The Best of Spain
Spain
Nine days from Madrid to Barcelona through Andalusia and the coast: the Prado, Córdoba's Mosque of the Caliphs, Seville's Plaza de España with a choice of walking tours, the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona with the Sagrada Família. Four UNESCO-listed sites, Local Guides in every city, 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
From $2,699 pp
Per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included · 9 days
- Next departure
- Mar 27, 2027 · $2,629
- Departures open
- 21
- Meals
- 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Operator
- Globus / Cosmos
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Globus / Cosmos's own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
This is the Spain circuit — the one that connects the four cities people argue about — and it earns its nine days. The catch is distance: three coach days run 217 to 336 miles, which is the price of doing Andalusia and Barcelona in one trip. Two notes straight from Globus: entry to the Nasrid Palace inside the Alhambra is not guaranteed, and the wheelchair route there differs from the guided one. Fly into Madrid, home from Barcelona.
Highlights
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the route: Alhambra and Generalife Granada, Historic Centre of Cordoba, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, Works of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia
- Globus Choice excursions in Seville − included in your tour with your choice of a walking tour in historic Seville including a visit to Casa de Pilatos or guided walk in the Prado de San Sebastián and Parque de Maria Luisa parks
- Guided sightseeing in Valencia includes a photo stop at the science complex, a panoramic drive, and a walking tour of old Valencia, plus a complimentary traditional horchata drink
- 8 nights in listed hotels, 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners, Tour Director throughout
- 21 departures currently open across 2027, from $2,699 per person, land only — flights from home not included
Who this trip suits
- First-time Spain visitors who want Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona together
- Architecture and history lovers — the Mezquita, the Alhambra, the Sagrada Família
- Travelers who want Local Guides in each city rather than audio guides
- Couples and friends who are fine with a few long coach days for the payoff
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who dislikes long driving days — Day 3 is 336 miles
- Travelers who want one base; hotels change every one or two nights
- People set on the Nasrid Palace specifically — Globus does not guarantee that entry
- Those who want beach or island time; Mallorca and the Costa del Sol are not on it
Day by day
Globus / Cosmos's published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Welcome to Madrid!Arrive in Madrid, SpainDinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
2Masterpieces in MadridMadridBreakfast
This morning, discover the city's historic grandeur along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote." Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city.
Highlight · The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Meals: Breakfast
3Treasures of CordobaMadrid–Cordoba–SevilleBreakfastDinner
Enjoy a scenic drive south into the region of Andalusia. This afternoon, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to see the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Bridge, and the remains of the Alcazar. The tour highlight is a visit of the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Enjoy some free time to browse the narrow streets before continuing to the vibrant city of Seville.
Highlight · The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 336 mi / 540 km
4Spend Your Day Your Way in SevilleSevilleBreakfast
This morning, discover what makes Seville so special. Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, then explore more of Seville with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Seville.
Meals: Breakfast
5Splendid SpainSeville–GranadaBreakfast
Drive to Granada for today’s highlight, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Alhambra Complex*, an Islamic architectural masterpiece. Visit the breathtaking complex with your Local Guide and discover what makes it so special. Later, enjoy some free time getting acquainted with this captivating city, shaped by its blend of cultural influences. *Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Highlight · Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, once the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
Meals: Breakfast · 158 mi / 255 km
6Spanish SpecialtiesGranada–ValenciaBreakfastDinner
Enjoy a scenic drive past the mountains towards the coast and the vibrant city of Valencia. Meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to see the Torres de Serranos and Plaza de Toros, a photo stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, plus a walking tour of Old Valencia. Visit a Horchateria to try the traditional Valencian horchata drink. This evening, get a real taste for Valencia with a mouthwatering traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant.
Local favorite · Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella dinner in Valencia. Traditional Paella Valenciana is made with chicken and sweet paprika and golden saffron in a slow simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · 329 mi / 530 km
7The Boulevards of BarcelonaValencia–BarcelonaBreakfast
Enjoy the changing panorama during a scenic drive along the coast past some of Spain’s most famous seaside resorts to Barcelona. Free time this afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this flamboyant city, its lively atmosphere, amazing architecture, and tasty local dishes.
Meals: Breakfast · 217 mi / 350 km
8Adiós, Barcelona!BarcelonaBreakfastDinner
This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Gràcia. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Continue the tour with a drive to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. This evening enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Local favorite · Say farewell to Spain with Sangria and culinary specialties at a local city center restaurant. Often considered the signature drink of Spain and taking its name from its “blood red color,” Sangria’s origins are thought to go back to Roman times, when it was simply wine added to water. Since then, the recipe has been revisited many times and there are many delicious local variations. Tonight, lift your glass for a toast to your Best of Spain tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9Safe travels until we meet again!BarcelonaBreakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Globus / Cosmos's departures feed · per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | Price pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 4 | Standard | $2,629$3,229 | Available |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 18 | Standard | $3,299 | Available |
| Apr 22, 2027small group | Apr 30 | Small group | $4,069 | Available |
| May 6, 2027small group | May 14 | Small group | $3,769$3,919 | Available |
| May 8, 2027 | May 16 | Standard | $3,349 | Available |
| May 15, 2027 | May 23 | Standard | $3,489 | Few seats left |
| May 20, 2027small group | May 28 | Small group | $3,929 | Available |
| May 22, 2027 | May 30 | Standard | $3,379 | Available |
| May 29, 2027 | Jun 6 | Standard | $3,439 | Available |
| Jun 3, 2027small group | Jun 11 | Small group | $3,959 | Available |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Jun 20 | Standard | $3,439 | Available |
| Jun 17, 2027small group | Jun 25 | Small group | $3,769$3,919 | Available |
| Jul 10, 2027 | Jul 18 | Standard | $2,699 | Available |
| Sep 2, 2027small group | Sep 10 | Small group | $3,929 | Available |
7 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Globus / Cosmos, “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Madrid
Novotel Madrid CenterFirst-Class
A stylish 790 room hotel located in Madrid's elegant Salamanca District with Free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, a chic bar featuring a large…
Seville
Sevilla CenterSuperior First-Class
The hotel enjoys a central location and is within walking distance to the historical Old Town and cathedral. Warmly decorated air-conditioned guest rooms include a minibar and free Wi-Fi. Amenities…
Granada
Hotel Turia GranadaFirst-Class
This elegant, modern hotel enjoys an unbeatable location in the center of Granada next to Fuentenueva Park and the University of Granada. There is Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a 24-hour…
Valencia
NH CenterFirst-Class
The stylishly decorated NH Center hotel offers 192 spacious, modern rooms, including rooms specially designed with handicapped accessibility.
Barcelona
HCC St. MoritzFirst-Class
Hotel HCC St Moritz has a total of 91 rooms and offers a warm and relaxing atmosphere for a perfect rest after a busy day in the city.
What's included
- Tour Director for the whole trip, plus Local Guides at the major sites
- 8 nights in the hotels listed below ("as shown or similar")
- 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners — see the day-by-day for which days
- Coach travel between cities as shown, with luggage handled hotel to hotel
- Guided sightseeing in Madrid includes a panoramic drive featuring views of main landmarks and a visit to the Prado Museum
- Guided walking tour in Cordoba includes a visit to the Mosque of the Caliphs
- Visit to the Plaza de España in Seville with its magnificent mosaic patio
- Globus Choice excursions in Seville − included in your tour with your choice of a walking tour in historic Seville including a visit to Casa de Pilatos or guided walk in the Prado de San Sebastián and Parque de Maria Luisa parks
- Guided walking tour in the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife
- Guided sightseeing in Valencia includes a photo stop at the science complex, a panoramic drive, and a walking tour of old Valencia, plus a complimentary traditional horchata drink
- Paella Valenciana dinner at a local restaurant
- Guided sightseeing in Barcelona includes a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica, a sightseeing drive, and a photo stop on Montjuic Hill
- Sangria and a farewell dinner
What's not included
- International airfare — every price on this page is land-only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport transfers at the start and end unless stated in the itinerary (Globus adds them when air is booked through them)
- Meals not listed: about 9 lunches and 4 dinners, plus drinks with meals
- Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver and Local Guides (Globus offers a prepaid option for the first two)
- Optional excursions, bookable from 90 days before departure
- Travel protection — recommended, and we will price it alongside the tour
- Single supplement for solo travelers — quoted on request
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; arriving a day early is worth it when the tour starts with an evening meet-up. |
| Airport transfers | Not included on the standard tour. Globus adds them when air is booked through them; otherwise a taxi or pre-booked car. |
| Meals not covered | 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners are in. Budget for the rest, plus drinks. |
| Gratuities | Tour Director, driver and Local Guide tips are extra. Globus offers a prepaid option for the Tour Director and driver. |
| Optional excursions | Offered from 90 days before departure and on tour. Not required to enjoy the itinerary. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a trip at this price point and quote it with the tour. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies. We quote it per departure. |
Good to know
- Operator's note
- The Alhambra complex: Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
- Operator's note
- The Alhambra complex is wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
- Coach days
- 4 of the 9 days include 100+ miles of driving (Day 3: 336 mi, Day 5: 158 mi, Day 6: 329 mi, Day 7: 217 mi), broken up by stops.
- Group size
- Standard departures travel by full-size coach. Departures marked Small Group on the dates table are Globus Small Group Discoveries, capped at a smaller group and priced higher.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing a room, land only — flights from home not included. Hotels are as listed or similar.
- Start and finish
- 9 days from Madrid to Barcelona. Open-jaw flights (different arrival and departure cities) — we price them together.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ guests | Group pricing starts here — Globus quotes group rates from 8 travelers. Ask us for a group quote. |
| 20+ guests | Custom itinerary available — Globus can build a tailor-made version of this tour. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Every price on this page is land-only. We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Globus can add airport transfers when the air is on their booking.
Is the Alhambra really included?
Yes — a guided walking tour of the complex and the Generalife gardens. Globus notes that entry to the Nasrid Palace within it is not guaranteed because of timed-ticket limits, and that the wheelchair-accessible route differs from the guided one.
Which airports?
Into Madrid, out of Barcelona. We price the open-jaw ticket with your dates.
How much walking is there?
Expect guided walking tours most days, often on cobbles, steps and uneven ground. If that is a concern, tell us before you commit and we will talk it through rather than hope for the best.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure — the dates table on this page is read from Globus's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season departures are usually the lower-priced ones; any Small Group departures cost more.
What if we need to cancel?
Globus's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Globus' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by product and departure date, and differ again for air booked through Globus; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: globusjourneys.com/terms
