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Best of Spain
15 Day Spain Tour of Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Cordoba
Don’t miss a thing as you explore the Best of Spain, featuring all the travel highlights and some surprises, from olive oil tasting on an Andalusian estate and learning all about Toledo’s three religions, to the treasured cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
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Trip code
SBES
Best of Spain
15 Day Spain Tour of Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Cordoba
Don’t miss a thing as you explore the Best of Spain, featuring all the travel highlights and some surprises, from olive oil tasting on an Andalusian estate and learning all about Toledo’s three religions, to the treasured cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
Welcome to the fiery Spanish capital that is Madrid. Delve deep into the soul of a city that marches to the tune of the tapas, before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Rafael Atocha
Journey over the pine-clad Guadarrama Mountains to Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, where we will visit the tomb of El Cid, a national hero and the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem – El Cantar de Mio Cid. We cross the Ebro River and the Cantabrian Cordillera Mountains, travelling to the coast and the sophisticated capital of the Cantabrian region, Santander.
We depart Santander and travel to Bilbao to view the striking Guggenheim Museum, built from titanium, glass and limestone and designed by renowned Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry. Continuing to San Sebastián, the gourmet capital of Spain, we see the beautiful Bahia de La Concha beach during our orientation drive. Our overnight stay is in the vibrant city of Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls fiesta. Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and enjoy a drink at Café Iruña, ramble along the brilliantly lit city ramparts or delight in the local pintxos before enjoying dinner at your hotel this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - NH Iruña Park
Our journey continues through the Ebro Valley to Zaragoza where we’ll view the Basilica of El Pilar and Cathedral of La Seo. Arrive in Barcelona, soak up the charm of a city that professes two great loves – Gaudí and football. Enjoy panoramic views of a city, which dates back to Roman times, from atop Montjuïc, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Amble through the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine lanes, indulge in the aromas and flavours of La Boqueria and discover the best crema Catalana in town.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Tryp Apolo
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Gothic Quarter and Dinner
Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the marina of Port Olympic, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favourite local eateries.
Adult Price: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Discover Barcelona
The whimsical fantasy world of Gaudí is on display this morning as we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada Família in the company of a Local Specialist. We'll see Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya, which lies at the heart of Barcelona, before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mystical Montserrat
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, we'll visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Off to Coastal Peñíscola and Valencia
The sweet scent of oranges accompanies us on our journey along the Costa Dorada south to fortified Peñíscola, where we'll see the ancient castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continuing through fertile huertas, we arrive in sunny Valencia where we will stay the night. Our orientation of this cultural city includes views of the modernist style Mercado de Colon, the bullring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the Art Nouveau Estación del Norte. Witness the modern verve of Valencia and view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava, before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.
We'll delve into the country's third-largest city to enjoy its Mediterranean verve. Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The iconic dish "Paella" originated here and tonight we'll learn about its traditions and enjoy this singular Spanish fare during a typical meal in one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Venture to Granada
Journey via the dramatic Mora Pass to the city of Granada where we meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular UNESCO-listed Alhambra. Its golden façades and extraordinary Moorish architecture reflect centuries of multi-cultural history, which you will have a rare opportunity to explore as you wander through its palaces and exotic water gardens. Check in to your hotel later, where we will dine tonight.
Set your watch to Spanish time and enjoy a leisurely morning on your terms, or consider taking an Optional Experience to explore the medieval Moorish Quarter of Granada - Albaicín - with its narrow winding lanes, churches, minarets and palaces. We leave Granada behind for the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, where we'll spend the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Stroll along the beachside promenade, relax at one of the nearby beach cafes or visit the picture-perfect whitewashed Andalusian village of Mijas - the choice is yours.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Meliá
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see the oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Costa del Sol Your Way
Another day in paradise for you to kick back, worship the Spanish sunshine and taste la buena vida. Enjoy fresh seafood in Torremolinos, relax on the bleached beaches and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere or consider an Optional Experience to the effervescent Andalusian capital of Málaga to explore centuries of history.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Experience Málaga, the Capital of the Costa Del Sol
We'll spend the morning with our Local Specialist in this charming, elegant Mediterranean capital, the birth-place of Pablo Picasso. We'll experience panoramic views from the Moorish Gibralfaro fortress, including the magnificent harbour and the Alcazaba ramparts. Then, in the heart of downtown Málaga, we'll see the ancient Roman theater and sample an aperitif in one of the city’s most-famous taverns.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Explore Gibraltar and on to Seville
A scenic drive takes you past the millionaires' resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, for free time to explore or consider joining an Optional Experience to St. Michael's Cave to see the Barbary Macaques (Rock Apes). This afternoon, continue through the Andalusian countryside past Jerez - famous for its sherry production - to Seville. This evening, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience with the Morillo family at their olive oil estate. We will overnight in the heart of the Jewish Quarter at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, Las Casas de la Juderia, a collection of 15th-century Andalusian townhouses connected by hidden passages.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Las Casas de la Juderia
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
See the Sights of Seville
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a tour of Seville's leafy avenues. See the iconic Giralda Bell Tower and visit the Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Stroll through Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions, palms and orange trees, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Explore the Jewish history of Spain in Seville's former Jewish Quarter, where a wall separated the Jewish community from the rest of the city during medieval times. Tonight, consider soaking up the fiery flamenco atmosphere in the city that made this passionate dance famous.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Discover The Origin Of "Tapas" & Evening In Old Seville
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with and included drink.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Flamenco, the best show in town with a three-course dinner
This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 12
Journey to Córdoba
We journey to Córdoba to meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the astounding Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Then visit the remains of the 14th-century Mudéjar-style synagogue in the old Jewish neighbourhood, before spending the rest of the day at leisure admiring the city's extraordinary Moorish architecture and heritage. This evening we dine at our hotel.
We leave Andalucía and cross Don Quijote's La Mancha region, famous for its windmills, wines and cheese. Your Local Specialist takes you on a walking tour of Toledo where you’ll Dive Into Culture as you explore this ancient hilltop city. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's masterpiece – 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and the synagogue, the oldest one still standing in Europe. This evening we arrive in feisty Madrid, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Rafael Atocha
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 14
Discover Stylish Madrid
The grand plazas of Madrid take centre stage today as we join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Spain's capital city. See Gran Vía and the Cibeles Fountain before we Dive Into Culture and visit the world-famous Prado Museum, featuring one of the world's finest collections of European art, including masterpieces by Velazquez. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city. Visit the Royal Palace with its spectacular Goya artworks, relax in the leafy Buen Retiro Park or enjoy the flavours and aromas of jamon in the Market of San Miguel. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic adventure through Spain.
Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairy-tale Castle
Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 15
Farewell Madrid
Our journey together has come to an end. For now it's a fond adiós to Spain and newfound friends. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
Gothic Quarter and Dinner
Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the marina of Port Olympic, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favourite local eateries.
Adult Price: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Mystical Montserrat
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, we'll visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Valencia Dinner and Discovery
We'll delve into the country's third-largest city to enjoy its Mediterranean verve. Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The iconic dish "Paella" originated here and tonight we'll learn about its traditions and enjoy this singular Spanish fare during a typical meal in one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see the oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Experience Málaga, the Capital of the Costa Del Sol
We'll spend the morning with our Local Specialist in this charming, elegant Mediterranean capital, the birth-place of Pablo Picasso. We'll experience panoramic views from the Moorish Gibralfaro fortress, including the magnificent harbour and the Alcazaba ramparts. Then, in the heart of downtown Málaga, we'll see the ancient Roman theater and sample an aperitif in one of the city’s most-famous taverns.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Discover The Origin Of "Tapas" & Evening In Old Seville
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with and included drink.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Flamenco, the best show in town with a three-course dinner
This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 13
Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 14
Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairy-tale Castle
Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
14 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
21 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 14 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.
Stays with Stories
Hotel Las Casas de La Juderia comprises a collection of elegant 15th-century Andalusian townhouses and flower-filled courtyards in the heart of Seville.
Dive into Culture
Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
Dive Into Culture
Embark on a walking tour in the ancient hill-top city of Toledo, renowned for its medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian Monuments.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo and Madrid with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Discover Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona and Valencia
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit The Tomb of El Cid in Burgos, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Rock of Gibraltar, the Cathedral in Seville, the Mosque of the Caliphs in Córdoba, the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo and the Prado Museum in Madrid
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, La Concha Bay in San Sebastián, the Cathedral of Zaragoza, La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Castle of Peñíscola, the Serrano and Quart Towers and City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Best of Spain trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4
I just feel like Trafalgar has taken a step back from being the premier travel company for Europe. You save money by shipping everything electronically... but, I loved the physical itinerary and travel wallet that you used to give. Where if you did all the optionals, you did not have to pay for anything else such as meals, and that it was more of a vacation than a school trip. The issue that I have the most with is how the itineraries are written to be misleading. We are in Barcelona and for the iconic La Sagrada Familia, you have our tour be walking around the building and NOT inside... are you kidding me? If we knew this before and not be mislead by the brochure, we would have done it ourselves before we started the tour. My first Trafalgar tour... I appreciated that with all my optional tours, I had dinner... so each day my breakfast and a second meal was covered. With this tour, doing all the optional tours, I was still having to cover for one meal a couple of the days so there were 2 meals... I know this sounds like a small point, but with all we pay for the trip and then for the optional tours on top... should this not cover all your breakfast and dinners? The coach was great... like the usb charging ports and wifi. As for the hotels, I enjoyed them all except the Madrid hotel, Rafaelhoteles Atocha... my issue with this hotel is the rooms are too basic... just a bed and a PLASTIC chair... it was very uncomfortable... could have been overlooked if only 1 night, but 3 nights... that was a stain on thee trip for me.
I appreciate how almost every effort was made to accommodate us. Sometimes, I felt like I was on a school trip as opposed to a vacation with the class being bombarded with information and herded together for most of the time. Ellen was fantastic. She does have a wealth of knowledge. She stresses punctuality. The thing about Ellen that I appreciated the most is how she would care for a person who was struggling. She has a big heart and with how stressful the job is, she rarely got flustered. I was not overly impressed with our Barcelona tour director who just marched us around, but paid little attention to where the class was as some were struggling to keep up. Talking to some of the other guests, we were calling these type of "tours" forced marches... the guide would just walk on talking facts and just keep us moving... not very enjoyable. The tour director I was least impressed with was the one in Malaga... it was like she was just talking to herself with this giggle as her head was down and she wandered around. She had no clue whether we were with her or not. For the most part, it was pointless and unenjoyable. The last role which I felt was pointless was our Wellness Director, Chantal... now, I do understand that much of what she would do was behind the scenes with wiping down the coach and luggage... on the bus, she would give us our "shot" of hand sanitizer. Other than that, was she a tourist... I have more photos of her when she walked in front of me so she can take a photo than I do actual tourists. If you want to hire me to do that little and tour around for free for 2 weeks like a vacation, please give me a call. I would love a job like that and get tipped for squirting hand sanitizer in people's hands when the leave and get on the bus and when people ask you for assistance as they are not feeling well, just tell them where the nearest pharmacy is (and yes, that is what Chantal did when my partner told her that she was not feeling well). Let me finish with the bad before going back to the good.... - The last restaurant, for the Farewell dinner, was horrible... everyone, including Ellen, did not enjoy that place. - The Rafaelhoteles Atocha hotel is not comfortable... it has the most basic for a room... a bed and a plastic chair... all other hotels were great. - Jose, our second driver, needs to go back to driving school... he almost hit, that I witnessed, 2 pedestrians, 1 motorcycle, and did hit the pole in front of the Atocha hotel in Madrid. Back to the good... - George, our initial driver, he was fantastic... professional and a master at driving. Not a single issue and how he maneuvered that bus was nothing less than spectacular. - Again, Ellen... her style is a little too regimented for me, but she is absolutely knowledgable and a very caring person. I enjoyed what we saw and experienced... funny enough... I would have enjoyed more of the transitive places we visited like Zaragoza and Gibraltar than some of the big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, such as Zaragoza and Gibraltar. I loved Seville, Granada, Gibraltar, and Torremolinos.
I would recommend Trafalgar to my friends and tell people the tours I have done. Recommend my favorite tour Directors . Tell them about the meals and wines .
The itinerary was very good and it covered lots of places of interest however it could be a bit more varied. The coach was comfortable and we had an excellent coach driver, Paulo. I was disappointed that we could not bring our hand luggage (7kg allowed on our flights) as we were more than willing and capable of carrying our own hand luggage in and out of the coach. Yet when we went on this tour there were several travelers from other countries who had the type of hand luggage that we were told not to bring. One of the hotels (in Seville) was very unsatisfactory for us (myself and my husband). As you have a rotation of seats for the group on the coach, i believe there should also be a rotation of accommodation at the hotels where we stay so that it is fair to everyone. For some reason, we did not receive any email correspondence from the travel director of this trip (no welcome nor farewell emails) yet my husband and I received our emails from Trafalgar!
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
The visit to Gibraltar is subject to Gibraltarian and Spanish visa requirements. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Special Rate Solo Rooming: Departures 01 April, 03 June, 12 August and 30 September 2022 will include 20 – 100% discount on our standard single supplement.
Access to attractions within the Alhambra complex, including the Nasrid Palace, is at the discretion of the staff of the Alhambra. Your Travel Director will advise and, if necessary, adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.