Compare Barcelona, Costa Brava & the Countryside by Great Value Vacations vs The Sound and City of Granada by Iberian Escapes
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Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 8 days | 4 days |
Price From | $ 2,334 | $ 2,208 |
Price Per Day | $ 292 | $ 552 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
3 Breakfasts & 1 Dinner |
Description |
Escape to the northeast coast of Spain and experience the artsy bustle of Barcelona, the mountainous countryside of Montserrat, and the crystal clear beaches of Costa Brava. This unique vacation package takes you on a ride through some of Spain's most magnificent highlights - from its architecturally-rich cities to its beautiful outskirts. Start your journey in the vibrant, culture-packed city of Barcelona. Hop around from one of Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces to the next. See the extraordinary Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, and more! Stroll through La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and La Boqueria and experience traditional Spanish shops, markets, cafes, and street performances. Next, head to mountainous Montserrat. Although the drive is fairly short, you'll feel like you've entered another world. Hike to sky-high peaks and gaze out at once-in-a-lifetime views. For a more comfortable experience, ride to the peak of Montserrat on a cable car and snap tons of photos along the way! Be sure to snap a shot of the sun setting over the mountains - now that's a way to make your friends at home jealous. Finally, drive to the land of peace and paradise: Costa Brava. Relax on the white sand beaches and feel your eyes widen as you stare out into the bright blue-green ocean. Watch as the water twirls and swirls around gorgeous rock formations, breathe in the salty sea air, and hear the faint sounds of gulls squawking and waves crashing. Embark on gorgeous nature walks and treat yourself to authentic cuisine at local seaside restaurants. |
During your Granada short break, get to know this city of endless sunshine, the birthplace of tapas & fiery flamenco dancing. Explore the breathtaking architecture of the stunning Nasrid palaces of La Alhambra and the web of streets of the Islamic Albaicín. Delicious food, heart-stirring music, and melody whilst assisting at a unique Flamenco Dancing show be ready for this and so much more, during your city break as a treat for the senses! |
Day 1 Welcome to Barcelona!
Arrive in Barcelona and immediately become immersed in colorful culture and artistic flavor. Enjoy a private transfer to your first luxurious accommodation, settle in, then begin exploring this fascinating city! Spend your first night strolling along La Rambla or walking through the historic Gothic Quarter. Watch authentic street performers dance the night away, browse through unique shops, and grab some tapas at a quaint cafe. Never too early to splurge on souvenirs!
Day 2 Barcelona
Spend the day seeing all of Antoni Gaudi's famous masterpieces up-close! First, visit the overwhelmingly beautiful Sagrada Familia. If you're interested in touring the inside, be sure to get there early; lines can get quite long, but it's worth the wait! Next, navigate your way through tons of bright sculptures in stunning Park Guell. From there, make your way to Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and the amazing Palau Nacional in Montjuic Park. Sitting in front of the Palau Nacional is the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. Watch its jet streams dance as it becomes illuminated during a fantastic light show come nightfall!
Day 3 Barcelona - Montserrat
Enjoy a scenic drive to the gorgeous mountains of Montserrat today! Settle into your comfortable accommodation, then travel through time at the Montserrat Monastery. Explore this historic landmark that's nestled right in the heart of the mountains. Gawk at its stunning architecture, learn about its history, and enjoy the view of this beautiful area.
Day 4 Montserrat
Enjoy an energizing breakfast, lace up your sneakers, and start your day with a hike up Sant Jeroni. Gaze out at majestic views and breathe in the fresh, mountain air. When your legs get tired, take a ride on the Aeri Montserrat cable car. Record a video of the ride on your phone while you enjoy the amazing view in person.
Day 5 Montserrat - Costa Brava
Make your way to the breathtaking shores of Costa Brava, where the bright blue-green ocean meets pristine white sand. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the charming stone streets of Vila Vella, Costa Brava's old town, then take a walk along the magnificent Cami de Ronda.
Day 6 Costa Brava
Wake up, enjoy breakfast, then grab your camera and take a drive to Cap de Creus National Park. See postcard-worthy natural beauty as you walk along this stunning trail. Head back towards your hotel and end the day watching the sunset from the iconic Castillo de Tossa de Mar.
Day 7 Costa Brava - Barcelona
Say goodbye to Costa Brava and head back to where you came from: Barcelona. Along the drive, you may want to make a pit-stop at the gorgeous Montnegre i el Corredor nature preserve. Spend the afternoon making sure you've seen everything you'd hoped to see. Treat yourself to a last-night meal of paella, indulge in some churros con chocolate, and reflect on all you've seen and done since you've last been in Barcelona.
Day 8 Depart Spain
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, make your way to the airport, drop off your rental car and board your plane. Spend the flight home scrolling through priceless photos and dreaming about your next adventure.
Day 1: Airport Pick Up + Hotel Check In
Welcome to a city of fascinating history and beauty - Granada - one of Spain's most cherished treasures known as the "Moorish jewel." Situated in the southeastern part of beautiful Andalucía, Granada comprises an important pillar of Spain's most folkloric region.
Hotel Alhambra Palace
Welcome to the most wonderful hotel in Granada - The 5-star Hotel Alhambra Palace. The oldest five-star hotel in Spain, with its 109 years of history, we can assure you will be transported to a world of unique art. Luxury from the moment you step into the reception of this breathtaking building. Here, at your Classic Bedroom - with a room overlooking the lovely Alhambra Gardens and Granada town, you'll have an experience of a lifetime, with a promise you'll be treated like royalty (quite in the literal sense of the word). The Spanish royals such as King Alfonso XIII, King Juan Carlos I, Queen Sofia, and the new King Felipe VI de Bourbon have stayed at the Hotel Alhambra Palace. Additionally, the kings of Belgium, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, the Princes of Persia and Iran, the Duke of Windsor & the Prince of Wales among many others. And just to feed the most curious, other personalities such as the Dalai Lama, John D Rockefeller, and Stephen Hawking have also stayed.
Overnight: Granada
Day 2: One and Only Alhambra and Nasrid Palace Guided Tour
Meals included: Breakfast
During today, you will visit one of the most important monuments of the Nasrid Empire in the Iberian Peninsula, the Alhambra in Granada. Known as "The Jewel of Muslim origin" and one of the 'new' seven wonders of the modern world. It is listed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet and is the biggest tourist attraction in Spain. Its huge gardens and its different rooms reflect the legacy of the different religions and cultures that passed through Granada. This tour, inside the Alhambra, will be chaired by an official Tour Guide who will accompany visitors during the four hours of the visit. The Palace of Carlos V, the Fountain of the Lions, the Generalife Gardens and the impressive Nasrid Palaces are some of the jewels that compliment this architectural marvel and that will surly fulfill all your expectations!
Overnight: Granada
Day 3: Albayzin and Sacromonte Guided Walking Tour
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the Morning: You'll discover two of Granada’s most atmospheric quarters on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Albayzín and Sacromonte. Throughout the morning, you'll be exploring the cobblestoned lanes of Albayzín, the medieval Moorish quarter, and view its whitewashed houses, patios, fountains, and churches as your guide shares its history. Admire the views of the Alhambra Palace from the top of the hill, and delve into the neighbouring gypsy enclave of Sacromonte, famous for its traditional cave houses, flamenco dancing and handicrafts heritage.
Spanish Traditional Gastronomic 3-Course-Dining + Live Flamenco Show Experience
In the Evening: We have reserved a unique, one-of-a-kind experience inviting you to a traditional Gastronomic 3 Course Dining experience whilst being transported to a world of bright polka-dot dresses, clacking heels, and heart-stirring music in one of Granada's myriad of flamenco show venues. Since flamenco started in Andalucía it's become one of the most genuine manifestations of this unique form of art, which we can guarantee you'll feel welcomed into a intimate performance, right in the heart of the caves of Sacromonte.
Overnight: Granada
Day 4: Departure
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you are scheduled to be checking out of your hotel. Depending on your availability, feel free to explore and discover a little more of what Granada has to offer. Either going for a lovely walk downtown or simply spending your day relaxing by the town's square with a lovely glass of Andalusian Wine, enjoying the sunshine. Or, if you'd like any further experiences or tours, feel free to contact your Concierge - Iberian Escapes - we happy to assist at any time. Since it's time to say goodbye - We believe you are now richer in experiences and emotions and have, hopefully, made unforgettable memories for the rest of your life. Promise yourself “I’ll be back” – as we will be waiting for you for your next adventure around the Iberian Peninsula.