Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

with Costa del Sol extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 128

Discover just how varied and wonderful Spain can be.

Within the borders of one country, uncover three distinct destinations. Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville display intriguing distinctions, from Andalusian architecture to Catalan castells. Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Modernist landmarks, wander past Madrid’s imperial palaces, and cap off your trip in Seville, where Moorish architecture shines.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
4 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

La Sagrada Família
Royal Palace
Prado Museum
Córdoba
Olive oil tasting

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona today.

Barcelona3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Spain! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

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.

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 take in the panoramic views at Mirador de l’Alcalde park
Pass Plaça d’Espanya, one of the city’s most important squares, and stroll past the soaring Columbus Monument, dedicated to the legendary explorer

Enjoy a free afternoon in Barcelona or add an excursion.

Park Güell & La Pedrera

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Barcelona or add excursions.

Montserrat

Excursion (additional cost)

Barcelona Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Madrid3 nights

Day 5: Train ride to Madrid

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey by high-speed train to Madrid. Then, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

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 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 a free evening in Madrid or add an excursion.

Traditional Spanish Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Toledo

Excursion (additional cost)

Seville2 nights

Day 8: Seville via Córdoba & olive oil farm

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Continue on to Seville and spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Traditional Seville Flamenco Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Seville

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

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
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

Celebrate your trip with your group members at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Costa del Sol.

Extension to Costa del Sol

Any place called the Sun Coast must be easy on the eyes, and Costa del Sol rises to the occasion. Extend your adventure alongside your Tour Director to admire the region’s Mediterranean beaches and fishing villages, stopping en route to explore the hilltop village of Ronda with a local guide.

Costa del Sol2 nights

Day 10: Costa del Sol via Ronda

Included meal: Breakfast

Head south to Costa del Sol, stopping 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

Then, continue on to Costa del Sol.

Day 11: Free day on Costa del Sol

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on Costa del Sol or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

A Day in Gibraltar

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Málaga airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Spain

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Joyce C.

This is an excellent tour if you want to see a lot of Spain. It is a very busy tour if you do all the extra excursions. If you don't, you can spend time exploring the cities which are all very different. The tour was well organized and the tour guide was very good. My only complaint would be that ...

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Hectic Schedule

01/16/2020 by 2nd time traveler Melody P.

Loved Barcelona, but realized very quickly that food was tasteless and too much to eat too late at night! Loved travelling on high-speed train and our lovely guide, Maria, kept us organized and on time. She was the best throughout! Took the excursion to Montserrat, disappointed we could not see th...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/16/2020

Dear Melody, Thank you for taking the time to shar...

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Recommend GoAhead to anyone

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler William H.

My wife and I had a great time on the Barcelona/Madrid/Seville trip. Saw all the sights we wanted and had plenty of free time to explore. Our tour director was very helpful. Had a chance to meet wonderful people traveling with us

10/04/2019 by 4th time traveler Jacqueline C.

I had the best time not only with the itinerary but with the people on my tour. It's been a hectic year for me so I just picked a place based on the possible weather. I knew Go Ahead would get me there and back home. I fully enjoyed the historic locations on the tour and my husband and i took advant...

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Barcelona, Madrid and Seville

11/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Tatyana S.

It was a good tour in general. But some things I didn't like. In the beginning, it was unclear what date I should arrive at the hotel. I've traveled solo and purchased the air ticket myself. Since the trip itinerary said that the trip starts on September 5, I assumed that on September 5 I should be ...

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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.

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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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

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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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 64°F Low 49°F

Catalonia, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 51°F Low 38°F

Seville, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 64°F Low 50°F

Madrid, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 53°F Low 47°F

Ronda, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 61°F Low 45°F

Barcelona, Spain

Weather averages

Today
High 56°F Low 51°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 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and dirt paths, 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 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.

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.
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, which is considered a regional delicacy, as well as the famous chilled soup known as gazpacho.

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

Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

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