Spanish Escape
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9 Days
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Spain
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Steady pace
Discover the history, culture and fiery passions of Spain on this nine-day off-season tour of its major cities, which takes place during the less-crowded months. Explore the Moorish legacy of Seville and Granada; see Gaudí’s imposing Gothic-Modernist masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Basilica; and see the former tobacco factory that featured in Bizet’s operatic love letter to Spain, ‘Carmen’. You’ll have time to take in a flamenco show and wander around the serene water gardens of the royal summer residence near the Alhambra, the Palacio de Generalife.
Your journey starts here
Highlights
| VIP private home pick-up service |
| Flights |
| Transfers |
| Services of a tour director |
| Accommodation |
| Selected meals |
| Excursions |
| Service charges |
| Free Wi-Fi on coach |
| Porterage |
| All airport taxes |
VIP private home pick-up
Get picked up at home and whisked off to your departure point (within 50 miles).
Overview
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Your detailed itinerary
Meals included: 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Overview
At a glance
- Madrid: Guided sightseeing that takes in Puerta del Sol and Cibeles Fountain; visit Prado Museum
- Seville: Sightseeing of the Andalucian capital, visit Casa de Pilatos, optional cathedral excursion and flamenco show
- Granada: Visit to the Alhambra Complex
- Valencia: Guided coach tour and free time for sightseeing
- Barcelona: Admire the Columbus Monument, Paseo de Gràcia and visit Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Basilica
Day 1
UK - Madrid
Fly to Madrid where you will meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2
Madrid
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures. To make the most of your stay, exciting optional excursions are available.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3
Madrid - Seville
A scenic drive through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha brings you to Seville, the vibrant, festive capital of Andalucía.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4
Seville
Meet your Local Guide, and hear about the city's role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of ‘Carmen’ fame. Also, visit the magnificent Casa de Pilatos, a mixture of Moorish and Roman architecture with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the Cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalucían night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5
Seville - Granada
Sightseeing with a local guide features Granada's main attraction: the Alhambra complex. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahmar. A fantasy of ‘lace in stone’, surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also, amble through the magnificent water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6
Granada - Valencia
Cross Mora Pass and pass troglodyte cave dwellings, hollowed out of the soft tufa stone, near Purullena and Guadix on your way to Valencia, once a royal capital. During your orientation drive, Valencia's Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history come alive. Admire the magnificent La Seo Cathedral and enjoy free time to further explore the Old Town.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7
Valencia - Barcelona
Follow the coast to Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city and the host of the Olympic Games in 1992.
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8
Barcelona
Sightseeing with a local guide features the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gràcia. Visit the spectacular Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudí's masterpiece, followed by a panoramic view of the city and harbour from Montjuïc Hill. This afternoon, an optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged, and this evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant to say ‘adios’ to your travelling companions
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9
Barcelona - UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK
Meals included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Hotels
- Madrid: Novotel Madrid Centre
- Seville: Melia Leberos or NH Plaza de Armas
- Granada: Hotel Saray
- Valencia: NH Centre
- Barcelona: HCC St. Moritz or Catalonia Barcelona Plaza
Notes
Accommodation as stated or similar
This Platinum tour is operated by our sister company Globus