Captivating Spain
Captivating Spain
Captivating Spain
9 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Málaga, Malaga, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DY-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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 TIMESMALL 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 HIGHLIGHTPAINTING 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 HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL 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 SPOTLIGHTSMALL 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 HIGHLIGHTMOOR 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
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Welcome Dinner in Madrid
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel in Madrid.
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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.
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AVE Train to Málaga
Board your AVE train and ride to Málaga for an intimate walking tour and a visit to the Picasso Museum.
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Excursion to Setenil and Ronda
Travel through the Guadalhorce Valley to Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda, exploring their unique landscapes and historical significance.
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Visit to Alhambra Palace
Visit the Alhambra Palace and the Water Gardens of the Generalife in Granada.
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Guided Tour in Granada
Join your guide through Granada's Albaicín district and taste a traditional mint tea.
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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.
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Boat Ride in Albufera National Park
Explore Albufera National Park aboard a traditional albuferenc boat and enjoy an authentic Spanish paella lunch.
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Exploration of Barcelona
Explore the hidden gems of Barcelona, including a visit to Mercat de la Concepció and a traditional tapas lunch.
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Breakfast in Barcelona
Your tour ends with breakfast in Barcelona.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Spain are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How does the tour end?
The tour ends with breakfast in Barcelona on the final morning.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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