20 Days | Embrace the diversity of Spain's cultural and culinary traditions
Walk in the footsteps of Gaudi and Picasso, taste fine wines and tapas, and witness the white-washed villages that bring Spain to life. This comprehensive Premium journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is a delight for the senses – see flamenco in Seville, taste paella in Valencia, feel the history of the Alhambra in Granada, visit the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and dine with locals at an exclusive gastronomic society. Let Spain’s eclectic architecture, revered cuisine and vibrant soul enchant you as you travel from Andalucia's sparkling villages in the South to the Basque country's mountainous landscapes of the North, hitting cultural hot spots and vibrant cities along the way.
Trip overview
- Start
- Madrid, Spain
- Finish
- Santiago de Compostela, 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
- Premium
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- ZMPSD
Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders
- Taste the best of Spanish cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia, try delicious marzipan in Toledo, and enjoy dinner at an exclusive gastronomic society in San Sebastian.
- See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by day and by night with an expert guide, a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
- Spend two nights each in two historic Feature Stay hotels in Seville and La Rioja. From antique furnishings to first-class service and unbeatable locations, these beautiful properties are sure to delight.
- Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, an eye catching work of art in itself that was designed by Frank Gehry and holds a world-famous collection of contemporary art works.
- 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.
- Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes, plus suitable luggage for navigating cobblestone streets.
- Summer temperatures can be extreme (over 40°C), so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider your suitability to the season you are travelling in.
- During your discoveries you will visit a numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms, and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.
Itinerary
Inclusions
19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners
Private vehicle, High-speed train
Hotel (15 nights), Feature stay (4 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Madrid - (Tapas) Welcome Dinner
- Toledo - Marzipan Tasting
- Toledo - Day Trip
- Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
- Seville - Alcazar Visit
- Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
- Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
- Granada – Alhambra Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens Tour
- Lake Albufera - Boat Tour & Barraca Visit
- Valencia - Paella Lunch
- Barcelona - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Dinner in Restaurant - Barcelona
- Barcelona - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Barcelona - Welcome Meeting
- Barcelona - Welcome Dinner
- Zaragoza - Town Visit
- La Guardia - Village Visit
- La Rioja - Winery Visit with Tasting
- Pamplona - Orientation Walk
- San Sebastian - Walking Tour
- San Sebastian - Gastronomical Society Dinner
- Bilbao - Orientation Walk
- Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum admission
- Oviedo - Walking Tour with Cathedral
- Ovideo - Traditional Cider House Experience
- Galician Coast Stop
- Santiago de Compostela - Camino Walk
- Santiago de Compostela - Farewell Dinner
- Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
- Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Madrid - Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
- Valencia - Sagunto Castle - Free
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Due to the closure of the Alhambra on Oct 4-6 2023, ZMPSD230930 will visit the Alhambra on the morning of Day 8, rather than the evening of Day 7.
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.
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