1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Spain
  4. Essence of Spain
Days
13
Price from
€4,740EUR
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
48 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

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

  • Enjoy an included market tour in Barcelona where you will learn (and taste) some secrets of Spanish food.

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

  • Learn about the olive oil production process in Andalucia and its importance to the region. Taste different types of oil during 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 the firey flamenco dance.

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.

Peregrine Adventures spain seville palace of alcazar
Peregrine Adventures spain seville flamenco dancer
Peregrine Adventures spain seville colourful lanterns
Peregrine Adventures spain andalucia olive farming
Peregrine Adventures spain toledo tagus river bridge
Peregrine Adventures spain madrid beer and tapas
Peregrine Adventures spain cordoba feature stay hotel macia alfaros
Peregrine Adventures spain barcelona decorative tile art
Peregrine Adventures spain barcelona church spires facade
Peregrine Adventures spain barcelona boqueria market fruit
Spain_High-speed-train
spain_madrid_skyline-cathedral-palace

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2018 - 09 November 2018

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

It's all about food this morning, so loosen that belt and venture forth to the morning markets with a passionate local guide who'll have the hot tips on all things food related. They'll talk you through both traditional Iberian foods and the new trends, then have you tasting some of the most delicious things on the planet: three types of olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Belotta, manchego cheese and olive oil. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries and a siesta, of course. Perhaps you'll visit Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi's masterpieces and a wonderful icon of the city. Gaudi dedicated the majority of his life to the project, right up until his death in 1926, and although it's still unfinished today, the church has been declared a World Heritage Site and we highly recommend visiting though you will need to prebook tickets. After the visit, why not venture into the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to the La Boqueria, a colourful public market dating back to 1217.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Catalonia Portal del Ángel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Local market tour & tasting
Optional Activities
  • Museum of City History - EUR7
  • Picasso Museum - EUR14
  • National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
  • Barcelona Tapas Tour - EUR70
  • Snapshots of Barcelona - EUR48
  • Andean-Amazonian Ethnographic Museum - Free
  • Casa Batllo - EUR24
  • Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR10
  • Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
  • Guell Palace - EUR12
  • Cathedral visit - EUR6
  • La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona - EUR22
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
Optional Activities
  • Treats & Tastes of Valencia - UA - EUR55
  • Street Art in Old Valencia - Urban Adventure - EUR35
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 Palacio Santa Ines 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 Palacio Santa Ines 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 Sercotel Selu 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 Sercotel Selu or similar (Feature Stay) (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
  • Indias Archive - Free
  • Catedral and Giralda Tower - EUR8
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Travel from Seville to Madrid by train (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. If you're feeling artsy, 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

Today is a free day in Madrid. Why not jump on an optional trip to the UNESCO-listed Alcazar of Segovia, about 1.5 hours north of the city, an incredible structure rumoured to be Disney's castle inspiration. There are plenty of activities to keep you educated and entertained if you choose to stay in the city too. Check out the Royal Palace, spend a day strolling around Parque del Retiro or pull up at a bar on the cobblestone streets and please your palate with a few glasses of vino tinto and a much-loved bocadillo de calamares. Madrid's nightlife is legendary, so maybe grab your group, organise a late dinner (which will probably still be early for Madrid) and try dancing some salsa or bachata.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Markets of Madrid - Urban Adventure - EUR47
  • Madrid Tapas Adventure - Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Royal Palace-Madrid - EUR11
  • Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
  • Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Real Jardín Botánico - EUR4
  • Museo del Prado - EUR15
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, train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (10 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Local market tour & tasting
  • 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
  • Cathedral Toledo

Reviews

Our Essence of Spain trips score an average of 4.69 out of 5 based on 48 reviews in the last year.

Essence of Spain, June 2018

Marilyn & Eric Angel

Review submitted 16 Jul 2018

Essence of Spain, June 2018

Donald Elliott

Review submitted 29 Jun 2018

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Essence of Spain trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may change, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

PASSPORT DETAILS
In order to secure Alhambra Palace entrance tickets we are required 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

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information
Check Availability