Compare Best of Southern Spain by G Adventures vs Spanish Splendors 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 | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 3,233 |
| Price Per Day | $ 234 | $ 294 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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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. |
Set out to Spain and make everyone back home jealous! This vacation will have you hopping from city to city, seeing the country's most iconic landmarks and outstanding natural beauty. Make the most of each destination and take advantage of your included guided tours! Begin your journey in Barcelona and see the intricate architecture of the legendary Antoni Gaudi. See Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and his other masterpieces up-close! Next, take the train to seaside Valencia. Stroll through this gorgeous, artistic city and stop in Mercado Central for some tasty treats! After seeing Valencia, hop aboard the train to Madrid. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, spend the afternoon in Buen Retiro Park, and visit the "Golden Triangle of Art." When in Madrid, be sure to see a bullfight or a Flamenco show! Next stop, Seville. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, the Plaza de Espana, and beautiful Maria Luisa Park. Seville is foodie-central, so be sure to try Paella, Gazpacho, Churros con Chocolate, and other traditional Spanish favorites! Lastly, your journey will conclude in the stunning city of Malaga. Take in gorgeous views of the bright blue Alboran Sea, visit amazing monuments and cathedrals, and soak up the vibrant culture of Spain. |
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 the bright, bustling city of Barcelona! Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your first luxurious hotel, then explore the city at your leisure. You might want to stroll through colorful Park Guell or the charming Gothic Quarter. On your first night, treat yourself to a delicious meal of authentic paella!
Day 2 Barcelona
Enjoy breakfast, grab your camera, and get ready for your included half-day guided tour of Barcelona! Come face-to-face with the city's most iconic sights, such as Via Layetana, the Cathedral, Plaza Sant Jaume, the Olympic Village, and much more. Take in the stunning views from Montjuic and the port, from the highest mirador (gazebo) in the city. After the tour, spend the afternoon making sure you've seen everything in Barcelona that you'd hoped to. Be sure to check out all of Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces, such as La Rambla, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Mila.
Day 3 Barcelona - Valencia
Enjoy a scenic train ride to Valencia today! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, then spend the afternoon leisurely getting to know the city. Stroll through the streets of this artistic city and gawk at its amazing architecture. Consider stopping into the Mercado Central and grabbing a bite to eat!
Day 4 Valencia
Today, use your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and see every nook and cranny of the city. Be sure to "hop off" whenever something sparks your interest! Be on the lookout for Plaza de la Virgen, the Church of San Nicolas, the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, and the Valencia Cathedral. Take some time to stroll through the historic, charming streets of Casco Antiguo!
Day 5 Valencia - Madrid
Take a ride on Spain's high-speed rail from Valencia to Madrid. As the train slows and pulls into Madrid, look around at all the colorful culture and intricate architecture! Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. Stroll through the extraordinary Buen Retiro Park, then head to Plaza Mayor and treat yourself to dinner at a quaint cafe in the area.
Day 6 Madrid
Enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet, then embark on your included city tour that will take you to the most popular sights in Madrid. Experience the elegant Plaza de Oriente, the Plaza de Espana, the Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcala, the Bullring, and much more! After this panoramic overview of the city's highlights, enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Royal Palace. Spend your last night in Madrid sampling some tasty tapas!
Day 7 Madrid - Seville
Hop aboard the train to stunning Seville. After you settle into your comfortable hotel, get exploring! Take a walk through the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, then relax in Plaza de Espana. Seville is known for being a culinary haven, so be sure to try its renowned dishes such as Gazpacho, jamón Iberico de Bellota, and pavías de pescado
Day 8 Seville
Wake up, recharge during breakfast, then enjoy a tour of the most iconic monuments of Seville. See the University, the Old Tobacco Factory, the setting of Bizet's opera Carmen, and more! Conclude your tour with a pleasant river cruise, a truly unique way to experience this beautiful city.
Day 9 Seville - Malaga
Enjoy your last Spanish train ride to magnificent Malaga. After settling into your accommodation, take a relaxing stroll along the gorgeous Puerto de Malaga. Walk around, unwind with a drink, and treat yourself to a delicious, authentic meal at one of the area's many restaurants.
Day 10 Malaga
Spend your last full day in Spain experiencing the beauty of Malaga. Take advantage of your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and see this seaside city front to back! Feel free to "hop off" whenever a sight strikes you. Be sure to spend time in Alcazaba, Malaga Park, Plaza de la Constitucion, and Malaga Cathedral. Experience true Spanish culture at the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, then end your day with an unforgettable view of Malaga from Castillo de Gibralfaro.
Day 11 Depart Spain
Squeeze all of your souvenirs into your luggage and meet your private transfer to the airport. Spend your flight scrolling through pictures and dreaming about your next adventure. Until next time, Spain.
