Compare Highlights of Spain by Great Value Vacations vs Spain in 9 days - Madrid, Andalusia & Costa del Sol - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,705 | $ 1,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 208 | $ 211 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners. |
| Description |
Spend 12 nights exploring five different cities of Spain! You'll stay in luxurious hotels, so you can unwind in comfort after a full day of exploring. Visit vibrant neighborhoods, discover whimsical buildings, get a glimpse into Spain's Moorish past, and take a stroll through a picturesque park or two. You'll snack on tapas, see some flamenco, hear Spanish guitar played on the streets, and maybe partake in a siesta or two along the way. Included with your vacation is a hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Barcelona, and private sightseeing tour in Madrid by luxury car- perfect for getting acquainted with these grand cities! |
Begin your journey in elegant Madrid, known for its artistic heritage and Baroque architecture. Next, head south to discover the treasures of Andalusia in historic Cordoba and vibrant Seville, the home of flamenco, before enjoying the sunkissed beaches of the Costa del Sol. End your journey by uncovering the Islamic architecture of the Alhambra in Granada. |
Day 1 Welcome to Barcelona!
Arrive in Barcelona and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation! Once settled, activate your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and being exploring this vibrant city. Why not unwind after your flight by staying on the bus path for a full loop and getting acquainted with the city below? For dinner, get acquainted with the flavors of Spain by heading to a tapas bar and rubbing elbows with the locals!
Day 2 Barcelona
Continue using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass today! For your last stop of the day, considering hopping off at the whimsical Park Güell, and exploring the houses covered in vibrantly-color tiles - the perfect spot for a photo opp! In the evening, navigate through the tree-lined street of Las Ramblas, where street performers, flower stalls, and artists peddling their latest wares await. Be sure to stop at the bustling Boqueria market for a bite!
Day 3 Barcelona
Today, embark on an adventure exploring one of Barcelona's most iconic and breathtaking monuments: the Sagrada Familia. You'll need an hour or two to truly appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this eclectic masterpiece. You may also want to explore Antoni Gaudí's other famous works, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. At night, experience a show of color, water, and music at the Magic Fountain, which celebrates the city every evening with a dazzling water show - the perfect ending to your time in Barcelona.
Day 4 Barcelona - Valencia
After breakfast, pick up your car and make your way to the historic city of Valencia, a unique blend of tradition with futuristic buildings and quarters. Once you've settled in, head to the modern Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), a perfect example of the city's contemporary influence. Inside you'll find a cinema, planetarium, interactive science museum, greenhouse, oceanographic park, and even an opera house!
Day 5 Valencia
Now that you've gotten a taste of the modern side, spend the day exploring the traditional side of the city. Get lost in the historic quarter, where Gothic buildings such as the Llotja de la Seda (silk exchange) await. Be sure to stop by the famous cathedral and ascent to the top of Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city below. In the evening, take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy a freshly caught bite!
Day 6 Valencia - Granada
Make your way southwest to Granada, a city whose Moorish influence can be felt at every street corner and major landmark. Start your adventure in Granada off by hiking to the Mirador de San Nicolas, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the city and the best views of the iconic Alhambra.
Day 7 Granada
Start your day off with a visit to the Alhambra, a fairytale palace that sits on a hilltop. Then, head back to the center of the city to continue your day of exploring; pay a visit to the breathtaking Granada Cathedral, enjoy a bite at the nearby Bib Rambla plaza, then pick up some souvenirs at the bustling Alcaiceria bazaar!
Day 8 Granada - Seville
After breakfast, make your way to the picturesque city of Seville! Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville enjoys a rich Moorish heritage, with many streets, squares and and historic quarters boasting UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Day 9 Seville
Spend the day exploring the postcard-worthy sights of the city. Discover the secrets of the Alcazar, get lost in the beauty of the Plaza de España, or stumble upon the hidden gems of Maria Luisa Park. Seville is the rumored birthplace of flamenco, so take advantage of Seville's many peñas, or flamenco social clubs - the grand finale includes an opportunity for audience members to hop on stage and join in on the flamenco fun!
Day 10 Seville - Madrid
After arriving in Madrid, drop off your rental car and make your way to your accommodation. Once you've checked in and settled down, head out for a night on the town! Why not start your Madrid adventure off on a sweet note by treating yourself to a serving of the city's most iconic dessert: hot chocolate and churros!
Day 11 Madrid
Start the day off with your private tour of Madrid. You'll visit the Royal Palace, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, then continue onto the Madrid Cathedral. Take a break (and do some people watching) at the Plaza Mayor square, then take the perfect photo in front of the old city gate. You can even get a taste of ancient Egypt at the Templo de Debot. In the evening, head to the city's most vibrant square, Puerta de Sol. The streets will be alive with lights, street performers, and locals heading to their favorite tapas bars for a snack before starting the evening's festivities.
Day 12 Madrid
Pay a visit to Madrid's famous Museum Triangle today, a crossroads where three important art museums await exploration! Explore the Prado Museum, home to masterworks of Goya, Velazquez and El Greco; the 19th century Villahermosa Palace, now the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum; or fans of surrealism can visit the Reina Sofia Art Center, showcasing more than 300 modern works by Dali, Miro, and Picasso, among others. Time willing, take a walk through the city's Malasaña district, home to local artists, eclectic boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife. For your last night, get one more fill of tapas; La Latina is a bustling neighborhood known for its overabundance of tapas bars and cocktail lounges!
Day 13 Depart Spain
In accordance with your departure flight, enjoy one final transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD).
Day 1: US - Night on board
Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain? Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight* to Madrid. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Madrid
Touch down in Madrid, the enigmatic capital city of Spain, known for its fast-paced atmosphere, classical architecture and beautiful plazas and parks. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Madrid is well-known for its brilliant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to get out after dark to experience the amazing atmosphere of the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid.
Day 3: Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Madrid. Uncover the medieval origins of the city in Barrio de la Morería, famed for its historic monuments, such as the Muslim-era city walls. Drive through the Baroque-era heart of the city, known for its magnificent boulevards and grand buildings. See the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and both Cibeles and Neptuno Fountain. Pass by the incredible Prado Museum before heading to the more contemporary parts of the city, such as the Gran Via shopping street and the upmarket Salamanca neighborhood. Finally, continue past Parque del Oeste to see the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of the city at your leisure. Madrid has a number of rooftop bars and restaurants, so perhaps head to one of these to enjoy spectacular views of the city as the sunsets. Overnight stay in Madrid.
Day 4: Madid - Caceres - Cordoba
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you set off for Caceres, in the western region of Extremadura. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caceres is famed for its fusion of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. After a journey of around 3-hours, take a walk through the Plaza Mayor and soak up the atmosphere of the Medieval Quarter in the Old Town. Afterwards, continue towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Islamic caliphate in Spain and a beautiful, historic city, perched on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Arrive after a journey of around 3.5 hours and get settled at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel and you can enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Cordoba.
Day 5: Cordoba - Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a tour of Cordoba to discover its ancient Islamic heritage and famous mosques. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and soak up the unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue to Seville, a journey of just 2-hours through the landscapes of Andalusia. Arrive in Seville, known for its legendary tapas and Flamenco dancing. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Seville.
Day 6: Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a local expert will guide you through a panoramic city tour of Seville featuring the Cathedral and its famous Giralda Bell Tower. Discover the popular neighborhood of Santa Cruz, Maria Luisa Park and the beautiful Plaza de España. In the afternoon, we recommend a stroll through the historic city center and enjoying Seville's fine tapas bars at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Seville.
Day 7: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol
Breakfast at the hotel before leaving Seville behind as you depart southwards, headed for Ronda. Arrive in Ronda, a mountain-top city of Celtic origin, known for its impressive views and scenic surroundings. After some free time here, continue towards the coast and to the idyllic Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas in Spain. Take in the beautiful sea views and get settled at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay on the Costa del Sol.
Day 8: Costa del Sol - Granada
Breakfast at the hotel. Head inland today as you journey towards historic Granada. Arrive in this ancient city, known as the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, and begin a tour of the Alhambra Complex, including the beautiful Generalife Gardens. Be inspired by the Islamic architecture and incredible views of the surrounding city. Afterwards, get settled at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Granada.
Day 9: Granada - Toledo - Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. Journey northwards this morning to the imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have coexisted side by side for centuries. The entire city is like a living museum, with atmospheric streets and an eclectic collection of monuments. Take a short guided tour of Toledo to get to know its historic old town. Afterwards, visit a famous Damasquinado Factory, where gold and silver are inlaid into iron to create spectacular decorative arts. Continue back to the capital of Madrid and transfer to the hotel. Your final evening in Spain is free at your leisure to make the most of the delicious Spanish cuisine and lively atmosphere of Madrid's bars and cafes. Overnight stay in Madrid.
Day 10: Madrid - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.
