Spanish Heritage - End Madrid, Classic Group - From £5,375

Europe Spain
OVERVIEW
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 savoury 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 travellers. 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.
EXPERIENCES
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: Visit the Prado Museum with an art historian who places key works within their historical setting. With your historian’s expert guidance, you’ll examine paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Titian and Rubens, noting their connection to royal patronage and the broader European tradition. Learn how the museum, founded in 1819, became a principal repository for Spain’s royal collections and major works from across the continent.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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23/04/2026 10/05/2026 £5,395   Book
14/05/2026 31/05/2026 £5,750 Book
30/05/2026 16/06/2026 £5,750   Book
13/06/2026 30/06/2026 £5,375   Book
27/06/2026 14/07/2026 £5,375 Book
25/07/2026 11/08/2026 £5,375   Book
08/08/2026 25/08/2026 £5,375   Book
27/08/2026 13/09/2026 £5,525   Book
03/09/2026 20/09/2026 £6,150 Book
05/09/2026 22/09/2026 £6,150   Book
10/09/2026 27/09/2026 £5,925 Book
17/09/2026 04/10/2026 £5,850   Book
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ITINERARY

Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

A Local Expert joins you for a drive 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 to visit Gaudi’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.*Please note that with the construction of the Sagrada Família nearing completion, access to the basilica may be restricted for special masses, pilgrim visits or official ceremonies, and we are unable to secure tickets to visit. Should this occur during your tour, you will visit the Hospital de Sant Pau instead, a striking example of Catalan Art Nouveau designed by Gaudí’s contemporary, Domènech i Montaner. Afterwards, join your Local Expert in the gardens surrounding the Sagrada Família and take in the extraordinary exterior of Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece.

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 wine at dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighbourhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.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 dinner served with wine.

Enjoy a relaxed start and a full day at leisure to explore Spain’s capital. Perhaps join the Segovia Optional Experience to visit this wonderful ancient city complete with fairy-tale castle and Roman aqueduct.

Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

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.

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. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade Farm-to-Table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. 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.

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?

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 admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert. Explore the secrets of the harbour area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.

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?

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 Cafe 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.

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 dinner.

Today, bid farewell to your journey through Spain as you transfer from Barcelona to Madrid.
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Meliá Sarrià, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza, Meliá Sarrià, Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Barceló Valencia - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 4: Gran Luna de Granada - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 5: Meliá Sevilla, Catalonia Giralda, Seville - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Meliá Sevilla, Catalonia Giralda, Seville - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 9: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 11: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
DAY 13: Eurostars Real, Santander - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16: Labtwentytwo, Barcelona - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17: Labtwentytwo, Barcelona - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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