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Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

9 days |  12 days with Granada & Málaga extension
Group size1528 travelers
Physical activity
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One week. Three vibrant Spanish cities.

Get to know three distinctly different sides of Spain as you spend a week exploring a trio of exciting cities alongside other solo travelers. Barcelona, the cosmopolitan, coastal capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, bursts at it seams with whimsical works of art by greats such as Picasso and Miró, and architectural icons by Antoni Gaudí. Madrid, Spain’s sprawling capital, is chock-full of bustling food markets, world-class museums, and royal history. And in Seville, the Andalusian capital, historic churches, grand palaces, Moorish buildings, and flamenco dancing await. Want to experience a more laid-back side of Spain, too? Extend your tour and head south. You’ll visit Granada—a city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains—and Málaga, a charming port city on the Costa del Sol.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 2 food tastings
  • 1 cooking class
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Included highlights

  • Sagrada Família in Barcelona
  • Royal Palace in Madrid
  • Madrid’s Prado Museum
  • Spanish tapas cooking class
  • Córdoba
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona today.

Barcelona2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Spain! Settle in to your hotel. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before enjoying a welcome dinner in Barcelona. This cosmopolitan, coastal city is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and is celebrated for its spectacular art and architecture—particularly works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Antoni Gaudí.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona
Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why the Catalan capital is touted for its unparalleled architectural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

  • Enjoy a drive along the city’s waterfront
  • View the towering Mirador de Colom, a nearly 200-foot-tall monument to Christopher Columbus, who disembarked in the port of Barcelona following his voyage to the Americas
  • Step inside La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famous masterwork-in-progress
  • Make your way down Passeig de Gràcia and past Gaudí’s colorful Casa Battló, or House of Bones, widely considered to be one of the architect’s masterpieces
  • End with a walk through the Gothic district and along Las Ramblas, a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard

Enjoy a free afternoon in Barcelona or add an excursion.

Park Güell & La Pedrera

From $135 per person

Madrid3 nights
Day 4: Train ride to Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast

Journey by high-speed train to Spain’s capital, Madrid, a bustling city that’s latticed with elegant boulevards and blanketed with vast, manicured parks.

Spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

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.

Traditional Spanish Evening

From $149 per person

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Madrid & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Get acquainted with Spain’s cosmopolitan capital city with the help of 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 iconic artists

This evening, head to a local culinary school for a hands-on cooking class, during which you’ll craft Spanish tapas under the guidance of an experienced chef. Then, sit down for an included dinner and enjoy what you’ve prepared.

Day 6: Free day in Madrid
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Toledo

From $129 per person

Seville2 nights
Day 7: Seville via Córdoba & olive oil farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Settle in aboard a high-speed train and enjoy the ride to the Andalusian city of Córdoba, once an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages.

Please note: Travelers should feel comfortable managing their own luggage while getting on and off the train.

Then, discover the history of Córdoba—once home to 700 mosques, 900 public baths, and 70 libraries—and the cuisine of Andalusia.

  • Pass by Córdoba’s Roman Bridge, which was built in the first century BC and features 16 irregularly patterned arches
  • View the medieval Albolafia Mill, one of several historic watermills in the city
  • 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

After exploring Córdoba, board your coach and continue on to a family-owned olive oil farm for a tour and tasting.

  • Join a local guide for a tour of the farm’s olive groves, mill, and cellar
  • Learn how olives are grown, harvested, and turned into olive oil, one of Spain’s major exports
  • Sample some orange-infused olive oil drizzled on top of chocolate gelato
  • Enjoy free time to shop for made-on-the-farm products

Continue on to Seville and spend a free evening in the city.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Seville & flamenco show
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Farewell dinner

Uncover the beauty of Seville—Andalusia’s capital city, which is known for its historic churches, palaces, and Moorish buildings—on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • View the tiled pavilion of the Plaza de España, a massive, semi-circular brick building built in Renaissance and neo-Mooristy styles for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition
  • Pass the whitewashed homes of Barrio de Santa Cruz, a popular neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and tiled benches
  • See the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world
  • Enter the Royal Alcázar, a palace that was once home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
  • Stop to enjoy a tasting of several types of tapas dishes

Tonight, get a taste of old Seville during a live flamenco show.

  • Join your fellow travelers for a celebratory farewell dinner
  • Sip an included drink as you watch the authentic performance, which comprises expressive lyrics, moving instrumentals, and passionate choreography
  • After discovering why UNESCO has declared flamenco to be one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant Santa Cruz neighborhood
Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to visit Granada and Málaga.

Extension to Granada & Málaga
Join your fellow solo travelers and head south to experience the mountains and Costa del Sol. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Andalusian city of Granada is home to a dazzling array of medieval structures dating to the Moorish period, most notable among them the Alhambra. Stop to explore charming mountain villages, and sample specialties like Jamón Serrano, as you make your way to Málaga, a port city and Pablo Picasso’s hometown. There, marvel at the ruins of an ancient Roman theater and perhaps duck into a cozy bar or restaurant to sample some of the flavors for which the city is known.
Granada1 night
Day 9: Transfer to Granada & sightseeing tour of Alhambra
Included meal: Breakfast

Head south toward Granada, then 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 of Granada and its 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.

Málaga2 nights
Day 10: Málaga via Alpujarra villages of the Sierra Nevada Mountains & sightseeing tour of Málaga
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Visit several Alpujarra villages in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is home to the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula.

  • Meet your local guide in the town of Lanjarón, whose high-quality mineral water is sold for drinking throughout Spain and whose spa waters are said to have healing properties
  • Travel to Pampaneira, a mountain village known for its ceramics, leather, and clothing
  • Make your way to Trevélez, one of the highest villages in the Sierra Nevadas and a region known for its ham, or jamón, production
  • Stop for a tasting of locally produced Jamón Serrano

Continue on to Málaga and get to know the port city on a sightseeing tour.

  • View the Málaga Cathedral, nicknamed the One-Armed Woman for its incomplete second tower
  • Learn about the city’s history as you view its ancient Roman theatre
  • Marvel at the hilltop, fortified Moorish palace of Alcazaba, which was built in the 10th century and has served as a royal residence and military structure
Day 11: Free day in Málaga
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Málaga or add an excursion.

Rejoin your group this evening and celebrate your trip together over tonight’s farewell paella feast.

Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas

From $99 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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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 Barcelona 1882
Hotel Barcelona 1882

This sleek hotel is located in the Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova neighborhood in Barcelona. Guests enjoy a gym, outdoor pool, and massage services. ...

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Novotel Madrid Center
Novotel Madrid Center

This spacious hotel is located in the heart of Madrid. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a fitness center. Nearby, you'll find the Prado ...

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Hotel Novotel Sevilla
Hotel Novotel Sevilla

This centrally-located hotel is in the Nervión district of Seville. Guests enjoy a restaurant, rooftop swimming pool, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find t...

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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 ...

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H10 Croma Málaga
H10 Croma Málaga

This modern hotel is located in the center of Málaga. Guests enjoy the rooftop bar, plunge pool, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Carmen Thy...

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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

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.
  • No visa is 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.
  • 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 BM6.
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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 Barcelona and depart from Seville (or Málaga on the tour extension). 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.
  • Train rides from Barcelona to Madrid and Madrid to Córdoba are 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 recommend 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 Centers 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 BM6.
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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.
  • 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.
  • 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, or jamón, which is considered a regional delicacy, as well as gazpacho, a blended, vegetable-based soup that’s served chilled.
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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 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.
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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.
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