Premium Spain

Trip Type: Explorer
Spain | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 7,352.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

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-da...

Premium Spain

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meals
10 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(s), 3 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle , High-speed train

Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Madrid - (Tapas) Welcome Dinner
  • Madrid - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
  • Seville - Alcazar Visit
  • Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
  • Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
  • Granada – Alhambra Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens Tour
  • Valencia - Paella Lunch
  • Valencia - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Dinner in Restaurant - Barcelona
  • Barcelona - Sagrada Familia
  • 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.
  • Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes, plus suitable luggage for navigating cobblestone streets. Summer temperatures can be extreme (over 40°C), so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider your suitability to the season you are travelling in. During your discoveries you will visit a numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms, and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price: NZD 9,210.00

Price:
NZD 8,650.00 NZD 7,352.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,770.00 NZD 7,454.00

Price:
NZD 8,855.00 NZD 7,527.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,470.00 NZD 8,050.00

Price:
NZD 9,120.00 NZD 7,752.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
ZMPS
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Madrid, Spain
Trip Finishes:
Barcelona, Spain
Countries Visited:
Spain
map

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
Spain | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People