Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. EUROPEAN LEADERS: Intrepid trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. We also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens Ronda - Los Molinos (Windmill Valley) Hike Seville - Evening Flamenco Performance Cordoba - Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) Visit Valencia - City Cycling Tour Valencia - Picnic Barcelona - Leader-led orientation walk Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral visit

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. Train , Public bus , Metro , Taxi , Bicycle

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. EUROPEAN HOTELS: Hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially by American or Australian standards. Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (12 nights), Hostal/Guest house ( 2 nights)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Day 1 Day 1: Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Madrid

Hola! Welcome to Madrid! This sassy Spanish capital is known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks, but it also pulsates with energy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at either 6 or 7 pm, depending on common area availability. After the welcome meeting, and optional dinner, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas and Rioja, or head to the Gran Via hotspots to dance the night away with your new friends.
Day 2 Day 2: Granada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Granada

Take a bus to Granada today (approximately 5 hours). 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) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods. 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. Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition (and your leader, of course).
Day 3 Day 3: Granada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Granada

Today make a visit to Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of the Palace and the Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It’s all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.
Day 4 Day 4: Ronda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ronda

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 spectacular Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), one of the most photographed structures in the country. Built in 1751, it bridges the 100-metre deep gorge that splits the town in two. You can walk across it, stopping to peer over a vertiginous 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. In the evening, find a spot from which you could enjoy a scenic sunset; this won’t be a problem in Ronda.
Day 5 Day 5: Ronda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ronda

Take a walk through Los Molinos, the beautiful valley surrounding Ronda. 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, which displays relics of Ronda’s bullfighting history. 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.
Day 6 Day 6: Tarifa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Tarifa

Today you’ll travel south-west to Tarifa, along the coastline. This western Andalusian coast faces the Mediterranean and North Africa and your base for the next two nights is Tarifa, a laid-back beach town endowed with spectacular rocky scenery, a sea fortress, a lighthouse and plenty of character. The afternoon is free to relax. Perhaps catch a bus to the 10 kilometre-long sands of Playa de Los Lances – a haven for kite surfers – or hole up at a beach bar on Playa de Valdevaqueros. One of the best ways to appreciate the area is simply to wander, along the promenade under the old castle, past restaurants brimming with fresh seafood, and appreciate this rare, underdeveloped stretch of Spanish coastline. 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.
Day 7 Day 7: Costa De La Luz / Tarifa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Costa De La Luz / Tarifa

Today there are plenty of optional activities to choose from. Perhaps head out on a whale and dolphin watching expedition on the Iberian Peninsula. At this unique place, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and where Europe meets Africa, you’ll have a chance to see seven different species of whales and dolphins. Alternatively, take a day trip to Northern Africa and the town of Tangier in Morocco, just 45 minutes away by ferry. Once a hotspot for artists, secret agents and millionaires, Tangier has been going through something of a renaissance of late. 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 promenad or one interesting option is 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.
Day 8 Day 8: Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Seville

Travel to the vibrant city of Seville. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance – the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also 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, why not go and experience it all in person. 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. Or maybe spend your evening San Jacinto, the bustling main street of the Triana quarter, and discover the interesting and adventurous food on offer.
Day 9 Day 9: Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Seville

Today is a free day to discover Seville, but checking out the world’s largest Gothic cathedral is an absolute 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 through the ages, and now gaining international fame as a shooting location for Game of Thrones. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city’s many tapas bars. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group (included). Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.
Day 10 Day 10: Cordoba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cordoba

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 quirky 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).
Day 11 Day 11: Valencia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Valencia

Take a train and head east to the coastal town of Valencia (approximately 6 hours). 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 through, and in the centre you will find the beautiful monuments and historical buildings. Busy markets, clean beaches, picturesque 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).
Day 12 Day 12: Valencia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Valencia

Hop on a bike today and pedal along Turia Park all the way to the iconic city of Art and Science. This activity is done at a leisurely pace and you certainly 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. For something a little quirkier, head to the Museum of the Fallas, which contains a history of the Valencia fire festival and giant papier mache figures that have been spared from the burning. The Museo de Bellas Artes has Spain’s second-biggest art collection, housed in a beautiful 17th-century convent. There are also many fine parks and gardens, or you may want to head to the beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa to soak up some sun. To try the paella that Valencia is famous for (rabbit and chicken), do as the locals do and 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, where the locals only start to head out as the clock strikes midnight.
Day 13 Day 13: Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Barcelona

Today take the train up the coast to Barcelona (approximately 3.5 hours). Barcelona’s quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife. In the afternoon, there are plenty of options to keep you busy. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and navigate your way through the throngs of tourists along La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined boulevard. Maybe grab a fresh juice at the colourful La Boqueria market while you’re there. Perhaps pay a visit to the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museum of City History to brush up on your local knowledge. Take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of Barcelona and the harbour. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre and so this evening perhaps head out to taste the reputation for yourself. You can take a tapas crawl through rustic Catalan dishes in the funky neighbourhood of El Born.
Day 14 Day 14: Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Barcelona

Join your leader on an orientation walk around Barcelona today. See some of the city’s main sights, including 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. 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 for which Barcelona is famous, 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, which is home to more colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city. For something a little different, perhaps have a poke around the Old Santa Creu Hospital. For your tonight, perhaps finish the day with a sip of red wine from a porro – a traditional glass pitcher.
Day 15 Day 15: Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Barcelona

Today your Spanish adventure comes to an end in the morning. 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 spend a few more days in Barcelona, then our reservations team can help book accommodation (subject to availability).

+12

15 days tour

Best Of Spain

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Best Of Spain

Day 1: Madrid

Day 2: Granada

Day 3: Granada

Day 4: Ronda

Day 5: Ronda

Day 6: Tarifa

Day 7: Costa De La Luz / Tarifa

Day 8: Seville

Day 9: Seville

Day 10: Cordoba

Day 11: Valencia

Day 12: Valencia

Day 13: Barcelona

Day 14: Barcelona

Day 15: Barcelona

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