Spain's Classics
Experience Spain’s colourful pageant of art, history and culture. Set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, this stunning destination is dotted with white pueblos and groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures of the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest palaces. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and feel the passion of this famous dance. Explore Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Become part of an authentic “paella experience,” and learn how this rice dish is made and where it originated.
- Feel the energy of Spain at a flamenco performance in Seville.
- In Cordoba, take a walking tour of the Mezquita, a religious marvel.
- Step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire
- Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra palace.
- Explore Madrid's Royal Palace, the official residence of the royal family.
Day 1: Madrid, Spain - Tour Begins
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Madrid - Royal Palace - Toledo - Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. An expert-led tour of the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armoury and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon we travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. You’ll also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. You may opt to take the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and increase leisure time in Cordoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Seville
Today you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral (UNESCO), and the Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright flowers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue to Plaza de España and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville's top performers. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Seville - Granada
Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra,*** an immense hilltop palace (UNESCO). Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Granada - Valencia
Today you travel through Spain's amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Valencia - Paella Experience - Valencia
It’s your choice! Take a walking tour of historic Valencia to see the ornate 14th-century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th-century Quart Tower; then arrive at the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll shop side-by-side with the locals before concluding your tour at the impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral -OR- explore the impressive City of Arts & Science, an ultramodern, multi-faceted educational institution, followed by a tour of the Lladro City of Porcelain to learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, handmade Lladro figurines.** Later, gather together and travel to the area where paella cuisine originated. A “paella experience” features a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field plantations; a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home known as a “barraca”; a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 8: Valencia - Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colourful bird and flower stalls. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Barcelona
Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your panoramic tour showcases the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, Antoni Gaudi’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including La Sagrada Familia, Batllo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building with a guided visit to Parc Güell. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Barcelona - Tour Ends
You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. Today breakfast will be included.
Price shown for departure date 26 May 2019
Please contact us for more departure dates and pricing
Days 1, 2 H10 Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid
Days 3, 4 Melilá Sevilla, Seville
Day 5 Barceló Carmen, Granada
Days 6, 7 SH Valencia Palace Hotel, Valencia
Days 8, 9 Hotel Colón, Barcelona or H10 Itaca, Barcelona
Travel at 60 and Collette booking conditions apply.
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