Compare Tour of Gran Canaria by Bike Basque vs Spanish Heritage - End Madrid, Classic Group by Insight Vacations

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Trip	Tour of Gran Canaria by Bike Basque 5 \| Excellent 49 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Spanish Heritage - End Madrid, Classic Group by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 11018 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	7 days	19 days
Price From	$ 1,774	$ 5,695
Price Per Day	$ 253	$ 300
Highlights	Maspalomas to Maspalomas easy ride distance 69 km Masapalomas, Temisas to San Bartholome hard ride distance 68 km San Bartolome Pico de las Nieves medium ride distance 66 km San Bartholome to Agaete easy ride distance 72 km	Choose between two carefully selected activities Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville. Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert. Choose between two carefully selected activities Madrid: Join the female pillars of the local community on a neighborhood walking tour and learn the history of the women's movement in Spain, firsthand. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Alternatively, explore the main historical areas of Madrid with your Local Expert. Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol. Choose between two carefully selected activities Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : "One food I really love introducing my guests to is the gilda because it is the original pintxo and has evolved into Europe's most exciting foodie experience." : "There is nothing quite like sampling the many varieties of tapas. Every region has its own delicacies so you can be assured that you will taste different ones everywhere you go." : "Guests are surprised to find that Spanish is not the only language spoken in the country – there’s also Basque, Galician and Catalan, not to mention the little dialects in each province." Barcelona: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner. Rueda: Some of Spain's finest wines hail from the Rueda region. During your tasting, learn about the Verdejo grape and what to look for in a fresh white. Gijon: Meet Flor, a local of Gijón, for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that she has prepared just for you. Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce. Dining Summary: 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), 17 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows. Barcelona: Your Local Expert shows you the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and the Roman. You will also enjoy a drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família. Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'. Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings. Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville. Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert. Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town. Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries. Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol. Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour. Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias. Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails. Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.' Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director. Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse. San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion. San Sebastián: Ascend Monte Igueldo to marvel at the views of the town and La Concha Bay. Pamplona: Spend free time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival. Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark. Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian. Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Madrid: Join the female pillars of the local community on a neighborhood walking tour and learn the history of the women's movement in Spain, firsthand. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Alternatively, explore the main historical areas of Madrid with your Local Expert.
Trip Style	Group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	1- Very easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cycling & Biking Climbing & Mountaineering	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning
Countries Visited	Spain	Spain
Cities and Attractions	N/A	Barcelona Granada Madrid Santiago Santiago de Compostela Seville Valencia
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Airfare included
Activities	Cycling Mountaineering	Culture Historic sightseeing
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Bike Basque is happy to partner with “Cycle Gran Canaria” and to propose you this fantastic trip to still enjoy to ride in winter under a sunny weather. Gran Canaria has always been a pro cycling destination, old photos of Merckx, Indurain & Pantani adorn some of the old cyclists restaurants,now again with some professional teams, the island has a second birth in the modern times. The governement has responded positively by resurfacing nearly all of the roads to F1 quality, opening new tunnels to syphon of the majority of the traffic along the coast roads. The climbs are still long and steep but consistent and also with plateaus so one can recover, repare and go again. All the hotels are bike friendly and the local traffic are resoundingly polite and shout encouragement to you, no doubt some of them are reliving past glory days, because the typical Canarian man or woman will have done some sport and all will have respect for you in facing their mountains!	This 18-day guided tour takes you from Barcelona to Madrid — stopping at every charming town in between. Walk the narrow lanes of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with a Local Expert, weaving your way to the lively Las Ramblas, where street performers put on shows. Paella was created in Valencia, and you will indulge in the savory rice dish after a private demonstration from a local chef. Stomp your feet in Seville during a flamenco dance lesson, then relax as the professionals put on a private show for you and your fellow travelers. Walk across the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge in Cordoba, then meet a local historian at the city’s 8th Century mosque with a Christian cathedral inside it. In Madrid, walk with a Local Expert through the city’s Old Quarter to the Prado Museum, where an art historian will reveal the stories behind the masterpieces of artists such as Goya and Titian.

Itinerary: Tour of Gran Canaria

Day 1

Day 2

Maspalomas to Maspalomas – Easy

Ride distance 69 km (43 miles) with 1103 metres of ascent and descent.

Day 3

Masapalomas, Temisas to San Bartholome – Hard

Ride distance 68 km (45 miles) with 1823 metres of ascent and 866 metres of descent.

Day 4

San Bartolome Pico de las Nieves – Medium

Ride distance 66 km (42 miles) with 2070 metres of ascent and 1512 metres of descent.

Day 5

San Bartholome to Agaete – Easy

Ride distance 72 km (28 miles) with 1566 metres of ascent and 2050 metres of descent.

Day 6

Agaeta to Mogan – Hard

Ride distance 68 km (43 miles) with 1678 metres of ascent and 1698 of descent.

Day 7

Mogan Ayacata Masapalomas – Medium

Ride distance 69 km (43 miles) with 1103 metres of ascent and descent.

Itinerary: Spanish Heritage - End Madrid, Classic Group

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona

Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for your Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

NH Collection Barcelona Constanza., Hilton Barcelona.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start

With your Local Expert, see the narrow lanes and old squares behind the cathedral in the Barri Gòtic, Gothic Quarter. See the lively Las Ramblas as you head 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 a free afternoon to explore.

NH Collection Barcelona Constanza., Hilton Barcelona.

Breakfast

Day 3: Along the coast to Valencia Relaxed Start

Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta to stop by Peñíscola and see the sea-lapped castle, used in the film 'El Cid'. Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences. Pass the Old City and see the city's ancient gates, to reach your hotel. 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.

Barceló Valencia.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: 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 from a distance as you reach glorious Granada. This historic city was a Moorish kingdom for almost 8 centuries and was the last stronghold to fall to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain in 1492. Overlooking Granada stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. 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.

Meliá Granada.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: A scenic drive to Seville

The morning is at your leisure to explore as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter with a Local Expert and fall in love with Granada as you learn about 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. This stunning capital of Andalucía is one of Spain’s most charming highlights and with the evening at your leisure, you are free to explore this delightful city as you wish

Meliá Sevilla, Seville.

Breakfast

Day 6: 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, enjoy a drive around the city with panoramic views. 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.With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet?

Meliá Sevilla, Seville.

Breakfast

Day 7: Moorish Córdoba

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 2,000-year-old Roman Bridge. Meet a local historian and visit to the magnificent Mezquita, a beautiful 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Make the most of your time at leisure and perhaps 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.

Meliá Madrid Serrano., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.

Breakfast

Day 8: Wonderful Madrid

Visit the magnificent Prado Museum with an art historian to admire masterpieces by Goya, Velazquez and many others. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast to your adventures as you enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner served with wine.

Meliá Madrid Serrano., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Discover Madrid Relaxed Start

Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour, led by female pillars of the community and focused on the history of the women's movement in Spain. Alternatively, sightsee with your Local Expert as they guide you through the Spanish capital’s most historic neighbourhoods. The rest of the day is yours at leisure or perhaps join the Segovia Optional Experience to visit this wonderful ancient city complete with fairy-tale castle and Roman aqueduct.

Meliá Madrid Serrano., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.

Breakfast

Day 10: Through Rueda to Santiago

Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continues past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Some of Spain's most fashionable white wines are produced in Rueda and this morning we have the opportunity to learn how they are made and sample the delights of the Verdejo grape. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 11: Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start

Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose between joining a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.

NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast

Day 12: The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the colour of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Meet a true local, Flor, who will invite you to join her for lunch. Hear about daily life as you enjoy a delicious meal, typical of the region, that Flor has freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by delicious local cider. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.

Barceló Oviedo Cervantes.

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 13: Santander

Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel. Why not take the time to explore the hotel terrace with stunning views of the bay below or relax with one of the many therapy treatments offered at the hotels spa?

Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander.

Breakfast

Day 14: Bilbao and San Sebastián Relaxed Start

In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and join your Local Expert for a walk through the Old Quarter to see the Plaza de la Constitución. Atop Monte Igueldo there are breathtaking views of the town and La Concha Bay.

Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Breakfast

Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbour filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?

Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Breakfast

Day 16: Pamplona and on to Barcelona

Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.

Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Barcelona.

Breakfast

Day 17: Barcelona at leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a day completely at leisure for last minute shopping or to perhaps revisit some of Gaudí’s unusual creations? Walk along the leafy Las Ramblas or why not take an Optional Experience to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the Black Madonna? In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful Celebration Dinner.

Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Barcelona.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 18: Depart Madrid

Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona airport at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues on to Madrid Airport and hotel, arriving in the early evening.

Breakfast