Itinerary for Taste of Spain • Expat Explore

Start Point
Hotel Elba Madrid Alcala,
Calle de Alcalá, 476, 28027 Madrid, Spain
10:00 hrs
End Point
Madrid,
Central Train Station
19:30 hrs (traffic dependent) Hotel Elba Madrid Alcala,
Calle de Alcalá, 476, 28027 Madrid, Spain
20:30 hrs (traffic dependent)

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid

Welcome to the start of your Spanish adventure! Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel in Madrid this morning and give the group a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head out on an orientation tour of Spain’s capital city! Visit top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more! In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to join our Tapas Food Tour optional excursion and get your first taste of Spanish cuisine! This evening, we'll enjoy an included dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers and learn a bit more from your tour leader about what incredible experiences the next seven days will bring!

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 2: Madrid - Segovia - San Sebastian

This morning, depart Madrid as we make our way to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, enjoy a comfort stop in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site city which offers the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Later this afternoon, arrive in San Sebastian, a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the city’s enchanting old town. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas!

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 3: San Sebastian - Pamplona - Zaragoza

Our first stop today is Pamplona, the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Packed with history, you’ll have some free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. We’ll then head to Zaragoza, enjoying a wine tasting along the way, before taking a walking tour of the city. The city has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries, as seen in the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace and the Roman theatre.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 4: Andorra - Barcelona

On our way to Barcelona we’ll take a comfort stop in Andorra, a tiny independent principality with a population of just 85,000, located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. This afternoon we’ll arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Barcelona! Your tour leader will acquaint you with the city’s vibrant energy with a driving tour, so keep your eyes open for the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, and some of the spectacular examples of Antoni Gaudi’s eclectic art and architecture. After checking into our hotel, we’ll head out to a local restaurant for a true Catalonian dinner.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day

Today is yours to do with as you please! See the panoramic views from Park Guell, with it’s interesting design courtesy of Anton Gaudi. Barcelona is home to many of Gaudi’s architectural works and you could spend the whole day simply locating each one. Visit Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia - an interpretation of a Gothic cathedral which is unlike any building you will ever see. You can’t miss it from Park Guell, or most other vantage points in the city. Harbour tours, La Ramblas, the ‘Old Town’, museums, art galleries and some of Europe’s best shopping - there is much to do in this incredible city. Join our optional excursion to see a traditional Flamenco show - an experience not to be missed.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 6: Peniscola - Valencia

Leaving Barcelona behind we’ll make our way south down the coast towards Valencia, stopping off along the way in Peniscola. With a historic old town, beautiful promenade and sandy beach overlooked by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar, there are few more picturesque places in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop. Once we’ve arrived in Valencia we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of this thriving port city, which retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. As our last night on tour, we’ll round off the day with a farewell paella dinner this evening.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 7: Valencia - End of tour in Madrid

Our journey continues through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote. Later, we’ll explore Castillo de Belmonte, with entrance to this medieval castle included in your tour package. The interiors are dominated by spectacular stucco works in the Gothic and Moorish styles, and a beautiful Neo-Gothic courtyard. Later this afternoon we’ll arrive back in Madrid for the end of the tour.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Last Updated: 2022-5-23 17:02:20

Itinerary for Taste of Spain • Expat Explore

Start Point:
Hotel Elba Madrid Alcala,
Calle de Alcalá, 476, 28027 Madrid, Spain
10:00 hrs
End Point:
Madrid,
Central Train Station
19:30 hrs (traffic dependent) Hotel Elba Madrid Alcala,
Calle de Alcalá, 476, 28027 Madrid, Spain
20:30 hrs (traffic dependent)

DAY 1: Arrive in Madrid

Welcome to the start of your Spanish adventure! Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel in Madrid this morning and give the group a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary. Then, head out on an orientation tour of Spain’s capital city! Visit top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more! In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to join our Tapas Food Tour optional excursion and get your first taste of Spanish cuisine! This evening, we'll enjoy an included dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers and learn a bit more from your tour leader about what incredible experiences the next seven days will bring!

Experiences

Guided tour of Madrid: See top attractions in Madrid with a local guide and find out more about the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. Highlights include Plaza Mayor, Sobrino de Botín (the oldest restaurant in the world!) and San Miguel Market.

Madrid welcome dinner: Join the tour in Madrid and, if you arrive early, explore the Spanish capital before meeting up with the tour in the evening for an included dinner.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Elba Madrid

Sercotel Madrid Aeropuerto

Optional Excursions
  • Madrid Tapas Food Tour: i € 65

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 2: Madrid - Segovia - San Sebastian

This morning, depart Madrid as we make our way to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, enjoy a comfort stop in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site city which offers the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Later this afternoon, arrive in San Sebastian, a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the city’s enchanting old town. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas!

Experiences

Explore the historic old town of Segovia: Explore the historic old town of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights in the old town include the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar (royal palace) and Segovia Cathedral.

Enjoy a night in San Sebastian: Relax on the beach and then get to know the locals as you hit the bars for traditional pintxo!

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Ibis Irun

DAY 3: San Sebastian - Pamplona - Zaragoza

Our first stop today is Pamplona, the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Packed with history, you’ll have some free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. We’ll then head to Zaragoza, enjoying a wine tasting along the way, before taking a walking tour of the city. The city has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries, as seen in the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace and the Roman theatre.

Experiences

Visit Pamplona: Explore the history of Pamplona, including the Baroque facade of the town hall in Plaza Consistorial, the Gothic church of San Saturnino and Cámara de Comptos (the oldest building in the city, dating from the 13th century).

Wine tasting in Zaragoza: As we make our way from San Sebastian to Zaragoza, we'll drive through popular wine growing regions of northern Spain, and enjoy a tasting of local Spanish wines. Typical Spanish grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño and Macabeo.

Enjoy a walking tour of Zaragoza: Experience the legacy of the many different cultures that have influenced the city’s history. The city centre is compact and easy to walk around; perfect for an evening stroll.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Ibis Zaragoza Centro

DAY 4: Andorra - Barcelona

On our way to Barcelona we’ll take a comfort stop in Andorra, a tiny independent principality with a population of just 85,000, located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. This afternoon we’ll arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Barcelona! Your tour leader will acquaint you with the city’s vibrant energy with a driving tour, so keep your eyes open for the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, and some of the spectacular examples of Antoni Gaudi’s eclectic art and architecture. After checking into our hotel, we’ll head out to a local restaurant for a true Catalonian dinner.

Experiences

Visit Andorra and Andorra la Vella: This tiny, independent principality has a population of just 85,000 and is located in the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France. Explore Europe’s highest capital city - Andorra la Vella - and enjoy free time in this beautiful city.

Enjoy a driving tour of Barcelona: The city is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. Our driving tour will introduce you to a few of Barcelona’s top attractions.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Sant Cugat Hotel

DAY 5: Barcelona: Free Day

Today is yours to do with as you please! See the panoramic views from Park Guell, with it’s interesting design courtesy of Anton Gaudi. Barcelona is home to many of Gaudi’s architectural works and you could spend the whole day simply locating each one. Visit Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia - an interpretation of a Gothic cathedral which is unlike any building you will ever see. You can’t miss it from Park Guell, or most other vantage points in the city. Harbour tours, La Ramblas, the ‘Old Town’, museums, art galleries and some of Europe’s best shopping - there is much to do in this incredible city. Join our optional excursion to see a traditional Flamenco show - an experience not to be missed.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Sant Cugat Hotel

Optional Excursions
  • Barcelona Flamenco Show & Dinner: i € 75
  • Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família: i € 100

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 6: Peniscola - Valencia

Leaving Barcelona behind we’ll make our way south down the coast towards Valencia, stopping off along the way in Peniscola. With a historic old town, beautiful promenade and sandy beach overlooked by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar, there are few more picturesque places in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop. Once we’ve arrived in Valencia we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of this thriving port city, which retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. As our last night on tour, we’ll round off the day with a farewell paella dinner this evening.

Experiences

Lunch stop in Peniscola: Stop for lunch in picturesque Peniscola, a fortified seaport on a rocky headland with only a narrow strip of land connecting it to the mainland. The castle was built in the early 14th century and served as the home of the Avignon pope Benedict XIII from 1415 to 1423.

Orientation tour of Valencia: Experience the bold architecture (both contemporary and art nouveau) - see the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Colón Market, Turia Gardens and the Cathedral.

Enjoy a traditional paella dinner in Valencia: Enjoy a fabulous dinner, featuring paella in the city where this classic dish is so revered.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Silken Puerta Valencia

DAY 7: Valencia - End of tour in Madrid

Our journey continues through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote. Later, we’ll explore Castillo de Belmonte, with entrance to this medieval castle included in your tour package. The interiors are dominated by spectacular stucco works in the Gothic and Moorish styles, and a beautiful Neo-Gothic courtyard. Later this afternoon we’ll arrive back in Madrid for the end of the tour.

Experiences

Tour the medieval Belmonte Castle: Visit Belmonte castle, with entrance included in your tour package. This beautifully restored medieval castle was built in the 15th century on the hill of San Cristobal.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner: