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18-Day Best of Spain - Art & Architecture

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Overview

With this trip, you'll have 18 days to experience the very best Spain tour on offer!

You'll get acquainted with the cosmopolitan city and the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid and discover the main sites of the UNESCO-listed city of Cordoba, where the mosque-cathedral exquisite is an absolute must-visit destination on your journey. Whilst in Granada, you will admire the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace and the beautiful Generalife gardens.

When you reach Seville, the true home of tapas, you'll experience the mysteries, the emotion and the power of true flamenco before heading to the final destination, Barcelona. Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures in Barcelona for the discerning traveller to discover.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink

Itinerary

Day 1

Tour Spain from Madrid

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Tour Spain from Madrid

Upon arrival at Madrid airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Madrid city centre. You'll be provided with maps, tips and recommendations in order to get acquainted on your first day in the vibrant, atmospheric city of Madrid. You'll visit the Reina Sofia Museum where you'll discover over 21,000 works of art from the likes of Dali and Picasso, and the Crystal Palace, before later having dinner at Ramón Freixa, a famous restaurant run by a Michelin star Chef.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 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

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport to Madrid

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 2

Highlights of Madrid

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Highlights of Madrid

Today, start your Spain tour with the best sights to see in Madrid. You'll be focusing on the Hapsburg and Bourbon legacy which includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, the largest palace in Europe and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. You'll also visit the Prado Museum, a huge collection of paintings dating back almost 200 years, and you'll enjoy dinner at the CEBO restaurant, a contemporary Spanish restaurant which prides itself on local produce.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 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

    Madrid City Tour

    Prado MuseumOptional Activity: AU$ 262 per person

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 3

Segovia and El Escorial Day Trip

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Segovia and El Escorial Day Trip

Today, you'll be taken on a tour of El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain, which will include visits to the Monastery, Basilica, Royal Palace, Library, and the Habsburg apartments. In the afternoon, you'll venture out on a walking tour around the old town of Segovia including its famous Aqueduct and the Alcazar which dates back to the 11th-century. In the evening, you'll have dinner at Taberna El Sur, a popular tapas restaurant famed for its friendly service and ambience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 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

    El Escorial & Segovia Day Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Community of Madrid

Day 4

Toledo Day Trip

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Toledo Day Trip

You'll take the high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo for the day where you'll take a tour of the city stopping at the most wonderful viewpoints along the way. You'll then head out on a walking tour of the historic centre of Toledo where you'll visit the Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the El Tránsito Synagogue and the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Jewish Quarter of Toledo. In the evening, you'll have the option to dine at the popular La Candela.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    VP Jardín de Recoletos4 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

    Toledo City tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Madrid to Toledo

    High-Speed Rail from Toledo to Madrid

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Toledo

Day 5

Onwards to Cordoba

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Onwards to Cordoba

Another train trip today to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Cordoba where you'll be staying the night. Once you arrive, you'll be taken on a walking tour of the beautiful sights of Cordoba including a visit to the Mosque-Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the Synagogue and the Royal Alcazar. The afternoon in Cordoba is free to do as you wish, you may want to visit Viana Palace or Museo Julio Romero De Torres, an art museum dedicated to the famous painter.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de la Juderia4 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

    Cordoba Private Guided Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from VP Jardín de Recoletos to Atocha Renfe

    High-Speed Rail from Madrid to Córdoba

    Private Driver from Córdoba to Hotel las Casas de la Judería Córdoba, Calle Tomás Conde, Córdoba, Spain

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Córdoba

Day 6

A Day in Cordoba

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A Day in Cordoba

Today, take in the rich history of this UNESCO-listed city, before heading to a marvellous equestrian exhibition in the evening. Your art historian will take you on a guided tour of the mosque-cathedral which tell the history of the city in a way that no other building in the city can. Your tour will end at the Alcazar, one of the jewels of Cordoba.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de la Juderia4 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 Cordoba

    Andalusian Equestrian Show

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Córdoba

Day 7

Ubeda and Baeza Tour

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Ubeda and Baeza Tour

Today, you'll be heading to Ubeda and Baeza, where you'll be staying for the night. You'll begin by taking a walking tour of the old town of Ubeda where you'll visit the main monuments of Renaissance and Baroque architecture together with the recently discovered Water Synagogue. In the afternoon, you will continue making your way to your hotel in Granada where you'll have the option to dine at the local's favourite Alameda Restaurant in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel3 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

    Ubeda & Baeza Day Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Córdoba

    Baeza

    Granada

Day 8

Exploring Granada's Alhambra

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Exploring Granada's Alhambra

Today, you'll have a few hours to explore the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most famous and visited monuments, followed by a visit to the beautiful Generalife gardens. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish, you may want to indulge in the Hammam Experience at the Andalusian Arab Baths or perhaps visit the gypsy quarter of Granada where you can learn about the gypsy way of life.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Gar Anat Boutique Hotel3 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

    Alhambra

    Granada

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Granada

Day 9

Antequera: the Florence of Andalusia

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Antequera: the Florence of Andalusia

Known as the crossroads of Andalucía, this town's foundations are substantial: two Bronze Age burial mounds guard its northern approach and Moorish fables haunt its grand Alcazaba. The undoubted highlight here, though, is the opulent Spanish-baroque style that gives the town its character...Antequera is in fact often referred to as the 'Florence of Andalucía'.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa4 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

    Antequera

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Granada

    Antequera

    Ronda

Day 10

Ronda Walking Tour

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Ronda Walking Tour

Ronda is a mountaintop city set dramatically above a deep gorge and surrounded by lush river valleys, it is absolutely breathtaking. You will venture out on a walking tour which will include a visit to the old town, the cliffs, the New bridge and the bullring. You'll also visit the magnificent Cuenca Gardens, a series of gardens that cling to the edges of the El Tajo gorge. In the evening you may choose to dine at De Locos Tapas, a famous restaurant in Ronda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa4 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

    Ronda City Tour

    Ronda

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ronda

Day 11

White Villages Day Trip

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White Villages Day Trip

This morning you'll visit the white villages driving through the spectacular Grazalema Natural Park with sightseeing stops at the charming towns of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. Grazalema is a famous producer of honey, cheese and meat-filled stews and is home to the adrenaline-filled bull-running festival. After lunch, you can stroll the narrow streets of the Moorish old town of Zahara before heading to Seville where you will have the evening to explore this beautifully charming city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 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

    White Villages Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ronda

    Grazalema

    Seville

Day 12

Explore Seville

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Explore Seville

Your day will start with a walking tour to discover the main historic sites Seville including the Cathedral which is the third-largest church in the world, the Royal Alcazar and the Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter. This is the perfect way to explore Seville's historical center and in just a half-day, you’ll be able to say you've visited the most important monuments of Seville and learned about the part they played in the history of this city. A fresh seafood dinner awaits at La Azotea if you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 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

    Seville City Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

Day 13

Flamenco and Tapas Tour

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Flamenco and Tapas Tour

Today, you'll have a full day to explore Seville at your leisure, whether that be a trip to Triana the colorful riverside neighborhood of the city or enjoying some shopping and lunch in Plaza Del Duque. In the evening, you’ll discover and taste why Seville is the true home of tapas and experience the mysteries, the emotion and the power of true flamenco in this evening tour. Your bellies and minds will be full to the brim after this experience.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Casas de El Arenal4 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 Seville

    Tapas and Flamenco Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

Day 14

Gaudi Highlights

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Gaudi Highlights

This morning you'll take a short flight from Seville to your final stop, Barcelona. Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the place where the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, worked and lived. Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures in Barcelona for the discerning traveler to discover. Today, You'll enter Gaudi's fascinating world of geometry and visit some of his masterpieces including the famous unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 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 Gaudi Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Seville to Seville Airport

    Plane from Seville Airport to Barcelona–El Prat Airport

    Private Driver from Barcelona–El Prat Airport to Hotel Murmuri Barcelona

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Seville

    Barcelona

Day 15

Explore Barcelona

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Explore Barcelona

Barcelona has a very old history and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods but what most defines its character is all that has been built during the last 100 years. Barcelona has been a center of Modernist architecture and is especially distinguished by the works of the genius, Gaudi. Today, you'll have the day to yourself to explore Barcelona as you wish. You may visit Casa Batllo, another of Gaudi's creations, the Born Cultural Centre or relax on Barceloneta Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 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 BarcelonaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Day 16

All about Salvador Dali

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All about Salvador Dali

Today, you'll drive to Figueres, where you'll visit Salvador Dali's birthplace and the famous Dali Museum and Theatre, which houses the biggest and most diverse collection of Dali's work. After the museum visit, it's off to the lovely fishing town of Cadaqués followed by a trip to Portlligat where Dali spent many of his summers inspired by the bay here. In Cadaques, you'll have some free time to explore and have lunch in the Duran restaurant, an old inn which was a favorite of Salvador Dali's.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 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

    Dali Highlights Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

    Figueres

Day 17

Montserrat Mountains Trip

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Montserrat Mountains Trip

Today, you'll venture out of Barcelona to one of the most popular sites in the region, the Montserrat Mountains. The drive to the mountain-top monastery is incomparable and full of breathtaking views. At the top, you will visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey which houses an ancient monastery and Royal Basilica and is famous across Spain for its shrine of the Virgin of Montserrat, who is known to perform miracles. You'll also have the option to explore the mountains further with a hike.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Murmuri Barcelona4 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

    Montserrat Half-Day Trip

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

    Catalonia

Day 18

Adios!

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Adios!

Today, your Spanish adventure comes to an end. You will be picked up from your hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport and bid you a safe onward journey.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Barcelona to Barcelona–El Prat Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Barcelona

Included in Price

  • 17 nights accommodation
  • 16 activities
  • 17 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

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