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8-Nights Captivating Spain - Small Group Discovery from $5,369
Globus
OFFER ID 1562411
Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery 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!
8 nights from $5,369 per person
Captivating Spain
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)
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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)
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 Jerónimas, who bake and sell delicious sweets.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of the small group optional 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.
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Day 3 MADRID–MÁLAGA The Artist Within Board your AVE train and ride to Málaga 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 Málaga 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 traveler, exploring Málaga through the lens of Picasso provides a unique and enriching experience.
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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.
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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
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION 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.
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Day 6 GRANADA–VALENCIA Mint Condition Join your guide through Granada Albaicín 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 Albaicín district is one of the city’s oldest centers 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.
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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 favorite 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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.
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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 neighborhood—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 café-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.
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Day 9 BARCELONA Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
USA
(508) 228-3201