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Days
13
Price from
€4,430EUR
Map of Essence of Spain including Spain

Embrace the diversity of Spain from Barcelona to Madrid

Walk in the footsteps of Gaudi and Picasso, taste fine wines and tapas, and witness the white-washed villages that bring Spain to life. This is a comprehensive journey from Barcelona to Madrid including all the highlights down south.

Start
Barcelona, Spain
Finish
Madrid, Spain
Destination
Spain
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEES
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
46 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the wonders of Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia church and the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to the city's impressive cathedral and La Boqueria market

  • Visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical 'barraca' houses

  • Learn about the olive oil production process in Andalucia and its overall importance to the region. Taste different types of oil olive on an exclusive visit to a small, family run factory.

  • Explore the tranquil Albufera Lake by boat and learn how fishermen and rice growers ply their trade here.

  • Granada is a city like no other. Explore the outstanding Alhambra Palace with a guide, then lose yourself in the charming streets of the old Moorish quarter.

  • Experience a night in Cordoba feature stay hotel, traditional Andalusian-style building filled with many reminiscent of artistic manifestations of AL-Andalus.

  • Discover Sevilla, home of firey flamenco dance.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed art cities of Avila and Segovia – not to mention Madrid, Spain's wonderland of Spanish masters

Is this trip right for you?

  • On this trip you will visit a lot of interesting cities on this trip and we will discover them predominantly on foot. That means you’ll be expected to walk for up to 6 hours, which, especially in the heat, may be very tiring.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme (over 40°C), so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider your suitability to the season you are travelling in.

  • During your discoveries you will visit a numerous religious sites – this requires a level of modesty. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Tour Leader will be able to advise when such a clothing is necessary.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together and rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards.

  • It's important not to exceed the luggage weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.

Alhambra, Granada Spain
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Barcelona

Itinerary
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Your trip starts today with your arrival in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most loved and dynamic cities. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. There are no activities planned for before your group meeting in the evening (usually at 7 pm). Find more details about this meeting at the hotel reception. If you arrive early and are out and about, perhaps visit the excellent Picasso Museum. After your meeting, you will dine with your fellow travellers on some local Catalan specialties.

Accommodation
  • Hotel Catalonia Portal del Ángel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner

This morning you will explore some of Barcelona's wonders. Visit one of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural icons, the Sagrada Familia. Marvel at his unique architectural style that includes a mix of Gothic and modern influences, evident in the curvilinear columns and arches. Gaudi dedicated most of his life to this project before his death in 1926. This extraordinary building is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour also takes you into the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to the city’s impressive cathedral. It's also where you'll find La Boqueria, a colourful public market that dates back to 1217. Please note most of the city touring will be done on foot. A pair of comfortable shoes is the must. You’ll be expected to be on your feet up to 6 hours today. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Catalonia Portal del Ángel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Bid farewell to Barcelona today as you travel to the city of Valencia (approximately 4.5 hours). On the way, stop off in Sagunto, north of Valencia. A walk along a zig-zagging path via an old Roman theatre takes you to Sagunto’s impressive ruined castle. Sitting at the crossroads of two Roman trading routes, the castle was a former stronghold and important commercial centre; it dates back to 500 BC. Valencia is your base for the next two nights. Spain’s third largest city, Valencia has a unique cultural identity and a wonderful old town centre that dates back 2,000 years. Discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings and monuments and magnificent gardens. After checking into your hotel, an orientation walk will familiarise you with the main sights of the city. The balance of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. You may want to visit the city's major landmark – the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Dimar or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sagunto Castle - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning you will have an option to discover Valencia on an optional tour that will take you around the best foodie places in town. Valencia may be famous for its paella, but that’s just one flavour in this full-on, taste bud-tingling gastronomical heaven! Skip the rice and hop on this Valencia food tour that lets you sample a wide selection of traditional and local treats, from horchata to jamón to even artisan chocolates. Otherwise, if you’re not feeling like heaps of great food, morning is free for you to spend as you wish. Early afternoon, take a short drive south of Valencia to discover Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. The lake is surrounded by beach, dunes, lagoons, wetlands and Mediterranean forest, and is home to six small islands. You will visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical ‘barraca’ houses. Travel by boat to the middle of the lake and learn about the important agricultural crop of the area, namely the local rice. Finish off with included late lunch - paella lunch of course!
Accommodation
  • Hotel Dimar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Albufera - Boat tour & Barraca visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Depart Valencia and travel to Granada. Along the way you will travel through the distinctive countryside of the region and pass through Elche, capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around palm tree grove, one of the largest and the only one in Europe. It was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The palmeral consists of several parts spreading across downtown. Then it's on to the city of Granada, one of the jewels of Andalucia.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Corona Granada or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, take a guided tour through the incredible Alhambra Palace, one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Dating back to the 11th century and taking its name from the Arabic word for 'red castle', Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. The dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, multitude of architectural styles and magnificent gardens of the 'Generalife' (literally meaning ‘architect's garden’) are all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With soothing pathways, fountains, impeccably-maintained hedges, pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, Alhambra is certainly very memorable. The afternoon is free for you to discover the other highlights of Granada, such as the cathedral and the Albaicin Quarter.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Macia Condor Granada or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alhambra entrance
  • Alhambra Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil farm on your way to Cordoba. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production. Here there will be the chance to taste the different olive oils too. Then continue your journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site which has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today a cathedral stands within the centre of this amazing mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour which continues outside of the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Macia Alfaros or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Leader led tour of Cordoba & Mezquita visit
  • Synagogue Cordoba
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Farewell Cordoba and head for Seville this morning. A town famous for its cultural vitality and dazzling architecture, Seville is the largest city in southern Spain. On arrival, explore the city, on an included guided walking tour. You'll see the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal Palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still to this day use the Alcazar as their residence in Seville. The rest of the afternoon is free, so you may wish to take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided tour of Seville including Alcazar Seville
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today enjoy a free day in Seville. Discover this beautiful and intriguing city in your own pace. Perhaps visit a Cathedral de Giralda, on of the largest Christian churches in the world standing on the side of 12th century Almohad mosque. Plaza de Toros is the famous bullring in Seville and the oldest is Spain. As a Responsible Travel Company, Peregrine suggests not going to watch the bull fight, but rather visiting the venue to learn about the history and tradition. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner and a flamenco show.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seville Flamenco show & dinner
Optional Activities
  • Catedral and Giralda Tower - EUR8
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Travel from Seville to Madrid (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival in Madrid, settle into your hotel before heading out on a walk through the Old Quarter of Spain’s capital with your Tour Leader. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps while away the hours on the Art Walk, which offers an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, home to one of the world's finest collections of European art from the 12th to the 19th century. Discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia's 20th-century collection. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. Take a break in the Real Jardin Botanico, a garden wonderland dating from the 18th century. Madrid is your base for the next three nights.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Real Jardín Botánico - EUR4
  • Museo del Prado - EUR15
  • Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
  • Markets of Madrid - Urban Adventure - EUR47
  • Madrid Tapas Adventure - Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Royal Palace-Madrid - EUR11
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

On a full-day trip you will discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed art cities of Ávila and Segovia. The ancient city of Ávila sits on a hilltop and is famous for its well-preserved city walls and 90 towers that date back to the 11th century. As part of your guided tour, you’ll learn about the striking medieval walls, towers and gates that dramatically surround Ávila, while in Segovia, you'll discover some of the country’s best Roman monuments. The impressive aqueduct originally spanned 16 kilometres and had 118 arches, and remnants are still visible today. Segovia’s ancient medieval fort is also striking. The Alcazar served as a royal palace for many years. After a full day of exploring some of Spain’s best historical sites, it's time to return to Madrid.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alcazar Segovia
Optional Activities
  • Entrance - Avila Cathedral - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel to the city of Toledo this morning. The unique old town of this city sits on a high craggy rock and is encircled by the Tagus River. As a former capital of Spain, Toledo has immense historic significance and holds many architectural treasures. Examples of buildings from most architectural periods in Spain’s history can be seen here, from the Gothic to the Baroque. You'll explore the city with a local guide and pay particular attention to the Cathedral of Saint Mary, ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. After your visit to Toledo, drive back to Madrid and enjoy some free time there.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cathedral Toledo
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast in Madrid. If you'd like to stay and explore the city some more, you can enquire about additional nights' accommodation when you book this trip.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, metro, local bus, boat

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature stay (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
  • Lake Albufera - Boat tour & Barraca visit
  • Alhambra entrance
  • Alhambra Tour
  • Leader led tour of Cordoba & Mezquita visit
  • Synagogue Cordoba
  • Guided tour of Seville including Alcazar Seville
  • Seville Flamenco show & dinner
  • Alcazar Segovia
  • Cathedral Toledo

Reviews

Our Essence of Spain trips score an average of 4.67 out of 5 based on 46 reviews in the last year.

Essence of Spain, April 2018

Keith & Lyn Silburn

Review submitted 21 May 2018

Essence of Spain, May 2018

Tony & Lynne Scott

Review submitted 21 May 2018

Dates & availability

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Important notes

2019 ITINERARY
Based on traveller feedback, this trip will see some itinerary changes for 2019. The mode of transport from Seville to Madrid will be by train, which is faster than by private vehicle and allows freedom of movement around the carriage during the journey. Arrival in Madrid will be earlier, allowing a little more time to sightsee. The visit to Avila and Segovia will no longer be included and will be replaced with a free day in Madrid as feedback suggests many travellers would prefer to spend this day exploring the capital. It will still be possible to visit Avila and Segovia on this free day as an optional activity, at additional expense. The start day of the trip will also change from Sunday to Monday. This will provide an opportunity to combine this itinerary with Peregrine’s 'Images of Portugal' trip, subject to availability.

A single supplement is available on this trip with no exceptions, subject to availability. Please enquire for further details.

PASSPORT DETAILS
In order to secure Alhambra Palace entrance tickets it is compulsory for Peregrine to provide authorities with full passport details of travellers (name as per passport, expiry date, date of birth, nationality). Please make sure you provide these details 40 days prior to your departure as the latest, otherwise we may not be able to secure Alhambra Palace entrance tickets for you.

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from the airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flights times at least 2 weeks before your departure date. If you are planning to reach the destination by train or bus, please enquire the possibility of re-scheduling the transfer with your travel agent at the time of booking.

Essential trip information

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