• Aarp Logo Red
    AARP Members Save $100 AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations booked with us on select vacations
    Learn More

Highlights of Spain

Operated by: Insight Vacations

9 Days from $2,543 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Tours of Seville Plaza, Spain

Countries Visited

Spain ...more Spain

Locations Visited

Barcelona, Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid ...more Barcelona, Valencia, Lorca, Purullena, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Barcelona

    Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 17:15 for your Welcome Dinner at local restaurant La Pau. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® supports teenagers and young people to transition to their adult life.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel NH Collection Barcelona Constanza., Hilton Barcelona.
  2. Day 2 Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start

    With your Local Expert, drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district for a visit inside Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, to see the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore or perhaps join an optional experience to Montserrat & The Black Madonna.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel NH Collection Barcelona Constanza., Hilton Barcelona.
  3. Day 3 Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start

    Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola and see the hilltop castle used in the film 'El Cid'.Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia and see the City of Arts and Sciences. Later see the Old City and take in its medieval charm.Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavours of this classic dish with a glass of sangria at your Highlight Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Barceló Valencia.
  4. Day 4 Exquisite Granada and Alhambra

    Travel south toward Andalucía, passing the castle at Lorca and troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock near Guadix. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost eight centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands the Alhambra, one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. A fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Later, stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada.
  5. Day 5 A Scenic Drive to Seville

    The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the Albaicin Quarter with a Local Expert. Here, in addition to falling in love with Granada, you will also uncover its pivotal role in European history. Continue your travels to Seville, past gleaming white villages and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
  6. Day 6 Seville, the City of Carmen Relaxed Start

    Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.This evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
  7. Day 7 Moorish Córdoba and on to Madrid

    Set off early along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses. Stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba and see the famous Roman bridge, built in the 1st century BC. Meet a local historian and visit the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and stroll the narrow streets of the city. Follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote as you travel through La Mancha and on to the capital, Madrid.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Meliá Madrid Serrano., Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.
  8. Day 8 Madrid of the Bourbons Relaxed Start

    Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps travel to beautiful Toledo with an Optional Experience.In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Meliá Madrid Serrano., Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.
  9. Day 9 Depart Madrid

    After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.

    meals Breakfast
Highlights of Spain Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
  • Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.

Authentic Dining

  • Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
  • Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.

Insight Experiences

  • Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
  • Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.

Make Travel Matter

  • Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generate quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
  • Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
  • Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
  • Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
  • Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
  • Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, 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.
  • Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
  • Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
  • Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
  • Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
  • Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
  • Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

Onlinebookingprocesssteps
June 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 17 Sat
Jun 25 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,950 $2,655 Save $295
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 24 Sat
Jul 2 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,925
July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 8 Sat
Jul 16 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,825
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 22 Sat
Jul 30 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,825 $2,543 Save $283
GETAWAY DEALS
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 12 Sat
Aug 20 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,825 $2,543 Save $283
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 19 Sat
Aug 27 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,825 $2,543 Save $283
GETAWAY DEALS
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 7 Thu
Sep 15 Fri
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,950 $2,655 Save $295
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 9 Sat
Sep 17 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 16 Sat
Sep 24 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,995
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 23 Sat
Oct 1 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,875
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 30 Sat
Oct 8 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,875
October 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 28 Sat
Nov 5 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,825
Optional Add-Ons

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

Available on Day 2

Barcelona Evening with Montjuïc & Olympic Drive

We'll enjoy the beauty of Barcelona as the day ends, including a drive up to Montjuïc hill with our Local Expert to experience an incredible panorama over the city with its impressive harbor. Later, we've included free time for dinner in a Catalan restaurant with your newfound friends.
Adult Price: € 28

Available on Day 2

Montserrat & The Black Madonna

We'll enjoy a stunning drive to Montserrat, the mystical sacred serrated mountain, with its unique formations and spectacular views. It's home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat and the ‘Virgin of Montserrat’, one of the most-venerated Black Madonna’s of Europe. Catalan landscapes unfold before us, as our Local Expert introduces us to this place of immense beauty and significance.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Granada

Available on Day 5

Albaicín And The Royal Chapel

Take a leisurely walk with your Local Expert through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the last bastion of Islam in Spain. Explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. After a photo stop at one of the most famous views of the Alhambra Palace, visit the Royal Chapel housing the tombs of the ‘Catholic Monarchs’, Ferdinand and Isabella.
Adult Price: € 37

Seville

Available on Day 5

Dinner in Seville With a Horse and Carriage Ride

Seville is Spain's most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialities, served in a local restaurant with wine, beer & soft drinks included. As well as a wonderful meal, we'll experience a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the old town of Seville, which is especially magical in the evening.
Adult Price: € 66

Available on Day 5

Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville

Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialities in a local restaurant with wine included. Perhaps round off the evening with a stroll through the atmospheric squares and lanes of Seville's old quarter, which has a magical charm by night.
Adult Price: € 53

Available on Day 6

Seville Alcázar and Plaza América

Today with our Local Expert we'll visit the fabulous Real Alcázar - a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in richly-scented gardens. Wander through the Arabesque domed halls, horseshoe arches and jewel-box courtyards of this royal residence, while the garden fountains and terraces provide an oasis of tranquility. Afterwards, see the fanciful pavilions built for the Ibero-American Fair of 1929 on the way to the romantic Plaza de América in Maria Luisa Park.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Madrid

Available on Day 7

Madrid by Night with Dinner

Enjoy an evening out in the nation's stately capital city. Tonight we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the town in a carefully chosen venue, accompanied by Spanish wine and great local entertainment. What a wonderful introduction to Madrid.
Adult Price: € 61

Available on Day 7

Madrid by Night

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.
Adult Price: € 19

Available on Day 8

Toledo Excursion

A specialist guide takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain's capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived and worked. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the fine Gothic cathedral and admire the old city views along the Tagus gorge. We'll also visit a specialist workshop where artisans create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and passed down over the centuries.  On certain dates when the cathedral is not accessible this will be priced at 37 Euro.
Adult Price: € 46

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
David Loughery
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Service
We had difficulty with our flight reservations. My wife felt that the GET staff was not very helpful and could have done more to clarify our situation. Some of the confusion was due to the OneWorld arrangement and late changes by American Airlines. We ended up with three different confirmation codes (American, British Airways and Iberian Air). We had to fill out information on each site and were bumped from one site to another about seats. One of the mobile apps wouldn’t complete the seat selection and we had to go back and start over several times. All in all, it was an aggravating and stressful transaction requiring multiple phone calls to the airlines.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about the last minute changes by your airline. They can be very aggravating, and the partner airlines often have different policies regarding seating. We are glad that you arrived to Spain safely and ultimately enjoyed your tour despite the extra phone calls made prior to your departure.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Vacation
Our guide for the trip (Sonia Santos) was outstanding as were the local guides. Sonia possesses a wealth of knowledge, is very responsive to individual needs and interests and is extremely organized. The local guides were also excellent and provided a great deal of information about the sites we visited. The supplemental activities also enhanced the trip. Our tour bus was new, very large, and very comfortable. Our driver expertly maneuvered the vehicle through cities and some very narrow streets. The accommodations were good to very good. Our group got along well and the entire trip was a pleasure and a learning experience.
Emil Kucirek
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Service
Great purchase process, guide, hotels and meals. Thorough explanations during travel times and very good local guide knowledge.
Vacation
No snafus! Just what you want out of the country.
Andria Eisman
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Service
Great trip!
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are super excited you enjoyed your tour of Spain. It's such an interesting country to visit. Thank you for leaving your feedback. We appreciate it!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Vacation
Great local tour guides throughout
Trusted Customer
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Service
It was a great trip. Great history, great sites. Good bunch of people touring with us. I am more than happy I went to Spain.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so excited that you enjoyed your Highlights of Spain tour. The Tour Director and local experts make all the difference! Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We certainly appreciate your positive comments.
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Vacation
Certainly exceeded my expectations. I studied Babbel. One can get around Spain without using Spainish just fine. Gracious Spanish people everywhere. The breakfasts were over the top. Every hotel outdid themselves. Can’t say enough good things are our Tour Director, Patrick Davis. He certainly took care of his guests. When did he sleep? Give him a raise. They don’t come any better. The coach was first class, as was the driver. The tour guides were very knowledgeable. One could ask them any question & they knew the answer. Great trip. I look forward to going back.
Mark Sherman
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Service
Denise was fantastic. Professional, informative, funny, concerned for our well being.
Vacation
Again tour director Denise was terrific and made every aspect of our trip great
Barbara Graul
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Service
They overcame the problem caused by the pandemic very well and kept us well advised of the available opportunities to travel.
Vacation
The Tour Director did everything possible to make our tour totally enjoyable. When people who were scheduled to entertain us were prevented from attending, he found other entertainers who made the evening a complete success. He found rest stops that were frequent and highly acceptable and managed the time of the tour perfectly.
Daniel M
Friday, October 11, 2019
Service
It was easy to set up our trip from beginning to end. Everyone was very helpful with any questions or concerns.
Vacation
Our guide Phillipe was excellent. He was very informative and took care of everyone. He made us all laugh and kept us entertained and was always available for questions or any help we needed. There was quite a bit of walking every day and it was pretty intense sometimes. We were okay with it, but some of the older people were having a hard time keeping up. A little more free time to shop and explore would have been nice. Overall our trip was really great and will book with GET again!
Helen Kunz
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Service
Excellent customer service from booking specialists. After we booked our flights, a change had to be made and a better flight alternative was found for us.
Vacation
Our Tour Director was not present at the time of our arrival at the first hotel in Barcelona. We had to wait until check-in time at 3pm before we were allowed access into our room. We arrived at about 10am and had to hang around the hotel lobby for hours after a long flight from the US without any sleep. There has to be a better way of arranging our accommodations so that we could’ve been automatically checked-in upon arrival to get some much needed rest. It wasn’t a great start. The entire tour was very informative with local experts Alberto, Elena, Lydia, Gemma, and Sergio doing a great job during our walking tours. Their knowledge of their cities were excellent and their pride in their hometowns are evident. It was good to see the sights through their eyes and get the background history of each place. Tour Director Philippe & driver Sergio did a fine job at herding our group of 40 people. Their jobs were challenging to say the least. One comment we had about this tour is that we were so heavily scheduled that there was hardly any down time. The pace was demanding and not as comfortable as was advertised. We felt under pressure most days and the emphasis on being on time was great. We realize the need to be prompt and were always on time as instructed but it really felt like we were ruled instead of guided during our vacation. Perhaps a lesser amount of optional trips would lighten the time constraints. Naturally, we had a choice not to go to every option but couldn’t pass up on what was offered. This was our second GET Insight Vacations tour having also gone to “A Taste of Europe” in 2018 where we visited 4 countries. It’s ironic that “Highlights of Spain” was more strenuous despite touring within one country. In summary, we would still try other Insight Vacations in the future and will recommend GET to friends & family.
Karen Curtis
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Service
The places visited were of such importance to the history of Spain. History you had learned as a child that was almost seen before your eyes when mentioned. The fact that Spain was linked so closely to the United States by its history almost was seen through your minds eye. The architecture was captivating. The tour guide had answers for all the questions. It was amazing to be walking on the same cobblestones that Hannibal or even possibly Cervantes or Columbus! It was almost surreal.
Vacation
The only drawback was the walking. I was woefully unprepared. A warning this is a rigorous work out should be mentioned. Preparing for this tour should be a priority.As I purchased through AARP I was assuming this would be more user friendly but it is not. It would have been much more enjoyable if my calves weren't on fire! That aside the whole trip was enthralling. The tour guide and the bus driver, bless the bus driver, were professional and well versed. Magical Spain. What a highlight of my life.
Trusted Customer
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Service
everything! impeccable organization, calm in face of calamity (bus breaking down), flexibility etc.
Vacation
I am assuming the purchase was the package?
See More Reviews
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view Terms and Conditions for this guided vacation
Back To Top