The Best of Spain

From
  • $1,999
    Tour Only
  • $2,599
    Flights Included
  • 12
    Days
  • Average Tour Review
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MADRID, BARCELONA, SEVILLE, TOLEDO, GRANADA, CORDOBA AND VALENCIA

The Spaniards adore their tapas, and this wonderful culinary tradition reflects the spirit of our escorted Best of Spain tour. You’ll sample the most appealing, intriguing sights from a sextet of cities, savoring Spain’s incredible legacy of art and architecture, its dramatic history and grand passions. Along the way, you’ll get a taste of the Spanish way of living, like el paseo, the leisurely evening stroll that often leads to a glass of wine and some tapas! From the Prado in Madrid to Granada’s Alhambra Palace and La Rambla in Barcelona, this “best of” tour serves up a multicourse feast of sights and experiences that are simply unforgettable.

Did you know that you can make this tour private for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.

Itinerary at
a Glance

  • 2 nights in Madrid
  • 1 night in Cordoba
  • 2 nights in Seville
  • 1 night in Granada
  • 1 night in Valencia
  • 3 nights in Barcelona

Tour
Highlights

  • Royal Palace (Madrid)
  • Gran Via (Madrid)
  • Prado Museum (Madrid)
  • Santo Tome Church (Toledo)
  • Giralda Tower (Seville)
  • Alhambra Palace (Granada)
  • Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
  • Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)
  • La Rambla (Barcelona)

Activity Level: Discoverer 

Your Tour
Includes

  • Round-trip airfare from New York Area (JFK or EWR) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
  • Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
  • Accommodations at first-class hotels
  • 16 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)
  • Wine and mineral water with dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking Tour Director throughout

Tour Itinerary

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Map

Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Depart from the U.S.

Take off on a overnight flight to Madrid.

*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Madrid on Day 2.

Arrive in Madrid

After a morning arrival in Madrid, Spain’s grand capital and cultural heart, you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel, where your Tour Director will lead a get-acquainted walk around the surrounding neighborhood. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before meeting your Tour Director for a welcome cocktail, orientation and dinner.

Novotel Madrid Center or similar | Dinner

Madrid

Our morning features a guided tour of this splendid city. As we travel along the Gran Via, Madrid’s equivalent to New York City’s Broadway, we’ll marvel at the Opera district, Plaza de Colon, the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace (entrance included), Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España, Madrid’s main square, where we’ll see an imposing statue of Spain’s literary giant, Miguel de Cervantes. We’ll end at the enormous, impressive Prado Museum, which holds one…

Toledo/Cordoba

Today we leave the current capital and stop in Toledo, the former medieval capital. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Castilian Plains and Tagus River, Toledo is the setting for many of El Greco’s paintings. We’ll take a guided walk through Toledo’s atmospheric cobbled streets, stopping at Santo Tome Church, home of El Greco’s masterwork, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, as well as Santa Maria la Blanca. Formerly the Iben Shushan Synagogue, this 12th-century…

Cordoba/Seville

Cultural gem Cordoba hosts some of Spain’s most impressive monuments. It was also the birthplace of the great 12th-century Jewish philosopher Moshe Ben Maimon (Maimonides). On our guided tour, we’ll marvel at the Mezquita (Great Mosque) built in the 10th century during Cordoba’s glory days as the capital of Moorish Spain. The mosque was later converted to a cathedral, but the fine original architectural details are stunning. We’ll also view the reconstructed Roman Bridge, as…

Seville

On an included guided tour, we’ll discover the passions of the city that is the backdrop for the great operas Carmen and Don Giovanni. Highlights include the Seville Cathedral, the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, and landmark Giralda Bell Tower, the remaining part of the mosque built by the Moors. Our tour winds through the narrow streets and plazas of the well-preserved Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, where we’ll delight in the whitewashed buildings, quaint shops…

Seville/Granada

This morning, we journey on to Granada, the former Moorish stronghold and site of the region’s crown jewel, the Alhambra. Sprawled over a hilltop overlooking the city, the awe-inspiring Alhambra is an impressive castle and fortress with its romantic Generalife gardens. We’ll have time to marvel at the views of the city below and snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance, as well as walk through the acclaimed gardens, beautifully designed with courtyards, waterfalls and…

Granada/Valencia

You’re sure to be captivated by the rolling terrain and groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges on our way to the Mediterranean coast and Valencia, a city of great culture and beautiful gardens. On our afternoon guided tour, we’ll see architecture both ancient (Roman, Arabic and the gothic Cathedral) and modern—or should we say futuristic? Renowned architect Santiago Calatrava designed the City of Arts and Science, a “city within a city” that is an…

Valencia/Barcelona

The next leg of our Best of Spain journey hugs the coastline of Catalonia. We’ll stop at the base of the Prades Mountains to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the majestic Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, one of the largest and most complete Cistercian abbeys in the world. Later, we’ll arrive in Barcelona and settle into our centrally located hotel.

Catalonia Plaza Catalunya Hotel or similar | Breakfast

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona mixes medieval charm with avant-garde style. We’ll join a local expert for a fascinating tour that begins at the old harbor with a drive along Barcelona’s iconic boulevard, Las Ramblas. We’ll see the city’s lively heart, Plaza Catalunya, and picturesque Plaza de España before taking off on foot to explore the charming Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s old city. Of course, a Barcelona tour isn’t complete without admiring buildings designed by the…

Barcelona

Today you’ll have a full day to explore vibrant Barcelona on your own. You could return to the enchanting Gothic Quarter and soak up its magical atmosphere of cafes, street musicians and quaint shops. Seek out more of Gaudi’s masterpieces in the city center or stroll along Las Ramblas, stopping at the colorful Boqueria Market for freshly squeezed juice, a snack or more tapas! We’ll gather in the evening for a farewell dinner at a…

Barcelona/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Your Best of Spain tour comes to an end as you land in the U.S. later today.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today, on Day 12, in Barcelona.

| Breakfast

Guided Tour Pricing

Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from the New York Area (JFK or EWR). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.

Depart Return Depart - Return Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Oct. 29, 2021 Flight included unless otherwise indicated. Reserve After
Oct. 29, 2021 Price Increase 		Select Tour
2021 2021 w/ eCheck Discount Sale After Sale
December 5 December 15 Dec 5 - Dec 15 $1,999 $2,099 $2,399 Select
2022 2022 w/ eCheck Discount Sale After Sale
April 2 April 13 Apr 2 - Apr 13 $3,299 $3,399 $3,699 Select
April 23 May 4 Apr 23 - May 4 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Select
May 7 May 18 May 7 - May 18 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Select
June 4 June 15 Jun 4 - Jun 15 $3,749 $3,849 $4,149 Select
September 3 September 14 Sep 3 - Sep 14 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Select
September 17 September 28 Sep 17 - Sep 28 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Select
October 1 October 12 Oct 1 - Oct 12 $3,199 $3,299 $3,599 Select
October 15 October 26 Oct 15 - Oct 26 $3,199 $3,299 $3,599 Select
Make This Tour Private Request a Future Date

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2021 Departures: Single room supplement is $899.
2022 Departures: Single room supplement is $999.

Dec 5 ’21 Departure: This departure is being offered on a tour-only basis. For this departure, deposits are $99 per person and full payment is due 60 days prior to the tour start date.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 800-337-7773.

Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.

Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.

The optional tours must be paid in cash. Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may be cancelled if the minimum is not met. Additional optional tours may be added for your enjoyment, and the optional tours listed below may not be available on all departure dates. Please note that optional tours are nonrefundable.

Walking Tapas Tour

  • Madrid
  • From approx. $95 Per Person

Experience the food culture of Madrid like a local. You’ll sample Spain’s delicious tapas tradition on a three-hour foodie walking tour of Madrid. Go on a culinary journey through the regions of Spain, learning the origins of tapas and how each is made.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!

Flamenco Performance

  • Seville
  • From approx. $83 Per Person

Immerse yourself in Spanish culture by enjoying an authentic flamenco dance performance.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!

Montserrat & Cava Winery Visit

  • From approx. $169 Per Person
After driving through picturesque little villages you will arrive at the incomparable setting of the craggy mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically from the plain to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters) and has amazing views. The mountain gets its name from the rock formations which look like they have been sawed and sculpted, the result of thousands of years of wind and rain. You will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat with its 12th-century carving of…

Reviews

Patty T

This was our first smarTours and it did not disappoint. From the individualized attention from our tour guide, to the great accomodations, the interesting and engaging local guides and the well selected sights, we enjoyed every minute of our trip. We found it to be a great value and have recommended smarTours to family and friends. We've already booked our next adventure!

Patty T

This was our first smarTours and it did not disappoint. From the individualized attention from our tour guide, to the great accommodations, the interesting and engaging local guides and the well selected sights, we enjoyed every minute of our trip. I will and have recommended smarTours to family and friends. We've already booked our next adventure! Agur was exceptional, we feel fortunate that she was our tour guide. Madrid - Hotel was excellent and food/buffet exceptional. Tours/Guides, excellent. Great start to the tour. Cordoba - Hotel was good. Tour/Guides, excellent. Seville - Hotel was excellent. VIP Room was a wonderful bonus! Tours/Guides excellent. Granada - Hotel was Poor. They receive that rating because the room smelled. Strong body odor that unfortunately I did not notice until I got in bed late at night. Worse hotel experience. The food was also poor quality and unappetizing. Tours were excellent. Tour guide good. Valencia - Hotel was fair. Food was very good. Loved dinner. Tours excellent. Local guide was good. Barcelona - Hotel and food were excellent. Best buffet, along with Madrid. Tours and local guides were good. Because of our excellent experience and with Argu's blessing, we have booked a trip to Egypt. If all goes well with Egypt, you will have a returning customer for many more adventures. Thank you for offering a lot of wonderful trip options at an affordable price point. We could not be more impressed!

Patty T

This was our first smarTours and it did not disappoint. From the individualized attention from our tour guide, to the great accomodations, the interesting and engaging local guides and the well selected sights, we enjoyed every minute of our trip. I will and have recommended smarTours to family and friends. We've already booked our next adventure!

James r

The Spain tour was the ultimate of experiences. Our guide David was so gentle, knowledgeable and caring and each day was better than the day before. We had a fantastic cohesive group and shared the best Spain has to offer. The tour is of great value and it made the most use of our time in the best way. I have already recommended this tour to our friends.

David P

The Best of Spain was our fifth adventure with Smartours and most certainly won't be the last. The value is obvious, but they consistently exceed expectations. From excellent guides, to amazing sights and historical perspectives, to four and five star hotels. We have never been disappointed and the Best of Spain tour exceeded our expectations. We are debating our next travel adventure, but will certainly review the Smartour offerings first. *****

Mary G

We had the most wonderful trip to Spain with SmarTours! It was our first time visiting this country and the itinerary for this trip gave us so much to see and cities to visit! Everything was taken care of, we didn’t have to make any arrangements on our own. It was so easy. Agurtzane Telleria, our tour guide, was simply marvelous! She really was expert in providing us with a great deal of information about each place we visited and included an historical framework as well. We took advantage of the optional tours and thoroughly enjoyed them (Tapas Tour And Flamenco performance). The entire tour was so well-designed giving us ample time in each city as well as “on our own” time for exploring. The price of the tour was excellent, including airfare, transfers and travel and many meals. The people in our tour group had all been on SmarTours before and said they were indeed the best tour company in existence. We are currently planning on going on another trip with them to Greece. Again, well done and muchas gracias!

Guadalupe

The best tour ever! Our Tour Director Agurtzane Telleria knew so much about Spain and all 10 cities we visited! My partner Maria Lourdes Calderon Jasso fell in Barcelona and broke her wrist and the care she provided was excellent. It was a bump for us, yet the trip was still amazing. Lourdes is doing great and in a cast that was done beautifully in Barcelona. We wish Agur did other trips! We will be taking more smarTours! Gracias!!

Mark

I've enjoyed various travel experiences with SmarTours since 2009, being able to visit Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and now Spain with them. For travelers looking for a cost effective experience that is both exciting, removes all of the headaches of travel logistics, and gives you the chance to feel the true essence of other countries, SmarTours has to be one of the leaders in their field. The lodging has always been exceptional, and especially on this Spain trip we were very impressed with the quality of the culinary choices that were available to us. We were able to venture out on our own as we liked and got to see major sites in all of the country's major cities.

Anonymous

Tour director worked hard to please everyone. There was one couple that could never get enough, be considered first, or benefit the most We all called them the divas. Outside of those knuckleheads, the rest of us had a great time. Would say that Spain was less enthralling than South Africa or Italy.

j g

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and especially our tour director, Charles. He was delightful and very knowledgeable. The towels in a few of the hotels could have been softer, but other than, very nice tour.

sandra

just returned from April 28 trip and having nothing but a high recommendation for the tour. Best value for this kind of trip. Have taken several tours with this company. There were 31 people on the tour. The buses were comfortable, the speaker system while touring great ithe hotels in general were excellent. And a bang up final dinner in Barcelona.

Aba H

Very much enjoyed this escorted vacation with my wife. *Nice hotels, *good meals, *great bus, *very well organized, *excellent, knowledgable, interesting tour guide (Roberto Barrantes),and *the price was a bargain. While I'm sure others in our group were happy to get some time on their own, we would've preferred additional escorted touring, or more escorted excursion options. We'd recommend this company for the Best of Spain trip and heard from our travel companions that this was their second or third trip with SmarTours.

Glen W

Had a wonderful trip with great participants, amazing weather and an awesome guide Derek.

mary d

everything was lovely and fun with the people on the tour

carol s

This was my first trip as a smart traveler the perks were great. The tour was wonderful. I really don't expect anything but the best from SmarTours and you did not disappoint. Thank you for another great travel experience.
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