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12 Day Spain Signature
Highlights: Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Madrid
Trip start: Barcelona
Trip end: Madrid
Price Range from £2,880 to £3,661 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Start your tour in Barcelona. Strategically located on the Mediterranean, Barcelona enjoys a temperate climate, a magnificent historical centre, is the epicentre of all things gastronomic, and an architect's dream with the many art deco buildings scattered throughout the city. Famous for its shopping and infamous for its nightlife! Fly to Granada and the spectacular Alhambra Palace perched on a cliff top overlooking this historic ancient city. Combining centuries of architecture and three major religions, it is a fascinating city to explore in the company of your expert guide. Continue by train to Cordoba to see the "Mezquita de Cordoba" a grand cathedral built inside one of the world's largest mosques. Onward by train to Seville and a downtown packed with superlatives and built with the money of the New World. The world's largest cathedral, twin mosque towers as in Marrakech, and tapas laden bars ready for exploration. Take the high speed train to Madrid, home of the Royals, the enormous city centre public garden known as El Retiro, the Prado museum and the Plaza Major. Your private expert guide will introduce you to the city, and you'll continue on a tour to the stunning UNESCO world heritage sight of neraby Toledo. Enjoy a flamenco show before you leave - and reflect on a spectacular visit to Spain! Que bueno!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Barcelona
  • Barcelona: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome package - Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour: City Centre Highlights - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Barcelona Center (4*)
(Alt: SixtyTwo) (B)
Day 2
Barcelona
  • Articket (7 Museums & Galleries) - Articket
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Barcelona Center (4*) (B)
Day 3
Barcelona
  • At Leisure
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour: Culinary Tapas - Guide
Barcelona Center (4*) (B)
Day 4
Granada
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Barcelona - Granada [Direct, 1 hr] - Economy
  • Granada: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Albaicin Quarter (3hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*)
(Alt: Alhambra Palace) (B)
Day 5
Granada
  • Private - 1/2 d Alhambra Palace (2.5hrs) Guide only - Guide (no transfers to/from palace)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*) (B)
Day 6
Cordoba
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Granada - Cordoba [3 hrs] - Preferente
  • Cordoba: Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (2.5hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
El Conquistador (4*)
(Alt: Cordoba Center) (B)
Day 7
Seville
  • Shared - 1/2 d Medina Azahara (4hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Cordoba - Seville [1 hr ] - 1st class
  • Seville: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Las Casas de la Judería (4*)
(Alt: Petit Palace Marqués Santa Ana) (B)
Day 8
Seville
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (2.5hrs) - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Unescorted: Dinner & Flamenco show - Show & Dinner
Las Casas de la Judería (4*) (B)
Day 9
Madrid
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Seville - Madrid [3 hrs] - 1st Class
  • Madrid: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (3hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
De Las Letras (4*)
(Alt: Mercure Santo Domingo) (B)
Day 10
Madrid
  • Train - Madrid - Toledo [2nd class return ticket (30mins)] - Train
  • Toledo: Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (3hrs) - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
De Las Letras (4*) (B)
Day 11
Madrid
  • Madrid: Self-Guided - 24hr Madrid Card (40 museums) - 24 hr Card
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
De Las Letras (4*) (B)
Day 12
Madrid
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 1
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Barcelona

In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer upon your arrival in Barcelona. Bienvenidos!

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Your private English-speaking guide will show you the central highlights of Barcelona. If you are interested in a certain era in history or have an interest in a particular artist, let your Kensington consultant know in advance as we can tailor your tour. Roman, Gothic, Modern......Gaudi, Picasso, Miro.....or enjoy some culinary delights with a gastronomy tour.

Opened in 2006 and set on a wide avenue just one kilometre from Las Ramblas’ streetlife and the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Contemporary, air-conditioned guestrooms all include minibars, satellite television, and complimentary high-speed Internet. Guests of the Barcelona Center Hotel can relax on the hotel’s sun terrace, head for a sauna or workout at the onsite fitness centre.

Overnight at Barcelona Center (4*).


Barcelona
Barcelona
Torre Agbar Barcelona
Torre Agbar Barcelona
Barcelona Center Hotel
Barcelona Center Hotel
Day 2 Barcelona

Visit the art galleries and/or museums of your choice in Barcelona with this Articket which entitles you to free admission to seven of the most important and remarkable museums and art centres in Barcelona: Picasso Museum, Fundacion Joan Miro, Casa Mila, Fundacion Antonio Tapies, Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona (MACBA) and Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB). The Articket can be used once at each museum and at any time during a period of six months, so you can use it whenever you like throughout your stay in the city. Exchange your voucher for the Articket at any of the included museums during their opening hours.

Overnight at Barcelona Center (4*).


Picasso Museum
Picasso Museum
Day 3 Barcelona

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

A unique opportunity to find off-the-beaten track Tapas bars with your private English speaking guide. Enjoy a wander through the back alleys and discover a hidden side of Barcelona. You will explore the Eixample district known as the Quadrat d'Or, or Golden Square, where you’ll find some of the best samples of Modernism Architecture. Check out the Old Medieval Town (or Casa Antic) and La Boquería food market just off Las Ramblas, the best place to watch Barcelona’s bustling evening life. (Food & Drinks at own expense).

Overnight at Barcelona Center (4*).


La Boquería food market
La Boquería food market
Day 4 Granada

Granada's rich Moorish history and the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains have long inspired the spirit of romance among inhabitants and visitors alike. The old city has changed little in hundreds of years, and the incomparable Alhambra palace is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer upon your arrival in Barcelona. Bienvenidos!

Enjoy your flight from Barcelona to Granada. Flight duration is approximately one hour.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Enjoy a guided exploration of the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter of Granada with your private English-speaking guide. You will be shown how this medieval Islamic city has kept its identity into the modern age, as your guide explains its history and character in anecdotal style. As you walk through its cat’s cradle of twisting alleyways, you will come across stunning views of the city, the majestic Alhambra palaces and, beyond, the often snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You will pass by churches built on the sites of mosques, stroll underneath the walls of the scented gardens of carmens, and stop in squares to take in the slow rhythms of daily life in this most traditional and yet singular neighborhood. A stop for refreshments in a cafe or bar is included.

Restored 14th century Moresque house and convent located in the historical centre of Granada, 1 kilometre from the Alhambra. Air-conditioned rooms are stylishly decorated with high ceilings and wooden floors; all have free minibars and Internet. Enjoy complimentary refreshments in the palatial courtyard before heading to the gym or relaxing in the sauna and hammam.

Overnight at AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).


Granada
Granada

AC Palacio de Santa Paula
AC Palacio de Santa Paula
Day 5 Granada

Enjoy a private tour with a local guide as you visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Alhambra palace and gardens. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with its distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of XIII century. The complex of monuments has also an independent palace opposite the Alhambra; The Generalife, which is surrounded by orchards and beautiful gardens which you will also visit. (Tour includes entrance into the palace).

Please note that this tour does not include transfers to or from the Palace. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will transfer by local taxi (payable by you locally). At the end of your tour, you can either choose to walk back down the hill to explore the city, or return by taxi, (again payable by you locally). If you prefer us to arrange private transfers let us know.

Overnight at AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).


Alhambra Palace
Alhambra Palace
Day 6 Cordoba

Cordoba is one of the oldest Spanish cities. Situated in the center of Andalucia, it is a city of spirit. Its contribution to European civilization counts on exponents such as Maimonides, Averroes and Ibn Hazm. The city centre is very pleasant to walk around with the white washed houses and myriad of flowers everywhere. It is most famous for its grand mosque, the "Mezquita de Cordoba". Once the largest mosque in the world, in the 16th century it was Christianized by implanting a soaring cathedral right in the middle of the existing building. Unique and amazing.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy your train ride to Cordoba. The train ride takes approximately three hours. Multiple departures, check your ticket for exact time.

Transfer to/from train station to/from your accommodation in a private vehicle with driver.

The best way to see the sights in Cordoba is by foot, so spend time with a local Guide who will introduce you on your private tour to see the highlights. Tour the Mezquita, a unique work of its type, it is the representation of Caliphal art.

Then choose between the Alcazar of the Christian Kings with its sunken gardens and its magnificent Mossaics Hall or The Synagogue, the only one existing in Andalucia, and the Jewish Quarter. (Entrance fees not included).

If you wish to see all of the above, please ask us to extend your tour to our 4 hour private walking tour.

Just five minutes from the major sights of Cordoba, in the heart of the Jewish quarter, the Hotel Conquistador welcomes you on the eastern side of the Mosque. The elegant guestrooms offer guests the height of comfort, and come with cable television, Internet access, and air conditioning. Conquistador boasts a bar, large gardens and wonderful interior patio; the restaurant is open to guests seven days a week serving delicious Spanish and international dishes.

Overnight at El Conquistador (4*).


Cordoba
Cordoba
Moorish Columns in the Mezquita
Moorish Columns in the Mezquita
Hotel El Conquistador
Hotel El Conquistador
Day 7 Seville

Seville is the capital of the province of the same name. With a population of some 704,000 people, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and is considered the cultural centre of the region. Its history dates back more than 2,000 years. Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all left their presence in the city. The Moors ruled from here during their occupation of Andalucia, and their influence can still be seen in the "Mudejar" architecture of the city. The cathedral is the largest Gothic structure in the world and a symbol of Spain.

Visit the site of the Medina Azahara, with a guide on a shared tour. Situated 5km outside of the city, the Medina Azahara was the the 'Cordoban Versailles' of the tenth century. Its buildings are arranged on three terraces in the tree-clad slopes of 'Sierra Morena' and its ruins make up an artistic quarry. During this half day excursion you will have the unique opportunity to admire the ruins of what it was once a X Century Caliphal Palace in the accompaniement of an English speaking local Guide. (Includes entrance into the Medina Azahara ruins).

Transfer to/from train station to/from your accommodation in a private vehicle with driver.

Enjoy a 1hr train ride to from Cordoba to Seville. The train ride takes approximately one hour. Multiple daily departures. Check your ticket for the exact time.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería (4*) is located in the barrio Santa Cruz in the historical centre of Seville, a very short walk from the Cathedral and the royal palace of the Alcázar. The hotel is a complex of houses and palaces, interconnected through a series of patios and walkways. Offering 118 rooms, each is unique in it's design and layout. Guests will enjoy an authentic Andalusian style house with flowers, courtyards, fountains and wrought iron gates, blending perfectly with Seville and the historical Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Overnight at Las Casas de la Judería (4*).


Seville
Seville
Andalusian landscape
Andalusian landscape
Las Casas De La Juderia, Seville
Las Casas De La Juderia, Seville
Day 8 Seville

Embark on a Seville walking tour with your own private guide to check out the most important landmarks of the city. You will see La Torre del Oro (The Golden Tower), a Moorish-built tower dating from 1222, which formed part of the old defensive wall that protected the old city. You will also see Triana (this Gypsy district is the home of flamenco), Santa Cruz (the Old Jewish Quarter and a labyrinth of tiny alleys with white houses with traditional Moorish courtyards), Reales Alcazares (a Moorish palace-fortress which originally dates back to 913AD and has been the residence of various kings and boasts impressive gardens and fountains) and The Cathedral and Giralda, originally a 12th Century mosque, of which only the minaret (La Giralda) and the orange tree courtyard now remain. The cathedral is also Europe's second largest. If you have a particular interest in bullfighting, we can substitute some of the above for a visit to the Real Maestranza (The Maestranza Bullring). Built between 1767 and 1880 this famous bullring houses a museum dedicated to the world of bull fighting.

Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Arenal watching a fantastic performance of Flamenco. Located in the center of Seville (next door to the Bullring La Maestranza), El Arenal offers both regulars and tourists a unique and friendly atmosphere. Singers, Guitarists and Dancers share the experience to make you feel the art of "Flamenco". They will introduce you to various flamenco styles through song, guitar and dance. You will also have the opportunity to taste the Spanish and local cuisine for dinner while you enjoy a glass of wine and mineral water.

Overnight at Las Casas de la Judería (4*).


Calle Mateos Gago, Sevilla
Calle Mateos Gago, Sevilla
Flamenco dancer
Flamenco dancer
Day 9 Madrid

As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy your train ride from Seville to Madrid on the fast speed train.  The train ride takes approximately three hours.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).

Las Letras Hotel (4*) is located in Madrid,and is a focal point for the world of culture, literature and the Arts. The refurbished building, built in 1917, has 103 rooms designed in comtemporary style, using original colours and decorated with art. The hotel features an exquisite combination of the building's original glazed tiles, stone sculptures, an old elevator, and a noble staircase coupled with the latest in interior design. The restaurant is another highlight, with delicious cuisine, and located on the ground floor where you can enjoy the city of Madrid.

Overnight at De Las Letras (4*).


Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Las Letras
Las Letras
Day 10 Madrid

Enjoy your day trip to Toledo by train. Includes return ticket from Madrid. The train ride takes only 30 minutes one-way.

Enjoy a half day walking tour through the streets of Toledo and learn the history of this UNESCO heritage site.

"Holy Toledo" isn't just an expression! A unique and richly diverse city, Toledo features Arab, Jewish, Christian, and even Roman and Visigothic elements. A beloved national landmark, the Toledo that so inspired El Greco in the 16th century has remained relatively unchanged since his time. Old churches and houses fill the city, where you can still stroll through streets barely wide enough for a man and his donkey, let alone an automobile.

Overnight at De Las Letras (4*).



Day 11 Madrid

See and do exactly what you feel like today with your 24 hour Madrid Card. The Card is an electronic smart card offering free admission to more than 40 museums in and around Madrid, including the major ones. Your ticket can be used on the 'Madrid Vision' sightseeing bus, allowing you to get on and off the bus as many times as you wish for a day. The card also entitles you to visit the Planetarium, a guided walking tour from the "Discover Madrid Program", use of a Cable Car, visit Faunia Biologic Park and Imax Cinema. You can also benefit from discounts in more than 100 establishments including shops, restaurants, shows, rent a car and leisure centres for adults and children. You will also obtain a guidebook with information on the museums and establishments that are included on the scheme and a map of the city. Exchange your voucher for a Madrid Card at: Madrid Tourist Board, Plaza Mayor 27 between 9.30am and 8.30pm or at Metro Travellers Information Centre. Your pass is valid from 9am until 7pm.

Overnight at De Las Letras (4*).


El Prado
El Prado
Day 12 Madrid

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.