Duration: 14 Days
Your 14-day affordable tour of Spain begins and ends in elegant Madrid. In between, you’ll discover Spain’s sensational sites and legendary locales of history, culture, and cuisine. We have planned visits to the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian, in the Basque Country and Pamplona—city of the running of the bulls, toreadors, and Hemingway’s famous novel, “The Sun Also Rises.” Venture through countryside vistas of fields and vineyards to Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro Rive, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Take two days to absorb the beauty and history of Barcelona, learning more about its famous sights and and panoramic views on the included guided orientation. Drive along the Costa Dorada and Costa del Azahar to the vibrant art nouveau and modern style of Valencia—the home of paella!
Travel inland to Granada, situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and the confluence of four rivers. Experience the Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, exotic tearooms of the Albazyn quarter, and historical sites in this university city. You’ll relish a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings in 889 AD. More stunning architecture awaits in Cordoba—including the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter and the Moorish and Renaissance architecture of the Mezquita. Your introduction to the Andalusian capital of Seville includes a guided city tour, to see its majestic cathedral, Alcazar palace, and Plaza de España. Complete the journey through Cáceres and Salamanca to Madrid. This comprehensive, value-minded tour of Spain is a wealth of experiences in beauty, landscapes, arts, and rich cultural traditions to treasure.
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app! *Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Special Departures
March 30 Easter Departure
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
The first visit of the day is Segovia, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its soaring Roman aqueduct and breathtaking fairytale fortress. Travelling through Castille and Leon, we reach the Ribera del Duero area, which follows the course of the Douro River and is noted for producing some of Spain's finest wines. Get a taste at a local wine cellar, then continue to Burgos, known for its landmark cathedral. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B,D)
The day is dedicated to discovering the Basque Countries as we visit the city of Bilbao, known for the Guggenheim museum, and San Sebastian, with its beautiful sandy beach. On to Pamplona, famous for San FermIn's festival, featuring the running of the bulls. Today's Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B)
Vistas of the Rioja winegrowing region greet you this morning as you travel towards Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. Here, visit the Baroque-style Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pillar before arriving in Barcelona, Catalonia's lively capital. Today's Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B)
This morning's sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and to marvel at the incredible panoramic views of the port and city. On to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. (B)
Travel along the Costa Dorada today and on to the Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) to arrive in Valencia, birthplace of paella! Combining striking modern architecture with ArtNouveau-style buildings and the Old Town, Valencia is one of the most innovative Spanish cities enjoying a very high quality of life. Today's Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B).
Spectacular scenery unfolds as you travel inland towards Granada, beautifully situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and at the confluence of four rivers. Granada is a compelling city where Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, and historical sites coexist with a young population of university students, graffiti, and exotic tea houses in the Albazyn quarter. Today's Distance: 303 mi/ 487 km (B,D)
Today, your Local Guide will bring to life the world-famous Alhambra complex*. Built by Moorish kings in 889 AD, this magnificent hilltop palace-fortress features lavish gardens, and is the epitome of architectural beauty. (B) *Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Visit Cordoba, known for the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter, but, above all, for its magnificent 8th-century Mezquita, a mosque inside which a cathedral was built following the Reconquista. Admire its splendid giant arches, domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics and the 856 jasper, onyx, marble, and granite pillars. Continue your journey through picturesque Andalusia, on to vibrant, festive Seville! Tonight, a chance to join an exciting optional Flamenco show to immerse yourself in the local culture. Today's Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B,D)
An included city tour reveals the best of this vibrant Andalusian capital today: see the majestic cathedral; beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; the Real Alcazar palace with its extravagant Moorish architecture; and the landmark Plaza de Espana, built for the Ibero-American Expo in 1929. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Stop in medieval, walled Caceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Later, cross the Tagus River and the Guadarrama mountains to arrive in Salamanca. Here you will walk through centuries of history, art, and knowledge and appreciate the unique Spanish Baroque beauty of Plaza Mayor, heart of the city and one of the most extraordinary public squares in the country. Today's Distance: 289 mi/ 465 km (B)
Just like Salamanca, Avila is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its imposing city walls, monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and 2,500-plus turrets. Visit this city, the essence of Castille and the epitome of old Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, enjoy a guided tour of the city, discovering its royal elegance and its vibrancy. You'll appreciate the abundance of museums and cultural livelihood. Today's Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km (B)
Spend the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to join one of our optional excursions or activities. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
