Compare Barcelona, Costa Brava & the Countryside by Great Value Vacations vs Andalucia & Toledo from Madrid (C660) by VPT Tours
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Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 6 days |
Price From | $ 2,334 | $ 895 |
Price Per Day | $ 292 | $ 149 |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included | N/A |
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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. |
Embark on a 6-day cultural tour of Spain. Start in Madrid and visit Caceres, Sevilla, Cordoba, Ronda, Costa del Sol, and Granada. Explore historic landmarks such as the Mosque/Cathedral in Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada. Conclude the tour in Toledo before returning to Madrid. Experience the rich history and beauty of these iconic Spanish destinations. |
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.
1st. Day (Saturday) MADRID-CACERES-SEVILLA (560 kms)
Departure from our bus terminal at 8:00 a.m. towards the region of Extremadura and arrival at Caceres. Time at leisure to know its Plaza Mayor and to walk through the old city and its famous medieval quarter, very well preserved and considered a World Heritage place. Lunch on your own. Continuation southwards to Andalucia and arrival to Sevilla. Dinner and accommodations.
2nd. Day (Sunday) SEVILLA
Half board. Morning city sightseeing tour, including María Luisa Park, Plaza de España, the exterior of the city’s stunning Cathedral and its bell tower, called Giralda, and the typical neighborhood of Santa Cruz with its streets, squares, and narrow alleys. If you wish, you can optionally navigate the Guadalquivir River, during which you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Gold Tower and Expo 92, or visit the Maestranza bullring. In the evening, also as an optional activity, you can attend a flamenco show.
3rd. Day (Monday) SEVILLA-CORDOBA (145 kms)
Breakfast. Departure to Cordoba, at our arrival we start our walking tour starting at Almodovar Gate through the Jewish Quarter and continue for visiting the famous Mosque/Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and accommodations.
4th. Day (Tuesday) CORDOBA-RONDA-COSTA DEL SOL (322 kms)
Breakfast. Then depart to the Route of the White Villages and Ronda. Free time. Continuation to Costa del Sol. Dinner and accommodations.
5th. Day (Wednesday) COSTA DEL SOL-GRANADA* (180 kms)
Breakfast. Departure to Granada. Visit the spectacular group of monuments of the Alhambra and Generalife, former residences of the Moorish kings, with their magnificent fountains, gardens, and arches. Dinner and accommodations. Optional visit to the caves of Sacromonte and attend a typical show of gypsy flamenco.
6th. Day (Thursday) GRANADA-TOLEDO-MADRID (446 kms)
Breakfast and departure towards the Imperial City of Toledo, full of history and monuments. Lunch and a panoramic view from Mirador del Valle and a walk through its old town. Continuation back to Madrid. Arrival and end of our services.