Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Grand Tour of Spain

with Barcelona extension

Duration: 14 or 16 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 333

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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
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Royal Palace
Prado Museum
Córdoba
Seville Cathedral
Ronda

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Day-by-day itinerary

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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
See the city’s many squares, including Plaza de España and the bustling Puerta del Sol
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

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Toledo

Excursion (additional cost)

Seville2 nights

Day 5: Seville via Córdoba & olive oil farm

Included meals: Breakfast, 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.

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

Excursion (additional cost)

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

Excursion (additional cost)

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.

Valencia Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

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 and view the soaring monument to Christopher Columbus

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

Excursion (additional cost)

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 excursions.

Picasso & Gothic Barcelona

Excursion (additional cost)

Barcelona Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

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

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Beyond Grand

12/16/2019 by 9th time traveler Cheryl S.

This my third solo tour with Go Ahead and ninth tour total. Every time I leave a tour I say to myself it can’t get any better than that and then I am blown away by the next, this being The Grand Tour of Spain. Traveling solo has been a very enlightening experience and I’ve come away from each tour...

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Fantastic Introduction to Spain!

12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Linda M.

I loved almost everything about this tour. The temperatures each day were cool enough for all the walking required each day (very cold one day, stormy for two days, just-right every other day, but better cold and stormy than hot hot hot!). The accommodations were good and included what I consider to...

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Our Adventure in Spain

12/16/2019 by 7th time traveler Nancy N.

We had a wonderful two weeks traveling around Spain Nov. 17-29, 2019. Our group was small but mighty! Our Tour Director, Alex, and all our local guides were very knowledgeable about each town/village/city we visited. I'm a photographer and blogger and have posted photos and my trip review online. ...

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Great Trip!

11/14/2019 by 6th time traveler Leslie M.

Just spent 14 days in Spain with a great guide and a great group of people. Hotels were all very nice. Would highly recommend this trip to those who have never been to Spain. We didn't do the extension in Barcelona, but we did do ALL of the excursions and loved every one of them especially Gibra...

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Grand Tour of Spain the best experience ever.

11/13/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anita G.

The Grand Tour of Spain was a trip of a lifetime. I have taken trips with other tour companies, but this trip with Go Ahead Tours was by far the best. It was a little more expensive, but totally worth it. The itinerary was terrific, hotels were great, the other travelers in our group were wonderful,...

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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.

NH Zurbano

This contemporary hotel is located the El Gancho district. Guests enjoy a fitness center, hotel bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Toro...

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H10 Andalucia Plaza

This contemporary hotel is located in Puerto Banús. Guests enjoy two pools, a variety of restaurants, and free entry to Marbella Casino. Nearby, you’l...

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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 Barcelona Plaza

This contemporary hotel is located in Plaza España. Guests enjoy central courtyard, spa services, and a fitness area. Nearby, you'll find Montjuïc, Mu...

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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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Gran Hotel Luna de Granada

Located close to the shopping area of Granada, The Gran Hotel Luna de Granda has direct access to the "Circunvalacion," the ring motorway of the town....

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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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Barceló Granada Congress

This modern hotel is located in the Ronda neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, gym, and bar. Nearby you’ll find the Granada Science Park, Federico...

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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

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Cordoba, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 65°F Low 45°F

Granada, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 61°F Low 40°F

Guadix, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 49°F Low 32°F

Valencia, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 62°F Low 49°F

Catalonia, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 62°F Low 39°F

Seville, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 66°F Low 50°F

Madrid, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 65°F Low 49°F

Ronda, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 55°F Low 36°F

Barcelona, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 55°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa 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.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

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.

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.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag 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.

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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Spain.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Currency

You will use the euro on this 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.

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 $7USD 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.

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.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

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2020

Grand Tour of Spain

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