Experience Overview
Walk in the footsteps of Gaudi and Picasso, taste fine wines and tapas and wander the white-washed villages that bring Spain to life. On this 11-day Premium journey from Madrid to Barcelona, you’ll see flamenco in Seville, taste paella in Valencia, feel the history of the Alhambra in Granada and discover the hidden corners of Cordoba. With a Feature Stay that displays authentic history and local culture and Exclusive Experiences that showcase this dynamic country's delicious cuisines and architectural history, you’re in for an adventure.
Highlights
- Taste the best of Spanish cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – taste paella in Valencia, sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia and try delicious marzipan in Toledo.
- See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by day and by night with an expert guide – a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
- Spend two nights in a hotel housed in 27 converted Sevillian cottages for your Feature Stay in Seville. From antique furnishings to first-class service and an unbeatable location, this family-run hotel will be simply unforgettable.
- Take guided tours of both Valencia and Madrid, giving you the chance to hear from a expert about the local landmarks while getting to sample Spanish delicacies like horchata and paella along the way.
- Visit the iconic unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona – construction on this hugely ambitious project began in 1882 and is still underway.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3217
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,High-speed train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMPS
Starts: Madrid, Spain
Finishes: Barcelona, Spain
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Feature stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5824 (CAD 529 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenido! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive in Madrid, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Museo del Prado and then wander the works of Picasso and Dali in the Museo Reina Sofia. After your meeting, you’ll join your local leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant that showcases Madrid’s famous tapas.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Madrid - (Tapas) Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Madrid - Royal Palace (14 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo del Prado (15 EUR)
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
- Madrid - Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) (30 EUR)
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico (6 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Soho Boutique Congreso or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, get an in-depth look at Madrid as you join your leader for a tour of the city centre. You’ll visit Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace on walk that’ll bring the city’s history to life. After stopping to refuel at a local cafe, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue your explorations. You could wander along the along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting.
Included Activities:
- Madrid - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel Soho Boutique Congreso or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel from Madrid to Seville by train this morning. The largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and architecture. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay accommodation – a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel housed in 27 Sevillian cottages with patios and corridors connecting them. The hotel celebrates its roots with its decor and antique furnishings and walking through the hotel's interior is like taking a stroll through centuries-old parts of the city, with its statues, columns, jugs, all creating the impression of a living museum. Personal touches can also be found all throughout the hotel, like the hand-painted details in each room and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Tonight, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
Accommodation:
- Hotel Las Casas de La Judería (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, meet with a local expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city. Visit the Alcazar of Seville – a grand royal palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still use the Alcazar as their residence! The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral – one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Alcazar Visit
- Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower (12 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Las Casas de La Judería (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site that has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today, a cathedral stands within the centre of the mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.
Included Activities:
- Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Soho Boutique Cordoba or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil mill. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with olives, olive marmalade, olive pate and wine. This evening, maybe head out to explore Granada’s drinking and dining scene with your group.
Included Activities:
- Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
Accommodation:
- Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take an orientation walk of Granada with your leader. Learn the history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Then, you’ll have some time for your own explorations – maybe head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. Tonight, join your group for an included dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then, you’ll return to the Alhambra after dark and explore the famed Nasrid Palaces with your local guide. By now, the crowds have dispersed and you’re free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace decor and a multitude of architectural styles through the intricate Nasrid Palaces.
Included Activities:
- Granada – Alhambra Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens Tour
Accommodation:
- Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Granada and travel to Valencia. Along the way, you’ll travel through the countryside through Elche – the capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopo. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around a palm tree grove – one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. Then it's on to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the Old Town centre that dates back 2000 years. Discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and gardens.
Optional Activities:
- Valencia - Sagunto Castle - Free
Accommodation:
- Novotel Valencia Lavant or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, join a local guide for a tour of Valencia. Hear the stories behind historical sites like the Puertas de Serrano, town hall and cathedral, and make visits to the central market and the Silk Exchange building. Along the way you’ll stop to try horchata, an iconic drink from Valencia, and finish off with a lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia at your own pace. You might like to visit the City of Arts and Science – a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or, head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer.
Included Activities:
- Valencia - Paella Lunch
- Valencia - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Novotel Valencia Lavant or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Valencia and travel to Barcelona. The character and fabulous Catalan cuisine of this city mix seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, make a visit to Antonio Gaudi's incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Later, have dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Celebrate the final night of your trip as you dine on some of the region’s most delicious foods like olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Bellotta (pork loin), Catalan cheeses, olive oil and sweet desserts.
Included Activities:
- Dinner in Restaurant - Barcelona
- Barcelona - Sagrada Familia
Accommodation:
- Catalonia Eixample 1864 Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Barcelona and delve deeper into this exciting city, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Barcelona - Museum of City History (7 EUR)
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum (14 EUR)
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) (29 EUR)
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital (16 EUR)
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi (6 EUR)
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (12 EUR)
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral (11 EUR)
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
Linda - Traveled, October 2023
This trip gives an awesome exposure to the Spanish history and key cultural places in Andalucia over the 10 days. Coupled with an excellent tour guide and specialist guides at specific locations, we came away with a great understanding and had a lot of fun doing it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
Rachelle - Traveled, October 2023
This was my first trip to Spain and I loved it. Great itinerary, definitely suggest adding time at the start and end to explore Madrid/Barcelona. Berta was great, knowledgeable guide. Can't wait to explore northern Spain next!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Colette - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent tour with wonderful tour guide. Intrepid do look after their clients
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Robert - Traveled, October 2023
This Intrepid Tour was great. Small group size made the trip worthwhile. Our TOUR GUIDE was outstanding. Will definitely book a tour with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Penelope - Traveled, September 2023
The Premium Spain tour was a great way to get an overview of southern Spain. We had a small group of only 10, which was good, and our tour leader Lilian was very organised and helpful. We visited many fascinating places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Gaylene - Traveled, September 2023
As someone who has travelled a lot, I was initially hesitant to go with a tour group. However, Intrepid came highly recommended and it certainly lived up to its reputation. The tour ticked off so many of my bucket list dreams, as well as surprising me with amazing memories of places and activities I had never really thought about. Our group was fun and a lot of credit has to go to our leader, Maria. She was patient, helpful, fun and knowledgeable. She really helped make the whole trip outstanding. Thanks Intrepid! I’ll be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
John - Traveled, September 2023
My wife and I took our parents along with us on this tour and we an enjoyed it immensely. The hotels were great and in the middle of where you want to be. Everything was fantastic The tour leader made us feel like a family. This small group tour was everything that we could have hoped for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Grace - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely an amazing trip! Excellent hotels and tour guide. More than I could have imagined .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Anne - Traveled, August 2023
Premium Spain- so worth it!! My first Intrepid trip and I’m sold- a group of 12 people so it was easy to get around, and was quite manageable. Our tour guide Maria was a delight to be with, despite her love of Burger King! Seriously we went to some lovely restaurants, and saw some great flamenco dancing, and really learnt plenty-Loved it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Karen - Traveled, June 2023
This was a very well organised trip visiting most of Andalucia's awe-inspiring monuments, enjoying the delicious food and learning about Spanish culture. The only negative point was the heat (avoid the summer months) and I would have liked to have spent more time in Barcelona (book extra days).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Amanda - Traveled, June 2023
Spain is a magical place to visit! This was a nice itinerary with a great group of people. I value that Intrepid is a B Corp as this aligns with my personal values. They did a good job with planning the logistics but sadly they provided a guide that had never led the Premium Spain trip before. The guide was kind and did his best in this scenario but his lack of experience with this itinerary and some of the cities did impact the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
David - Traveled, June 2023
We would advise that you get an assurance from Intrepid that you will have an experienced local guide for your tour. We have done three trips in Spain with the Northern tour far superior to the others as we had a local experienced guide. The other two had a German girl who had never been to Spain as leader and it was a nightmare. We were given assurances that we would have local guides in future but were misled and had a last minute replacement leader in Liviu who was Romanian but living in Spain. We were so disappointed and angry.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Evan - Traveled, May 2023
The Spain-Portugal Intrepid Travel Tour is brilliant. Both legs are well led, well organised and well-run.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Judy - Traveled, May 2023
The Premium Spain tour with Sergi as a guide was fantastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2023
Rona - Traveled, May 2023
This was a great overview of Southern Spain and the small group size is a really nice way to travel. Our guide, Sergi, was phenomenal. I would recommend adding a day on either end to allow for more time in Madrid and Barcelona.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
Liz - Traveled, May 2023
Wonderful tour of Southern Spain. Well organised tour, interesting activities, knowledgeable local guides. Tour guide was thoughtful, had good knowledge of the area and went out of his way to provide a great experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Stace - Traveled, May 2023
The main reason I took this tour, was the chance to visit the beautiful cities of Toledo, Seville, Cordoba and Granada. These cities and the attractions within them did not disappoint.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2023
Alan - Traveled, May 2023
This is a truly wonderful experience that is both sybaritic (food, scenery) and informative, especially about how Spain evolved through the joint influence of the Western religions. Architecture buffs will especially appreciate the journey. Requires a couple miles of walking most days but not on really challenging terrain. Loved it and are glad we went.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Catherine - Traveled, April 2023
There is much to see and experience in Spain. Having a small group of Intrepid Adventurers should give you lasting memories
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2023
Darlene - Traveled, April 2023
Our tour guide, Sergi, is an awesome guide and person. This trip covered a lot of Spain and Sergi is very knowledgeable about the country and his passion and love came through in everything he does. The restaurant recommendations and information he shared with our group was spot on and he stated that all of the guides with Intrepid share their findings with each other to ensure all tours are great. We had a great group of 11 (max was 12) that traveled well together which enhanced our experience. I would definitely do this exact trip again so my family can experience it too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2023
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