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Spanish Heritage - End Madrid, Classic Group
from $6,350 pp

  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Destinations: Spain
This 18-day guided tour takes you from Barcelona to Madrid stopping at every charming town in between. Walk the narrow lanes of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter with a Local Expert, weaving your way to the lively Las Ramblas, where street performers put on shows. Paella was created in Valencia, and you will indulge in the savory rice dish after a private demonstration from a local chef. Stomp your feet in Seville during a flamenco dance lesson, then relax as the professionals put on a private show for you and your fellow travelers. Walk across the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge in Cordoba, then meet a local historian at the city's 8th Century mosque with a Christian cathedral inside it. In Madrid, walk with a Local Expert through the city's Old Quarter to the Prado Museum, where an art historian will reveal the stories behind the masterpieces of artists such as Goya and Titian.
Call to Book 1-800-222-7448
Additional Information

Welcome to Barcelona

Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona

Barcelona, the City of Gaudi Relaxed Start

A Local Expert joins you for a drive along the Passeig de Gracia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, 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 a free afternoon to explore.
Hotel: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Hilton, Barcelona

Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start

Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta to stop by Peniscola and see the sea-lapped castle, used in the film 'El Cid'. Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences. Pass the Old City and see the city's ancient gates, to reach your hotel. 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 flavors of this classic dish with a glass of wine at dinner.
Hotel: Barcelo Valencia

Exquisite Granada and Alhambra

Travel south toward Andalucia, passing the castle at Lorca and troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock near Guadix. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost 8 centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. 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.
Hotel: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada

A scenic drive to Seville

The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Albaicin Quarter with a Local Expert and fall in love with Granada as you learn about 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. This stunning capital of Andalucia is one of Spain's most charming highlights, and with the evening at your leisure, you are free to explore this delightful city as you wish.
Hotel: Melia Sevilla

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, enjoy a drive around the city with panoramic views. 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.
Hotel: Melia Sevilla

Moorish Cordoba

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 Cordoba and see the famous 2,000-year-old Roman Bridge. Meet a local historian and visit to the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and perhaps 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.
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barcelo Torre de Madrid

Wonderful Madrid

Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital's most historic neighborhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velazquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast to your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner served with wine.
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barcelo Torre de Madrid

Madrid at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a full day at leisure to explore Spain's capital. Perhaps join the Segovia Optional Experience to visit this wonderful ancient city complete with fairy-tale castle and Roman aqueduct.
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barcelo Torre de Madrid

Through Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago de Compostela

Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.
Hotel: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start

Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose between joining a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.
Hotel: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela

The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the color of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade farm to table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.
Hotel: Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes

Santander

Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while traveling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel. Why not take the time to explore the hotel terrace with stunning views of the bay below or relax with one of the many therapy treatments offered at the hotels spa?
Hotel: Eurostars Real, Santander

Bilbao and San Sebastian Relaxed Start

In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Raton', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastian and admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert. Explore the secrets of the harbor area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.
Hotel: Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastian

The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastian's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Hotel: Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastian

Pamplona and on to Barcelona

Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Cafe Iruna, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises?' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.
Hotel: Hilton, Barcelona

Barcelona at leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a day completely at leisure for last minute shopping or to perhaps revisit some of Gaudi's unusual creations? Walk along the leafy Las Ramblas or why not take an Optional Experience to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the Black Madonna? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful dinner.
Hotel: Hilton, Barcelona

Depart Madrid

Today, bid farewell to your journey through Spain as you transfer from Barcelona to Madrid.

Departure Dates
Start: April 24, 2025
End: May 11, 2025
Price: $6,525 pp
| Land Only

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Start: May 15, 2025
End: June 1, 2025
Price: $6,695 pp
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Start: May 31, 2025
End: June 17, 2025
Price: $6,695 pp
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Start: June 28, 2025
End: July 15, 2025
Price: $6,550 pp
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Start: July 26, 2025
End: August 12, 2025
Price: $6,675 pp
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Start: August 9, 2025
End: August 26, 2025
Price: $6,575 pp
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Start: August 28, 2025
End: September 14, 2025
Price: $6,875 pp
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Start: September 11, 2025
End: September 28, 2025
Price: $6,650 pp
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Price My Trip
Start: September 18, 2025
End: October 5, 2025
Price: $6,650 pp
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Start: October 4, 2025
End: October 21, 2025
Price: $6,350 pp
| Land Only

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Product Code: IVUSAS-E396ZN120

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