Compare Best of Southern Spain by G Adventures vs Highlights of Spain by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 2,705 |
| Price Per Day | $ 234 | $ 208 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
With some destinations, you always have to compromise on something, whether it's cuisine, history, or just things to do. Luckily, in southern Spain, there’s no such thing. This tour covers the major highlights of Andalucia (southern Spain): the ornate palace of Alhambra in Granada, Córdoba (an architectural mainstay of Islamic culture), and the Andalucian capital of Seville, home of flamenco dancing. Pair it all up with time in Madrid and Barcelona, and you’ll never run out of fun things to do, eat, or see. |
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! |
Day 1 Madrid
Arrive any time.
Day 2 Madrid
Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.
Day 3 Madrid/Granada
Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
Day 4 Granada
Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Due to regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at least 60 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.
Day 5 Granada/Cordoba/Seville
Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.
Day 6 Seville
Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares. Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 7 Seville/Barcelona
Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
Day 8 Barcelona
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Barcelona after your tour ends. Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
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).
