GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN
  15 DAYS FROM $1,847 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM 

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Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (Dinner)

Day 2 MADRID–ARANJUEZ–CUENCA–VALENCIA
Start the day by driving to nearby Aranjuez in the Castilian Plain, where you stop to visit the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th century. Although burned down both in 1727 and 1728, it was splendidly rebuilt and became a favorite residence of Spanish royalty. Continue traveling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, which stands high above the precipices of the Rivers Jucar and Huecar. It is famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia for two overnights. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 VALENCIA
Valencia is known mainly for its wonderful climate and the quality of its light. Enjoy a drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees and along the old quarter’s narrow streets with its fine gothic houses and typical patios. Time to do some shopping or more personal sightseeing and, of course, the option of joining an excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 4 VALENCIA–PENISCOLA–BARCELONA
An interesting day starts with a drive north to the nearby Castellon for a visit of its Peniscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (Breakfast)

Day 5 BARCELONA
This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batlló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 BARCELONA–SARAGOSSA–PAMPLONA
See more of Catalonia as you drive northwest to Saragossa on the banks of the River Ebro. During your stop you’ll have time to see the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Continue north through fertile valleys and the Rioja wine-growing region to Basque Country and on to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, Pamplona, for an overnight stay. (Breakfast)

Day 7 PAMPLONA–SAN SEBASTIAN–BILBAO–BURGOS
Start the morning by driving further into Basque Country for a visit to San Sebastian (called “Donostia” in Basque), the seaside resort on the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay. Journey northwest to the port town of Bilbao. Time for an optional visit to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Apart from its amazing collection of modern paintings, the building itself, by Frank Gehry, is considered one of the 20th century’s great architectural masterpieces. In the afternoon, travel south to Burgos. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 BURGOS–SEGOVIA–AVILA–SALAMANCA
Today, head southwest into Castile. Enjoy some grand scenery as you travel to the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama, a green oasis in the Castilian desert. Stop in Segovia, magnificently perched on a rock formation at an altitude of 3,280 feet. The cathedral, the alcazar, and the Roman aqueduct are some of its more famous sights. Next, drive west to Avila for a short visit before continuing to Salamanca in time to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its Plaza Mayor. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 SALAMANCA–CACERES–SEVILLE
Leave early this morning and cross the mighty Tagus River and the Guadarrama. Stop in Caceres, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its blend of Roman, Islamic, northern gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Enjoy more Spanish landscapes before reaching Seville, one of Spain’s most colorful cities. (Breakfast)

Day 10 SEVILLE
A full day at leisure. Perhaps you’d like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the vibrant city. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11 SEVILLE–JEREZ–RONDA–GRANADA
A day to see the best of Andalusia. Head first into the Jerez region for a sherry-tasting stop. Next, journey by way of the typically white-painted villages to the town of Ronda, famous for the ravine that literally cuts it in two and, of course, its bullfighting connections. Overnight in Granada in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 12 GRANADA–CORDOBA
Granada was the Arabs’ most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Learn more about it on the included visit with a Local Guide. More grand scenery this afternoon as you travel to Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13 CORDOBA–MADRID
This is perhaps Spain’s most Moorish city with its great mosque, the Mezquita, one of Islam’s most important pieces of architecture outside the Arab world. You’ll enjoy the small, white-washed houses, the winding streets, and the colorful squares. Later, journey into the very heart of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills. Reach Madrid in time to enjoy a relaxed evening. (Breakfast)

Day 14 MADRID
This morning the optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding. The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city sightseeing. Not only because it’s the capital of Spain but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it’s the nearest thing to heaven. (Breakfast)

Day 15 MADRID
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.

INCLUDED FEATURES
Visits to Royal Palace in Aranjuez; Cuenca, Valencia, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saragossa, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Caceres, Seville, Jerez wine tasting, Ronda, Cordoba

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
La Mancha

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Barcelona, Granada-Alhambra, Madrid. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 8 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
Madrid Praga (F), Valencia Catalonia Excelsior (F), Barcelona Porta Fira (F), Pamplona** Maisonnave (ST), Burgos Corona de Castilla (F), Salamanca Catalonia Plaza (F), Seville Don Paco (ST), Granada Don Juan (ST), Cordoba Selu (ST)

**July 2 departure overnight in San Sebastian, Hotel Monte Igueldo (F)

TRANSPORTATION
Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Barcelona

Dinner & Flamenco On Ramblas
Evening out in the heart of Barcelona - enjoy a buffet dinner with Spanish specialties, including wine or soft drinks. Then see the best professional flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists in town. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Approximate value: EUR €70 per person

Montserrat
Montserrat means the "sawed mountain" in Catalan. Situated at the centre of Catalonia, about 25 miles northwest of Barcelona, it rises perpendicularly out of the surrounding lowlands, and is a marvel to see. In addition to the natural beauty of Montserrat, the mountain took on religious significance at an early date. The famous Romanesque sculpture of "La Morenta" (the little dark one) presides over the XI century Benedictine Monastery.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person

CITY: Madrid

Madrid By Night & Tapas
An authentic Spanish food experience in a tapas restaurant situated in the centre of the capital: typical gourmet food such as "pisto manchego" (vegetables) with egg, Iberian ham & cheese, Spanish omelet and many other specialties. After dinner, an orientation drive of Madrid to admire the city with its splendid avenues, illuminated fountains and beautiful promenades.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person

The Majestic City Of Toledo
The panoramic view of the city is an awesome experience, and visiting Spain's main Cathedral is truly unforgettable. See one of El Greco's most famous paintings, the "Burial of Count Orgaz", in the church of Santo Tome. Drive through Castilian landscapes to the old capital on the Tagus River. Time for a visit to a Damascene steel workshop.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person

CITY: Pamplona

The Basque Culture
This fortified city is the former capital of the Kingdom of Navarra. With a local guide, visit the outside of the Bull Ring, Running of the Bulls Street, the cathedral, walls, town hall and road to Santiago. Stop at the Cafe Iruna, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, to enjoy a glass of wine. Then proceed to the Baserri restaurant for a sit-down tapas dinner of hot and cold tapas, Navarra wine, dessert and coffee.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person

CITY: Seville

City Sightseeing
The most Spanish of all Spanish cities enchants you with unforgettable sights. The main highlight is a visit to the magnificent Cathedral, which is the third largest Christian temple in the world and was built on the site of the original mosque. Enjoy a walk through the narrow streets and mysterious small squares of the Santa Cruz Quarter.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person

Sevillian Evening Out
Have dinner in an authentic Andalusian palace built in the 1920's. The chef will delight you with typical regional food, which will let you know more about this famous area.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person

CITY: Valencia

Blue Lagoon & Dinner
The Albufera is a unique nature area where you will see native fauna, nesting & migrating birds. Enjoy a boat trip on the lagoon and later, dinner in a restaurant with local specialties.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person