Meals

6 Dinner with Wine (DW) 17 Breakfast (B) 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) 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 dinner. Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.

Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. 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.

Accommodation

2 nights stay at NH Collection Constanza / Hilton Barcelona 1 night stay at Barceló Valencia 1 night stay at Meliá Granada 2 nights stay at Meliá Sevilla, Seville 3 nights stay at Barceló Torre de Madrid/Melia Serrano Madrid 2 nights stay at NH Collection Santiago de Compostela 1 night stay at Barceló Oviedo Cervantes 1 night stay at Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander 2 nights stay at Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastian 2 nights stay at Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Barcelona

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. 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.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city’s history. Seville: See the city’s top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert. 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. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. 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. Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí’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: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família. Peñíscola: See the seaside 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. 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.’ 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. Pamplona: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town. Córdoba: Visit 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. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

MONTSERRAT & THE BLACK MADONNA We’ll enjoy a stunning drive to Montserrat, the mystical sacred serrated mountain, with its unique formations and spectacular views. It’s home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat and the ‘Virgin of Montserrat’, one of the most-venerated Black Madonna’s of Europe. Catalan landscapes unfold before us, as our Local Expert introduces us to this place of immense beauty and significance. ADULT PRICE: EUR 40.00 BARCELONA EVENING WITH MONTJUÏC & OLYMPIC DRIVE We enjoy the beauty of Barcelona as the day ends, including a drive up to Montjuïc hill to enjoy an incredible panorama over the city and its impressive harbor. Also, enjoy free time for dinner with your new-found friends. ADULT PRICE: EUR 28.00 ALBAICÍN & ROYAL CHAPEL Take a leisurely walk with your local expert through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the last bastion of Islam in Spain. Explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. After a photo stop at one of the most famous views of the Alhambra Palace, visit the Royal Chapel housing the tombs of the ‘Catholic Monarchs’, Ferdinand and Isabella. ADULT PRICE: EUR 37.00 DINNER IN SEVILLE WITH A HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDE Seville is Spain’s most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we’ll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialities, served in a local restaurant with wine, beer & soft drinks included. As well as a wonderful meal, we’ll experience a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the old town of Seville, which is especially magical in the evening. ADULT PRICE: EUR 66.00 SEVILLE ALCÁZAR & PLAZA AMÉRICA Visit the fabulous Real Alcázar - a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in richly scented gardens. Wander through the Arabesque domed halls, horseshoe arches and jewel box courtyards of this royal residence, while the garden fountains and terraces provide an oasis of tranquility. Afterwards, see the fanciful pavilions built for the Ibero-American Fair of 1929 on the way to the romantic Plaza de América in Maria Luisa Park. ADULT PRICE: EUR 41.00 MADRID BY NIGHT An evening drive to the most historic area of Madrid including stops for wonderful views of the city and a walk through the lively streets and squares of old Madrid. Enjoy free time for dinner in one of the many restaurants and return home along the grand Avenida Castellana with its spectacular fountains. ADULT PRICE: EUR 19.00 MADRID BY NIGHT WITH DINNER Enjoy an evening out in the nation’s stately capital city. Tonight we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the town in a carefully chosen venue, accompanied by Spanish wine and great local entertainment. What a wonderful introduction to Madrid ADULT PRICE: EUR 61.00 EXCURSION TO SEGOVIA Drive to the fortified city of Segovia where a local expert leads you through the medieval streets from the ancient aqueduct to the magnificent Alcazar, one of the inspirations for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. Inside this 14th century palace, experience the paintings, tapestries, weaponry and armoury of the Spanish medieval era. Then take a panoramic drive outside the walls to admire stunning views over the Eresma valley, the Roman aqueduct and picturesque buildings of this medieval jewel. ADULT PRICE: EUR 45.00 TOLEDO EXCURSION A specialist guide takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain’s capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived and worked. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the fine Gothic cathedral and admire the old city views along the Tagus gorge. We’ll also visit a specialist workshop where artisans create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and passed down over the centuries. ADULT PRICE: EUR 46.00 RÍAS BAIXAS Travel southward to the Ría de Arousa, one of the deep fjord-like estuaries of Galicia to see where they farm local mussels. This beautiful coastal scenery is lined with beaches, vineyards, palm trees, grand villas and old stone houses. During our journey we’ll also visit a typical Galician granite ’Pazo’; a grand manor house of the old aristocracy. ADULT PRICE: EUR 35.00 DINNER IN GALICIA Tonight we’ll have the chance to sample a wonderful variety of Galician dishes, complemented with fantastic locally-produced wine. Discover the Celtic influence in the cuisine and enjoy ingredients fresh from the Atlantic. Having experienced the heart and soul of this wonderful region, tonight is the perfect opportunity to experience Galicia through your taste buds! ADULT PRICE: EUR 59.00 DONOSTIA BY NIGHT WITH DINNER View the beach and fishing port as we head to the lively heart of the old town of Spain’s gourmet capital for a sumptuous supper in one of the city’s boutique restaurants. Wine and soft drinks included. On Friday and Saturday nights, the selling price will be €66.00 ADULT PRICE: EUR 61.00 SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ, JEWEL OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY With your local expert, explore Saint-Jean-de-Luz, jewel of the Basque Country and visit the church where Louis XIV "The Sun King" married the Spanish princess Maria Theresa. An extra surprise awaits us next as we drive to the famous Biarritz summer residence of Napoleon III with its sophisticated spa resort. ADULT PRICE: EUR 40.00 GAUDÍ’S PARK GÜELL AND PORT OLYMPIC Enter a strange fantasy world at Parc Güell, Spain’s most impressive public park! Here Gaudí designed mushroom-like houses, "bird nest" pillars and a stunning mosaic dragon. The huge central terrace is enveloped by a ceramic-encrusted serpentine bench (reputedly the world’s longest seat) and offers panoramic views of Barcelona and the bay. We then head to the coast and Port Olympic, built for the athletes of the 1992 Olympics, where we’ll have free time to try one the numerous waterfront restaurants. ADULT PRICE: EUR 40.00

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start

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.
Day 3 Day 3: Along The Coast To Valencia Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 wine at dinner.
Day 4 Day 4: Exquisite Granada And Alhambra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 5 Day 5: A Scenic Drive To Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 6 Day 6: Seville, The City Of Carmen Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 7 Day 7: Moorish Córdoba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 8 Day 8: Wonderful Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Wonderful Madrid

Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighborhoods. 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 Highlight Dinner served with wine.
Day 9 Day 9: Madrid At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Madrid At Leisure Relaxed Start

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.
Day 10 Day 10: Through Guadarrama Mountains To Santiago De Compostela
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Through Guadarrama Mountains To Santiago De Compostela

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.
Day 11 Day 11: Santiago De Compostela Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 12 Day 12: The Costa Verde To Oviedo Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet 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.
Day 13 Day 13: Santander
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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?
Day 14 Day 14: Bilbao And San Sebastián Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 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.
Day 15 Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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?
Day 16 Day 16: Pamplona And On To Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 17 Day 17: Barcelona At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 dinner.
Day 18 Day 18: Depart Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Depart Madrid

Today, bid farewell to your journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport.

+15

18 days tour

Spanish Heritage (Small Groups, End Madrid, 18 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Spanish Heritage (Small Groups, End Madrid, 18 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Day 2: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí Relaxed Start

Day 3: Along The Coast To Valencia Relaxed Start

Day 4: Exquisite Granada And Alhambra

Day 5: A Scenic Drive To Seville

Day 6: Seville, The City Of Carmen Relaxed Start

Day 7: Moorish Córdoba

Day 8: Wonderful Madrid

Day 9: Madrid At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 10: Through Guadarrama Mountains To Santiago De Compostela

Day 11: Santiago De Compostela Relaxed Start

Day 12: The Costa Verde To Oviedo Relaxed Start

Day 13: Santander

Day 14: Bilbao And San Sebastián Relaxed Start

Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Day 16: Pamplona And On To Barcelona

Day 17: Barcelona At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 18: Depart Madrid

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