SHORTLIST

Highlights of Spain - Classic Group, Summer

See the beautiful world of Spain during this 9-day guided tour. Begin in Barcelona, where a Local Expert will lead you along the city’s narrow lanes to the lively Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Família, a basilica built by the architect Antoni Gaudí. Paella was created in Valencia. Later, enjoy a private cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant while sampling the local flavors. See glorious views of the Sierra Nevada before reaching Granada, where a Local Expert will guide you through one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built: the Alhambra. In Seville, learn the art of flamenco dancing during a private lesson, then be treated to a passionate performance by professionals. Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian, who can share the stories behind Spanish masterpieces by artists such as Francisco Goya.
Tour details
Tour Provider Insight Vacations
Price From
$4,350
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Barcelona, Spain
End Location
Madrid, Spain
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
30 to 40
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Welcome to Barcelona
Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district for a visit inside Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, to see the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore or perhaps join an optional experience to Montserrat & The Black Madonna.
Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start
Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Stop at the seaside resort of Peñíscola and see the hilltop castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia and see the City of Arts and Sciences. Later see the Old City and take in its medieval charm. Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavours of this classic dish with a glass of sangria at your Highlight Dinner.
Exquisite Granada and Alhambra
Travel south toward Andalucía, passing the castle at Lorca and troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock near Guadix. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost eight centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands the Alhambra, one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. A fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Later, stroll through the elegant exotic gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
A Scenic Drive to Seville
The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the Albaicin Quarter with a Local Expert. Here, in addition to falling in love with Granada, you will also uncover its pivotal role in European history. Continue your travels to Seville, past gleaming white villages and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Seville, the City of Carmen Relaxed Start
Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.This evening, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Moorish Córdoba and on to Madrid
Set off early along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses. Stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Córdoba and see the famous Roman bridge, built in the 1st century BC. Meet a local historian and visit the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and stroll the narrow streets of the city. Follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote as you travel through La Mancha and on to the capital, Madrid.
Madrid of the Bourbons Relaxed Start
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps travel to beautiful Toledo with an Optional Experience.In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.
Depart Madrid
Today bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
Inclusions
  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
Departure dates
Start End Availability Price NZD
11 May 2024 19 May 2024 Available $5,425
16 May 2024 24 May 2024 Available $5,425
25 May 2024 02 Jun 2024 onRequest $5,550
30 May 2024 07 Jun 2024 Available $5,250
08 Jun 2024 16 Jun 2024 Available $5,550
15 Jun 2024 23 Jun 2024 onRequest $5,375
22 Jun 2024 30 Jun 2024 Available $5,275
29 Jun 2024 07 Jul 2024 Available $5,175
20 Jul 2024 28 Jul 2024 Available $4,350
27 Jul 2024 04 Aug 2024 Available $4,350
03 Aug 2024 11 Aug 2024 Available $4,350
10 Aug 2024 18 Aug 2024 Available $4,350
17 Aug 2024 25 Aug 2024 Available $4,350
29 Aug 2024 06 Sep 2024 Available $4,595
05 Sep 2024 13 Sep 2024 Available $4,803
12 Sep 2024 20 Sep 2024 Available $4,803
14 Sep 2024 22 Sep 2024 Available $4,633
21 Sep 2024 29 Sep 2024 onRequest $5,450
05 Oct 2024 13 Oct 2024 Available $4,739
26 Oct 2024 03 Nov 2024 Available $4,739
12 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 Available $5,725
19 Apr 2025 27 Apr 2025 Available $5,725
24 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 Available $5,895
26 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 Available $5,895
01 May 2025 09 May 2025 Available $5,895
08 May 2025 16 May 2025 Available $5,895
10 May 2025 18 May 2025 Available $5,895
15 May 2025 23 May 2025 Available $5,895
24 May 2025 01 Jun 2025 Available $6,050
31 May 2025 08 Jun 2025 Available $5,950
07 Jun 2025 15 Jun 2025 Available $6,050
12 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025 Available $5,850
14 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025 Available $5,850
19 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Available $5,850
21 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025 Available $5,725
28 Jun 2025 06 Jul 2025 Available $5,625
05 Jul 2025 13 Jul 2025 Available $5,595
19 Jul 2025 27 Jul 2025 Available $5,595
26 Jul 2025 03 Aug 2025 Available $5,595
02 Aug 2025 10 Aug 2025 Available $5,595
09 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025 Available $5,595
16 Aug 2025 24 Aug 2025 Available $5,595
28 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 Available $5,875
30 Aug 2025 07 Sep 2025 Available $5,875
04 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025 Available $6,150
06 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025 Available $6,150
11 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 Available $6,150
13 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025 Available $5,925
18 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 Available $5,925
20 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 Available $5,925
27 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 Available $5,925
04 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025 Available $6,050
18 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025 Available $6,050
25 Oct 2025 02 Nov 2025 Available $6,050