Feel the pulse of spirited Spain on this eight-day tour from the country’s capital to the bustling coastal city of Barcelona. Be captivated by Cuenca’s Old City, mosey around the markets and space-age architecture of Valencia and get lost in the convoluted streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. This is a journey of old and new that introduces you to the history, traditions and architecture of Spain, as well as the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife enjoyed by locals. With a local leader to set you up in each city and show you around, plus plenty of freedom to explore what (and how) you like, this adventure is perfect for independent travellers. Highlights
Spend two days in Valencia, the gateway to the Mediterranean and a walker’s paradise, where you can explore via a lush, snaking park that runs through the city.
Explore the medieval Old Town of Cuenca, a city built around deep gorges with many casa colgadas (hanging houses) that spill over the edge of edge of cliffs.
Taste the unforgettable flavours of Catalan dishes such as fideua (similar to seafood paella) and botifarra amb mongetes (haricot beans served with sausage) washed down with a glass of Rioja.
Wander around the 17th-century Plaza Mayor, the perfect place to get a sense of Madrid’s vibrant history and contemporary culture (plus do a little people watching).
Witness Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, a Gothic masterpiece embodies Barcelona's artistic and progressive heart, and choose whether to continue inside on an optional tour.
- You will visit the following places:
-
Barcelona
Barcelona – Spain's enchanting capital, second largest and most populous city. It is a huge city that vibrates with life, and there’s certainly not another city in the country to touch it for its sheer style, looks or energy. It is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centers, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. Barcelona is home to masterpieces of many great architects – the most famous of which is Antoni Gaudí.
-
Valencia
Valencia is the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain, with a population of 809,267 in 2010. It is the 15th-most populous municipality in the European Union. It is integrated into an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, with approximately 169 hectares; this heritage of ancient monuments, views and cultural attractions makes Valencia one of the country's most popular tourist destinations!
-
Cuenca
The city of Cuenca — in full, Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca — is the capital of the Azuay Province. It is located in the highlands of Ecuador at about 2,500 meters above sea level, with an urban population of approximately 400,000 rising to 700,000 inhabitants in the larger metro area. The centre of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site due to its many historical buildings. Of all the cities in Ecuador, Cuenca is arguably the most charming with its stunning architecture, tourist attractions, hotels and night activities. It has long been known for a rich intellectual, and is famous for its colorful festivals, distinct food and breathtaking scenery. In recent years, Cuenca has become a hot spot for expatriates and retirees settling down to live.