Days
13
Price from
- Start
- Barcelona, Spain
- Finish
- Madrid, Spain
- Destination
- Spain
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PEES
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 3 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Explore the wonders of Barcelona and the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to the city's impressive cathedral and La Boqueria market
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Enjoy an included market tour in Barcelona where you will learn (and taste) some secrets of Spanish food.
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Visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical 'barraca' houses
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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.
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Explore the tranquil Albufera Lake by boat and learn how fishermen and rice growers ply their trade here.
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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 place like no other.
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Discover Sevilla, home of the firey flamenco dance.
Is this trip right for you?
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Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
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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.
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During your discoveries you will visit a numerous religious sites. 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. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.
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The places visited on this trip often have cobblestone streets. Wheeling luggage across these surfaces can be difficult. For this reason we recommend following the guidelines in the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information.
Gallery
Itinerary
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
- Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR70
- Snapshots of Barcelona - EUR48
- Barcelona - Andean-Amazonian Ethnographic Museum - Free
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo - EUR24
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR10
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
- Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
- Barcelona - Cathedral - 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
- Valencia - 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!
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
- Valencia - Treats & Tastes of Valencia Urban Adventure - EUR55
- Valencia - 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
Today's itinerary is kept free so you can visit Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace (optional), 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 remainder of the day 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)
Optional Activities
- Granada - Alhambra Visit (pre-purchase online) - EUR28
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Due to high demand and to be able to control visitor numbers, local authorities have implemented a timed ticket system for the Alhambra Palace. We recommend you secure your tickets online as soon as you are confirmed on this trip, as tickets sell out fast and far in advance. The online booking system can be accessed here: tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/. When purchasing tickets you will need to enter your passport details. Details will be checked at the entrance, so make sure you bring your passport with you at the time of the visit. Should tickets be sold out on the official website you can try en.granadatur.com/granada-card. The Granada Card is valid for three days and includes several additional sights. Please see their website for more details.
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
- Cordoba - Synagogue Cordoba guided tour
- Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
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
- Seville - Guided Tour including Alcazar
- 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
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
- Seville - Cathedral & 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
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
- Madrid - Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
- Markets of Madrid - Urban Adventure - EUR47
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR82
- Madrid - Royal Palace - 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 Urban Adventure - EUR82
- Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR11
- Madrid - Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Madrid - 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
- Toledo - Guided Tour
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 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Metro, Local bus, Boat, TrainAccommodation
Comfortable Hotel (10 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Local market tour & tasting
- Lake Albufera - Boat Tour & Barraca Visit
- Cordoba - Synagogue Cordoba guided tour
- Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
- Seville - Guided Tour including Alcazar
- Guided tour of Seville including Alcazar Seville
- Seville Flamenco show & dinner
- Cathedral Toledo
- Toledo - Guided Tour
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are 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.
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Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Visiting the Alhambra Palace is an optional activity. We recommend you secure your tickets online as soon as you are confirmed on this trip, as tickets sell out fast and far in advance. Please refer to the itinerary for details of how to purchase tickets.
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