Best of Spain Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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The 8-day tour will take you to some of the big cities, old towns, and beautiful beaches. Enjoy delicious tapas and relax and unwind over a glass of sangria. Plenty of cultural and historical sites to visit as well as amazing nightlife and great weather!

Duration : 8 Days

Destination : Spain

Start/Ends in : Madrid / Sevilla

Group Size : 7-20 People

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Discovery, Overland

Hotels : 4 Star

Depart : April to November

• * Tick off the must-see sights of Spain on an 8-day tour, from the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona to the charming towns in the south of Spain.

• * Drink, dine and party until the early hours of the morning with fellow travellers as you experience the iconic nightlife in Spain’s heartland, Madrid.

• * Stay in hand-picked and centrally located 4 star hotels, with all breakfasts included in your tour package.

• * Explore the Moorish palaces of Spain while following a local guide through the beautiful gardens and alleyways of Granada.

• * Catch glimpses of the ancient times and Game of Thrones film-sets as you wander through grand plazas, jaw-dropping cathedrals, and royal gardens of Sevilla.

• * Get your cameras ready and make the most of your free time checking out Park Guell, La Rambla, and the Old Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.

• * Shape your holiday the way you want with optional activities including a traditional Flamenco Show in Sevilla, exploring Granada’s iconic Alhambra, relaxing by the beach in Valencia, or experiencing the scientific wonders of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias museum… Spain has it all!

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point for the Best of Spain tour is:

Hotel Mayorazgo – MADRID – 4 STAR

 C. de la Flor Baja, 3, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Phone : +34 915 47 26 00

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Finishing Point

The finishing point for the Best of Spain tour is:

Hotel Silken Al Andalus – SEVILLA – 4 Star

Address : Av. de la Palmera, s/n, 41012 Sevilla, Spain

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Highlights

Djeema El Fna: The main square of Marrakech hosts many attractions and an authentic local market. Visit fortune tellers, watch snake charmers, and make deep connections with the local life.

Marrakech: Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is home to mosques, palaces, and gardens. Pottery and jewelry is a symbol of the city.

Fes: Fes is a northeastern Moroccan city very often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. it is primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina.

Ouarzazate: The “door of the desert”, Ouarzazate is located just north of the Sahara desert. It is mainly inhabited by Berbers who built the famous Kasbahs.

M’Hamid: M’hamid is an oasis town isolated from the crowds. Hidden in the palm oases of M’Hamid are seven old and decaying Ksars. M’Hamid is also known as Bounou.

Zagora: Zagora is an amazing town in the Draa River valley in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of southeastern Morocco. It is referred to as “the gate to the Sahara”.

Agadir: Agadir is the major coastal town on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Agadir is famous for its summer resorts and beautiful beaches as well as the sea foods in Agadir.

Essaouira: Located on the Atlantic Coast, Essaouira is famous for the powerful trade wind blowing onto the protected, calm bay. Very popular among windsurfers!

Valencia: On the east coast of the Iberian peninsula, this magnificent city will blow your mind with its phenomenal architectural expressions and fresh-faced designs.

Barcelona: One of the largest cosmopolitan cities in the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a spell-binding metropolis bound by exquisite architecture and breezy vibes.

Granada: The cultural and historic center of Cordoba is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Alcazar Fortress is breathtaking and the Jewish neighborhood is not to be missed.

Madrid : The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, offers an extensive artistic & cultural heritage. An amazing city in every aspect.

Sevilla: Walk around and get lost in this Spanish city which is a perfect combination of Romani, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style architecture.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 4 star hotels

Airport Transfer : Arrival transfer on day 1 and return shuttle on the last day of the tour

Meals : 7 breakfasts

Transportation : Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

Guide : Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

Sightseeing : Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, Almudena Cathedral, Alhambra & Generalife Gardens, Giralda Tower, Cathedral of St Mary, Parque de María Luisa, Reales Alcázares, Mudéjar Pavilion

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accomodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room.

Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last minute changes may not be guaranteed.

HOTEL MAYORAZGO – MADRID – 4 Star

Hotel Mayorazgo is located very centrally in Madrid, in walking distance of Gran Via, Plaza Espana, and the Royal Palace. It has a Mediterranean restaurant and a bar.

HOTEL EXE CRISTAL PALACE – BARCELONA – 4 Star

Exe Cristal Palace is centrally located just off Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia Boulevard. It features modern, air-conditioned rooms.

HOTEL ACTEON – VALENCIA – 4 Star

Located a few steps from Puerto de Valencia Avenue and Ciudad de las Artes Ciencias. This hotel has a design of a cheerful atmosphere.

LOS ANGELES HOTEL – GRANADA– 4 Star

This 4-star hotel is situated in the beautiful heart of Granada, next to La Alhambra’s relaxing residential area. The property also features a pool and a lounge.

HOTEL SILKEN AL ANDALUS – SEVILLA – 4 Star

Silken Al-Andalus Palace Hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Seville’s historic center. It offers a gym, a seasonal outdoor pool, as well as terraces, and gardens.

Distances

Please find below the distances between the sights visited in Spain, and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.

Madrid – Granada: 420km – 5h

Granada – Cordoba: 201km – 2hr 45min

Cordoba – Sevilla: 132km – 2hr

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

Entrance Fees

Spain

Mosque Cordoba — 10 Euro

Cathedral Sevilla — 10 Euro

The currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). We recommend that you wait until you go to the city center to change your money. Exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city.

ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted, except in some small shops.

Tipping

In Spain, we recommend carrying small amounts of cash with you at all times, and adding a 10% tip to your bill if you are content with the service in the restaurants.

Shopping

Enjoy your favourite fashions to the full with a day’s shopping in Spain. You will discover that there are many cities here with famous designer shops, major shopping areas and modern, attractive options. There are so many alternatives
available that you will feel short of time to see them all. Don’t worry – in Spain these temples of fashion close very late. Madrid, the shop window with a thousand styles, where fans of glamour and alternative fashions come in equal parts. The so-called “golden mile” (Salamanca neighbourhood with Serrano and Ortega y Gasset streets) is home to the most prestigious Spanish brands, alongside world names in luxury fashion. Prefer the latest trends? Then visit Calle Fuencarral and time will fly as you explore its varied clothes shops and the authentic trends in Fuencarral Market. Is it Sunday? Then don’t forget to visit the “Rastro”, a street market in the centre of the city.

Travel Advice, Visas & Insurance (Spain)

If you are a European citizen, you don’t need to obtain a visa to enter Spain, as it is a European country included within the Schengen area. For stays shorter than three months, the citizens of the following countries do not require a visa: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Please check the specific requirements for your nationality before planning a trip to Spain.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in Spain, and you should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times. 

Check with your embassy or your official government website for foreign Spain travel advice. Bear in mind that the information we provide is for guidance only, and you are advised to check the details as it is your responsibility to have all the official documents ready before traveling.

This information is provided as guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change. Please note, that visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when traveling. For more details, visit our Morocco travel advice and Spain travel advice pages.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Spain and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

The best time to visit Spain is from June to August in the high season, when the sun is shining in full force, the Iberian coast is brimming with life, and a cultural experience is most promising. The weather is hot and dry throughout the season, with an average temperature of 30°C. Temperatures climb up to 36°C at the heart of Andalusia while the sea breeze provides a refreshment around Barcelona. Pack light clothes and enough sunscreen if you are planning a trip to Spain in the summer. The lack of humidity will make walking tours in Spain’s world-famous attractions enjoyable.

Summer is also the best time to visit Spain for the ultimate cultural experience, as the entire country is under the magical influence of slow living. Party it out in the Spanish way, or enjoy serene evenings accompanied by the Spanish guitar.

Money Matters

The currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). We recommend that you wait until you go to the city center to change your money. Exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city.

ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted, except in some small shops.

We recommend carrying small amounts of cash with you at all times, and adding a 10% tip to your bill if you are content with the service in the restaurants.

Eating & Drinking

Spanish cuisine is exotic, diverse, and as colorful as the country’s culture. Blending culinary traditions from the 17 autonomous communities within its borders, it makes use of olive oil and regional herbs such as thyme and oregano. Garlic is also an irreplaceable ingredient in Spanish dishes. As you travel across the cultural regions of Spain, you will find unique culinary accents that reflect the communities. Believe it or not, Spanish cuisine is much more than the iconic paella and exciting tapas, and we are here to get you familiar with the best dishes in Spain.

For more, check out our Spain food guide.

Tortilla de Patatas: A quintessential Spanish dish and breakfast staple, tortilla de patatas knows how to satisfy the palate with its plain but incredible taste. It is a potato omelette and you will hear loads of ideas when it comes to cooking it with or without onions. 

Paella: The first recipe of paella includes rice, rabbit, chicken, and duck meat. Much simpler versions are at the top of the menus in every Spanish restaurant today. Paella de marisco is one that you should try if you are into seafood.

Spanish Chorizo: Dry or deep-fried, these pork sausages are a common ingredient in Spanish everyday cooking. It gives some of the most iconic main course dishes their distinctive qualities. 

Chocolate con Churros: Churros is deep-fried dough sticks coated in a mix of cinnamon and sugar and dipped in hot chocolate sauce. 

Sangria: Slices of orange, lemon, and apple are chilled in a jug of Rioja wine. The traditional recipe may also include blueberries, grapes, and other fresh fruits. 

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Important: If your tour runs in the months from November to March, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag with you as the weather can be cold at night time (especially in the desert).

Internet Access

Most cafes, hotels and restaurants in large cities of Morocco and Spain provide free Wi-Fi, but the connection may be spotty or slow. If you wish to use your own 3G/4G Data, be sure to enable data roaming on your mobile. Purchasing a Moroccan or SpanishSIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective alternative. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible. Your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Religion, Etiquette, and How to Dress

The majority of Spain is Catholic, and Spanish people often see Catholicism as a deep-rooted tradition. Catholic culture is the main driving force behind celebrations and holidays in Spain. You will witness several rituals and events taking place in the Catholic churches all across the country, which are also must-visit places for the ultimate Spanish experience. When visiting religious sanctuaries, pay attention to cover your shoulders and knees, but keep in mind that there is not a strict dressing code in Spain. Also, Try to practice caution when speaking about the daily routines and schedules of Spanish people with locals.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see our solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/