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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
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Included highlights
Prado Museum
Olive oil tasting
Córdoba
Seville Cathedral
Ronda
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
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)
That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
Reviews
4.7 star rating
Overall rating 4.7 out of 5
Based on 449 authentic traveler reviews
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Featured
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...
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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...
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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
This stylish hotel is located in the Chamberi district of Madrid, Spain. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, and relaxing bar. Nearby you...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.