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Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Spain

14 days |  16 days with Barcelona extension
14 days |  16 days with Barcelona extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

449
Physical activity
interior of the mezquita cathedral in andalucia spain
people walking through a square in spain
close up of thinly sliced ham and eggs on bread
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Culture, history, and cuisine, all with Spanish flavor.

Spain's charismatic locals and cosmopolitan cities shine on this tour, which take you from the museums of Madrid to the sands of the Costa del Sol. Barcelona and Madrid compete for the title of cultural capital, both boasting incredible art and architecture. Andalusia is a showcase of mosques, churches, and Moorish castles. Sample it all on this guided tour of Spain, traversing the country from north to south and back again.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 food tasting
  • 7 sightseeing tours
Read more

Included highlights

  • Prado Museum
  • Olive oil tasting
  • Córdoba
  • Seville Cathedral
  • Ronda
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Madrid today.

Madrid3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Madrid
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Spain! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast

Get an insider’s view of Madrid with a local guide.

  • View the Royal Palace, Spain’s largest royal residence
  • Pass by the Temple of Debod, a reassembled temple from ancient Egypt
  • View the city’s many squares, including Plaza Colón and Plaza Neptune
  • Explore the Prado, a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy and is home to the works of Goya, Velásquez, and more

Enjoy free time in Madrid or add an excursion.

Traditional Spanish Evening

From $165 per person

Day 4: Free day in Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Toledo

From $145 per person

Seville2 nights
Day 5: Seville via Córdoba & olive oil farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Ride a high-speed train to the town of Córdoba. Then, discover some of the flavors and history of Andalusia.

  • Explore Córdoba, which was once home to 700 mosques, 900 public baths, and 70 libraries
  • Enter the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the eighth century as a mosque and then transformed into a cathedral during the Christian Reconquista of 1236
  • Stop at an olive oil farm and join a local guide for a tour of the olive groves, mill, and cellar
  • Sample some orange-infused olive oil drizzled on top of chocolate gelato
  • Enjoy free time to shop

Then, continue on to Seville and sit down for an included dinner.

Please note: Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. 

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Seville
Included meal: Breakfast

Uncover the beauty of Seville, the historic Andalusian capital, on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • View the tiled pavilion of the Plaza de España
  • Pass the whitewashed homes of Barrio de Santa Cruz
  • Step inside the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world

Enjoy free time in Seville or add an excursion.

Traditional Seville Flamenco Show

From $109 per person

Costa del Sol2 nights
Day 7: Costa del Sol via Ronda
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to the beaches of Costa del Sol, stop to explore the famous cliffside town of Ronda with a local guide.

  • Admire the town's picturesque white buildings and pass the Plaza de Toros, which was constructed in the late 1700s
  • View the staggering Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge that spans a deep gorge
  • Walk by Mondragón Palace and enter Casa don Bosco, a historic home with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside

Continue on to Costa del Sol and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 8: Free day on Costa del Sol
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on the beaches of Costa del Sol or add an excursion.

A Day in Gibraltar

From $219 per person

Granada1 night
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of the Alhambra
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a guided tour of the UNESCO-recognized Alhambra, the Moorish sultans’ last stronghold in Spain.

  • Walk along the Cypress Promenade to view the upper and lower gardens of Generalife Palace, once the Nasrid dynasty’s summer home
  • Enjoy panoramic views overlooking Granada and the surrounding countryside
  • View the unique curved, Roman-style courtyard inside the Palace of Charles V
  • Admire the blend of Western art and Islamic design as you stroll through ornamented courtyards
  • Enter the Nasrid Palaces and see the Mexuar, where the Council of Ministers met
  • See where the royal family lived during visits to Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions

Please note: The order of activities is subject to change.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Valencia2 nights
Day 10: Valencia via Guadix
Included meal: Breakfast

On the way to Valencia, stop in the cave district of Guadix, where nearly half of the residents live underground.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Valencia
Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Valencia on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Pass the City of Arts and Sciences, a symbol of Spain’s modernist architecture
  • See the Torres de Serranos and national ceramics museum and on a drive through El Carmen neighborhood
  • Admire the UNESCO-listed Llotja de la Seda as you walk through the Old Town to Plaza de la Virgen
  • Gaze upon the unique architecture of Valencia Cathedral
  • Stop for a tasting of the decadent beverage known as horchata

Enjoy free time in Valencia or add an excursion.

Albufera Cruise & Paella Lunch

From $145 per person

Barcelona2 nights
Day 12: Transfer to Barcelona
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel along the Mediterranean coast as you make your way to Barcelona.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Follow a local on a guided tour of the Catalonian capital.

  • Step inside La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famous masterwork-in-progress
  • Drive along Passeig de Gràcia, past Gaudí’s “House of Bones”
  • Stop at Montjuïc, where the 1992 Olympic Games took place, and stroll through Mirador de l’Alcalde Park
  • Pass Plaça d’Espanya

Enjoy a free afternoon in Barcelona or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Park Güell & La Pedrera

From $149 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue exploring Barcelona.

Extension to Barcelona
Barcelona has a unique identity that practically radiates charm. Spend a couple days uncovering the city’s modernist architecture, Mediterranean shores, and Catalan cuisine, and lean on your Tour Director for guidance as you go.
Barcelona2 nights
Day 14: Free day in Barcelona
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Barcelona or add an excursion.

Picasso & Gothic Barcelona

From $119 per person

Day 15: Free time in Barcelona
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Barcelona or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Montserrat

From $129 per person

Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book for just $99 down

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Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 449 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Amazing!
    4/20/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    I had an amazing time in Spain. I got to see so many places that I wouldn’t have thought to if I was planning this on my own. The hotels were great and our tour director was such a lovely person. She made sure the group was taken care of and was supremely kind. She also made sure there were no issue...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 12/5/23

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! W...

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    5.0 star rating

    Fantastic tour Director
    9/28/23 by 1st-time traveler Cindy

    Javier was fantastic! He exceeded expectations and helped to make my two weeks memorable. Even if I did have to spend two weeks in Covid isolation! Thank you for everything!

    5.0 star rating

    EF took incredible care of me
    9/14/23 by 4th-time traveler Patricia

    I had seizures and EF took incredible care of me. The tour Director got me to a wonderful hospital in Spain and they sent me a an interpreter since I don’t speak Spanish. I was able to re-join the tour and had a wonderful time. Made some great new friends. EF was exceptional.

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/17/23

    We at Go Ahead understand how crucial it is to hav...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Hotel NH Madrid Zurbano
    Hotel NH Madrid Zurbano

    This stylish hotel is located in the Chamberi district of Madrid, Spain. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, and relaxing bar. Nearby you...

    Read more +
    NH Collection Sevilla
    NH Collection Sevilla

    This stylish, modern hotel is located in the Nervión district in eastern Seville. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, as well as a swimming pool, gym, and restau...

    Read more +
    Hotel Alay
    Hotel Alay

    This coastal hotel is located in Benalmádena. Guests enjoy a bar, gym, and outdoor pool. Nearby you’ll find the marina, Malapesquera Beach, and Benalm...

    Read more +
    Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
    Gran Hotel Luna de Granada

    This modern hotel is located close to the shopping area of Granada. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and restaurant options. Nearby you’ll ...

    Read more +
    Silken Puerta Valencia
    Silken Puerta Valencia

    This modern hotel is located in the Camins del Grau neighborhood. Guests enjoy bike rentals, a café, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Palau d...

    Read more +
    Catalonia Eixample 1864
    Catalonia Eixample 1864

    This contemporary hotel is located in the Eixample district. Guests enjoy air conditioning, a swimming pool, and terrace. Nearby, you'll find Montjuïc...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Spain, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JOS.
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    YesNo
    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Madrid and depart from Barcelona. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A train ride from Madrid to Córdoba is included in the price of your tour.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
    • Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. The storage space on the train is extremely limited, so we recommended traveling with only one suitcase per person (and a personal item such, as a backpack or purse).
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JOS.
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    Cuisine
    • In Spain, breakfast like a local with just a pastry and coffee. Then, tuck into a three-course lunch featuring a Spanish staple like savory seafood paella or grilled meat and fried potatoes. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served late, between 9pm and midnight. Snack on small plates called tapas any time of day.
    • Cuisine in Spain's southern Andalusia region is heavily influenced by surrounding countries, and has many Arabic elements. Kebabs are popular, and desserts are often prepared with almonds, honey, and cinnamon. Be sure to try Serrano ham, which is considered a regional delicacy, as well as the famous chilled soup known as gazpacho.
    • Catalan cuisine, which can be found in Barcelona, is markedly different from food in other parts of Spain. Nearly every restaurant will offer pa amb tomàquet—toasted bread with tomato and olive oil. Fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, cheeses, and locally grown vegetables, such as wild mushrooms, are culinary mainstays.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Spain operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
    Was this information helpful?

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