Captivating Spain
9 Days
Tour Description
Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discover tour of Spain! Begin in Madrid, where Hemingway was inspired to pen great novels and explore Málaga where Picasso was born to revolutionize art history. Continue to Granada where brave bullfighters entered the ring as they had been since 1784, then marvel at the Alhambra Complex as one of the largest aristocratic treasures of Western Muslim history. In Valencia, sip Horchata or mint tea and explore the rich Moorish influences on architecture and culture. Sail on the waterways of Albufera National Park where water birds of every size flock to its sanctuary. Dig into the perfect pan of Valencia paella and tap into conversation over afternoon tapas in Barcelona. Any way you slice it, this Small Group Discovery tour of Spain is the perfect size to go big from Madrid to Barcelona!
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Ride the AVE train from Madrid to Malaga. Take a cruise in the rice farm in Albufera. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
- Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Ride the AVE train from Madrid to Malaga. Take a cruise in the rice farm in Albufera. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
- Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours.
Priced From:
$ 8859pp *
Start Location: Madrid, Spain
End Location: Barcelona, Spain
Major Destinations: Albufera National Park , Valencia,Alhambra Palace,Horchata Beverage,Science Complex, Valencia,Water Gardens of the Generalife
Breakfast Meals Included:
8
Lunch Meals Included:
2
Dinner Meals Included:
2
Itinerary
Day
1
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
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)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 Jeronimas, who bake and sell delicious sweets.
ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME
CULINARY EXPERIENCE Take advantage of the small group 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 - MALAGA
The Artist Within
Board your AVE train and ride to Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Traveller, exploring Malaga through the lens of Picasso provides a unique and enriching experience.
Day
4
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
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT 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
Mint Condition
Join your guide through Granada Albaicin 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 Albaicin district is one of the city's oldest centres 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
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 favourite 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.
LOCAL FAVOURITE
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
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 neighbourhood-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 cafe-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
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2025-09-20
Return Date :
2025-09-28
Twin :
8859 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-09-13
Return Date :
2025-09-21
Twin :
8959 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-06-21
Return Date :
2025-06-29
Twin :
8959 NZD
Open