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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

with Costa del Sol extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 114

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

Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and “House of Bones"
the Royal Palace
Prado Museum
Córdoba
olive oil tasting

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Barcelona today.

Barcelona3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona

Included meal: Dinner

Make yourself at home in the capital of Catalonia before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

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 full free day in Barcelona or add excursions.

Montserrat

Excursion (additional cost)

Flamenco Dinner Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Madrid3 nights

Day 5: Transfer to Madrid

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey by high-speed train to Madrid, and arrive in time 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, Plaza Mayor, 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 the day exploring Madrid on your own or add an excursion.

Toledo

Excursion (additional cost)

Seville2 nights

Day 8: Seville via Córdoba

Included meal: Breakfast

Ride a high-speed train to the town of Córdoba and explore the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage-protected cathedral, on a guided tour. Then, stop at an olive oil farm for a tasting before continuing on to Seville.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Seville

Included meals: Breakfast, 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.

Extension to Costa del Sol

Soak up the sunshine on the Costa del Sol, a stretch of fashionable towns and beaches hugging the Mediterranean. The soul of the Costa del Sol is yours to discover in out-of-the-way tapas bars, tiny fishing villages, and on glamorous beaches. Relax and enjoy two additional days in Spain and let your cares drift away on the sea breeze.

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 your Tour Director.

• View the staggering Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge that spans a deep gorge

• Admire the town's picturesque white buildings and enter the Plaza de Toros, which was constructed in the late 1700s

• Walk by the Mondragón Palace and visit the terraced Cuenca Gardens

Continue on to Costa del Sol.

Day 11: Free day in Costa del Sol

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Costa del Sol at your leisure 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

114

4.5 average

A Wonderful Time in Spain!

05/09/2019 by 4th time traveler Sandy L.

I had a wonderful time on my recent tour to Spain. We travelled to Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Sevilla. It was an amazing experience and the tour director, Bernardo, was the absolute best! The itinerary was a perfect balance of time to see these amazing cities. Also, there was ample free ...

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Spain

05/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Anonymous

This was an amazing trip- Bernardo was a wonderful and efficient tour guide! All hotels but the one in Sevilla had an excellent location. All hotels however were clean and very nice. The only downside of the trip was the fact that it was Holy Week, which inhibited us from doing certain things or fin...

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Spain, a place to visit

01/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Darnita T.

People of Spain - From the moment our group exited the plane, everyone was welcoming. Majority of our group were not very fluent in Spanish to be honest. But we never once felt like outsiders or completely out of our element. From the shopkeepers, the hotel staff, the waiters to the public transport...

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Loved the trip, but...

11/08/2018 by 4th time traveler Suretha T.

I really enjoyed my trip to Spain. This was not my first tour with Go Ahead and I highly recommend them. I even brought my family along this time. I have no complaints about any part of the trip, but they could have booked us better flights on a better airline with less layovers. We had a horrib...

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All Good

11/06/2018 by 4th time traveler Arvin A.

One of the best things about our trip was our tour director, Gracia. She was knowledgeable, organized, always pleasant and helpful, available for extra walks, etc., and seemed to enjoy the people she led. I wish that the tour had been longer because of all there is to see and learn in Spain---an a...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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 Marina

This modern hotel is located in La Vila Olímpica in the Sant Martí district of Barcelona. Guests enjoy a pool, fitness center, and Skyline Terrace wit...

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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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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

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 about 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.
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 Malaga 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 Córdobaare included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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 in Spain.
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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.