9-day Tour: Madrid, Andalusia, Valencia & Barcelona from Madrid

Key Points

• Nine-day tour covering Madrid, Andalusia, Valencia, and Barcelona for around $1,956 per person
• Includes guided tours of major attractions like the Alhambra, Great Mosque of Cordoba, and Giralda Tower
• Air-conditioned coach transport and eight nights of hotel stay are part of the package
• Offers free time in each city for personal exploration and optional activities like flamenco and gypsy night tours
• Tour guides are knowledgeable, with some reviews highlighting their engaging commentary and local expertise
• The tour is fast-paced, involving considerable walking and city hopping, making it suited for active travelers

Discover the Major Cities of Spain in 9 Days

This comprehensive 9-day tour from Madrid offers a deep dive into Spain’s most iconic cities and landmarks. Starting with an airport transfer in Madrid, the tour features guided sightseeing and free time in each location, providing a balance between structured visits and personal exploration. The price of $1,956.62 includes eight nights of accommodation in 3- or 4-star hotels, daily breakfasts, and deluxe air-conditioned coach transport.

While the itinerary is packed, it appeals to those eager to see Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona within a single trip. Guides are praised for their knowledge, and the inclusion of entrance tickets to key sites like the Alhambra and Cordoba Mosque enhances the overall value. However, the itinerary’s quick pace and large group sizes may be a consideration for travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience.

From Madrid to the Heart of Andalusia

The journey begins with a two-night stay in Madrid, where a panoramic tour covers the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. Visitors get a broad overview of Madrid’s historic and modern districts, including landmarks like the Prado Museum, Gran Vía, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The guided city tour provides a solid introduction, though the panoramic experience is summarized in a short period, leaving some free time for personal discoveries.

The trip then moves to Cordoba, where the Great Mosque (Mezquita) is the highlight. The entrance ticket is included, allowing visitors to admire the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter offer a peaceful stroll through one of Cordoba’s most charming neighborhoods. This stop balances historical insight with opportunities for independent wandering.

Exploring Seville’s Historic Charm and Optional Flamenco

Traveling into Andalucia, the tour spends two nights in Seville, known for its Santa Cruz Quarter, Maria Luisa Gardens, and the exterior of the Cathedral. The interior visit is not included, but the exterior and surrounding areas offer plenty of photo opportunities. The plaza de España and park are highlights for their picturesque settings.

Options for an additional flamenco tour are available, which many travelers find worthwhile for the vibrant local culture. The guide-led walkthrough of Seville’s historic sites emphasizes the city’s romantic streets and mythical stories like Carmen and Don Juan. Free time in Seville allows for relaxed exploration, shopping, or sampling local cuisine.

The Majestic Alhambra in Granada

The trip’s culminating highlight is the visit to Granada, where the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens are included. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Alhambra is a sprawling complex with intricate Moorish architecture, lush courtyards, and stunning views. The guided tour lasts about two hours, providing an in-depth look at this historic fortress.

Some reviews mention the nighttime visit to the Alhambra, which occurs around 10:00 PM. This unusual timing can limit visibility, with many rooms closed in the evening, affecting the overall experience. Travelers planning to see the Alhambra should note that daytime visits may not always be available due to ticketing restrictions, and the local guides strive to manage expectations accordingly.

Valencia’s Vibrant Seaside and Modern Architecture

After Granada, the tour heads to Valencia for an overnight stay. The city is famous for its City of Arts and Sciences complex, which includes six architecturally striking buildings such as the Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, and Oceanogràfic. A guided city tour covers the old city, Plaza de la Reina, and the Turia Riverbed, leading to the modern science and cultural attractions.

Valencia’s reputation as the birthplace of paella adds a culinary dimension to the visit, with options to explore local cuisine at your leisure. The tour includes a morning visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, where the exteriors are admired, but some may prefer to return later for an inside visit, which is not included in the standard tour.

Barcelona: Gaudi’s Masterpieces and City Views

The final destination is Barcelona, where a two-night stay offers a blend of guided sightseeing and personal exploration. The tour’s morning city tour covers Passeig de Gracia, home to Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The guide provides insights into Barcelona’s modernist architecture and the city’s Olympic history.

In the afternoon, travelers can visit Montjuic Park, which offers spectacular views of the city, the Olympic Ring, and the Columbus monument. The tour emphasizes accessible locations, but some reviews note that large groups could slow down the pace, especially when visiting popular sights. The hotel rooftop in Barcelona provides a good vantage point, especially for those interested in panoramic photos.

Practicalities: Travel, Accommodation, and Group Size

This tour features deluxe air-conditioned coach transport throughout, ensuring comfortable travel between cities. The group size can reach up to 40 travelers, which some reviews suggest can make managing logistics challenging, such as loading and unloading, or maintaining schedule adherence.

Airport pickup in Madrid and drop-off in Barcelona are included, simplifying the start and end of the trip. Accommodation options are 3- or 4-star hotels, with Superior Plus A locations often being more centrally situated for easier access to city sights. Daily breakfast is included, though some reviewers mention that local guides may not always provide detailed information about meal options or the city tours.

Optional Activities and Extra Costs

Throughout the tour, there are optional activities available at additional cost, such as a flamenco show in Seville or a gypsy night tour in Granada. These add cultural depth but require extra planning and budget. The tour also offers optional river cruise or cathedral tours in Seville, which some travelers opt to skip to focus on landmarks like the Giralda Tower or Seville’s historic streets.

It’s worth noting that the Madrid city tour is brief and primarily panoramic, with some reviews suggesting it’s more of a quick overview. Local taxes in Barcelona are not included in the price and amount to €3.50 per person.

Final Thoughts on the 9-Day Spain Tour from Madrid

This tour delivers a robust itinerary that covers Spain’s most celebrated cities and sights in a single trip. Its value lies in the guided tours, entrance tickets to major attractions, and comfortable accommodations. The large group size and fast pace are points to consider for travelers who prefer more relaxed travel or personalized experiences.

Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and ability to keep the itinerary engaging. However, some reviews mention that the timing of site visits—particularly at the Alhambra—can be disappointing if not scheduled during daylight hours. The free time in each city encourages independent exploration, which helps balance the packed schedule.

Overall, this well-organized tour suits active visitors eager to see Spain’s highlights in just nine days. Those looking for a rundown with local expert guides will find great value here, especially considering the inclusion of major site tickets and hotel stays. Travelers should prepare for long days and some crowds, but the experience offers a solid introduction to Spain’s diverse regions and rich culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is airport pickup included in this tour?
Yes, airport pickup in Madrid is part of the package, and drop-off in Barcelona is also included.

What are the hotel options?
The tour offers 3- or 4-star hotels, with locations often chosen for comfort and accessibility. The Superior Plus A category tends to be more centrally located.

Are entrance tickets to sites included?
Yes, tickets to Cordoba Mosque, Seville Cathedral, and Alhambra are included, ensuring efficient access to these attractions.

How large are the groups?
Group sizes can reach up to 40 travelers, which can be challenging for some in terms of logistics and pacing.

Is there free time in each city?
Yes, plenty of free time is built into the schedule in Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona, allowing personal exploration.

Can I opt for additional activities?
Yes, optional activities like flamenco shows or gypsy night tours are available at extra cost.

What about the itinerary’s pacing?
The tour is fast-paced with a lot of moving around, which is ideal for active travelers wanting to maximize sightseeing.

Are meals included?
Daily breakfasts are included, but lunch and dinner are at your own expense, with guide recommendations available.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 6 days before the start date; later cancellations are subject to partial refund or none at all.

Who is the experience provider?
This tour is organized by Julia Travel S.L.