Day 1 : DAY 1: Arrive in Madrid
Welcome to the start of your Spanish adventure! Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel in Madrid this morning and give the group a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head out on an orientation tour of Spain’s capital city! Visit top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more! This evening, enjoy an included dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers and learn a bit more from your tour leader about what incredible experiences the next seven days will bring!
Day 2 : DAY 2: Madrid - Segovia - San Sebastian
This morning, depart Madrid and travel to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, enjoy a comfort stop in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site city which offers the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Later this afternoon, arrive in San Sebastian, a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the city’s enchanting old town. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas!
Day 3 : DAY 3: San Sebastian - Pamplona - Zaragoza
The first stop today is Pamplona, the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Packed with history, enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. Then, head to Zaragoza and enjoy a wine tasting, before taking a walking tour of the city. Zaragoza has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries, as seen in the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace and the Roman theatre.
Day 4 : DAY 4: Andorra - Barcelona
En route to Barcelona, make a comfort stop in Andorra. This tiny independent principality has a population of just 85,000 and is located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Enjoy some free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. This afternoon, arrive in Sant Cugat, where the hotel for the next two nights is located. This town is just outside of the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Barcelona! Enjoy an included group dinner at the hotel tonight.
Day 5 : DAY 5: Barcelona: Free Day
Get acquainted with Barcelona’s vibrant energy during a driving tour this morning! Keep your eyes open for some spectacular examples of Antoni Gaudí’s eclectic art and architecture.The rest of the day is free. The best way to experience the city is on the Highlights of Barcelona optional excursion which includes a visit to the magnificent Sagrada Família plus visits to Palau Güell, La Boqueria market and the Gothic Quarter. Alternatively, see the panoramic views from Park Guell, walk along Las Ramblas, explore the ‘Old Town’, museums, art galleries and experience some of Europe’s best shopping. Join the optional excursion to see a traditional Flamenco show this evening - this is an experience not to be missed!
Day 6 : DAY 6: Peniscola - Valencia
Leave Barcelona behind and travel south down the coast towards Valencia, stopping off along the way in Peniscola. With a historic old town, beautiful promenade and sandy beach overlooked by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar, there are few more picturesque places in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop! After arriving in Valencia, enjoy a guided tour of this thriving port city, which retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. As this is the last night on tour, round off the day with a farewell paella dinner this evening.
Day 7 : DAY 7: Valencia - End of tour in Madrid
The journey continues through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote. Later, explore Castillo de Belmonte, with entrance to this medieval castle included in your tour package. The interiors are dominated by spectacular stucco works in the Gothic and Moorish styles and a beautiful Neo-Gothic courtyard. Later this afternoon, arrive back in Madrid for the end of the tour. Be sure to swap contact details with your newly made travel friends!