enjoy a complimentary pintxo and glass of txakoli, the region’s refreshing white wine. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore the town on your own.
San Sebastian
Saint-Jean-De-Luz, Jewel Of The Basque Country
Adult Price: € 37.00
With your local expert, explore Saint-Jean-de-Luz, jewel of the Basque Country and visit the church where Louis XIV "The Sun King" married the Spanish princess Maria Teresa. An extra surprise awaits us next as we drive to the famous Biarritz summer residence of Napoleon III with its sophisticated spa resort.
Madrid
eatwith Experience
eatwith is the world’s leading community for authentic food experiences with locals in over 130 countries. Choose between our hand-selected hosts and dine like a local with a local. Fully immerse yourself in food and culture while meeting other travelers at your table and experience the magic of social dining. Transport is not included in this optional experience. €45 - €65
Madrid
Madrid By Night
Adult Price: € 19.00
An evening drive to the most historic area of Madrid including stops for wonderful views of the city and a walk through the lively streets and squares of old Madrid. Enjoy free time for dinner in one of the many restaurants and return home along the grand Avenida Castellana with its spectacular fountains.
Madrid
Excursion To Segovia
Adult Price: € 45.00
Drive to the fortified city of Segovia where a local expert leads you through the medieval streets from the ancient aqueduct to the magnificent Alcazar, one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella castle. Inside this 14th century palace, experience the paintings, tapestries, weaponry and armoury of the Spanish medieval era. Then take a panoramic drive outside the walls to admire stunning views over the Eresma valley, the Roman aqueduct and picturesque buildings of this medieval jewel.
Madrid
Madrileño Dinner & Fountains
Adult Price: € 61.00
Tonight, we drive to a Traditional "mesón" to be tempted by dishes for which the capital is famous. Our dinner includes regional wines, beer or soft drinks, and during your meal a local "Tuna de Madrid" will be playing your favourite Spanish songs while dressed in 18th-century costumes. Afterwards, we drive the grand avenues and boulevards to see the spectacular fountains that remind us of the glory of Madrid.
Madrid
Madrid Royal Palace
Adult Price: € 30.00
The Royal Palace of Madrid is Spain's most sumptuous and impressive royal residence, jam packed with the riches and glory of Spanish history. Join a local historian to explore the extensive collection of armoury, porcelain, tapestries, gilt mirrors, works of art and period furniture. Highlights include the gold and scarlet Throne Room and magnificent State Apartments. A rare and enlightening look into the history and lifestyle of the Spanish monarchy.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
