Captivating Spain

Captivating Spain

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9 Days From

$4969

$4716

Captivating Spain

9 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain

Visiting: Madrid, Málaga, Malaga, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

DY-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4969 $4716 Operator discount: -$253

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Captivating Spain" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Spain. Begin your journey in Madrid, tracing the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, and explore the vibrant traditions of the city. Travel to Málaga to delve into Picasso's legacy, then venture through the picturesque white villages of Setenil and Ronda. Discover the architectural marvels of Granada's Alhambra Palace, and savor the flavors of Valencia with a traditional paella lunch. Conclude your adventure in the bustling city of Barcelona, exploring its hidden gems and celebrating with a tapas feast. This tour offers an intimate, small-group experience, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable exploration of Spain's most iconic destinations.

Highlights

  • Explore the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway in Madrid, including Plaza de Oriente and the Old Town hall.

  • Visit the Picasso Museum in Málaga and learn about the artist's connection to the city.

  • Discover the unique white village of Setenil de las Bodegas and the historic city of Ronda.

  • Tour the Alhambra Palace and the Water Gardens of the Generalife in Granada.

  • Enjoy a traditional mint tea in Granada's Albaicín district and taste Horchata in Valencia.

  • Cruise Albufera National Park in Valencia and savor an authentic paella lunch.

  • Explore Barcelona's Mercat de la Concepcio and celebrate with a traditional tapas lunch at El Nacional.

Places You'll See

Riu Plaza España

Molina Lario

Alhambra Palace

Senator Parque Central

El Avenida Palace

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España

Meals Included: Breakfast


MADRID The Sun Also Rises Join your small group for a guided tour that traces the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, the Nobel Literature Prize-winner who frequented Madrid over three decades with a fascination for the city and its culture in works including For Whom the Bell Tolls, Death in the Afternoon, and The Sun Also Rises. Hear about the deep connections between U.S. and Spain through those who knew Hemingway in depth, such as John Dos Passos and Ava Gardner. (B)

SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Your small group city sightseeing reveals the traditions and daily life of Madrid, featuring the painter’s market where artists paint and showcase their works. Walk to Plaza de Oriente and the Old Town hall where narrow streets lead to the Carboneras Convent of the sisters of Corpus Christi Jerónimas, who bake and sell delicious sweets.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of the small group optional experience with an exclusive gastronomic experience. Browse different venues to taste culinary specialties and feel free to imbibe in establishments chosen for their authenticity, local character, and quality.

Day 3: Madrid,Málaga

Location: Málaga

Accommodation Name: Molina Lario

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Board your AVE train and ride to Málaga to enjoy an intimate walking tour to explore the sights. Visit the Picasso Museum for a unique opportunity to explore the life and works of the artist in the city where he was born. Later join your small group for dinner at a local restaurant.
MADRID–MÁLAGA The Artist Within Board your AVE train and ride to Málaga to enjoy an intimate walking tour to explore the sights. Visit the Picasso Museum for a unique opportunity to explore the life and works of the artist in the city where he was born. Later join your small group for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PAINTING A PICTURE Learn about the profound connection between Málaga and Picasso, as the city significantly influenced the early years of one of the 20th century's most renowned artists. Whether you're an art aficionado or a curious traveler, exploring Málaga through the lens of Picasso provides a unique and enriching experience.

Day 4: Malaga: Excursion To Setenil & Ronda

Location: Malaga

Accommodation Name: Molina Lario

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue through the Guadalhorce Valley towards the Ronda Mountain Range en route to Setenil de las Bodegas, one of the most unique pueblos blancos (white villages) in Andalusia. Continue to Ronda, one of the most fascinating of Andalusian cities with its dramatic landscape and legendary romantic tales of bandits, bullfighters, and artists throughout history.
MALAGA: EXCURSION TO SETENIL & RONDA Bandits & Bullfighters Continue through the Guadalhorce Valley towards the Ronda Mountain Range en route to Setenil de las Bodegas, one of the most unique pueblos blancos (white villages) in Andalusia. Continue to Ronda, one of the most fascinating of Andalusian cities with its dramatic landscape and legendary romantic tales of bandits, bullfighters, and artists throughout history. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EN GARDE, TOREADOR! Stroll down the narrow, winding streets of Ronda and take in the well-preserved Moorish architecture. See The Plaza de Toros de Ronda, its famous bullring completely built in stone and dating back to 1784—considered the oldest in Spain.

Day 5: Malaga,Granada

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Alhambra Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast


MALAGA–GRANADA Splendid Spain Today, visit the Alhambra Palace and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.

ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Enjoy a special stay with your small group with a special overnight at the inspiring Nasrid Palace, now the Alhambra Palace hotel. A symbol of luxury and elegance, this historic hotel overlooks the city of Granada from a lofty hilltop perch in the heart of Alhambra.

Day 6: Granada,Valencia

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Senator Parque Central

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join your guide through Granada Albaicín district and taste a refreshing and traditional mint tea. In Valencia, your guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata beverage with delicious farton pastry.
GRANADA–VALENCIA Mint Condition Join your guide through Granada Albaicín district and taste a refreshing and traditional mint tea. In Valencia, your guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata beverage with delicious farton pastry. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MOOR TEA, PLEASE The legendary Albaicín district is one of the city’s oldest centers of medieval Moorish culture. Discover the essence of Islamic Granada as you wind through the labyrinth of narrow streets past stunning architecture, public fountains, and charming terraces. Stop at the Mirador de San Nicolas for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Alhambra, and Sierra Nevada mountains, then head to a local tearoom for a traditional tea break.

Day 7: Valencia,Albufera,Barcelona

Location: Valencia

Accommodation Name: El Avenida Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


VALENCIA–ALBUFERA–BARCELONA On the Water Take advantage of your small group size to explore [LF] Albufera National Park aboard a traditional albuferenc boat in the waterways where famed Valencian rice is grown for the local favorite dish, paella. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Cruise the lake with an eye out for a menagerie of flora and fauna, including flamingos, herons, storks, and other water birds who migrate here. See the traditional barracks of local farmers and see eel-fishing stations as well. Later, enjoy a delicious dish of authentic paella.


TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella lunch with a traditional recipe of Paella Valenciana made with chicken, sweet paprika, and golden saffron in a slow simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine.

Day 8: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: El Avenida Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore the hidden gems of the city of Barcelona with ease in your small group. Visit Mercat de la Concepcio, located in l´Eixample neighborhood—easily recognizable for its geometric grid pattern and Modernist architecture—with designer shopping, dining, and bars in Barcelona and the famed El National. Today, celebrate your adventures in Spain by sharing a traditional tapas lunch with your small group travel companions.
BARCELONA Barcelona Beauties Explore the hidden gems of the city of Barcelona with ease in your small group. Visit Mercat de la Concepcio, located in l´Eixample neighborhood—easily recognizable for its geometric grid pattern and Modernist architecture—with designer shopping, dining, and bars in Barcelona and the famed El National. Today, celebrate your adventures in Spain by sharing a traditional tapas lunch with your small group travel companions. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CELEBRATING SPAIN El Nacional is a unique food hall housed in a symbolic place, full of history. The famous eatery has stood witness to Barcelona’s industrial revolution to today since it was built in 1889. Initially housing a café-theatre, a fabric-dye factory, a pre-Civil War car dealer’s shop, and finally a garage, with its remaining large windows and metal pillars lending a unique charm as a welcome respite to end an epic journey through Spain.

Day 9: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: El Avenida Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
BARCELONA Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner in Madrid

    Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel in Madrid.

  • Guided Tour in Madrid

    Join your small group for a guided tour tracing the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and exploring the traditions and daily life of Madrid.

  • AVE Train to Málaga

    Board your AVE train and ride to Málaga for an intimate walking tour and a visit to the Picasso Museum.

  • Excursion to Setenil and Ronda

    Travel through the Guadalhorce Valley to Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda, exploring their unique landscapes and historical significance.

  • Visit to Alhambra Palace

    Visit the Alhambra Palace and the Water Gardens of the Generalife in Granada.

  • Guided Tour in Granada

    Join your guide through Granada's Albaicín district and taste a traditional mint tea.

  • Guided Tour in Valencia

    Enjoy a guided walking tour in Valencia, including a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata beverage with farton pastry.

  • Boat Ride in Albufera National Park

    Explore Albufera National Park aboard a traditional albuferenc boat and enjoy an authentic Spanish paella lunch.

  • Exploration of Barcelona

    Explore the hidden gems of Barcelona, including a visit to Mercat de la Concepció and a traditional tapas lunch.

  • Breakfast in Barcelona

    Your tour ends with breakfast in Barcelona.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Spain are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Alhambra and Generalife Granada|La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia (See only)|Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona

Accommodation

Madrid: Riu Plaza España, Malaga: Molina Lario, Granada: Alhambra Palace, Valencia: Senator Parque Central, Barcelona: El Avenida Palace

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at the Riu Plaza España in Madrid, Molina Lario in Malaga, Alhambra Palace in Granada, Senator Parque Central in Valencia, and El Avenida Palace in Barcelona.

  • What activities are included in the tour of Madrid?

    In Madrid, you will join a guided tour tracing the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, visit the painter’s market, walk to Plaza de Oriente and the Old Town hall, and have the option to enjoy an exclusive gastronomic experience.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Malaga?

    In Malaga, you will board an AVE train, enjoy an intimate walking tour, visit the Picasso Museum, and have dinner at a local restaurant.

  • What will we do on the excursion to Setenil and Ronda?

    You will travel through the Guadalhorce Valley to Setenil de las Bodegas, then continue to Ronda to explore its dramatic landscape, Moorish architecture, and the famous Plaza de Toros de Ronda bullring.

  • What highlights are included in the Granada visit?

    In Granada, you will visit the Alhambra Palace and the Water Gardens of the Generalife, and stay overnight at the historic Alhambra Palace hotel.

  • What unique experiences are included in Valencia?

    In Valencia, you will have a guided walking tour with a photo stop at the science complex, taste traditional Horchata with farton pastry, and explore Albufera National Park aboard a traditional albuferenc boat.

  • What will we do in Barcelona?

    In Barcelona, you will explore hidden gems of the city, visit Mercat de la Concepcio, and celebrate with a traditional tapas lunch at El Nacional.

  • How does the tour end?

    The tour ends with breakfast in Barcelona on the final morning.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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