Best of Spain

15 Days | A jam-packed tour capturing some of Spain's true highlights

4.7 out of 5 based on 44 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €3,345
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Kick off this colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and let your imagination unfold on a journey through the beautiful Andalucian region. Visit the cities that reflect Spain's diverse history and culture. Experience a fiery flamenco performance in Seville and explore the mysterious maze of alleyways of the old Arab quarter in Albayzin. Follow your tastebuds to a tapas bar and wander among Gaudi's handiwork in Barcelona – this Spanish adventure is as colourful and diverse as the land itself.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Spain including Spain
Start
Madrid, Spain
Finish
Barcelona, Spain
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Spain
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSG
This trip generates 25.71 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
  • It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic Costa de la Luz, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
  • The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
  • Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
  • Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.
  • The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona pulses with culture, art and an outstanding drinking and dining scene. Discover the eccentric modernist architecture of Antonio Gaudi, who made Barcelona his artistic playground. The unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia is particularly mind-blowing.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Casa Caridad. Donations help them provide basic needs such as food and shelter for people in need in Valencia.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train and bus. Spanish trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Public buses are also comfortable and often air-conditioned, but there aren't always toilets on board. Please note that you will have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, and also up or down a few flights of stairs as some of the stations may not have lifts. Please make sure your luggage doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in Spain (over 40°C), so it’s important to use sun protection, wear breathable layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe have fans, not air conditioning. In contrast, this trip also has departures during the winter months (mid-October to mid-March). This is the perfect time to see the highlights of Spain without any of the crowds, however the weather during this time of year is unpredictable, and possibly cold and rainy. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together and rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards.
  • Please note that shops, attractions, sights and businesses may be closed for up to 5 hours in the middle of the day for siesta time. This gives the locals time to escape the heat and spend time with their families, eat a large lunch or simply sleep through the most uncomfortable time of day. This means of course that people work later into the evening and dinner time can seem quite late – 9.30 pm is not uncommon for family dinner time.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight between 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Best Of Spain including Spain

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Hostal/Guest house ( 2 nights)

Activities
  • Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
  • Ronda - Los Molinos (Windmill Valley) Hike
  • Seville - Evening Flamenco Performance
  • Cordoba - Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) Visit
  • Valencia - City Cycling Tour
  • Valencia - Picnic
  • Barcelona - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral visit
Add on activities
  • Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
  • Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10
  • Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
  • Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
  • Madrid - Museo Taurino - EUR15
  • Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Granada - Jose Guerrero Centre - Free
  • Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
  • Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR6
  • Granada - Science Park Planetarium - EUR2
  • Granada - Science Park - EUR7
  • Granada - Capilla Real - EUR6
  • Ronda - Santa Maria la Mayor Church - EUR4
  • Ronda - Bandits Museum - EUR4
  • Morocco - Day Trip from Tarifa - EUR66
  • Tarifa - Whale Watching - EUR35
  • Gibraltar - Day Trip from Tarifa - EUR48
  • Tarifa - Castle - EUR4
  • Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
  • Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR8
  • Seville - Indias Archive - Free
  • Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR3
  • Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
  • Seville - Archaeological Museum - EUR3
  • Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
  • Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
  • Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2
  • Cordoba - Palacio Museo de Viana - EUR8
  • Cordoba - Torre de la Calahorra - EUR5
  • Cordoba - Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus - EUR6
  • Cordoba - Casa de las Cabezas - EUR5
  • Cordoba - Tablao el Cardenal - EUR23
  • Cordoba - Museum of the Inquisition - EUR3
  • Valencia - Fallas Museum - EUR2
  • Valencia - Gonzalez Marti Museum - EUR3
  • Valencia - Miguelete Tower - EUR2
  • Valencia - Principe Felipe Science Museum - EUR9
  • Valencia - The Silk Exchange - EUR2
  • Valencia - Valencian Institute of Modern Art - EUR6
  • Valencia - Museum of Fine Arts - Free
  • Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR70
  • Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
  • Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
  • Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
  • Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
  • Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
  • Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
  • Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 44 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Josie · Traveled October 2023
This was an incredible trip! I learned so much about Spain. The destinations felt otherworldly. The food and wine, divine. The accommodations were basic but clean and comfortable. Perfect balance of structure and free time. Our guide, Ainhoa, was knowledgeable and professional. Her modern and fresh perspectives brought Spain's history and culture to life. I highly recommend this trip!
Review submitted 15 Nov 2023

John and Barbara · Traveled October 2023
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023

Nick · Traveled October 2023
Intrepid - Best of Spain - a wonderful small group trip that was very enjoyable with the people involved and our tour leader, Vera. Great destinations, activities, laughs and memories. Thanks Intrepid. Thanks Best of Spain October 2023 group and Vera!
Review submitted 10 Nov 2023

Robyn · Traveled October 2023
Intrepid takes great care in their choice of guides and is an ethical Australian brand that works with local communities. They also plan itineraries with care. I have travelled with Intrepid on 7 occasions to different parts of the world. They are my company of choice.
Review submitted 23 Oct 2023

Marion · Traveled October 2023
The Best of Spain was fast paced, informative and fun. Our tour leader Maria was excellent. The accommodation was basic but clean at a couple of the hotels. If you are thinking about it exploring Spain, this is a great starting point
Review submitted 24 Oct 2023
Best of Spain
From
EUR €3,345