Spain's Classics

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Embark on a Spanish adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Explore the wonders of the Prado Museum, one of Europe's greatest museums. See the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and feel the passion of this famous dance. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra Palace. Become part of an authentic "paella experience." View Antonio Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, including a visit to La Sagrada Familia. Explore Spain's priceless art, history, and cultural treasures set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY

PreNight: Get a head start; add a pre-tour overnight stay at Riu Plaza Espana.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
You are on your way to a colorful and cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain.

Day 2: Welcome to Madrid
Spain’s lively capital and largest city. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Included Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Madrid
During a locally guided panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic center, see iconic sites such as the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Tonight, you might experience Madrid like a local, with a metro ride, a walking tour, dinner, and traditional entertainment at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Madrid — Toledo — Madrid
Travel to the hilly town of Toledo (UNESCO), the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Embark on a comprehensive tour, highlighting the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Then, visit the Church of Santo Tome and view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz, before returning to Madrid.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Madrid — Cordoba — Seville
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba by the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and allow you to enjoy more free time in Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of Cordoba’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Then visit La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. End your day in Seville, considered to be Spain’s “cultural capital,” with dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Seville
Embark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Then decide on how you see Seville because it’s your choice! Walk the charming and quaint Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- see the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral* (UNESCO) – the largest Gothic church in the world – and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. End the afternoon with a tapas lunch at a local taberna. Enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville's top performers this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Seville — Granada
The last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Upon arrival, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. This evening, a guided tapas tour on foot is on the menu!
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Granada — Valencia
Travel through Spain's amazing landscape on your way to the Mediterranean coast. Pass by rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive and orange groves before arriving in the city of Valencia. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, melding historic and modern culture.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Valencia — Albufera — Valencia
On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. Explore the city’s old town on foot, discovering the history with a local expert. View the ornate towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you’ll shop side-by-side with the locals. Travel to Albufera, the area where paella first originated. Enjoy a boat ride on the canals surrounding the rice field plantations. Visit a traditional fisherman’s home, known as a barraca, and enjoy a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10: Valencia — Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colorful bird and flower stalls.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Barcelona
Embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi’s Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). A local expert will accompany you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia*** (UNESCO), considered to be the most famous of Gaudi’s works. Work on the basilica began in 1882, and it is scheduled to be completed in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of your trip to Spain.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Barcelona — Tour Ends
Return home with memories of a beautiful land and a diverse cultural heritage or begin your Costa Brava post-trip extension.
Included Meals: Breakfast

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES & WHAT TO PACK

Average Temperature

In March, Spain's average temperature ranges from 46-64°F (8–18°C), depending on the region. The southern regions, like Andalusia, are usually warmer, with cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga experiencing daytime temperatures of 64–72°F (18–22°C). The northern regions, like Galicia and Asturias, are generally cooler, with temperatures around 46–54°F (8–12°C)

What to Pack

For clothing, think layers. It's much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you're traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won't keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes, and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don't want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You'll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don't forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It's also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren't readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there's room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You'll need it to fit all the souvenirs you'll want to bring home.

TRIP DETAILS