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Spain Tours & Packages

There's truly something for everyone in España. On our 8 - 18 day Spain tours, you are free to discover tapas in Madrid, take a Flamenco lesson in Seville, sip Port in Porto, and so much more.

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Spain tours by region    .

Passionate, exciting, and full of surprises, Spain charms visitors. Travelers come for flamenco, bullfighting, and year-round sunshine – and they find so much more than meets the eye in this unforgettable destination. Discover a warm, inviting culture where art, architecture, music, and cuisine blend seamlessly with everyday living.  

Spain’s location on the Iberian Peninsula , bordered by Portugal, France, and the Mediterranean and mere miles from Africa, makes it a unique cultural melting pot. This amalgamation is ever-present in Spain’s music, architecture, and cuisine, making it one of the most fun and fascinating countries to explore.  

From the sun-splashed sandy beaches of Costa del Sol to the dramatic slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains, our Spain tours uncover it all, appealing to every travel style and interest. You’ll discover some of the world’s most awe-inspiring and phenomenal architectural achievements. From Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia Church to Córdoba’s mosque-cathedral, you’ll delight in a beautiful hodgepodge of styles and elements – reflections of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse cultural influences. Roman, Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, Classical, and more dazzle the eye throughout the country.  

Our Spain vacation packages deliver enriching cultural encounters while you travel comfortably with first-class hotels, luxury transportation, and special access to legendary sites.  

Andalucia    

Visit Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region, where gorgeous Moorish and Islamic architecture reflect its proximity to Morocco, just across the strait of Gibraltar. Our tours of Spain take you to the heart of this magical region, the land of olive oil, tapas , and passionate Flamenco dancing . Centuries of north African rule leave an indelible impression on local cuisine, culture, and buildings. See history come alive in the beautifully-preserved Moorish city of Córdoba . You’ll see a Roman bridge dating to the 1st century BC and the spectacular Mezquita, a beautiful 8th-century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it. Marvel at the Alhambra , an exquisite palace and citadel built by the Moors in the 13th century and overlooking Granada, a Moorish kingdom for nearly eight centuries until it fell to Catholic monarchs in the late fifteenth century. Our Andalusia tours journey through citrus and olive groves to visit romantic Seville, where Christopher Columbus is buried in an ornate tomb at the Seville Cathedral. Explore the old Jewish Quarter and the iconic Giralda Bell Tower. Indulge in Mediterranean beach life on the sunny Costa del Sol, where you can stroll waterside promenades and dine on seafood in village cafes.  

Basque Country    

Our tours of the Basque Country explore the captivating landscape of northern Spain , bordered by France and the Bay of Biscay leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. The most famous gem of the region is the striking 1997 Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, itself an excellent reason to visit Basque Country. One of the world's most recognizable buildings, this Frank Gehry-designed art museum is a titanium-wrapped marvel of architectural ingenuity. Bilbao is a lively hub of cutting-edge design and architecture and a place where tradition runs deep. Stroll the Casco Viejo, a historic district dating to the 15th century, and enjoy some pintxos, the local iteration of tapas, elbow-to-elbow with locals. Appetite whet, move on to beautiful San Sebastián , the gourmet capital of Spain. This waterfront city reflects the region's rich maritime history – the Basques had one of the first commercial whaling and long-distance fishing industries in European history. You can count on enjoying delicious seafood and local wine, perhaps along one of its picturesque bayfront promenades. The white-sand-lined Bay of Concha is perfect for swimming, lounging, and people-watching. Don’t miss the wide array of food stalls at the Mercado de la Bretxa , a 19th-century covered shopping hall.  

Castilla y Leon    

Between the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast and the metropolis of Madrid, explore the region known as Castilla y León on a Grand European Tour of northern Spain . This region encompasses a high plateau surrounded by mountains. It includes eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Old City of Salamanca, where one of the world’s oldest universities stands, established in the 12th century – about a thousand years ago. The old center retains golden-hued Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque monuments. Have a drink at one of the many cafes surrounding the vast Plaza Mayor, built in the Spanish Baroque style. A visit to the medieval walled city of Segovia captures the imagination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. Overlooking the city is Alcazar, a 15th-century fortress and castle whose conical spires are said to have inspired Walt Disney. The city also hosts an incredible Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years. It was in service until 1973.  

Catalonia    

Visit Catalonia , where the region retains an identity independent of Spain and its own language. Adjacent to France and tiny Andorra, with the Pyrenees Mountains as a stunning backdrop, Catalonia in northern Spain has a long Mediterranean coastline, of which Barcelona is the highlight. The Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings, is a bucket-list sight on all tours of Catalonia. This immense and still-unfinished church, a unique hybrid of gothic and art nouveau styles, is the most famous structure by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, whose whimsical, organic designs dot the city. The interior is bathed by jewel-toned rays passing through rainbows of stained-glass windows. Visit Gaudi’s playful, mosaic-laden Park Güell for a colorful afternoon. As a capital of culture, art, and architecture, Barcelona has elegant stroll-worthy streets like Passeig de Gràcia Avenue and Las Ramblas, where artisan crafts, street performers, luxury boutiques, and art galleries vie for your attention. With plenty of parks, markets, and public beaches, Barcelona invites visitors to slow down and enjoy a sparkling glass of Spanish cava as the world goes by.  

Every tour of Spain should include a visit to exciting Madrid (both the region as well as the capital of Spain). Parks, plazas, and elegant boulevards make this thriving city a joy to explore. Historic neighborhoods abound, each with its character and rich with architectural delights. Marvel at the elaborate facades lining the Gran Vía, Madrid ’s most famous street. A street that never sleeps houses shops, bars, and restaurants while running through the city's heart, leading you to the famous Plaza de Cibeles and its fountain depicting the goddess of fertility on a chariot drawn by a pair of lions. Our Madrid tours invite you to explore the verdant tree-lined walking paths, historic buildings of El Retiro Park, and the grounds and interior of the 3,000-room Royal Palace. The nearby Plaza Mayor, the center of Old Madrid, marks one end of Calle de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s longest and oldest thoroughfares, and is lined with still more imposing, ornate buildings. Art lovers mustn't miss the renowned Prado Museum, where you can see masterpieces by Botticelli, Velázquez, Titian, Rubens, and Goya. When you visit Madrid, indulge in local pastimes, like watching a soccer match or people-watching over coffee and churros.  

Visit Valencia for an intriguing mix of old and new right on the edge of the Mediterranean. The futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences stand in stark contrast with ancient stone buildings and colorful row houses. Our tours of Valencia explore the bustling Mercado Central and the medieval charm of the Old City, once enclosed by fortressed walls. The buildings reflect a catalog of influences from Romans to Moors, from Gothic to Modernista, earning the city designation as the World Design Capital 2022. Let the fresh Mediterranean views and breezes beckon you to the beautiful beaches of Valencia, where amber sand meets irresistible turquoise water. This is the land of bullfighting, where the neoclassical Plaza de Toros bullring still hosts battles. It’s also the proud homeland of paella , the celebrated saffron-scented dish of rabbit, sausage, and seafood cooked with rice in a wide, shallow pan over an open fire. Enjoy it with a glass of sangria.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Tours    

• Is Spain in Europe?   Spain is western Europe’s most southern country. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with neighboring Portugal and is a mere eight miles from the African continent across the Strait of Gibraltar.  
• How many days should you spend in Spain?  This captivating country, overflowing with diverse landscapes, cultures, and languages, could keep you busy for weeks. We recommend our tours of Spain that give you at least a week in the country, allowing you a good survey of the country or a deeper dive into a single region.  
• What can you see in Spain in a week?   One week in Spain will give you a good taste of two or three major cities and some of the countryside. Most of our tours to Spain include stops in Portugal or France and last from nine to 16 days.  
• When is the best time to visit Spain?    Any time is a good time in Spain. With about 3,000 average hours of annual sunshine, the country has mild temperatures year-round. Spring and fall have beautiful weather and lighter crowds. Summer may trend towards hot, and it’s the high season for European and international travelers, so it tends to be crowded.  

Why You Should Visit Spain    

This Mediterranean nation has so much to explore. Get inspired with our collection of tours of Spain and leave the planning to our experts. Hop on one of our Spain vacation packages and discover the magical destinations throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Savor the country's delicacies: tasty tapas, savory paella, refreshing sangria, and delectable churros. Sip a glass of sparkling cava at a beachside cafe or one of the country’s many historic plazas.  

Feel the mist rise from Baroque fountains, smell the orange blossoms, admire the imprint of history on every boulevard, and marvel at the golden glow of the setting sun reflecting from cathedrals, fortresses, and aqueducts. Learn about the fierce independence and identity of the Basque and Catalan regions. Shop artisan crafts and luxury stores, visit art galleries and wander market stalls and pristine parks. Hilltop fortresses, beachside promenades, and cobbled streets winding through old quarters will create indelible memories of this captivating country. Witness flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and the fervor of a soccer crowd. Whether your passion lies in food, architecture, history, culture, or sheer natural beauty, you’ll find it richly represented on our excellent Spain tours.

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The best of Spain trips unlocked for you

Experience Spain differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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Discover the Old and New Madrid

Get lost in the narrow streets and charming alleyways running off Plaza Mayor. Wooden shops and tavernas pull you in, taking you into spaces handed down through generations. With contemporary architecture and experimental restaurants, anything’s possible in the city of Madrid. The collision point of old and new.

Feel the rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco

No trip to Spain is complete without witnessing an Andalusian flamenco. Emotion, seduction and mystery form into this traditional Spanish dance, making this so much more than just a pastime. Feel the guitar, the heavy clapping, the heart-thumping steps and 500 years of passion in a tablao – the region’s historic enclaves where this dance comes to life. 

View the Bullring in Valencia

Aside from being the centre of one of Spain’s most traditional activities, the Plaza de Toros de Valencia is a commanding example of neoclassical architecture. Look up at the Roman-inspired building and you can almost hear 150 years of crowds roaring through the brick arches.

Admire Gaudí architecture in Barcelona

Barcelona means little without Antoni Gaudí, the 20th century architect whose unmistakable approach to Art Nouveau has made its mark on the Catalan city. Walk past Gaudí’s residence, Casa Vicens, pick out his Islamic influences in Parc Güell and watch history being built at la Sagrada Familia.

Travel to the mountain of Montserrat

Escape the city and venture to Montserrat, the jagged mountain range just outside Barcelona. Here, hike to Montserrat’s highest summit, Sant Jeroni, or take the scenic cable car to the 16th-century cliff top Christian complex of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Sweeping Catalonia views and religious history combine on this incredible experience.

Our top 5 things to do in Spain

Discover Spain with Trafalgar and get to know the intricacies of its heritage through music, dance, religion and architecture. Our trips are filled with both iconic and unexpected experiences, and will cement your love for this country. 

Dali Museum

Walk through the Dalí Theatre-Museum and get a glimpse into the mind of one of Spain’s most famous exports. Designed by the artist himself, this is a building of grand Surrealist proportions, housing decades of Dalí’s works. Enjoy a surprise and new perspective at every turn.

Picasso Museum

Spend at least a few hours at the Museu Picasso, a warren-like building of courtyards and staircases filled with more than 4,000 original artworks. Explore the rooms of five joined medieval mansions, and bear witness to the artist’s broad and varied talent. This is a collection concentrating on Picasso’s earlier, lesser-known years.

Guggenheim Museum

Come for the architecture, stay for the art. Frank Gehry’s most-referenced work of modern architecture has revolutionised Bilbao and is a masterpiece in itself. Dismiss all ideas of what a building should look like and revel in the Deconstructivist design while getting up close to large-scale installations by contemporary artists.

Best museums in Spain

Surrealism, cubism, modern history and expressive architecture, you will experience it all with the museums we visit in Spain. Let Trafalgar unlock the culture of this remarkable country.

Paella Valenciana

Take a seat and immerse in a large pan of Paella Valenciana. The rice dish packed with meat and vegetables is found all over Spain but the original hails from Albufera, on the coast next to Valencia. Eat it straight from the pan with fellow dinner guests for an authentic Spanish mealtime.

A cold soup of raw, blended vegetables may not sound appealing, but Andalusia’s age-old dish is one that you will quickly learn to love. Try history-drenched gazpacho - typically made of tomatoes, stale bread, cucumber and bell pepper - for a light and refreshing option during a hot Spanish summer.

For Catalonians, nothing evokes memories of home like Escudella i carn d’olla. Devour the centuries-old meal over two courses, consisting of a soup of broth with pasta or rice (or both) followed by a large ‘pilota’ meatball livened by garlic and parsley.

Best food in Spain

Enjoy traditional Spanish food in the very place the meals originated. With Simple ingredients and rich flavors, the dishes we share with you on a trip to Spain will connect you with the authentic culinary heritage of the country.

What to pack for Spain

Catalan, Basque or Galician phrase book

Depending on where you’re visiting, speak like the locals and swap Spanish for a few phrases of the mother tongue. You’ll make friends for life by showing such enthusiasm for the local dialect.

Espadrilles

Forgo ‘flip-flops’ or ‘thongs’ and do as the Spaniards do; don a pair of traditional espadrilles for walking around the cities and travelling the country’s coastline. Comfort and style combined.

Spain has a reputation for being dry and sunny, but cool and rainy days do come. Pack a jacket for and easy layers, particularly if visiting Spain in winter.

A scarf or pashmina

A scarf or pashmina is a must for air-conditioned transport, cooler evenings and when visiting religious sites and cathedrals, which require bare shoulders to be covered.

Sturdy walking boots

Spain may be renowned for its cities and beaches, but you may need sturdy walking shoes when visiting the idyllic mountain ranges.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Spain tours

Discover the culture, history, and beauty of Spain! You'll see it all, from mesmerizing museums in Madrid and flamenco in Seville to amazing architecture in Barcelona. Our Spain tours have it all.

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What travelers say about their tours of Spain

Travel tips for spain trips.

From the museums of Madrid to the sands of the Costa del Sol, Spain sparkles with incredible places to visit. Whether you’re in search of incredible art and architecture, flamenco shows, delicious plates of tapas, Spanish culture, or history, you’ll find plenty of it in the cosmopolitan cities and picturesque countryside. The top places to visit on our tours of Spain are:

• Barcelona. Appealing to artists, foodies, sports fans, history buffs, beach lovers, and even mountain-goers, it is no surprise that this capital city of Catalonia is one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. Among its many attractions are La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. Check out our best travel tips for a trip to Barcelona .
• Madrid. Spain’s most populous city is full of energy. The elegant boulevards and parks, and rich collection of European art, make this Spanish city a must-see. From the treasures at the Prado Museum to sunsets at the Temple of Debod, Madrid is always a highlight of trips to Spain. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Madrid .
• Seville. There’s no better place to experience flamenco than its birthplace: Seville. The charming city with a Moorish influence is also known for its tapas and festivals, including its world-famous April Fair.
• Granada.  Granada is full of historical and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Albayzín district. Granada is also home to the Sacromonte district, which is famous for its flamenco shows.
• Valencia. With its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Valencia is a traveler’s delight. If you love beaches, Valencia’s location on the Mediterranean coast offers some of Spain’s best.
• Málaga. Located on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. The combination of great food, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions (Alcazaba, Cathedral of Malaga, and the Picasso Museum) will make you want to return again and again.
• Costa del Sol. Dreaming of sunny days on the coast? Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) is lined with golden beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll get your fill of Spanish food and wine, historical sites, and lively nightlife, too.

Ready to explore northern Spain? Here are eight of the best places to see  →

If a lot of sunshine is what you seek, set out to see Spain in the summer. Spring and fall are becoming more popular times to visit thanks to the comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at landmarks and major sites. Our guided tours of Spain run every season since the country offers an amazing experience for travelers any time of the year.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Spain’s top attractions: beautiful churches, mosaic-tiled palaces, and celebrated beaches. One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Spain is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. Another advantage of traveling to Spain with us? We’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions to see in Spain:

• La Sagrada Família in Barcelona
• The Alhambra in Granada
• Park Güell in Barcelona
• Mezquita in Córdoba
• The Prado Museum in Madrid
• Plaza de España in Seville
• Llotja de la Seda in Valencia
• The Picasso Museum in Barcelona
• Royal Alcázar of Seville
• Royal Palace in Madrid
• Beaches of Costa del Sol

Check out bucket list-worthy things to do in Spain →

Spain is many things: cosmopolitan, historic, and laidback. You’ll find incredible art and architecture, delicious food, and captivating countryside and coastlines, all infused with Spanish flavor. In a country so diverse, there are many popular activities to experience on our guided trips to Spain. Some of the most popular include:

• Exploring the countryside. From the snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is a beautiful country with stunning scenery. There are many opportunities to explore the countryside, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Visiting historical sites. With its rich history, Spain has many intriguing sites to visit, including the Roman ruins of Mérida, the medieval city of Toledo, and the Alhambra in Granada.
• Enjoying the food and wine. You’ll find many opportunities to sample Spain’s delicious food and wine. Some of the most popular dishes to try on our Spain trips include paella, tapas, and sangria.
• Attending a festival. Spaniards love to celebrate, and there are many festivals throughout the year, including the La Tomatina Festival in Buñol and the Semana Santa processions in Seville.
• Relaxing on the beach. Blessed with long coastlines and many beautiful beaches, Spain is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de la Barceloneta in Barcelona, Playa de las Américas in Tenerife, and Playa de la Concha in San Sebastián.
• Visiting the cities. Spain is home to many beautiful and vibrant cities, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular cities to visit include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada.

Check out our bucket list of things to do in Spain →

Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain has a climate that varies across its different regions. Along the eastern coast, you can expect to find a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Central Spain experiences very hot summers and cold winters, while Northern Spain tends to have more mild and humid weather.

Everywhere you turn, Spain seems to offer unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, from mesmerizing museums in Madrid to flamenco shows in Seville to amazing architecture in Barcelona. Here are a few experiences that make our guided tours to Spain extra special:

• Seeing a Flamenco show in Seville
• Exploring the fairy-tale Alcázar castle in Segovia 
• Stepping inside the Mezquita in Córdoba
• Sampling tapas or pintxos
• Hiking the Caminito del Rey
• Throwing tomatoes at the Tomatina Festival in Buñol
• Enjoying a café bombón in Tenerife
• Going cave diving in Nerja
• Visiting a finca farmhouse in Salamanca         
• Visiting the Valley of the Fallen in the Guadarrama Mountains
• Taking a cooking class in Andalusia
• Touring an olive oil farm in Córdoba
• Watching the sun set on Bakio’s Beach

Explore more unique things to do in Spain →

A visit to the country of “fiestas and siestas” isn’t complete without exploring its incredible food culture. Good food, drinks, and company are always on the menu. The combination of sampling flavorful dishes, trying delicious wines, and lingering around the table makes the dining experience in Spain quite different from what you’ll have anywhere else in the world. Spanish cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and use of olive oil.

Here are some of the best dishes to sample on our trips to Spain:

• Paella.  A quintessential rice dish that everyone visiting Spain needs to try. There are many ways to enjoy it. Traditionally it’s made with saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, but locals also enjoy it with rabbit.
• Tapas and pintxos.  Many people are familiar with tapas, the small-plate meals that Spain made famous the world over. But did you know that tapas are only tapas if they’re on a plate? In the Basque region of Spain, pintxos are tiny bites served atop toasty slices of bread.
• Jamón Ibérico.  A prized delicacy in Spain, this cured ham is made from free-range pigs that are fed a diet of acorns, which gives the ham its distinctive flavor.
• Tortilla Española.  A hearty and filling breakfast option, this Spanish omelet is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggs. If you’re on the go, the portable dish makes a great snack.
• Gazpacho.  On a hot summer day, this cold soup of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and garlic is a delicious way to cool off.
• Wine.  Spain is home to a few of the world’s top wine regions. Three of the best sips you can try on tour are rioja (a fruity red wine), cava (a sparkling wine similar to Champagne), and vermouth (a strong, fortified wine).

Know before you go: tips for eating in Spain →

We recommend you spend at least six days in Spain. While our most popular Spain tours run nine days or more, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one or two cities.

To stock up on local currency, order some euros from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Spain, check out our blog on currency exchange →

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Spain. However, English is widely spoken in popular areas. That said, knowing some key phrases is always useful and will help you find your way around and show locals that you’re interested in learning about their culture.

Some key Spanish phrases to know before you go →

Greetings. When greeting someone in Spain, it is customary to shake hands. It’s also common to kiss someone on the cheek as a greeting, but this is more common among friends and family.

• Dining. Lunch is the largest and most important meal of the day, served at 1pm or later. It often consists of several courses and is followed by the famous siesta, or resting time. Many businesses and restaurants are closed from about 2–4p.m. Dinner is a much lighter meal and often isn’t started until 9 or 10p.m. During the long days of summer, locals might not eat dinner until around midnight!
• Tipping. Tipping is not expected in Spain, but it is appreciated. A tip of five to 10% is considered appropriate for good service.
• Dress. Spain is a relatively casual country, but it’s still important to dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear shorts and a T-shirt to a nice restaurant. Or beachwear when you’re not at the beach.

We recommend packing light for a trip to Spain. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve booked one of our Spain tours, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app. 

• Sun protection.  For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Spain, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Layers.  We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes.  Since you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on guided tours to Spain, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential to have with you. Those walking shoes will come in handy while exploring the cobblestone streets that are common in Spain or hiking in the Basque Country.
• Dressier attire.  You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites.  On our Spain tours, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and staff at these sites may deny entrance on this basis.
• A small day bag.  Many churches and museums will not allow you to bring in large backpacks for security purposes—you’ll need to check them at the door. However, you can wear a small day bag on your front, like a cross-body travel bag or stylish mini backpack.
• An RFID money belt or wallet.  Spain’s city streets can get busy, and like in any country with many tourists, you’ll want to be wary of pickpockets. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) can protect your credit card info from electronic theft, and a money belt will conceal your cash without ruining your outfit.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Spain tour packages, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don’t forget to download the  Go Ahead app  before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.

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Spain's Classics

About this tour.

Embark on a Spanish adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes and delectable cuisine. Explore the wonders of the Prado Museum, one of Europe’s greatest museums. See the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and feel the passion of this famous dance. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace. Become part of an authentic “paella experience.” View Antonio Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including a visit to La Sagrada Familia. Explore Spain's priceless treasures of art, history and culture set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• The Prado Museum

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,399.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $85.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Explore Madrid's Prado Museum to view masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya and others.

Visit Antonio Gaudi’s final masterpiece, the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia.

Visit the Alhambra, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Cultural Experiences:

Feel the energy of Spain at a flamenco performance in Seville.

In Cordoba, take a walking tour of the Mezquita, a religious marvel.

Step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire.

Experience the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Cordoba.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Take a bite of the local culture on a tapas tasting food tour in Granada.

Indulge in Spanish wines with every included dinner.

• La Mezquita
• Choice on Tour
• Flamenco Show
• The Alhambra
• Paella Experience
• La Sagrada Familia

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

While in Seville you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to walk along the cobblestone streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the white washed houses and aromatic orange trees before continuing to the stunning Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Or, if you prefer, you can get a glimpse of the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, gently drifting by timeworn bridges and gaining insight into the city’s historical connection to New World discoveries.

Extend your tour with 1 night in Barcelona and 3 nights in Costa Brava. Start in the vibrant and beautiful capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, home to artistic architecture and that unmistakable Spanish “spark” of culture. Then, set out for Costa Brava, a Catalonian cliffside paradise where azure waters meet golden beaches. With Costa Brava as your home for 3 nights, you’ll set out for trips to Girona and the Dali Museum, and the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Besalu. You’ll also be able to make use of your hotel’s incredible seaside views and private beach. You’ll be immersed in the charm and culture of coastal Spanish life, and you might never want to leave. Your other option is to book a post stay?

• Take a full day at leisure in the capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona. Delve into the historic Gothic Quarter with quaint shops and eateries, all built into the narrow medieval alleyways. Perhaps you’d like to head over to Park Güell and its mosaic walls, or maybe you’d like to spend some time exploring the shops and street-side restaurants of Las Ramblas. The day is yours to enjoy Barcelona in all its glory.
• Barcelona - Girona - Costa Brava
• Set out for Girona in the morning, a beautiful medieval city known for its Old Quarter. You’ll meet with a local guide and take a tour of the city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head for the Catalonian coast, where you’ll arrive at your seaside hotel and settle in for the next 3 nights. Costa Brava is an incredibly alluring place, and the perfect region to spend your days relaxing and exploring.
• Costa Brava
• Today is yours to enjoy Costa Brava how you’d like. Take advantage of this day at leisure – maybe heading down to the private beach or venturing into the local towns for some souvenir shopping.
• Costa Brava - Calella de Palafrugell - Llafranc - Besalu - Costa Brava
• Today, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for an incredible walking tour. You’ll head first to the beautiful village of Calella de Palafrugell for a coastal walk towards the quaint village of Llafranc. Then, you’ll drive to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, where the surreal outside architecture matches the legendary works inside. After taking in the mind-boggling art of Salvador Dalí, you’ll continue on to the medieval village of Besalu for free time and lunch. Arrive back at your hotel with enough time to relax before your farewell dinner this evening.
• Costa Brava - Barcelona
• Say farewell to the Catalonian coast and Spain as you depart for home.

Hotel-Catalonia Plaza Catalunya

Enjoy a night out in Madrid! First, walk the streets on a short tour led by your Tour Manager. Then, hop on to Madrid’s subway system and head to your next stop – a local restaurant where you will get acquainted with Spanish cuisine. During your dinner, a “tuna” will perform traditional songs. A tradition that started in Iberia in the 13th century, a “tuna” is a band of university students dressed in black outfits and capes who sing folk music to pay for their school fees. Return back to your hotel having experienced Madrid in a different way!

Explore Madrid's Prado Museum to view masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya and others.

Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Accommodations

Riu plaza espana, nh sevilla plaza de armas, barcelo carmen granada, sh valencia palace, catalonia plaza catalunya.

Nights 9-10

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Post Night: Catalonia Plaza Catalunya From $150 per night

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Spain Tours & Holidays

From towering cathedral spires to a shared jug of sangria, it’s passion that ties Spain together.

Passion is the constant across Spain’s diverse regions and cultures, from the twirling skirts of flamenco dancers in Seville to the tears of pilgrims arriving in   Santiago de Compostela . Despite (or perhaps because of) its complicated history, Spain has produced some of the most moving art in the world – and we’re not just talking about Gaudi’s architecture and Dali’s melting clocks. Here, art isn’t just in the grand architecture and museums around the country. It’s in the jamón expertly cured by a family who has been making it for centuries, and  vibrant festivals  that bring whole cities together. Like its art, Spain offers something for everyone.

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Culture and customs.

Spain today is made up of 17 distinct autonomous communities, a product of the region’s history as a land of diverse tribes, kingdoms and cultures. Each has their own traditions, cuisines and customs shaped by the extensive war, invasion, immigration and trade that the region has seen over the past few thousand years. From the Moors to the Romans, the British to the Portuguese, modern Spain is a product of both its   geographic neighbours   and the far-flung lands it conquered as a colonial superpower.

Spaniards are known, perhaps above all else, for their passion – for food, politics, partying and life in general. This is the home of vibrant fiestas, fierce independence movements, flashy flamenco, worker uprisings and the grand architectural remnants of a lavish and bloated empire.

Roman Catholicism is deeply entrenched in society, and as such Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas are widely observed. Additionally, different patron saints are honoured in regional areas throughout the year, with small cities and villages celebrating their saints with bonfires, feasts and parades.

From visionary architects to painters, controversial film directors to literary greats, Spain has a strong creative tradition evident in Gothic cathedrals, abstract art and surreal film.

History and government

There is evidence of human habitation in the area now known as Spain dating as far back as 32,000 years ago. Pre-historic cultures likely existed as disparate tribes across the region until the Iron Age, when emerging groups like Iberians, Celtiberians and Greeks began to exercise more formal control over certain areas.

The Romans arrived in 206 BC and spent hundreds of years systematically conquering the region before ruling uninterrupted for almost 500 years.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, various Muslim and Christian conquerors spent the next 700 years struggling for full control of the region. The last Muslim city, Granada, fell under the control of the Christian Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in 1492, ending the last period of Muslim rule in Spain to this day.     

Spain as a global empire

The Kingdom of Spain was unified under Christian rule in 1512 and began expanding at a ferocious pace. The far-reaching colonisation that saw Spain conquer land on almost every continent earned it the title of the first ‘global empire’.

With access to the natural resources and human labour extracted from its colonies, Spain continued to balloon in power and influence until the 17th century. At this point, lavish construction and out-of-control spending, as well as the growing influence of other global powers, caused the empire to stall.  

By the 18th century, the Kingdom of Spain was struggling. An invasion from Napoleon’s France, royal infighting and various successful independence movements among colonies were the final death blows delivered to the ailing empire.

20th century

The early 20th century was a tumultuous time for Spain. Between 1918 and 1920, influenza killed an estimated 250,000 people in Spain alone. The nation oscillated between monarchy and short-lived stints as a republic. Attempted coups were frequent as left-wing and right-wing struggled for power, with powerful anarchist and fascist movements emerging, often in reaction to each other.

In 1936 the right-wing Nationalists (led by military general Francisco Franco Bahamonde AKA Franco) overthrew the government in a coup. A three-year civil war began for control of the country. At least 350,000 Spaniards died during the war, which ended with Franco’s victory and ascension to the dual roles of Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. Franco controlled Spain through a rigid totalitarian regime until his death in 1975. His legacy today is mixed, notable for brutal repression of dissenters but also an improved economy.

After Franco’s death, Spain transitioned to a democracy, holding its first free elections in almost 40 years in 1979. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the government was controlled alternately by socialist, conservative and populist parties.    

Though power has continued to swing between conservative and socialist governance, Spain today is relatively politically stable and home to a thriving democracy.   

Remarkably, centuries of Catholic supremacy and enforced cultural hegemony under Franco’s dictatorship haven’t been able to stamp out a spirit of counterculture and rebellion. In general, public engagement in social and political issues is high, and public protest is common.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you’re sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from in every part of the world.

An abundance of fresh seafood and produce, a long wine-making tradition and diverse culinary influences from the former colonies make for a vibrant food culture. You can find delicious delicacies everywhere from bars to restaurants, cafes, street fiestas and markets across the country.

Savour the cuisines of Northern Spain on our 10 day Northern Spain Real Food Adventure or taste your way through two countries on our 17 day Spain & Portugal Real Food Adventure .

Plant-based dining in Spain

Vegetarians certainly won’t go hungry in Spain. And while vegans might need to do a little detective work, there’s still a lot on offer if you know where to look.

Vegetarian options can be found in the vast majority of bars, restaurants, cafes and markets. Vegan travellers will find major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are packed with vegan-friendly (and just straight-up vegan) restaurants. Outside of the big cities, it starts to get a little trickier. The safest option is to make the local market your first port of call in each destination to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and bread. In eateries, vegans should keep an eye out for gazpacho (tomato soup), crema de verduras (vegetable soup) and basic ensaladas (salads) which are likely to be vegan. To be sure they won’t come served with meat on top (which can happen even when it isn’t listed as an ingredient) order them ‘sin jamon y sin huevo’ – no ham or eggs. 

Your local leader will be able to help you navigate the menu and find plant-based dining options.

Must-try dishes and drinks in Spain

• Paella This delectable rice dish is served throughout Spain and comes in many different ways. The mixed version (with chorizo, mussels and prawns) is the most popular internationally, but if we have to recommend just one it’s got to be the original Valencian version – with rabbit, chicken and butter beans.
• Albondigas This tapas staple of meatballs swimming in a spicy tomato sauce is a classic. Typically made from a combination of veal and pork mince, the dish is simple to make and even easier to eat, particularly when washed down with a glass of tempranillo.
• Croquettes Another tapas favourite, this time one that vegetarians can easily get behind. These delightful little balls of fried bechamel come with a number of fillings, from beef and ham to broccoli and goat’s cheese.
• Sangria Jugs filled with chunks of apple, lemon and orange in chilled red wine are the perfect accompaniment to a golden Spanish sunset. Sangria is a well-known ticket to extended late-night revelry, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
• Calamares a la Romana This dish of crispy, deep-fried calamari is popular in coastal regions like Barcelona. Eat a plate of it at a beachside restaurant or head to a bar and include it in your tapas mix.
• Churros For a sugar hit, try Spain’s version of the doughnut. Churros are sticks of deep-fried dough, dipped in chocolate for good measure! Find them at open-air food stalls and cafes.
• Jamon Spain is famous for its cured ham, the legendary jamon. You’ll find salty jamon hanging in shop windows, on display at markets and featured on menus throughout Spain.
• Gazpacho For a fresh and healthy Spanish dish, you can’t go past gazpacho. The raw, chilled tomato soup is a cool answer to Spain’s summer heat.
• Tortilla de Patatas Potato tortilla (or Spanish omelette) is a slice of authentic Spanish culinary tradition. A simple dish that’s often served as part of a tapas spread, it’s a great option for vegetarians wanting something hearty.
• Vino tinto We know what you’re thinking. Isn’t it a bit of a cop-out to call ‘red wine’ a must-try? Not when the diversity and quality of the drop are this good. There are so many must-sip varieties in Spain it’s hard to go wrong, but here’s a little list to get you started – tempranillo, rioja, priorat and toro. Go!

Read more about what to eat in Spain

Read more about what to drink in Spain

Geography and environment

Located in southwestern   Europe , Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders with   France ,   Andorra , Portugal ,   Morocco and Gibraltar, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The region’s topography is a blend of mountains, low-lying plains and a long coastline.

The northern Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa are two northern mountain ranges that draw travellers from the continent and around the world in search of active adventure. The Picos de Europa is smaller and popular with hikers, while the powdery slopes of the Pyrenees attract hordes of skiers during an impressively long snow season. 

Spain’s coastline and islands are world-renowned. The Mediterranean Coast, in particular, is incredibly long and beautiful, featuring a mix of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and protected bays. Islands like Tenerife, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca are among the most popular with tourists chasing sunshine and good times.

While many know its beaches, fewer travellers are aware that southern Spain is home to the only real desert in Europe – the Tabernas. The barren badlands were the setting for a number of Western films in the 1960s and 1970s.

However, most of the countryside in Spain’s central and northern regions offers green valleys, olive groves, rolling farmland and rivers.

Home of cult fast fashion brand ZARA, Camper shoes, Lladro porcelain, Mango clothing and some of the best wine and olive oil in the world, Spain’s consumer goods may not be cheap but the quality is high if you stick to authentic brands and hand-made goods. If you are chasing a bargain, flea markets are abundant in Spain and make for a great way to mingle with locals while you look for a souvenir. If you’re spending a few days in a city, ask a local (or if you’re travelling with Intrepid, ask your leader) where and when you can find the local second-hand market. Popular items to look for are leather goods like bags, belts and boots, Moorish mementos and printed fans.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and events

Valencia’s Las Fallas is a sizzling cacophony of colourful firecrackers, smoky bonfires, roaring rockets and massive effigies. Celebrated each year in honour of Valencia’s patron saint, this is a week of fiery fun and extensive late-night partying.

Every summer the Spanish town of Haro explodes into a ‘Wine War’, known to locals as Batalla del Vino. Unforgiving residents pump red wine out of water pistols, hoses and other vessels in this grand example of wine warfare. Be warned: no one is spared – this is not a spectator sport!

La Tomatina

A relative newcomer to the Spanish festival scene,   La Tomatina   draws in travellers, tourists and the world’s media who come to see ripened tomatoes splattered across the city of Bunol. Thousands of people cram into the narrow town plaza to smash tomatoes into each other – a chaotic, strange and super fun experience.

The Holy Week

As a predominantly Catholic country, Easter is a huge deal in Spain. But even if you’re not a believer, the Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a fascinating event to experience. Each region has its own unique traditions, but all involve lavish processions, incredible outfits and torrijas (fried sweet bread). 

Fiesta de San Isidro

Fiesta de San Isidro  is Madrid’s largest festival to honour San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Madrid who was believed to be a miracle worker in the 12th century. Over the years, the festival has evolved into an all-encompassing celebration of Madrid’s traditions and modern culture, from folk music and dancing to delicious street food. 

Read more about popular festivals in Spain.

Top places to visit in Spain

1. santiago de compostela.

Even if you don’t follow the Camino, or Way of Saint James, to get there, it’s hard not to be moved by the flocks of faithful who arrive in the courtyard of the city’s eponymous cathedral at the end of their pilgrimage. Soak up the cathedral's holy atmosphere, marvel at the impressive stone facades and soaring towers, or explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively squares and perfectly manicured gardens.

Embark on Europe's greatest pilgrimage on our 7 day Walk the Camino de Santiago tour .

Welcome to the capital of Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region. Logrono is home to the must-visit Calle de Laurel – an ancient medieval street where you'll discover some of Spain's best pintxos​, small bites of food served on a skewer or piece of bread. The city is also the gateway to countless wineries, ancient castles and stunning Spanish countryside.

Combine rich culture and delicious cuisine on our 8 day North Spain Discovery tour .

The capital of Andalucia, Seville is famous for its flamenco dancing, oranges, tapas and the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Explore the city's elaborate Moorish architecture – a product of over 400 years of caliphate rule in the Middle Ages, watch a lively flamenco performance at local tapas bars, or enjoy a refreshing  rebujitos cocktail  in the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.

See the best of southern Spain on our 8 day Highlights of Andalucia tour .

4. Valencia

Sun-drenched Valencia has clean beaches, picturesque parks and a mixture of medieval architecture and creative modern design . Be sure to take a walk through the Jardin del Turia – a riverbed that was turned into a park that snakes through the city, pick up some local goodies at the market in Old Town, or try Valencian paella made with rabbit, chicken and butter beans.

Explore coastal Valencia on our 15 day Best of Spain tour.

5. Barcelona

Surreal Gothic architecture, superb dining and non-stop nightlife make Barcelona an unmissable spot. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, grab fresh juice at the colourful La Boqueria market, sample Catalan dishes on a tapas crawl through the funky El Born neighbourhood, or discover Gaudi's architectural masterpieces.

Immerse yourself in Spain's rich and quirky culture on our 7 day Classic Barcelona to Madrid tour.

Come for the sprawling beauty of the 11th-century Alhambra Palace, stay for the small flamenco taverns and some of the best tapas in Spain. Whether you want to do a local produce tasting at a family-run delicatessen, explore the Moorish Albaicin quarter and traditional tea houses or marvel at the beautiful tombs at the Royal Chapel, it's impossible not to fall in love with Granada's charm.

Get a little taste of it all on our 20 day Premium Spain in Depth tour.

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Spain adventure, check out these books:

• The Shadow of the Wind   – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• Don Quixote   – Miguel de Cervantes
• Imperial Spain: 1469–1716   – John Elliott
• The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain   – Maria Rosa Menocal
• Homage to Catalonia   – George Orwell
• The Back Room   – Carmen Martin Gaite
• Iberia   – James A Michener

Similar destinations

Never want your European holiday to end? No problem! We have a variety of similar trips and routes to extend your trip and add another destination. Check out these tours departing from locations around Spain.

• 15 day Explore Spain & Portugal tour
• 22 day Classic Spain & Portugal tour
• 15 day Madrid to Marrakech tour
• 24 day Spain, Portugal & Morocco tour
• 15 day Barcelona to Rome tour
• Italy or Spain? Which country to choose?

Spain travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Spain?

Due to its size, Spain has a varied climate, but for the most part, you can expect Mediterranean temperatures along the coast, with hot, sunny summers (and peak tourism!) and colder, rainy winters .

On the east coast of Spain, major cities like Barcelona can be very busy during summer, so if you’d prefer to share the streets with more locals and fewer tourists you might find the ‘low season’ of November to February is the best time to visit this region.

What's the weather like in Spain?

Spain is known to be one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe regardless of the season, but weather patterns differ depending on where you are: you can expect mild summers and cold winters in the northern regions and hot summers and mild winters in the south.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?

Citizens of the European Union and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are not required to obtain a visa but must abide by local residency requirements if they plan to stay for more than 90 days.

Travellers from Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan and more can visit Spain for 90 days in a six-month period with no visa, as long as they have no plans to work. 

Travellers visiting from Cambodia, Ecuador, India, Nepal and other countries must obtain a visa from the Spanish consulate or embassy in their region – allow at least two weeks for it to be issued. 

The information is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 14 June 2023

Is tipping customary in Spain?

Tipping in Spain is entirely optional. If you would like to tip, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change in restaurants should be sufficient. Feel free to tip more for good service, but it isn’t expected of you.

What is the internet access like in Spain?

Internet access is good in Spain. Internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns. In some very remote and rural areas, access can be patchy, but this is improving.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Spain?

Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in Spain. If you want to use your mobile phone, purchase a local sim or ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur). Travellers from countries not part of a Global Mobile Systems network, like Japan, will not be able to use their mobile phones in Spain.

What are the toilets like in Spain?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the standard in Spain. Be aware that public toilets aren’t as common in Spain as they are in some other countries and you often have to pay to use them. Be sure to carry change to avoid being caught short.

What will it cost for a…?

Spain's unit of currency is the euro. Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Half-litre of beer = EUR € 2.50-5
• Basic cafe meal = EUR € 12-15
• Simple tapas plate = EUR € 6-8
• Metro ticket = EUR € 1.60

Can I drink the water in Spain?

Drinking water from taps is safe in Spain unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Spain?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Spain. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Spain?

ATMs are very common in Spain, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What public holidays are celebrated in Spain?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 6 Jan: Epiphany
• April or May: Maundy Thursday/Good Friday
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 15 Aug: Assumption of Mary
• 12 Oct: Fiesta Nacional de Espana
• 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day
• 6 Dec: Constitution Day
• 8 Dec: Immaculate Conception
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day

Please note, Spain public holidays may vary.

Is Spain safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Overall, Spain is a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Same-sex marriage is legal, and laws exist to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals to live free from of discrimination (though employment discrimination laws do not yet protect transgender individuals). 

Public opinion on LGBTQIA+ individuals is relatively positive. Though LGBTQIA+ travellers may encounter more conservative views in rural areas and small towns, the risk of experiencing overt discrimination in Spain is very low for travellers.

Transgender individuals and gender non-conforming folks are widely accepted in Spain, though gender identity-based discrimination still occurs.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Spain accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Spain is a mixed bag when it comes to access for travellers with disabilities. While some regions like Catalonia are proactively working to meet the needs of travellers with disabilities, others may prove challenging for travellers with mobility and/or visual impairments.  

Barcelona is notable as one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe. All of Barcelona’s major sights are accessible for wheelchair users, and some beaches have all-terrain wheelchairs for free hire as well as boardwalks that extend to the water. The vast majority of metro stations and all buses are accessible to folks with reduced mobility. Many train stations in Barcelona have tactile strips to direct folks with vision impairments to platforms, ticket machines and elevators. Ticket machines and elevators have speech options in a variety of languages. 

Madrid is also a city committed to accessible travel, with metro and bus systems that can be used by people with mobility and visual impairments and many accessible monuments.

Spain’s national parks are somewhat accessible, as they are commonly outfitted with accessible interpretation centres and viewpoints. The trails of the Picos de Europa are well-maintained and non-reflective, so may be accessible to people with visual impairments (depending on the severity of the impairment).

Travellers who use battery-operated hearing aids should familiarise themselves with the Spanish equivalent of the batteries their devices need.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What are some useful Spanish phrases to learn?

You don’t need to spend hours trying to learn Spanish before your trip... unless you want to, that is! The following phrases should help you get by:

• Good morning –  Buenos días
• Good afternoon –  Buenas tardes 
• Good evening –  Buenas noches
• How are you? –  ¿Cómo está usted?  (formal) 
• How are you? –   ¿Cómo estás?  (informal)
• What are you doing? –  ¿Qué haces?  
• Thank you –  ¡Gracias!  
• Nice to meet you –  Mucho gusto
• Please –  Por favor

Does my trip to Spain support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Spain directly support our foundation partner, Open Arms.

Open Arms protects people fleeing from their home country to reach Europe by sea. Donations help them protect immigrants abandoned in international waters fleeing war, persecution and poverty. They collaborate with healthcare and frontline research teams to support immigrants through health emergencies and work in their countries of origin to strengthen communities and build alternatives to irregular or unsafe immigration.  

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

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Discover spain, spain is a vibrant land of world-class cities, renowned masterpieces, divine food and wine, swirling flamenco dancers and exhilarating outdoor activities..

A single visit to Spain can result in many different experiences. Culture lovers and history buffs can be awed at more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 1,000 museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, hike and golf their way across stunning landscapes. And foodies can get their fill of delectable regional cuisine paired with incomparable wines.

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In southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain boasts a culinary scene that is celebrated worldwide. From tapas to paella, Spain tantalizes the taste buds with a spectrum of flavors. Its social atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and wealth of monuments make Spain an incredible place. Located on the northeast coast, Barcelona offers some of the best beaches in Spain. This cosmopolitan capital is dotted with architectural treasures, from Gothic cathedrals to Modernisme creations – the world's largest, nearly finished Catholic church, La Sagrada Familia dominates the skyline. The Gothic Quarter encompasses the oldest part of Barcelona, with numerous medieval landmarks and the city's Roman wall. Madrid, which is centrally located, boasts a dynamic blend of excitement, relaxation, and unparalleled nightlife. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life. Dine late into the evening, or dance at nightclubs until the sun comes up – this city truly never sleeps. Take a stroll through the Patio de los Naranjos in Seville, a mosque-cathedral courtyard where cypresses and orange trees are gracefully planted, and listen while the rhythmic beats of flamenco resonate through the cobblestone streets of southwest Spain. Savor the warmth of Spanish hospitality with a fiesta of colors, traditions, and passion throughout Spain.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 57° to 59° (Winter)
• March through May: 64° to 75° (Spring)
• June through August: 84° to 90° (Summer)
• September through November: 83° to 63° (Autumn)

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With a total of six Spain tours to choose from in a country more diverse than you could ever imagine, you'll need to bring your appetite and be prepared to experience the good life in a land that stirs the soul with diverse landscapes, unforgettable gastronomic experiences, and architectural creations like no other on land journeys or by small ship cruise.

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Welcome to Spain

When you travel to Spain with Tauck, you'll feel the passion of this sun-blessed country come to life in every destination visited – a fiesta where everyone seems to be invited.

Madrid, spain, art, history and so much more in spain's extraordinary capital city, madrid.

Founded more that a millennium ago as a Muslim fortress town, Spain's capital city, Madrid, is a cosmopolitan metropolis known for its incredible art collections, inventive cuisine, and lively nightlife. Visiting the city with Tauck, you'll discover grand avenues such as Gran Via and Castellana, and El Parque del Buen Retiro; walk with a local guide through Plaza Mayor and the Mercado de San Miguel; enjoy a guided visit to the Royal Palace (Palacio de Oriente); and tour one of the greatest museums of them all – the Museo del Prado, which opened its doors in 1819, created by King Ferdinand VII to promote Spanish art and display the Royal Collection. Today, the Prado is home to one of the finest collections of European art anywhere, including works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and others… and with Tauck, you'll explore it all with an art expert.

Cordoba, Spain

Explore the moorish influences and multicultural heritage of córdoba.

It may have begun life as a Roman settlement, but the Spanish city of Córdoba – in the southern province of Andalucia – first reached greatness as a Muslim stronghold and the capital of a Caliphate, and many of its Moorish influences remain to the day. Reclaimed by the Christian world during the 13th-century Spanish Reconquista, Cordoba has long been known as a multicultural melting pot and a center of Spanish intellectual life. Discover it with Tauck on a walking tour through its Jewish Quarter and a guided visit to the 8th-century Mezquita de Córdoba (La Mezquita) – once one of the world's largest mosques, and now a Roman Catholic cathedral. More than 1,200 years old, it's an iconic symbol of the city and its multicultural heritage.

El Palace Barcelona

A 20th-century classic reborn for the 21st.

Nearly a century after it opened in the heart of Barcelona near Las Ramblas – and soon became one of Spain's leading luxury hotels – the El Palace Barcelona emerges from an ambitious and comprehensive refurbishment designed to recapture the classic style and splendor of its greatest years. The hotel's public areas, presidential suites and standard rooms have been carefully restored with handmade carpets, restored antiques and exact replicas of objects such as lamps and curtains... and on the 7th floor, the romantic new Diana Garden sports more than fifty species of plants, fountains, pergolas and a pool, all inspired by the Barcelona of the 1920s.

Pintxos tasting tours

Sampling pintxos in bilbao and san sebastián.

Pintxos – the traditional tasty treats typically enjoyed as appetizers or snacks in bars throughout northern Spain and the Basque country – are so named for the "spike" (a skewer or a toothpick) that holds their ingredients to a slice of bread, and distinguishes them from their tapas cousins. You'll have opportunities to sample some of the best pintxos in town on tasting tours with local experts in Bilbao and San Sebastián.

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Guest Favorites in Spain

"Traveling with Tauck was an incredible experience that truly exceeded our expectations. The hotels, food, wine, tour director and local guides were all terrific and we loved all the places we visited. You were right – San Sebastían was definitely a highlight of the trip! We were very fortunate to have sunny, comfortable weather and we really enjoyed meeting the people in our group and spending time with them. I felt so pampered and indulged and hope to go on another Tauck trip sometime in the near future. It was so nice to have everything taken care of for us and to really relax and enjoy our vacation" Celia G., Dunwoody, GA

Spain and portugal, northern spain, the rioja valley and madrid, a week in... spain, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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Spain Tours

A feast of fiestas

Spain is regional. For much of its history Spain was a collection of kingdoms, and even the language we call Spanish is not used universally – just wander around Barcelona or the Basque country. Point is, to get a real feel for Spain, you've got to do some moving around. Every region has its specialty, whether it's art in Madrid, food in Basque country, architecture in Barcelona or flamenco in Andalusia. A fascinating history stretching from Romans to Moors and beyond has left a legacy of castles, palaces, and churches equal to anywhere. Oh, and Spaniards love a party. And you don't need to dodge charging bulls to belong; just grab a wineskin and join in the fun. No fiesta? Just wait a couple of days.

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

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Spain Tours

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Five of Europe’s best national parks – with all the beauty but none of the crowds

Offering exquisite scenery, rare wildlife and spectacular trails, these under-the-radar national parks are worth tracking down

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici , Spain

There is a wild and wonderful water world in the north-eastern corner of Spain. The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici national park , in the central Pyrenees north of Lleida, is characterised by more than 200 lakes fed by melting snow and ice, plus rivers and streams, gorges, waterfalls and marshes. ( Aigüestortes means “winding waters” in Catalan, and Sant Maurici is the biggest lake.)

Visitors can explore by bike – there are 13 routes, from flat family paths to challenging mountain biking. There are also 27 hiking trails with spectacular viewpoints over the lakes, which reflect the surrounding forests and mountains. These include Los Encantados, a pair of near-identical peaks. Wildlife includes bearded vultures and grouse, one of the emblems of the Pyrenees.

In the Vall de Boi , eight Romanesque churches and a hermitage, all built in the 11th and 12th centuries, are characterised by tall narrow bell towers. It is possible to visit them all in a day, walking between the villages. After that, walkers can relax in Caldes de Boi thermal spa , which is set in large gardens and has 37 natural springs.

June and July are among the best times to visit, to experience the Fallas festivals. In these centuries-old midsummer rituals enormous torches are carried down the mountains into the villages, where a great bonfire is lit and the party begins. This year, the dates are 14 June in Durro, 23 June in Boí, 6 July in Barruera, 13 July in Erill la Vall, 19 July in Taüll and 26 July in el Pla de l’Ermita.

Accommodation includes the Aigüestortes Camping Resort (from €25 for a pitch for two) and a network of mountain refuges , including Amitges (€40 B&B). Wild camping is not allowed. There are daily coach services from Barcelona, Lleida and Tremp to most of the villages around the park, and from June to September a park bus connects the two main entrances, Boi and Espot.

Mercantour, France

In the far south-east corner of France, between the southernmost Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, lies the Mercantour national park . Half a dozen uninhabited valleys stretch for 100 miles, from Barcelonnette to Sospel, with scattered villages around the periphery. This diverse landscape, from almost alpine to coastal, provides a habitat for a huge range of wildlife. Of more than 2,000 species of flowers and plants, 200 are rare and 30 endemic; there are 200 kinds of bird, including golden eagles and ptarmigans, and 78 mammals, including wolves, marmots and all six French ungulates (stag, deer, wild boar, ibex, chamois and mouflon).

One unmissable spot is the Valley of Wonders, a huge archaeological site of about 40,000 rock carvings, with the oldest dating to around 3,000BC. They depict daily life and beliefs, with engravings of cattle, weapons and geometric figures. Other highlights include the glacial lakes of Vens, which feed a series of waterfalls, and Lake Allos, the biggest high-altitude natural lake in Europe.

For hikers there are more than 1,000 miles of trails (about 350 miles in the heart of the park), from gentle walks in meadows and woodland to strenuous mountain treks – the highest peak, Gélas, is 3,143 metres.

A website for hikers details more than 100 day walks, about 20 itineraries of between two and seven days, and the 17-day, 140-mile Grande Traversée du Mercantour. It also lists accommodation from hotels to campsites. Mountain refuges offer dormitory beds and shared meals: they include La Cantonnière , Refuge des Lacs de Vens , Refuge de la Cougourde and Chalet de la Madone de Fenestre (from €20pp). Wild camping in tents is banned, but bivouacs are allowed between 7pm and 9am.

Lots of visitors choose to stay in one of the towns along the main road that passes to the south of the park, such as St-Martin-de-Entraunes, St-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, St-Etienne-de-Tinée and St-Martin-Vésubie.

Car-free travel is encouraged: there are daily buses from Nice, Monaco and Menton to each valley, and intra-valley shuttles, plus a tourist train line from Nice that calls at several villages. In the summer, there are dedicated buses for hikers, also from Nice.

Eifel, Germany

Strictly speaking, the Eifel national park in North Rhine-Westphalia, in far-west Germany, is still classed as “in development” – it was founded 20 years ago, and it will take another 10 years for 75% of the land to return to nature. But more than half the area has already been rewilded. Beech and oak trees that would once have been felled are now left as undisturbed woodland, and animals such as wild cats, woodpeckers, red deer, and rare lizards and bats have returned. There is a red deer observation gallery near Dreiborn – September and October are the best times to visit, to observe the rutting season. The rivers attract black storks and kingfishers, and wild daffodils can be found on the Dreiborn Plateau. At the birdwatching station on Lake Urftsee, there are two telescopes to watch the black storks, red and black kites, herons and cormorants.

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One of the best ways to explore the park is on the four-day, 53-mile Wilderness Trail . Visitors can walk it independently or book a package , which includes three nights’ B&B and transfers by bus and train (from €269pp). There are also five shorter hiking circuits (from three to 11 miles each); 65 miles of cycle paths; and 40 miles of bridleways. Free ranger tours take place most days, and there are boat tours in the summer.

In 2014, Eifel became the first international dark sky park in Germany. The Vogelsang observatory organises regular astronomy workshops and dark sky walks. Historical sites include Monschau Castle, Steinfeld Monastery and Mariawald Abbey.

About 30 national park hosts offer environment-friendly stays, including two campsites and nine hostels. Overnight guests are entitled to the GästeCard , which provides free travel on buses and trains in the Eifel national park discovery region, stretching from the border with the Netherlands at Aachen to Cologne, Bonn and Leverkusen.

Risnjak, Croatia

The mountainous, forested Risnjak national park is named after one of its rarest residents, the lynx – ris in Croatian. It contains the Risnjak and Snježnik massifs in the northern part of the Dinaric Alps and is an important habitat for brown bears, wolves and chamois. Birds include capercaillie and pygmy owl; 89 species of butterfly have been recorded, and a variety of wild orchids grow there.

Visitors can walk to the source of the Kupa river, a bright turquoise pool, via Wonderful Butterfly Valley (35 minutes); follow the Leska educational path to learn about the park (three miles), or climb 11 peaks – Risnjak is the highest at 1,528 metres, with Snježnik just behind at 1,506 metres. Panoramic views stretch across Istria – the Adriatic is just 11 miles away – and as far as the Julian Alps in Slovenia. In the summer, there are guided chamois-spotting tours (from €65 for five hours). Cycle routes range from 2½ to 25 miles ( mountain bike hire is from €4 for three hours/€12 for 24 hours). Fly fishing for brown trout and grayling is allowed from spring to autumn (€55 a day).

Only about 60 people still live in the park. Limited accommodation includes a guesthouse and a hostel in the mountain village of Crni Lug (beds from €13), a mile from the main entrance, and a refuge below the Risnjak summit, built by botanist Josip Schlosser in 1932. There are more options in Delnice, the nearest town (eight miles away), and even more in Rijeka, the nearest city, on the coast about 100 minutes’ drive away.

Buses run from Delnice and Rijeka to Crni Lug, or it is a 90-minute drive from Zagreb. The entrance fee is €6 adults/€3 children.

Peneda-Gerês, Portugal

There is only one national park in Portugal: Peneda-Gerês , in the far north-west, near the border with Spain. Luckily, it has a bit of everything: mountains, oak forests, holly-bush woods, wildflower meadows, peatlands, rivers and waterfalls. It is home to endemic species such as the gold-striped salamander, endangered species including the Iberian wolf and Iberian wild goat, plus roe deer, wild garrano ponies, barrosã cattle and sheepdogs.

There are about 15 official day walking trails ranging from a couple of kilometres to a 16-mile circular trek taking in a megalithic necropolis and a birdwatching plateau. Other routes go via medieval castles, monasteries and sanctuaries. But the ultimate way to explore the park is on the GR50 , a 120-mile, 19-stage route along Roman roads, pilgrims’ ways and smugglers’ trails. The GR50 crosses the hills of Castro Laboreiro, the mountains of Peneda, Soajo, Serras Amarela and Gerês, and the Mourela Plateau. Each stage ends at a village – about 9,000 people live in the park – with simple lodges and guesthouses to stay in.

On shorter trips, visitors could combine a stage or two with some canoeing or canyoning. The super-fit could run it: there is a trail-running event in May with races over five distances from 10 to 100 miles.

The easiest way to reach the park on public transport is by bus from Braga to the town of Gerês, a five-minute walk from one of the five park gates.

• Europe holidays
• Walking holidays
• Wildlife holidays
• Croatia holidays
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Families Plan to Travel Europe Together as They Follow Pop Star Around on Her World Tour: Source

Instead of having a "Cruel Summer," Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce 's families are set to have a European spring!

The 14-time Grammy winner will have a large support system tagging along on when she kicks off the next leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour next month. Her parents, Scott and Andrea , as well as Travis' mom and dad, Donna and Ed, are planning to travel around Europe together. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end's brother, Jason , is even set to join in on the fun along the way!

Taylor and Travis' parents plan to start their journey at the beginning of next month, when the "Love Story" singer kicks off her first show in Paris, France, on Thursday, May 9, after a hiatus of almost two months, a source close to the pop star recently spilled to a news publication.

Scott, Andrea, Ed and Donna will reportedly stay overseas until May 30, and are set to soak up some sight-seeing and fine dining in Tuscany before arriving in Stockholm, Sweden, for Taylor's next string of shows.

The following weekend, they'll head over to Lisbon, Portugal, for two more nights of Taylor's sold-out concerts before finishing their lengthy vacation in Madrid, Spain, where the "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" singer has another two shows.

According to the insider, Travis is reportedly set to stay in Europe with Taylor as she travels back to France and then the United Kingdom for her next scheduled performance dates.

After Madrid, however, Taylor and her boyfriend's families will jet back home , the confidante explained.

"They have been talking about it for a while now and they all are so excited for this Euro trip," the source expressed.

Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for!

"After an intense season for Travis and time away from Taylor , he wants to enjoy life the most he can before going back to practice for the beginning of next season," the insider added of the three-time Super Bowl champion, noting the NFL star, as well as his and Taylor's parents, couldn't pass up the opportunity to "show some love" for the "All Too Well" hitmaker while simultaneously getting to explore all Europe has to offer.

"It's a great time and opportunity to get to know each other's families more," the confidante concluded. "They are all very excited about this, and to be there all together, as one family is perfect. Everyone is looking forward to that trip."

The Sun spoke to a source about Taylor and Travis' families vacationing together in Europe.

This popular European city is the latest to increase its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Barcelona is the latest European city to increase its city-wide tourist tax, a slight increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) per night, as the city seeks to curb overtourism. 

The new price of €3.25 (about $3.45) was implemented on April 1 as part of the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax . The bylaw was introduced in 2021, when the tourist tax was €0.75 (around $0.80) per night, and gradually increased the tax each year through 2024. Now, if someone is staying in Barcelona for seven nights, the new total tax amount will be €22.75 (around $24).

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said in March, according to Euronews . 

The tax is added to a tourist’s accommodations bill when they stay at official tourist establishments in the city. The money goes toward enhancing the city’s infrastructure, such as improving roads. 

Other popular European destinations, such as Amsterdam and Venice, also recently increased tourist taxes for similar reasons. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Are tourist taxes the future of travel? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

“The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more vacationers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, as well as preventing damages from overtourism,” Tiffany Mealiff, a travel insurance expert at Quotezone , said in a statement to USA TODAY.

However, Barcelona visitors have had to pay a regional tourist tax since 2012, according to Euronews . This tax amount depends on a traveler’s accommodation type, costing more if someone is staying at a luxury hotel than an Airbnb. 

Barcelona continues to reign as Spain’s most popular tourist destination. In 2022, Barcelona welcomed 9.7 million tourists , just slightly below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Barcelona City Council. However, tourists were found to be staying in the city longer than in 2019. 

In 2022, the city also sought to cap the number of people in a tour group and ban megaphones by tour guides in an effort to curb the disruptive effects of overtourism. 

Travelers planning their European getaway should be mindful of the additional costs that “are often not obvious beforehand,” according to Mealiff, as they plan their trip budgets.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Europe's Most Spectacular New Hotel Is Set in a Former WWII Railway Station

High in the mountains between Spain and France, a long-neglected train station has become an opulent hotel.

Simon Willis is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. For the magazine he has crisscrossed Europe, Asia and Latin America. Particularly drawn to remote places, he has filed features from Patagonia, Laos and the Southern Ocean among other destinations.

Denisse Ariana Pérez

A few years ago , I was flicking through a magazine when I saw a photo essay about abandoned train stations. They were images of sublime squalor. The grand Greco-Roman columns of Michigan Central Station in Detroit were covered with graffiti. The Art Deco posters on the walls of the St.-Martin Métro in Paris were gradually peeling away. But the most haunting place in the collection was Estación Canfranc, high in the Spanish Pyrenees.

From the outside, this 790-foot-long Beaux-Arts palace looked like it had been transplanted from a fashionable Parisian boulevard. When it was completed in 1925, Canfranc was the second-largest rail station in Europe, after the one in Leipzig, Germany. Inside, the structure had cathedral-like proportions, as though it had been erected not merely to facilitate train travel but to worship it. Huge arched windows let in shafts of beneficent light. The ticket counter could almost pass for an altar. But by the time the photo essay was published, the congregation was long gone. The building closed in 1970 and had been empty ever since. Its vaulted ceiling was slowly moldering, and the floor was covered in dust and debris.

Related: This Little-known Wine Region Is a Hidden Gem of Spain — and It Has a Gorgeous New Luxury Hotel

Now the travelers are back. One recent afternoon I arrived in Canfranc to check in to the station, which has been transformed into one of Europe’s most spectacular new hotels. Its scale and grandeur are incongruous, given that Canfranc is a remote mountain hamlet near the border of Spain and France. The town, which sits in a narrow valley enclosed by steep, forested slopes, has a population of only 600. 

After the station closed, Canfranc lured only a trickle of adventure lovers, drawn by glorious summer hiking and two tiny ski resorts farther up the valley. But today, the hotel is a destination in itself. The renovation is the work of the Barceló Hotel Group, who took over the derelict building in 2021. The Spanish firm has given the place a train-centric revamp that balances old-world glamour with contemporary style. As I checked in, I stood gaping at the old ticket hall, which now serves as the hotel lobby. Its polished wooden beams shone with a deep luster, and the ornate plasterwork on the walls was as clean and white as confectioner’s sugar.

When it was completed in 1925, Canfranc was the second-largest rail station in Europe, after the one in Leipzig, Germany. Inside, the structure had cathedral-like proportions, as though it had been erected not merely to facilitate train travel but to worship it.

In the station’s locomotive heyday, its north and south wings were occupied, respectively, by French and Spanish customs officials. Now the southern wing houses a bar and restaurant tricked out in Art Deco shades of green and gold; the bar is illuminated by pendant lamps that resemble train wheels. In the rooms, antique station windows have been refurbished as quirky wall art.

Yet the hotel’s brand of nostalgic luxury is only one reason to visit; the other is its history. The village of Canfranc may be tiny and remote, but its border location has given it an outsize strategic importance for centuries. The evidence is everywhere. After I arrived at the hotel I headed outside and looked north up the valley. Perched on a ridge high above me was a 16th-century fortress that the Spanish rebuilt after Napoleon’s invasion in 1808; they wanted to defend against another possible incursion through this mountain pass. At the other end I could see concrete bunkers, erected for the same reason by the Franco regime in 1944. As well as being a luxurious stop on the route between Paris and Madrid, the station has played a prominent role in the valley’s history of intrigue and espionage. 

Later that afternoon, I met with Ana Badino and Marcelo Boveri, an Argentine couple who moved from Madrid to the Canfranc region in 2020 to enjoy a quieter life in the mountains. Since then, they have immersed themselves in the station’s extraordinary history and now run tours around the valley.

Until the 20th century, this corner of northern Spain was seen as poor and backward. The main economic activity was smuggling: alcohol and cigarettes went from Spain to France, and clothes, clocks, tea, and embroidery went the other way. But the locals wanted more opportunity than contraband provided, and the government wanted to take this roguish part of the country and turn it into a legitimate, modern commercial hub. So in 1912, the government commissioned the station as a statement of ambition and advancement. Fernando Ramírez de Dampierre, a Madrid-born engineer, was hired to design it. Both the president of France and the king of Spain were present at the inauguration ceremony in 1928.

For a few years, life in Canfranc was full of commercial activity. Daily trains from Portugal delivered port wine, cocoa, and coffee imported from Brazil. Industrial goods like coal and aluminum arrived from France. Badino and Boveri pointed out the rusted, obsolete cranes behind the station; they once loaded and unloaded this cargo. 

But when war broke out in 1939, everything changed. As Bodina and Boveri explained, the head of the station’s French customs department was a man named Albert Le Lay. He was more than a mere border official. He was a vital member of the French resistance who used his position at the station to help Jews and allied fighters fleeing persecution and capture in Germany and Vichy France. Now remembered as an Oskar Schindler–like figure, Le Lay provided these fugitives with forged papers to help them cross into Spain and on to Portugal. From there they traveled to safety. The identities of Le Lay’s beneficiaries are hard to trace, but according to some historians, those who passed through Canfranc included Max Ernst and Peggy Guggenheim.

Bodina and Boveri led me a little farther down the valley, which is still crisscrossed by old railway lines. Eventually we came to a row of derelict warehouses, their heavy wooden doors bent and buckled from decades of neglect, their roofs full of holes where high winds had ripped the tiles away. Through the gaps we peered into the dark interiors. In one of the buildings, in 2000, a cache of Nazi paperwork was found that listed items the Germans had moved through Canfranc after the Gestapo occupied the station in 1942. They included looted gold bars and opium.

His job as a customs official gave Le Lay the cover he needed to continue his resistance work. He would receive information from agents masquerading as passengers as they arrived at the station. From there, messages were transported by a network of spies down the train line to Zaragoza, the nearest city. Canfranc, then, was a crucial node in a pan-European network of spies that helped disrupt the German war machine.

Like many travelers to Canfranc today, I arrived via the airport in Zaragoza, the regional capital. Zaragoza is an underrated destination compared with Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Following the Umayyad invasion from North Africa in the eighth century, it became a major city in the north of Muslim Spain. At its center is a Moorish fortress, the Aljafería Palace, which is built in a magnificent architectural fusion of European and Islamic styles known as Mudejar. On the bank of the Erbo River, which courses through Zaragoza, stands a monumental Baroque basilica whose central dome is surrounded by four towers. But for me, the biggest lure was the opportunity to admire the art of the area’s most famous son, Francisco Goya.

After spending the night at the NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza, I walked over to the Goya Museum. It’s a small institution that packs a big punch. The star attractions are Goya’s etchings, displayed in a large, crepuscular room that protects these delicate artworks from light damage.

Goya’s etchings rank among his strangest and most personal pieces. “Los Caprichos,” a series of 80 prints, is a pitch-black satire on religious hypocrisy, corruption, and superstition. These images feature grotesque goblins dressed as clergymen; a donkey in an aristocrat’s silk coat studying his family tree; a woman pulling teeth from the mouth of a hanged man to be used as lucky charms. In another series, “The Disasters of War,” the devilish comedy of “Los Caprichos ” is replaced by documentary horror. The etchings captured the violence of conflicts like the Peninsular War, which ravaged Spain between 1808 and 1814.

From Zaragoza I drove two hours across the tinder-dry plains of northern Spain to Jaca, a compact city with a Romanesque cathedral. It dates from the 11th century, when the king of Aragon decided to turn his territory into a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, 500 miles to the west. Pilgrimage was good business: you had to be wealthy to take several months off work and pay your way across Europe. Jaca did well from the foot traffic. In the Middle Ages, the road outside the cathedral passed 16 shoe shops.

Related: How To Plan the Perfect Trip To Madrid

After a meal of venison carpaccio at a small restaurant, La Cocina, I drove into the mountains to Canfranc. Having been cooped up in the car, I wanted to explore the landscape, so the following morning I met up with Fernando Garrido, a wiry mountain guide with silver hair and a deep tan. Garrido, a partner in a Jaca-based company, Aragon Aventura, is a serious mountaineer. For 30 years he has held the world record for spending the most time at high altitude: he stayed, alone, for two months straight on the summit of Mount Aconcagua, in Argentina, at an altitude of more than 22,000 feet. 

Thankfully, our plan was more down to earth. It was a blue and shimmering Sunday, and we decided to head to Ordesa & Mount Perdido National Park, a 90-minute drive southeast of Canfranc. We hiked into a deep canyon, following the course of a river that had been reduced to a slow trickle by a two-month drought. The canyon’s sheer limestone walls rose almost 3,000 feet, and birds of prey circled on the thermals. 

Yet the hotel’s brand of nostalgic luxury is only one reason to visit; the other is its history. The village of Canfranc may be tiny and remote, but its border location has given it an outsize strategic importance for centuries. The evidence is everywhere.

As we walked, Garrido pointed out the fajas, the narrow paths that run along the cliff edges. Looking at the thin lines they traced across the rock, I couldn’t help thinking about those wartime refugees I had heard about in Canfranc. During the German occupation, the route became more perilous, and despite Le Lay’s help, many were arrested at the station. In hopes of avoiding the authorities, thousands walked across the Pyrenees on foot, clinging to these narrow, cliff-edge paths as they searched for safety.

That night, I sat down to dinner at Canfranc Estación’s Restaurant Internacional, which is run by Eduardo Salanova and Ana Acín. Chef Salanova’s food is a fusion of local ingredients and avant-garde presentation. That evening’s 15-course tasting menu included foie gras with strawberries, local caviar, a terrine poached in mulled wine, and sous-vide eggs. (Another restaurant, Canfranc Express, opened after my visit in a restored train car outside the hotel, and has since been awarded a Michelin star.)

As I ate, a fog descended over the valley and a gentle rain began to fall. Through the window I could see the silhouettes of Canfranc’s old cargo warehouses and, beyond them, the wooded hillsides. Sitting there in the warm glow, I thought back to the stories my Argentine guides had told me — about the secret agents running messages through this building, about the villagers sewing notes into the linings of their clothes to protect them from the Gestapo. The setting was worthy of a wartime spy thriller, and as I sat in the opulent dining room I imagined myself waiting not for my dessert to arrive but for a tap on the shoulder from a clandestine contact bearing important papers and, along with them, a chance of freedom. 

Where to Stay

Canfranc estación, a royal hideaway hotel.

This spectacular mountain hotel is worth a trip in itself. Tours of the property and the surrounding valley can be arranged through the concierge.

NH Collection Gran Hotel De Zaragoza

Previous guests at this imposing hotel in the center of town include Walt Disney and Ernest Hemingway. Stop by the excellent restaurant, La Ontina, for seasonal dishes like braised white asparagus.

Where to Eat

Jaca la cocina.

A small but stylish restaurant in Jaca that serves regional dishes like venison carpaccio and olla jacetana, a stew of beans and pork.

Aragon Aventura

Fernando Garrido, my hiking guide, co-owns this Jaca-based adventure company . He offers walking excursions as well as a range of other mountain activities, including canyoning and snowshoeing.

Goya Museum

This small museum in Zaragoza has the world’s finest collection of Goya’s etchings.

Pirineo Esencial

Knowledgeable guides Ana Badino and Marcelo Boveri offer tours of Canfranc and the surrounding valley .

A version of this story first appeared in the May 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Full Speed Ahead."

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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Spanish Ring ( 10 days )

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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Madrid
• Day 2 Madrid
• Day 3 Madrid, Saragossa, Poblet, Montserrat, Barcelona
• Day 4 Barcelona
• Day 5 Barcelona, Peniscola, Valencia
• Day 6 Valencia, Alicante, Caravaca De La Cruz, Granada
• Day 7 Granada
• Day 8 Granada, Malaga, Marbella, Ronda, Seville
• Day 9 Seville
• Day 10 Seville, Cordoba, Consuegra, Madrid

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

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Your vacations are really important! Your trip should be a success: a few days that you can really enjoy. This is an opportunity for you to experience our wonderful planet accompanied by our extremely professional team. Choose the best journey for you! Europamundo is a company of the JTB group, the largest company of tourism and travel in Asia. JTB was founded over 100 years ago and has always been characterized by searching for excellence in the travel industry. “Perfect moments always” is our motto and our commitment. In our buses, you can see the world: not only for the popular destinations but also by the people with whom you plan to visit. Europamundo has many other catalogs. Every year more than 125,000 people from 22 different countries are traveling with Europamundo. Europamundo is the only coach tour operator company in the world affiliated to the UNWTO, a United Nations travel division agency. Our company was accepted as our mission, vision and values are aligned with those of the UN World Tourism Organization.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Good 4.0
• Itinerary Excellent 4.2
• Guide Excellent 4.5
• Transport Excellent 4.1
• Accommodation Good 3.8
• Food Good 3.8
• Tour Operator Europamundo 3.9
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• HP Hugh · 26th March 2024 Tour content of fine and hotels were appropriate. Trip date: March 2024

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• Currency € Euro Spain

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Spain. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 5th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 5th June 2024, a minimum payment of €600 is required to confirm your booking with Europamundo. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 40 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Europamundo will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Europamundo" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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