Best of Spain
Experience Overview
Take a 15-day adventure through Spain’s highlights. Kick off in colourful Madrid and explore the beautiful Andalucian region. Visit the cities that reflect Spain's diverse history and culture, watch a fiery flamenco performance in Seville and wander the mysterious maze of alleyways in the old Arab quarter of Albayzin. Follow your nose to a tapas bar with a local by your side and wander Gaudi's handiwork in Barcelona – travelling with a small group of likeminded people, you can explore Spain without worrying about the nitty gritty details.
Highlights
- Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
- It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic coastline, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
- The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
- Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
- Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.
- The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona pulses with culture, art and an outstanding drinking and dining scene. Discover the eccentric modernist architecture of Antonio Gaudi, who made Barcelona his artistic playground. The unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia is particularly mind-blowing.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3243
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Metro,Taxi,Bicycle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSG
Starts: Madrid, Spain
Finishes: Barcelona, Spain
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (12 nights),Hostal/Guest house ( 2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,916 ($261 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its elegant boulevards and parks. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at either 6 or 7 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the gardens of Real Jardin Botanico and visit one of the many art museums. After the meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group and indulge in some tapas and Rioja, or head to the Gran Via hotspots to dance the night away with your new friends.
Optional Activities:
- Madrid - Museo del Prado (15 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia (12 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (13 EUR)
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico (6 EUR)
- Madrid - Royal Palace (14 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo Taurino (15 EUR)
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a bus to Granada today. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses – or the Alcaiceria (old silk market area) to see the craftworks on sale. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real.
Included Activities:
- Granada - Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Visit Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace and its gardens. Wander the dominating red fortress towers of this 11th-century complex set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The palace is made up of the Alcazaba – the 11th century Muslum wing, which has great views from the towers – and the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After, maybe head deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and check out some of the traditional tea houses. Tonight, maybe meet up again with the group for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
Optional Activities:
- Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
- Granada - Catedral de Granada (6 EUR)
- Granada - Science Park Planetarium (2 EUR)
- Granada - Science Park (7 EUR)
- Granada - Capilla Real (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Granada behind and travel by train and private transport to the Andalucian hills and the whitewashed town of Ronda. A landscape of green forests and white limestone mountains, Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting in Spain and was a favourite of Hemmingway and Orson Welles. The highlight of the town is the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) – one of the most photographed structures in the country. Built in 1751, it bridges the 100-m-deep gorge that splits the town in two. You can walk across it, stopping to peer over a drop from one of its balconies. Check out the old Moorish town on one side, home to many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, and the newer El Mercadillo on the other side. East of the town are well-preserved Arab Baths and, of course, the famous Plaza de Toros. Tonight, maybe watch the sunset over the city.
Included Activities:
- Ronda - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Ronda - Santa Maria la Mayor Church (4 EUR)
- Ronda - Bandits Museum (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Walk through Los Molinos – Ronda’s surrounding valley. You can head down into El Tajo, the gorge that separates the old and new town, and get a view of the bridge and town from below. The rest of the day is free to explore town. The Plaza de Toros is one of the oldest bullfighting rings in the country, and adjoining the bullring is the Bullfighting Museum. The gardens behind offer panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, which have a long history of sheltering bandits and smugglers. Visit the Museum of Bandits for an entertaining insight into their history or check out the prize-winning wineries and beautiful national parks that surround the town.
Included Activities:
- Ronda - Los Molinos (Windmill Valley) Hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll travel south-west to Tarifa along the coastline. This western Andalusian coast faces the Mediterranean and North Africa. Your base for the next two nights is a laid-back beach town with spectacular rocky scenery, a sea fortress and a lighthouse. The afternoon is free to relax. Maybe catch a bus to the 10-km-long sands of Playa de Los Lances – a haven for kite surfers – or hole up at a beach bar on Playa de Valde Vaqueros. You could also just wander along the promenade under the old castle, past restaurants boasting fresh seafood. The surfers lend the Old Town a laid-back, international vibe, along with hints North Africa, which lies just across the water. In the evening, why not grab some dinner in town and join in Tarifa's vibrant nightlife.
Accommodation:
- Hostal (Guest house) (Number of Nights: 1)
Choose from plenty of optional activities today. Perhaps head out on a whale and dolphin watching expedition on the Iberian Peninsula or take a daytrip to the town of Tangier in Morocco, just 45 minutes away by ferry! The city's medina and kasbah are well worth exploring, as are the cafes and patisseries around the Place de la France in the Ville Nouvelle. You can unwind and take in the charms of the city on the recently reconstructed beach promenade or take a day tour across the border to the British territory of Gibraltar – home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar. Here you can take a cable car up to the rock’s peak, explore the caves, visit a Moorish castle and wander the main street, discovering the interesting blend of old British life and Spanish flavours.
Optional Activities:
- Morocco - Day Trip from Tarifa (66 EUR)
- Tarifa - Whale Watching (35 EUR)
- Gibraltar - Day Trip from Tarifa (48 EUR)
- Tarifa - Castle (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hostal (Guest house) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to the vibrant city of Seville – famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco – all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. As the rest of the day is free for you to explore. Barrio Santa Cruz, with its multicultural history, is a great place to start – this shaded warren was designed in medieval times to provide refuge from the great Andalusian heat. Maybe spend your evening San Jacinto, the bustling main street of the Triana quarter, and discover the interesting food on offer. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty bites in one of the city's many tapas bars.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to discover Seville, but checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is a must. You can also the climb the cathedral's adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you may have to line up, it's worth it for the views over the city. Visit the magnificent Alcazar –, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers, which again gained international fame as a shooting location for Game of Thrones. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. Maybe explore Seville's Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group – charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Evening Flamenco Performance
Optional Activities:
- Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre (3 EUR)
- Seville - Casa de Pilatos (12 EUR)
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
- Seville - Santa Paula Convent (5 EUR)
- Seville - Torre del Oro (3 EUR)
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower (12 EUR)
- Seville - Museum of Fine Arts (2 EUR)
- Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue to Cordoba by train. Discover the mesh of Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures in the architecture and cuisine of this southern city. Visit the famous Mezquita, with its golden arches and intricate columns – once the third largest mosque in the world and one of the most beautiful. It was consecrated into a Roman Catholic cathedral in the 13th century when the Christians reconquered Cordoba. Time permitting, you might stroll through a labyrinth of cobbled laneways in the Old Quarter, discovering open squares and cafes. The evening is free to sample more delicious Spanish cuisine. Salmorejo (a cold soup made of tomatoes, bread and olive oil served with chopped up boiled egg and cured ham) is a specialty of Cordoba, as is rabo de toro (oxtail soup). There are also plenty of good-value eateries in the Juderia (Jewish Quarter).
Included Activities:
- Cordoba - Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) Visit
- Cordoba - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Cordoba - Palacio Museo de Viana (8 EUR)
- Cordoba - Torre de la Calahorra (5 EUR)
- Cordoba - Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus (6 EUR)
- Cordoba - Casa de las Cabezas (5 EUR)
- Cordoba - Tablao el Cardenal (23 EUR)
- Cordoba - Museum of the Inquisition (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a train and head east to the coastal town of Valencia. Known for being the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, Valencia has a large port, beautiful beaches, restaurants and a beach promenade along the waterfront. The Old Town is set back from the seafront and in the centre, you will find beautiful monuments and historical buildings. Busy markets, clean beaches, rolling hills and a fascinating mix of old town and new town makes up the best of Valencia. Over the next couple of days, you have a lot of free time to wander around the city and see the sights. This evening perhaps head out to bar-hop and eat tapas in the Ciutat Vella (old town).
Included Activities:
- Valencia - Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on a bike today and pedal along Turia Park all the way to the city of Art and Science. This activity is done at a leisurely pace and you don’t need to be an expert to participate. After cycling, why not visit the 13th-century cathedral, which houses what's claimed to be the Holy Grail, and climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower for the best views of the city. Maybe head over to the Museo de Bellas Artes, home to Spain's second-biggest art collection. There are also many parks and gardens, or the beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa to soak up some sun. For the paella that Valencia is famous for, head to the restaurant area of Las Arenas for a hearty and reasonably priced lunch. Tonight, maybe head south to Ruzafa, one of the city’s coolest areas, popular with locals.
Included Activities:
- Valencia - City Cycling Tour
- Valencia - Picnic
Optional Activities:
- Valencia - Fallas Museum (2 EUR)
- Valencia - Gonzalez Marti Museum (3 EUR)
- Valencia - Miguelete Tower (2 EUR)
- Valencia - Principe Felipe Science Museum (9 EUR)
- Valencia - The Silk Exchange (2 EUR)
- Valencia - Valencian Institute of Modern Art (6 EUR)
- Valencia - Museum of Fine Arts - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take the train up the coast to Barcelona today – full of character and delicious Catalan cuisine, this city is known for its art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife. This afternoon, you’re free to epxlore at your own pace Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and stroll along La Rambla, Barcelona's famous tree-lined boulevard. Maybe grab a fresh juice at the colourful La Boqueria market or visit the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museum of City History. It’s also worth taking the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of the city and harbour. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre, so tonight maybe head out for a tapas crawl and try some rustic Catalan dishes in the neighbourhood of El Born.
Included Activities:
- Barcelona - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Join your leader on an orientation walk around Barcelona today. See some of the city's main sights, including Antonio Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it is possibly the city's most iconic landmark. Gaudi was the master of the unique Catalan Modernista architecture and his work is dotted all over the city. Perhaps check out the Neo-Gothic mansion of Guell Palace or the wave-inspired structure of Casa Batlo. For more insight into the artist himself, head to the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell, home to more colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city. Tonight, bid your new friends farewell, maybe with a sip of red wine from a porro (a traditional glass pitcher).
Included Activities:
- Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral visit
Optional Activities:
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital (16 EUR)
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum (14 EUR)
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral (11 EUR)
- Barcelona - Museum of City History (7 EUR)
- Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures (5 EUR)
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi (6 EUR)
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) (29 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today your Spanish adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no more activities planned and you're free to leave the accommodation at any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Barcelona, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Boronia - Traveled, March 2023
Best of Spain was a delightful experience. Our leader , Maria, exposed us to wonderful cultural experiences, sharing her knowledge and genuine love of Spain. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Marwa - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was amazing, i enjoyed Evey moment of the trip, the mix between history, culture, good food & fun people was the perfect mixture, also our leader took the trip above & beyond, would definitely choose to travel with her again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Stefania - Traveled, March 2023
Spain is a destination easy to travel on your own, however booking this trip takes the hassle out of it, and the group and tour leader were lovely company. Some travel days could have been shortened by using a private van (Ronda to Tarifa took pretty much to entire day for about 150 km). I would consider the idea of skipping Tarifa altogether, to enjoy some more time in Seville and Cordoba. Tarifa is a tiny place, enjoyable in fine weather, but there's not much to see or do there and it took way to long to get there. Hotels ok, nothing to write home about, breakfast would be a nice inclusion given the overall cost of the trip. Lots of free time, not many included activities, so the cost of the entrance fees adds up quickly if you are planning to see as much as possible. I enjoyed the trip and the cities visited were great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2023
Wanda - Traveled, February 2024
Our Best of Spain trip was exactly that. We saw the most amazing sites in all the cities we visited, learned about the history and culture of the area, and sampled great local food and drinks. Our guide Lucia was excellent . We loved our Intrepid trip to Spain and would highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Kerryn - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent introduction to Spain! Adrian was amazing and showed us the highlights of this stunning region. A bag on wheels could be useful for this trip as there's a few short walks. Spain in Winter was fabulous! Great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024
Sohaib - Traveled, December 2023
I have done many intrepid toura. The accomodation was below average, lots of public transport used, so be ready to drag your luggage to bus stops and train stations from hotels. But Spain and the tour guide Maria made up for all the shortfalls. Great country and lots to explore and eat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Allicia - Traveled, December 2023
December is a perfect time to go to Spain. The weather was amazing, crowds were much less than summer, which made navigating the tourist sites easy. Christmas lights and markets brought extra magic to the trip. Maria was a fantastic leader. I wouldn't hesitate to book a trip with her again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Taylor - Traveled, December 2023
A fantastic whirlwind tour of many extraordinary sights across Spain that I would have not thought to go to on my own. Our guide Maria was terrific, so helpful and friendly and well organized, could not have asked for a better guide. I recommend spending a few more days in Barcelona at the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Josie - Traveled, October 2023
This was an incredible trip! I learned so much about Spain. The destinations felt otherworldly. The food and wine, divine. The accommodations were basic but clean and comfortable. Perfect balance of structure and free time. Our guide, Ainhoa, was knowledgeable and professional. Her modern and fresh perspectives brought Spain's history and culture to life. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Marion - Traveled, October 2023
The Best of Spain was fast paced, informative and fun. Our tour leader Maria was excellent. The accommodation was basic but clean at a couple of the hotels. If you are thinking about it exploring Spain, this is a great starting point
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Keri - Traveled, October 2023
Had a fantastic time on this trip. Saw a lot of Spain. Maria was a sensational guide. So informative and helpful. Couldn't do enough to make it great for us. Book extra nights at start and finish to enjoy Spain even more. So much to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Robyn - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid takes great care in their choice of guides and is an ethical Australian brand that works with local communities. They also plan itineraries with care. I have travelled with Intrepid on 7 occasions to different parts of the world. They are my company of choice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Tony - Traveled, September 2023
The whole Intrepid tour experience way exceeded all my expectations. Lucia gave us all confidence in her abilities from day one and made the tour a great experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Geoff - Traveled, September 2023
We have now experienced the professional and competent tourism offered by Intrepid a second time and were again thankful to the Tour Leader for her knowledge, experience and flexibility (when needed). We have no hesitation in lining up for another adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Gaye - Traveled, August 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Our guide, Lucia, was passionate, energetic and knowledge about her country and made sure everyone's needs were met. The itinerary was city-centric and we were able to see a range of hugely important historical sites of Spain. This was blended with free time to quietly explore and soak up the local vibe as well. Accommodation was very comfortable and breakfasts generous. Our group blended well, were easy-going, cooperative and we enjoyed lots of fun and laughter!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Adolfho - Traveled, June 2023
This was a fantastic trip, shout out to our tour guide Ignacio. Quite knowledgeable, kind, and very patient. We had an amazing time traveling all over Southern Spain, Morocco, and afterwards Portugal. Amazing group of diverse people that we met! They're all family now :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
Frances - Traveled, June 2023
This trip covered a lot of places, and perhaps extra time in some of them would be good.very interesting trip,with a great guide Ignatius.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Nissa - Traveled, May 2023
I am impressed with Intrepid’s mission and how consistently it was lived out on our trip. I am a traveler not a tourist and this style of travel supports that. We traveled and ate as locals, were given helpful cultural information, and the small size not only facilitates interaction and new friendships, but… we’re not an invading horde. It feels respectful. The pace of the travel was perfect, as was the balance between planned and free time. And, our guide, Matteo, is an accomplished guide and a truly enjoyable human being. And kudos to all the “behind the scenes” people as well. Very happy with the experience!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Noreen - Traveled, May 2023
Our Best of Spain tour was fantastic, with a great trip leader and enjoyable travelling companions. This was our first organised tour and any reservations prior to the trip were washed away by our experiences during the tour. We would highly recommend this tour, highlighting great areas of Spain.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Rob - Traveled, May 2023
The Best of Spain trip was fantastic because of our tour leader Simone Boccaccio. He brought out the best of the group and the experience. We came away loving the people, sites, history, food and wines of Spain. Gracias!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
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