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14-Day Cities, Art and Culture of Spain

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Overview

Your trip around Spain starts in the elegant Madrid, renowned for its rich European art and for being the heart of old Hapsburg royalty with their Baroque palaces. Then, you'll spend some time in Bilbao and San Sebastian, cities full of culture, history and fabulous shops and restaurants to enjoy at your leisure.

Then, journey down to spend some time in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. A cosmopolitan Mediterranean city with Roman remains, Barcelona has some stunning medieval quarters, contrasted by the most beautiful examples of Modernist architectural style.

The last days of the trip you'll discover the varied landscape and Catalan cultural heritage through 2 different wine regions and one cava region. You'll sample of the best of Spanish wine, paired with some local snacks.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Culture & Arts
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin Your Trip around Spain

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Begin Your Trip around Spain

Today, you'll arrive in Madrid and the driver will be waiting at the airport to begin your trip around Spain. Transfer to your hotel in Madrid before enjoying a free afternoon to explore and get acquainted with Spain's capital city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel NH Madrid Príncipe de Vergara4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Madrid

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Sobrino de BotínOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport to Hotel NH Madrid Príncipe de Vergara

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 2

Explore Madrid and Enjoy the San Miguel market

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Explore Madrid and Enjoy the San Miguel market

Today you can explore the most important city in Spain, Madrid. This elegant city, with manicured gardens and boulevards, is renowned for its rich European art and being the heart of old Hapsburg royalty with their Baroque palaces.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel NH Madrid Príncipe de Vergara4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Walking in MadridOptional Activity

    Mercado de San Miguel

    Royal Palace of MadridOptional Activity

    Thyssen-Bornemisza MuseumOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Platea MadridOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 3

Madrid to Bilbao and Free Time

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Madrid to Bilbao and Free Time

Today's rail journey to Bilbao takes about 5 hours. You'll have some free time in Bilbao upon your arrival, with the option to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Alternatively, you can explore the city on foot.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Guggenheim MuseumOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Madrid to Bilbao

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Bilbao

Day 4

Explore Bilbao and Ribera Market

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Explore Bilbao and Ribera Market

Bilbao has gone from being a small, very industrial town to being revitalised as a metropolis with a population of more than a million people. It is the driving force of social and economic development and it is the main factor in the modernisation of the Gulf of Biscay. Ambitious architectural and general infrastructure projects have fuelled the urban and financial regeneration of the city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Bilbao

    Ribera MarketOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bilbao

Day 5

Bilbao to San Sebastian via the Basque Coast

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Bilbao to San Sebastian via the Basque Coast

Departure from Bilbao to San Sebastian, passing by Gernika, the symbol of Basque Nationalism. Visit the “Casa de Juntas” which represents the independence movement of the Basque People. Then you drive to the Cantabrian coast passing by Lekeitio, Ondarroa, Deba, Zumaia. Deba and Getaria. Time at leisure and lunch on own. Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first sailor who went around the world was born in this fishing village; you can see a statue dedicated to him.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Silken Amara Plaza4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gernika-Lumo

    Lekeitio

    Zarautz

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel NH Collection Villa de Bilbao to Hotel Silken Amara Plaza

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bilbao

    Basque Country

    Lekeitio

    Zarautz

    San Sebastián

Day 6

San Sebastian and Evening Pintxos Tour

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San Sebastian and Evening Pintxos Tour

San Sebastián is located in the middle of a bay in the Cantabrian Sea between Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull. Its three beaches are the Playa de la Concha, Andorreta and La Zurriola. In the middle of the bay, one can view Santa Clara’s island. The most beautiful aspect of this city is its location, with excellent panoramic views from the hills. Early evening, you can taste the famous "pintxos".

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Silken Amara Plaza4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    San Sebastián

    Bretxa Market

    San Sebastian City Hall

    Pintxos Tasting in San Sebastian

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

Day 7

Barcelona and Evening Tapas Walking Tour

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Barcelona and Evening Tapas Walking Tour

After a 6-hour train journey, you will arrive in Barcelona. In the afternoon, enjoy a combination of gourmet food and Catalan culture on a pre-dinner walking tour of Barcelona's famous tapas bars.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    H10 Universitat4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Barcelona Tapas Evening Walking Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from San Sebastián to Barcelona

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

    Barcelona

Day 8

Barcelona Free Time and Gaudi's work

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Barcelona Free Time and Gaudi's work

Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the place where the famous architect Antoni Gaudí worked and lived. Don't miss the emblematic monuments as Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, one of the most emblematic works of Gaudí that has been declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, and some buildings in Modernist style as Casa Milà “La Pedrera” and Casa Batlló.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    H10 Universitat4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Barcelona

    La Sagrada FamiliaOptional Activity

    Casa BatlloOptional Activity

    Park GüellOptional Activity

    Casa MilàOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Day 9

Barcelona to Figueres and Dali Museum

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Barcelona to Figueres and Dali Museum

Today's rail journey to Figueres is just 1 hour. Figueres, the district capital of Alt Empordà, extends over a river plain in Girona Province. Known as the home of Salvador Dalí, this town with its deep Catalan roots, offers visitors the chance to go to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the genius of Surrealist painting.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Pirineos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Figueres

    Dali Theatre and Museum

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Barcelona - Sants Train station to Figueres Vilafant

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

    Figueres

Day 10

Emporda Wine Region Day Trip

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Emporda Wine Region Day Trip

A day trip to Emporda wine region will take you to several different wineries. You'll discover the production area of the Empordà DO, located in the far northeast of Catalonia, with two geographically distinct areas: Alt Empordà with 35 municipalities and Baix Empordà with 20.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Pirineos4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cooperativa Agricola de Garriguella

    Vinyes d'Olivardots

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Pirineos to Figueres

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Figueres

    Catalonia

Day 11

The Hidden Beaches of Costa Brava

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The Hidden Beaches of Costa Brava

The Iberian settlement of Puig de Sant Andreu d'Ullastret (6th to 2nd century BC) is the largest of this period to have been discovered in Catalonia. You will head to the village of Peratallada, declared a historic-artistic monument. Following this, head to Pals beach. Pals town in the county of Baix Empordà has a lovely old quarter that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carlemany4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hidden Beaches of Costa Brava

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Pirineos to Hotel Carlemany Girona

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Figueres

    Catalonia

    Girona

Day 12

Cap de Creus Natural Park, Sant Pere de Rodes and Cadaques

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Cap de Creus Natural Park, Sant Pere de Rodes and Cadaques

Visit the impressive Benedictine Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, surrounded by a beautiful spot that dominates Cap de Creus peninsula. Continue to the small town of Port de la Selva on the Mediterranean Sea, where we will stop and climb to Cap de Creus Natural Park. You then enjoy Cadaqués, a town that Dali made famous. His house-museum, beside Port Lligat Bay, will introduce you to part of the extensive works by the master of Surrealism.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carlemany4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cap de Creus, Sant Pere de Rodes & Cadaques Tour

    Cap de Creus

    Salvador Dali House

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Girona

    Catalonia

Day 13

The Penedes Wine and Cava Region before Barcelona

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The Penedes Wine and Cava Region before Barcelona

Today, you'll leave Girona and cross into the Penedes wine region. Your first stop will be the Albet i Noya vineyard that has been producing wines since 1978. Here, you'll have a chance to visit the cellar, the vineyard, learn about organic wine production and even sample some of their delicious wines. Then, you go to Vilafranca del Penedes, not far from Barcelona, where you'll visit the Familia Torres who have dedicated over 140 years to wine production in the Penedes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Exe Cristal Palace4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Caves Llopart

    Albet i Noya

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Cal XimOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Carlemany Girona to Hotel Exe Cristal Palace

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Girona

    Catalonia

    Sant Pau d'Ordal

    Barcelona

Day 14

Goodbye Spain!

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Goodbye Spain!

After breakfast, you'll have time to relax or do some last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Exe Cristal Palace to Barcelona–El Prat Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Included in Price

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 16 activities
  • 13 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • 13 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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