Back to Trip Details

Best of Spain October 2026

Oct 15 - 27, 2026

Your Advisor

Mindy Gilbert

MINDY GILBERT TRAVEL

mindy@myvacationlady.com

732-595-5442

Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

Best of Spain Tour with a 2 night pre-stay in Madrid, scheduled between October 16, 2026 and October 27, 2026.

Welcome to the Best of Spain!

Join your friends and neighbors on an escorted tour of Spain.

Join your friends and neighbors on an escorted tour of Spain. We'll stay in Madrid for 2 nites before the tour begins, then head to Seville, Granada, Valencia and on to Barcelona for a total of 10 nights. We'll have lots of activities and experien...

Discounts included in your package

The following discounts are currently included in your package: Past guest discount (Past Guests of CIE can receive a discount of $150 per person) Early booking discount (5% of the package price - not including any add on's) POSSIBLE group discount

Day 1 · Thu, Oct 15 · Newark, NJ, USA

Flight from EWR to MAD (UA51)

EWR · Oct 15, 2026 at 7:20PM EDT

MAD · Oct 16, 2026 at 9:00AM CEST

This is the suggested flight. It is NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICING. I can assist you in purchasing directly on United.com or we can request that CIE add it to your itinerary.

Day 2 · Fri, Oct 16 · Madrid

Arrive at MAD (UA51)

EWR · Oct 15, 2026 at 7:20PM EDT

MAD · Oct 16, 2026 at 9:00AM CEST

Arrival in Madrid -transfer to Madrid hotel

Oct 16

Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your Madrid hotel. As long as 10+ guests are arriving on the same flight, CIE will provide 1 complimentary transfer from the Madrid Airport to hotel

Hotel stay in Madrid

Oct 16, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM CEST

A total of 4 nights in the Madrid hotel at the NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares (or similar) 2 nights before the tour starts followed by 2 more on Oct 18 and 19 Your room may not be ready upon your arrival so leave your luggage with the bell captai...

Madrid, Spain-destination guide

Madrid may be lacking in architectural beauty compared with some other major Spanish cities, but it makes up for this with its boundless energy, blue skies, art, culture, and an exhilarating and exhausting nightlife that will delight party animals...

Around your hotel

The NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares, which sits on the western edge of Madrid along the Manzanares River (Madrid Río park). 🗺️ Within ~15-Minute Walk 🌿 Outdoors & Iconic Landmarks Madrid Río Park — Right on your doorstep. A stunning 6km riverside ...

What to do upon arrival in Madrid

Our flight arrives in the morning and while your room may not be ready yet, you can leave your luggage at the hotel with the front desk or bell captain and get out to explore. We usually schedule a hop on hop off bus for our first day in any city,...

Day 3 · Sat, Oct 17 · Madrid

Free day in Madrid- suggestions

We have a full free day in Madrid today to explore on your own. Some group members might be interested in a full day trip to Toledo (see info in a separate tab) while others may want to explore Madrid in more detail or take a cooking class or food...

Toledo Spain- Day trip from Madrid

Toledo is one of Spain's most rewarding day trips! Here are the highlights: 🏛️ Must-See in Toledo, Spain Top Sights Toledo Cathedral — A stunning Gothic masterpiece with El Greco paintings inside; one of Spain's finest cathedrals Alcázar of Toledo...

Day 4 · Sun, Oct 18 · Madrid, Spain

Leisure time in Madrid

Morning and afternoon at leisure in Madrid to explore on your own before your tour officially starts.

Tour welcome drink and dinner in Madrid

Meet your tour director at 5:00 PM for a welcome drink at your hotel with your fellow travelers. Then enjoy dinner at the hotel, savoring the first tastes of Spanish cuisine. (D)

Day 5 · Mon, Oct 19 · Madrid, Spain

Madrid city tour and Prado Museum

Madrid City Tour & Prado Museum. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Spain’s capital city on a tour of Madrid. See magnificent sights such as the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, Gran Vía, and Plaza de España. Next, explore the world-renowned Pr...

Day 6 · Tue, Oct 20 · Córdoba, Spain

Train: Madrid to Córdoba

Oct 20

Board a train for a scenic, relaxing ride to Córdoba. After your time in Córdoba, continue on to Seville, where you will dine at your hotel. (B,D)

Córdoba walking tour and Mezquita Cathedral visit

Córdoba Walking Tour & Mezquita Cathedral. From the train station, it is a 15-20 minute walk on a paved sidewalk to Old Town (escorted by our tour guide with narrative) where we will meet the local guide. If you feel that you can't make the walk, ...

Hotel Stay in Seville

Oct 20, 2026

2 nights in the Barcelo Sevilla Renacimiento (or Similar) with breakfast

Dinner at your hotel in Seville

Arrive in Seville and dine at your hotel in the evening. (B,D)

Seville —Destination Guide

Destination Overview Seville is the sunlit heart of Andalusia: whitewashed patios, orange trees scenting medieval streets, baroque churches and flamenco that feels born from the pavement. People fall in love with Seville for its effortless drama —...

Around your hotel

Around Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento — Within 15 Minutes on Foot The Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento sits on Isla de la Cartuja, the island in the Guadalquivir River that hosted Expo '92. Here's what's walkable: 🏛️ Culture & History Monasterio de Sant...

Day 7 · Wed, Oct 21 · Seville, Spain

Seville city tour

Seville City Tour- this guided tour will be partially on the bus with stops. Discover the enchanting beauty of Seville on a guided city tour, exploring its charming streets and iconic landmarks. Marvel at the grandeur of Seville Cathedral, the lar...

Flamenco performance in Seville

Overview Later, meet your group again for a performance of the passionate, rhythmic art form of flamenco. Your evening is free to dine independently in one of the Old Town’s many tapas bars and restaurants.

Day 8 · Thu, Oct 22 · Granada, Spain

Travel from Seville to Granada

Oct 22

Journey through the Andalusian countryside to Granada to discover its rich history and Moorish heritage, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Alhambra Palace visit in Granada

Visit the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and gardens, a magnificent monument that showcases the artistic and cultural influences of the Moorish rulers who commissioned it in the 13th century. This is a guided INSIDE visit Admire the exquisite detail...

Hotel Stay in Granada

Oct 22 - 23, 2026

1 night in the Melia Granada or Similar with breakfast In the heart of Granada, near the cathedral and the Alcaicería, this hotel is a haven of exclusivity and comfort. The Andalusian city invites you to explore World Heritage treasures such as th...

Around your hotel

Here's a solid walkable guide for first-timers staying at the Meliá Granada (located on Calle Ángel Ganivet in the heart of the city): 🕌 Within 15 Minutes on Foot — Granada, Spain 🏛️ Landmarks & History Cathedral of Granada (5 min) — One of Spain'...

Day 9 · Fri, Oct 23 · València, Spain

Visit to Bodegas Viña Elena with lunch and wine pairings

Bodegas Viña Elena & Valencia. Visit Bodegas Viña Elena, a family-run winery producing Monastrell grapes, olives, and almonds. The Pacheco family, in their third and fourth generation of winemaking, will welcome you to their vineyard and cellar. H...

Journey to Valencia

Oct 23

After your winery visit, continue on to Valencia. (B,L)

Panoramic tour of Valencia

Arrive in Valencia and take in the sights on a panoramic tour on the bus of the major sites. Enjoy the evening at your leisure to explore Valencia’s vibrant culture and cuisine. (B,L)

Hotel Stay in Valencia

Oct 23 - 24, 2026

1 nite in the Senator Parque Central Hotel with breakfast (or similar) Senator Parque Central Hotel is a 4-star hotel located next to the Old Town of Valencia. Conceived as a tourism and business hotel, it has all the commodities to enjoy a pleasa...

Around your hotel

Valencia, Spain — Within 15 Minutes' Walk of Senator Parque Central Soul Collection The hotel sits right on the edge of the Jardí del Túria (the old river turned park), which is the perfect anchor for first-timers. Here's what's on the doorstep: 🏛...

Day 10 · Sat, Oct 24 · Valencia to Barcelona

Valencia City of Arts and Sciences walking tour

Explore Valencia’s futuristic architecture on a walking tour of its City of Arts and Sciences, a spectacular collection of modern buildings housing cultural and scientific institutions. This can be compared to the Museum Mile in Manhattan. Our gui...

Journey from Valencia to Barcelona

Oct 24

Journey on to Barcelona. (B)

Panoramic tour of Barcelona

Overview Upon arrival, take a panoramic tour of this exhilarating, artistic city before a free evening. (B)

Hotel stay in Barcelona

Oct 24 - 27, 2026

3 night hotel stay with breakfast This hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona's shopping district. The surrounding area is filled with shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Public transport is just a stone's throw from the hotel which is per...

Barcelona City Guide

Visiting Barcelona- what's useful to know Best time to go May–June and September–October are usually the sweet spots: warm weather, long days, and fewer crowds than midsummer. July–August can be hot, humid, and extremely crowded, especially around...

Around your hotel

The Hilton Barcelona (located on Avinguda del Paral·lel, in the Eixample/Montjuïc edge of the city): 🗺️ Within a ~15-Minute Walk of Hilton Barcelona 🏛️ See & Explore Montjuïc Hill – Iconic hilltop with panoramic city views; the Funicular stop is v...

Day 11 · Sun, Oct 25 · Barcelona

Barcelona Gothic Quarter + Sagrada Familia walking tour

Discover the enchanting Gothic Quarter of Barcelona with a guided walking tour, strolling through its medieval streets and hidden squares. Learn about the district that was home to Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter, Picasso’s art school, and Antonio Gaud...

Farewell dinner in Barcelona

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your group and tour guide but don't worry- WE STILL HAVE ONE MORE DAY IN BARCELONA TO EXPLORE

Day 12 · Mon, Oct 26 · Barcelona, Spain

Independent sightseeing in Barcelona with Hop-on Hop-off bus

Independent sightseeing in Barcelona. Enjoy a day of independent sightseeing with a voucher for a Hop-on, Hop-off bus that lets you visit attractions at your own pace. (B) Barcelona is a vibrant city, best known for Antoni Gaudí's modernist archit...

What to see and do in Barcelona on your free day

Included in the tour is a hop on/hop off bus pass for Barcelona. You can certainly spend the day enjoying that or you can opt for a day trip outside of Barcelona or day an optional tour (to be booked separately) Here are some suggestions on what y...

Day 13 · Tue, Oct 27 · Newark, NJ, USA

Tour ends in Barcelona

Tour ends in Barcelona. Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Transfers from Barcelona hotel to Barcelona airport

Oct 27

Complimentary transfers through CIE (set times)

Flight from BCN to EWR (UA121)

BCN · Oct 27, 2026 at 11:00AM CET

EWR · Oct 27, 2026 at 3:15PM EDT

This is the suggested flight. It is NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICING. I can assist you in purchasing directly on United.com or we can request that CIE add it to your itinerary.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Passports You must have a valid US passport that will be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the date of return . European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) This MAY be required for all European travel starting in the 3rd quarter o...