This unique itinerary combines historic district hotel stays in Seville, Granada, Madrid, and Barcelona. with pre-tour extension option to Portugal. You unpack, relax and enjoy slow travel through Spain.
SEE ITINERARYThis small group Journey features:
- Start in sizzling Seville: Flamenco Show, Royal Alcázar Palace, Plaza de Espana, Seville Cathedral and Santa Cruz Quarter
- Visit cool Cordoba: Mezquita, Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
- Granada is great with the Alhambra Palace & Fortress, Generalife Water Gardens, Old Quarter, Sacromonte,
- Magical Madrid: Royal Palace, Prado Art Museum, Tapas, Mercado de San Miguel, Reina Sofia, Picasso
- You can't beat Barcelona: Capital of Catalonia, Gothic Quarter, Montjuic Hill, Gaudi, Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia
- Consider our Week in Portugal Pre-Tour Extension
"Effortless. Serene. I'll travel no other way."
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Itinerary at a Glance
Featuring Unique Experiences with Journey's Approach to Travel:
- Consider a Pre-Tour Overnight Hotel in Seville (or Porto) to recover from your Transatlantic flight.
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR: A WEEK IN PORTUGAL
PORTO & LISBON: A Week in Portugal: 7 Days/6 Nights
TOUR COMMENCES: SEVILLE, 2 Nights
Seville delights with flamenco dancing and architecture.
GRANADA, 2 Nights
The Alhambra. Architecture and Monuments.
MADRID, 2 Nights
Puerta del Sol. Markets. Royalty.
TOUR FINALE: BARCELONA, 2 Nights
La Sagrada Familia. Festivals. Beaches.
Journey's hotels are located in the Historic Centers and locations travelers desire; while on tour include all tourism/city taxes, daily breakfast with table service or buffet (continental in Classic), WiFi, and portage.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider Early Arrival Options
Your flight to Seville, Spain, should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 10 Days (9 Days, 8 Nights Land). The trip ends in Barcelona. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare. Also check out our Temptation Journey to Portugal — the perfect pre-tour adventure to Spain.
Signature Spain Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SEVILLE - THE HEART OF ANDALUSIA
Make your way to Seville airport, clear customs and then meet our driver for the included transfer to the hotel.
Discovery Walk: Seville
Enjoy a discovery orientation walk with the Journey Tour Captain this afternoon to better learn the sights around our hotel in the heart of the city.
Welcome to Seville Dinner
Later tonight, we join the Journey Tour Captain tonight for a welcome dinner in Seville. Every Journey dinner is a gala event and it will be especially so in this intriguing city. Remember that we dine in family-run restaurants where you choose your dinner from the menu which includes wine, beer, soft drinks and cocktails.
Accommodations in Seville, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, Hotel Alfonso XII or Similar
Walking on Your Journey
We enjoy walking the cobblestone streets and many stairs of Spain, so get ready for exploring the cities and villages by foot. Plan to be on your feet for up to three (3) hours standing and walking up-and-down stairs, cobblestone streets, and hopping on-and-off our private (and sometimes public) transportation in all weather conditions (rain, sun, hot and cold weather). Our pace is unhurried but you must be physically capable of walking.
DAY 2: SEVILLE EXPLORING
Today's Adventure: Plaza de España and Maria-Luisa Park
Plaza de España, a magnificent and colorful square looks like a movie set and actually has been used as one! Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, it features brilliant mosaic murals and benches. Its many buildings are now used as government offices. We will visit the tranquil Maria-Luisa Park with its monuments,fountains and many native and exotic plants.
Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.
DAY 3: SIGHTS IN CORDOBA , AND ON TO GRANADA
After breakfast, we will depart Seville for a short 45 minute train journey to Cordoba,best known for its immense Mezquita-Cathedral, a World-Heritage Site.
Today's Adventure: Cordoba
We will meet our Local Guide and enjoy our expertly guided tour of the Mezquita followed by a stroll along Calleja de las Flores (Flower Street) where we will glimpse into the many patio gardens. Cordoba is known for its Patio Flower Festival in early May. After lunch on our own and free time for more exploration or shopping, we depart Cordoba in late afternoon to continue our train journey to Granada, our home for two nights.
Welcome to Granada Dinner
Tonight join your Journey Tour Captain for a gala dinner with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The two combine for an unforgettable experience.
Accommodations in Granada, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection or Similar
DAY 4: GRANADA DISCOVERY
Today's Adventure: Historic Granada
After breakfast, join the Tour Captain and our Local Guide for a tour (with skip-the-line access) of the Alhambra, the majestic palace fortress which became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella following the Christian Reconquista in 1492. After our tour of the buildings we will have time to visit the famous castle gardens.
We finish our sightseeing mid-day and the balance of the day is at leisure.
This afternoon you may optionally consider exploring the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the Incarnation and the Royal Chapel, where Ferdinand and Isabella are entombed. And visit the nearby Arab Spice Market reminiscent of a souk where visitors can stroll through the vibrant shops and stalls. Seasonaility and timing may affect open hours.
Tonight join your Journey Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure. Perhaps sample tapas at one of the restaurants in cathedral square.
DAY 5: TO MADRID
This morning we enjoy breakfast and make our way to the airport for our late morning flight to Madrid (some itineraries may use the train or microcoach). The required flight today is quoted separately at time of booking. Book early for best savings. Upon arrival, we make our way to the heart of the city and our home for the next 2 days and nights.
Discovery Walk: Madrid
Meet your Journey Tour Captain at the hotel for an introductory stroll through Madrid.
Welcome to Madrid Dinner: Flamenco!
Tonight we take in a traditional Flamenco in the capital city of the Flamenco! The amazing experience is truly an art form which was born in Andalucía around the 15th century. The Flamenco is an expressive performance through dance, guitar-playing and song. The rhythm of this classic Spanish dance pulses through the streets of Madrid and provides great entertainment as we explore this city.
Accommodations in Madrid, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Palacio Del Retiro, Autograph Collection or Similar
DAY 6: MADRID EXPLORATION
Enjoy daily breakfast (included table service or buffet).Today's Adventure: Discoveries of Madrid
Today we meet our Journey Tour Captain and Local Guide to begin our city exploration - passing
the monumental Felipe IV Gate and Retiro Park, a lush green space in the center of the city which is a World Heritage Site. We make our way to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family in Madrid. We will tour this magnificent former royal residence highlighting the wealth of art and opulent appointments. We will visit the famous, bustling food market, Mercado San Miguel, to browse the many culinary options and have lunch on our own. This afternoon we visit the world-renowned Prado Art Museum, Spain’s national museum. The museum houses one of the finest collections of European art including works by Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Titian and Velasquez.
We return to our hotel for the balance of the afternoon at leisure.
Options to Consider this Afternoon: You might stroll through Retiro Park to enjoy the sculptures, fountains and the Glass Palace, now used by the Reina Sofia Museum as an exhibit space. The Reina Sofia museum itself has a wealth of 20th century paintings including works by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. One of Picasso’s most famous and dramatic works, Guernica, is exhibited there. You will find interesting shopping opportunities at Puerta del Sol with Spain’s largest department store, El Corte Inglés. Be sure to go to the rooftop for panoramic views of central Madrid.
**Should you wish to venture outside of the city on your own today for a visit to Toledo or Segovia, we can assist you in advance with train tickets or a private transfer. This is optional and not included in the tour package.
Journey is Different: Tonight your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner or they can help you with dining reservations if you prefer to explore at your leisure.
DAY 7: TO BARCELONA
After breakfast this morning, we will make our way to the airport for our flight to Barcelona. The required flight today is quoted separately at time of booking. Book early for best savings.
After we arrive at our hotel in the Gothic Quarter, we will have time to freshen up and free time for lunch or a snack.
Discovery Walk: Barcelona
This afternoon join your Tour Captain for an introductory walk in the Gothic Quarter to La Rambla and La Boqueria with its market stalls.
Welcome to Barcelona Dinner
This evening join your Tour Captain for a gala dinner including wine, beer, soft drinks, cocktails. We will sample typical Catalan cuisine, influenced by the region's position on the Mediterranean.
Accommodations in Barcelona with breakfast, 2 Nights
Deluxe: Grand Hotel Central, Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia, or Similar
BACK TO TOP
DAY 8: EXPLORATION OF BARCELONA
Today's Adventure: Barcelona City Tour + Park Guell
After breakfast we join our Tour Captain and Local Guide for a walking and driving tour of Barcelona. We will drive along Passeig de Gracia, one of the main streets passing Gaudi-designed houses, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. We will see the Old Port and the Arc de Triomf, built for the Universal Exposition of 1888. We will have skip-the-line tickets for a tour of Sagrada Familia, the unfinished crown jewel of the city. We then take in the Park Güell on the outskirts of the city. The Gaudi-designed park is an innovative harmony of nature and architecture. We will enjoy the gardens, mosaic benches and whimsical buildings.
We return to our hotel for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Our Special Journey Finalé
Tonight meet your Tour Captain and fellow travelers to celebrate our journey together. We will toast one another with a festive apéritif and then proceed to our gala finalé dinner. As our journey ends, we reminisce about our exploration of Spanish culture and history. We don't say Adios - we simply say Hasta la proxima! - until next time.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE DAY
This morning we bid Farewell to Journey's Signature Spain Tour. You can fly from Barcelona international airport for your transatlantic flight or you might want to extend your journey to other parts of Europe - perhaps to Andorra or to the South of France.
OPTION: 7 Day Pre-Tour
Adventure to Portugal
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PORTO
Upon arrival to the Porto airport, clear customs and then meet our driver for the included transfer to the hotel.Discovery Walk: Porto
This afternoon you will meet our Journey Tour Captain who will host a discovery walk through the heart of vibrant Porto. We will see the Sao Bento Station with its magnificent azulejo tile murals, the renowned Lello Bookstore and the City Market Bolhao.
Welcome to Porto Dinner
Tonight join the Journey Tour Captain for an included dinner in a picturesque location in Porto.
Accommodations in Porto, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: InterContinental Porto - Palace Das Cardosas or Similar
DAY 2: Exploring Porto
After a delicious included breakfast at the hotel, meet the Tour Captain and our City Guide for an in-depth walking tour of historic Porto. Today as we delve into the unique culture of the city, we will visit Sao Bento Station, said to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, the Gothic Monument Church of St. Francis, the Romanesque Porto Cathedral, the Stock Exchange Palace, the Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore) said to be the third most beautiful bookstore in the world.
DAY 3: Optional Douro Valley & Winery Experience
Today's Optional Adventure: Douro Valley
After breakfast, consider our optional tour outside of the city into the lush and beautiful Douro Valley. Travel along the river into one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world with stunning landscapes. We will visit one of the finest historic cellars in the region where we will enjoy a tour and wine tasting with views of the Douro River. Following our visit, we return to Porto for an afternoon at leisure. $330 per person.
Tonight's Dinner
Enjoy a special dinner tonight with the Tour Captain in Porto.
DAY 4: To Belem and Lisbon
We make our way south toward Lisbon this morning to continue our discovery of amazing Portugal.
Today's Adventure: Belem to Lisbon
Meet your Tour Captain this morning as we make our way to the town of Belém and visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery). We will see the Belem Tower and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries. We continue our journey on to Lisbon in the late-afternoon to check in and freshen up before a Discovery Walkabout to our welcome dinner.
Discovery Walk: Meet the Tour Captain for our Discovery Walkabout on the way to dinner.
Welcome to Lisbon Dinner
Join your Tour Captain for a Welcome Dinner at a restaurant featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine paired with regional wines.
Accommodations in Lisbon, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Deluxe: Hotel Avenida Palace, Bairro Alto Hotel or Similar
DAY 5: Discovering Lisbon
Today's Adventure: Treasures of Lisbon
After a delicious included breakfast, meet the Journey Tour Captain and our Local Guide for a walking tour of historic Lisbon where we will learn of the many architectural and historical influences from Roman and Moorish occupations of the country and the dramatic impact of the earthquake of 1755. We will explore some of the neighborhoods of Lisbon including Baixa, where you will learn the history of the earthquake that shaped today's downtown. Bairro Alto, the local's favorite for nightlife, and Chiado, one of the oldest areas of the city, will prove delightful as our guide provides expert commentary.
DAY 6: DAY AT LEISURE
Today's Optional Adventure: Discovering Evora
Consider a day trip to Evora: Evora, the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region is about a 1 ½ hour journey into the heart of the Alentejo. You will travel past the many cork trees which supply the country’s large cork production since Portugal is the largest producer in the world. You will visit a cork factory and learn the process of growing, harvesting and creating the many cork products - from wine bottle corks, to purses and jewelry. We will return late afternoon to Lisbon for a free evening. $330 per person.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE TO SPAIN OR END YOUR JOURNEY
Your time in Portugal ends today after breakfast (time permitting). Some of you may be extending to our Signature Spain Tour — interestsed? — inquire with us today. Flights from Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain are quoted separately: book early for best fares.