VACATION OVERVIEW
Although you might be enthralled with the idea of the Spanish siesta—the customary post-lunch nap to escape the midday heat—you’ll want to think twice about catching any afternoon Zzzs on this dreamy introductory tour of Spain. Otherwise, you’d miss all the sunny sights this 9-day vacation to Spain has in store. From Madrid’s art-filled Prado Museum to Barcelona’s tree-lined La Rambla, we show you the country’s top must-see sights, indulging in pans of zesty paella, and pitchers of tangy sangria along the way. While you’ll treat yourself to the fresh catches from the sea, the olives from the hills, and the wine from the lush river valleys; it’s sights such as Granada’s opulent Alhambra complex, Seville’s over-the-top Plaza de España, and Barcelona’s unparalleled Sagrada Familia Basilica that are a feast for the eyes.
THE BEST OF SPAIN
ITINERARY
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN
Welcome to Madrid! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
MADRID-FOUNTAIN. Dinner
DAY 2 MADRID
Masterpieces in Madrid MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roma statues.
MADRID-PRADO. Breakfasst
DAY 3 MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLE
Treasures of Cordoba CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Enjoy free time to browse before departing for Seville. 354 mi / 570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches – a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
CORDOBA-MOSQUE.
Breakfast /Dinner
DAY 4 SEVILLE
The Squares of Seville SEVILLE Visit Plaza de España. Guided sightseeing includes Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville’s picturesque Plaza de España, originally built for Seville’s Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World’s Fair. The 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafés
SEVILLE-PLAZA-DE-ESPANA
Breakfast
DAY 5 SEVILLE–GRANADA
Splendid Spain GRANADA Guided walking tour includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. 155 mi / 250 km
NOTE:
Day 5 Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
GRANADA-ALHAMBRA.
Breakfast
DAY 6 GRANADA–VALENCIA
Spanish Specialties VALENCIA Guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata (drink made from tiger nuts) tasting. Enjoy a traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant.
311 mi / 500 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella dinner in Valencia. Traditional Paella Valenciana is made with chicken and sweet paprika and golden saffron in a slow simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine.
VALENCIA-PAELLA.
Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 7 VALENCIA–BARCELONA
The Boulevards of Barcelona Scenic drive along the coast en route to Barcelona.
BARCELONA Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.
211 mi / 340 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Barcelona in the footsteps of Picasso through the historic heart of the old city. Indulge in the tradition and tastes of 2,000 years in the Gothic Quarter. Take in the charm and captivating history with a walk down the tree-lined avenue of La Rambla amid the terraces and street performers on Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare.
BARCELONA-OLD-TOWN
Breakfast
DAY 8 BARCELONA
Adiós, Barcelona! BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. Visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Say farewell to Spain with Sangria and culinary specialties at a local city center restaurant. Often considered the signature drink of Spain and taking its name from its “blood red color”, Sangria’s origins are thought to go back to Roman times, when it was simply wine added to water. Since then, the recipe has been revisited many times and there are many delicious local variations. Tonight, lift your glass for a toast to your Best of Spain tour.
BARCELONA-SAGRADA-FAMILIA-BASILICA
Breakfast /Dinner
DAY 9 BARCELONA
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
BARCELONA-CAFE.
Breakfast
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
PRICE: From $2,199 per person
DO YOU LIKE THIS TOUR?” Just click in the bottom for availability and book!
