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Days
21
Price from
10770CAD
Map of Spain Uncovered including Portugal and Spain

Embrace the diversity of Spain, from south to north.

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 south to north, through Barcelona, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, and finishing in picturesque Porto. Crane your neck to see exemplary Gothic architecture contained inside medieval walls, walk through lush fields and rub your hand over the worn pillar touched by millions at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Uncover Spain in all of its natural, cultural and epicurean wonder on a 21-day small group adventure.

Start
Barcelona, Spain
Finish
Porto, Portugal
Destinations
Portugal, Spain
Style
Peregrine
Code
PEEAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and enjoy an included market tour where you will learn (and taste) some secrets of Spanish food.

  • 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.

  • Enjoy the trendy and elegant feature stay in Madrid, located in Gran Via, the heart of the City, among theatres, restaurants, boutiques, cocktail bars – a comfortable central stay.

  • Sample regional delicacies like local ciders in Asturias, sweet carbayon pastries in Oviedo and, of course, Porto’s eponymous tipple.

  • Walk the final stretch of the Camino alongside weary pilgrims and feel their joy as the spires of the Santiago de Compostela come into view.

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. There are two larger walks included in this itinerary – a hike in Picos de Europa and the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The difficulty will be adjusted depending on group ability, but you will need a basic level of fitness in order to enjoy them.

  • 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. Picos de Europa NP is known for its diversity of weather. It can be relatively cold even in the height of summer, so please pack appropriately with layers.

  • During your discoveries you will visit several 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. You group leader will be able to advise when such 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.

  • Travel on this trip takes place in a comfortable private vehicle, but please note that two days on this trip feature significant time spent driving (5 and 6 hours respectively). Breaks to use the bathroom, eat and sightsee are scheduled.

  • This tour is bookended by two incredible cities – Barcelona and Porto. However, time in these cities is limited, so please allocate extra days if you would like to discover these destinations in depth.

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Peregrine Adventures spain madrid beer and tapas
Barcelona
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Spain_Valencia

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
Special Information
If you would like to visit La Sagrada Familia, it’s best to pre book your tickets before the tour. To do so, please check https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/site/SagradaFamilia/ for updated information on availability and times of the visit. On this tour, best time to visit Day 1, ideally in the morning or early afternoon so you don’t miss welcome meeting at 7pm, or day 2 in the afternoon after morning market visit.

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 - EUR7
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Bid farewell to Barcelona today as you travel to the city of Valencia (approximately 4.5 hours). 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

The morning is free to spend in the City of Arts, Science and Paella!
And actually paella is just one flavour in this full-on, taste bud-tingling gastronomical heaven! Among the treats that Valencia has to offer, the choice is yours, from horchata to jamón to even artisan chocolates.
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 Anacapri 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 Anacapri or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alhambra entrance
  • Alhambra Guided 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 (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 (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 (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seville Flamenco show & dinner
Optional Activities
  • Indias Archive - Free
  • Catedral and Giralda Tower - EUR9
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 - EUR6
  • 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. If you want, you can take 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 fellow travellers, 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 - EUR6
  • 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

With a free day to explore Madrid at your own pace, perhaps wander through the pristine gardens of Real Jardin Botanico and then delve deeper into the art of the city at some smaller galleries and museums. If you are a sports fan and are lucky enough for today to fall on match day, perhaps head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid in action. The next stage of your tour will begin with another briefing at 7 pm this evening, where you will meet some new travellers joining you. Following the welcome meeting, attend a group dinner with your leader and fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Markets of Madrid - Urban Adventure - EUR47
  • Madrid Tapas Adventure - Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
  • Royal Palace-Madrid - EUR11
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Spend a day exploring Segovia on a daytrip. This World Heritage-listed city is full of sights such as the monumental aqueduct constructed by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. You’ll also see the rough-hewn stones that make up the narrow alleyway of the Old Jewish Quarter, stately churches and the fairy-tale-esque towers of the Alcazar de Segovia. Enjoy time to stroll along the city's green belt – lined in part with orchards – then return to Madrid, arriving in the late afternoon. Once back in Madrid, perhaps ask your leader where to find a bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich), a local favourite.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alcazar of Segovia tour inc audioguide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel to Burgos (approximately 2.5 hours) and take an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. This walk will introduce you to the historic Old Town, which is packed with medieval structures, limestone apartment blocks and features the majestic Burgos Cathedral. Spend the afternoon and evening as you wish. Named the Gastronomic Capital of Spain in 2013, Burgos is a great place to seek out traditional Castilian fare. Ask your leader for advice on where to find the best blood morcilla de Burgos (spiced blood sausage).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sercotel Corona de Castilla or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Burgos leader led tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today involves 5 hours spent on the road in a private vehicle. While the journey will be broken up with a handful of stops, it’s a good idea to have an audio book loaded up on your phone in case you need it. The destination today is Picos de Europa National Park, which holds the limestone mountain range from which so many historic Spanish buildings get their materials. This evening you can kick back and sample the so-called lifeblood of Asturias – cider. Enjoy a tasting of a few local ciders and learn about the significance of this tipple to the region.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Los Lagos Nature or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Locally produced Cider tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Lace up your boots and take on a trail during a guided walk. The exact path will be determined on the day but no matter the direction you will have stunning vistas to contemplate along the way. Green meadows with low shrubs are dotted with grazing cattle, framed by impossibly tall mountains of grey and white. Stop along the way for a picturesque picnic, including some regional cheeses.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Los Lagos Nature or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Picnic lunch including locally sourced cheese
  • Covadonga Lake walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The walk will take 2—3 hours, but the difficulty will be adjusted depending on the overall ability of the group.

Drive towards Santiago de Compostela (6 hours) stopping en route at Oviedo. Enjoy a short walk around this historic town, taking in sights of white stone buildings, then stop to eat a carbayon. This local sweet was created to represent Oviedo and is made from almond meal and sweet alcohol. Wash it down with a glass of cider, then hit the road once again. Arrive in Santiago, check in to your hotel and then spend the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Monumento San Francisco - feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Carbayon tasting in Oviedo
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Spend a half day on the final leg of the Camino de Santiago, joining pilgrims as they finish their journey. Enjoy the fresh air of the woodlands and Galician countryside and drink in the sight of the Santiago de Compostella’s spires as they come into view. Spend the evening relaxing in Santiago, perhaps munching on a Galician specialty like piments de padron (fried green peppers).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Monumento San Francisco - feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel to colourful, coastal Porto (2.5 hours). Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps visit the Clerigos Church and Tower or stop by the very popular Lello Bookstore. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a feast and port tasting. Make a toast to new friends and old history.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Moon Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Port Tasting - Porto
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your tour comes to an end today in Porto. If you plan to stay on in Porto, why not go deeper with a Urban Adventure Bites and Sights tour, which takes you on a culinary journey, from an afternoon coffee and pastry to cocktail hour. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/Porto-tours.
Optional Activities
  • Porto - City Tasting Tour - EUR160
  • Bolhao Market - Porto - Free
  • Lello Library - Porto - EUR6
  • Clerigos Tower - Porto - EUR5
  • Serralves Foundation - Porto - EUR5
  • Tower of Clérigos - EUR3
  • Porto Cathdral - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Metro, Local bus, Boat, Train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (16 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Local market tour & tasting
  • Lake Albufera - Boat tour & Barraca visit
  • Alhambra entrance
  • Alhambra Guided Tour
  • Leader led tour of Cordoba & Mezquita visit
  • Synagogue Cordoba
  • Guided tour of Seville including Alcazar Seville
  • Seville Flamenco show & dinner
  • Cathedral Toledo
  • Alcazar of Segovia tour inc audioguide
  • Burgos leader led tour
  • Locally produced Cider tasting
  • Picnic lunch including locally sourced cheese
  • Covadonga Lake walk
  • Carbayon tasting in Oviedo
  • Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage guided walk
  • Port Tasting - Porto

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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.

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