Spain is a country of passion, excitement and enthusiasm unlike any other in Western Europe. Madrid, the magnificent capital, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville are effervescent cosmopolitan cities with some of the best museums and galleries in Europe. Costa-style resorts take much of the coast up although cities such as Alicante, Marbella, Malaga and Mallorca's Palma retain their charm. And everywhere you can find secret hideaways with empty beaches. The best way to explore rural Spain is to visit Galicia and Asturias, the arid villages of Andalucia and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees.
For a taste of the ambience of true Andalucia pay a visit to Arcos de la Frontera, a beautiful historic town. Don't miss Saint Peter's Church dating from the 14th century and built on the remains of an Arab fortress. The main facade is 18th century and is of Baroque design. The ruined citadel, the theatre, and the palace of the dukes of Arcos are the main points of interest in Arcos de la Frontera. When it comes to shopping, local crafts and ceramics are in abundance and can be bought quite cheaply.
For a taste of the ambience of true Andalucia pay a visit to Arcos de la Frontera, a beautiful historic town.
Avila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated on a rocky hill at over 1000 meters altitude. The area is known as "Land of Songs and Saints", as associated with Christian mystics Santa Teresa de Jesus and San Juan de la Cruz. Avila is surrounded by impressive walls, with 88 towers and 9 gates. Beyond one of the gates, the Convent of Saint Teresa stands over the saint's birthplace. Other interesting buildings include the Gothic cathedral, the churches of San Segundo, San Pedro and the marble monument in Santo Tomas.
Avila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated on a rocky hill at over 1000 meters altitude.
Having a privileged position looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, Benalmádena is a popular lively resort. It offers plenty of things to see as well as enjoying entertaining family days out to places like the theme park, Tivoli World, the fabulous Jardin de Las Aguilas, see the penguins and dolphins at Selwo Marina and Sea Life or take a ride in the Cable Car to see breathtaking views of the coast. All along the promenade you can see an amazing variety of mosaics done by different artists.
Having a privileged position looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, Benalmádena is a popular lively resort.
Known as an industrial town, Bilbao is the largest port in Spain, as well as a major rail hub, serving as a departure point for most of Basque's country attractions. To international tourists, Bilbao is a place with great food and also home to the controversial $100 million Guggenheim Museum, which was designed by the famed American architect Frank Gehry. You should not allocate more than 2 days for visiting this city, as most of the sights can be viewed in less than 48 hours.
Known as an industrial town, Bilbao is the largest port in Spain, as well as a major rail hub, serving as a departure point for most of Basque's country attractions.
Burgos is a significant Northern Spanish touristic destination, hosting an impressive collection of ecclesiastical monuments. Most of them reflect the Gothic style, starting with the Cathedral - similar to the French cathedral of Bourges - and the monasteries of Las Huelgas and Miraflores. Also interesting to see are the El Rey hospital, once destinated to the pilgrims traveling to Santiago, and the vestiges of the old fortress walls, with the famous arches of Santa Maria and Fernán González.
Burgos is a significant Northern Spanish touristic destination, hosting an impressive collection of ecclesiastical monuments.
Cáceres is a UNESCO designated World Heritage City since 1986. There have been settlements near Cáceres since prehistoric times as evidenced by the paintings in the Maltravieso Caves which date back from the late Paleolithic period. Take a stroll and admire the architecture of the city - a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles, reflecting its long history. An amazing 30 towers from the Muslim period still stand in Caceres, of which the Torre del Bujaco is the most famous.
Cáceres is a UNESCO designated World Heritage City since 1986.
Carmona was the strongest city of Further Spain in the time of Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.). The Moors have surrounded it with a wall and ornamented it with fountains and palaces. Today, Carmona is a fascinating city with many vestiges that attest its great history like the principal entrance to the town, an old Moorish gateway and the gate on the road to Cordova that is partly of Roman construction. The main sights include the Roman necropolis, a 15th century church and the Roman amphitheatre.
Carmona was the strongest city of Further Spain in the time of Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C
With its aristocratic charm, Jerez de la Frontera is a hidden gem of Spain, a must-see town should you venture beyond the large cities. The British made the town famous by taking the sweet wines made here and naming them "sherry" for the outside world. Once sitting on the border between the Christian and Moorish worlds, Jerez is also known for its fine horses and amazing singers and dancers of flamenco. Its magnificent dancing horses can be seen at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art.
With its aristocratic charm, Jerez de la Frontera is a hidden gem of Spain, a must-see town should you venture beyond the large cities.
The capital of the north-western Spanish province of León proposes impressive buildings in various architectural styles. The famous gothic Cathedral hosts the Royal Pantheon and impresses by its stain glassed windows. You can admire the Romanesque paintings of Basilica de San Isidoro and early Gaudian architecture of Casa de Botines. You're invited to visit the modernist MUSAC - Museum of Contomporary Art or enjoy one of the famous "fiestas", taking place at the Barrio Humedo or Plaza del Grano.
The capital of the north-western Spanish province of León proposes impressive buildings in various architectural styles.
Founded in 1001 AD, Lloret de Mar has attracted for decades visitors, mainly from northern Europe becoming nowadays the most important resort in the Costa Brava. Its beaches have been awarded the blue flag by the EEC, in terms of quality of the water, sand and services provided. Lloret is regarded as one of the best-endowed tourist centers in terms of sports facilities, and has many options in shopping, leisure and cuisine. Another attraction is a medieval fort on the outskirts of the town.
Founded in 1001 AD, Lloret de Mar has attracted for decades visitors, mainly from northern Europe becoming nowadays the most important resort in the Costa Brava.
Marbella is probably one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol. Walk the marble Paseo Maritimo, one of the main attractions and make your way to the centre of town where you will find one of the most attractive parks, with water features, statues and beautiful tiled benches. Marbella has two main beaches modern facilities: El Fuerte and El Fontanilla. After the sunset you can enjoy a lively nightlife with many quality restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs of every description.
Marbella is probably one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol.
Merida is the bustling capital of the State of Yucatan and its largest city. It is a city rich in Mayan folklore and colonial history; a city of contrasting sights, and cultural blends. Among the remaining Roman monuments that are worth visiting are: the Puente Romano, a bridge over the Guadiana river that is still used by pedestrians; an important fortification to defend the bridge; the Temple of Diana; the remains of the Forum, including the Arch of Trajan; and several other archaeological sights.
Merida is the bustling capital of the State of Yucatan and its largest city.
Ernest Hemingway put Pamplona on the map by describing the famed running of the bulls. One can see the encierros (bull running) during Fiesta de San Fermín, usually between July 6 and July 14. The non-stop party atmosphere is spiced up by fireworks, Basque flute concerts, and wine. To get a hold of a bed, one must reserve a hotel one year in advance or stay in a neighboring town. Once a fortified city and the capital of the ancient kingdom of Navarre, Pamplona is more than one-event town.
Ernest Hemingway put Pamplona on the map by describing the famed running of the bulls.
El Puerto de Santa Maria is an old, small port-town within reach of Jerez de la Frontera and part of the "Sherry Triangle". Situated on the Costa del Luz and boasting some great white sand beaches, the town remains attractive as a seafood destination, where sherry and brandy bodegas also abound. For culture and history seekers, it is worth knowing that Columbus, as well as author Washington Irving once lived here. Other sites of interest are Castillo de San Marcos and Plaza del Toros.
El Puerto de Santa Maria is an old, small port-town within reach of Jerez de la Frontera and part of the "Sherry Triangle".
Situated in a very mountainous area, Ronda is divided in half by a river gorge, bridged by Puente Nuevo, one of the most photographed structures in Spain. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, one of the main attractions in Ronda. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a spectacular recent urban development. One of the most beautiful spots in Ronda is Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, of Arab origin. Ronda's Plaza de Toros is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain.
Situated in a very mountainous area, Ronda is divided in half by a river gorge, bridged by Puente Nuevo, one of the most photographed structures in Spain.
Finding its origins in pre-Roman times, Salamanca is known as "La Ciudad Dorada", exposing buildings facades made of special sandstone with unique golden glow. You may admire the old Romanesque cathedral, with four grand pinnacles and the apse frescoed by the Renaissance painter Florentino; nearby, the new cathedral combines Late Gothic architecture and Plateresque style. The nightlife is highly animated, especially by the students learning at the second oldest university in the world.
Finding its origins in pre-Roman times, Salamanca is known as "La Ciudad Dorada", exposing buildings facades made of special sandstone with unique golden glow.
San Sebastián is the de facto summer capital of Spain, where numerous Spaniards find a much needed escape from the sweltering heat. Its location on the Bay of Biscay is unique, as San Sebastian is surrounded by green mountains. A beach resort in its own right, San Sebastián did not succumb to consumerism and bad taste. La Parte Vieja, with narrow streets, hidden plazas, and medieval houses, adds plenty of charm to its elegant shops, wide boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants.
San Sebastián is the de facto summer capital of Spain, where numerous Spaniards find a much needed escape from the sweltering heat.
Located in the heart of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is the third-largest holy city of the Christian world. Medieval pilgrims, rich and poor alike, made this town famous by traveling from all over Europe to visit the shrine of apostle St James, whose remains are said to be buried in the city's cathedral. The city is a university town as well as a marketplace for Galician farmers. In addition, it is one of the most romantic and historic cities in Spain.
Located in the heart of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is the third-largest holy city of the Christian world.
This 2000-year-old city is a very popular touristic destination, hosting many ancient heritages; the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being surrounded by the Roman walls, rebuilt in the 15th century. The symbol of Segovia is the Roman aqueduct built during 1st and 2nd centuries by the Romans to bring water to the town. The castle Alcazar is located at the tip of a narrow promontory and has a history of about 10 centuries. The central plaza is dominated by the grand Gothic cathedral.
This 2000-year-old city is a very popular touristic destination, hosting many ancient heritages; the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being surrounded by the Roman walls, rebuilt in the 15th century.
Once the capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Designated Site, due to its essential historical and cultural statute. It hosted various cultures and religions, including Christians, Jewish and Muslims. That's why you cand find here a large variety of ecclesiastical monuments, among which the Cathedral definitely deserves a visit for its famous "El Transparente" altar and also the Church of Santo Tomé, host of the famous painting "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" of El Greco, born in Toledo.
Once the capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Designated Site, due to its essential historical and cultural statute.
Barcelona, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Guernica, Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Santander, Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela with a rent a car.
Included:
• Hotel for 2 nights in Barcelona •
Rent a car for 9 days •
Hotel for 1 night in Zaragoza •
Hotel for 2 nights in San Sebastian •
Hotel for 2 nights in Bilbao •
Hotel for 1 night in Santander •
Hotel for 2 nights in Santiago de Compostela •
Daily breakfast (if stated in hotel description) •
Hotel taxes
* Sample prices displayed include international and domestic airline tickets as per itinerary and ALL airline-related taxes and fuel surcharges and are per person, based on double occupancy, and are dynamic in nature. Prices do not include insurance or delivery charges which are optional and customizable by the traveler. The airfare portion of the itinerary price is based on economy class, midweek departure. Prices do not include fees for carry on or checked baggage which can add up to $120 per ticket on a roundtrip flight. It also does not include any entrance fees or visa fees that may be charged at international airports. Some cities may charge local taxes that can only be collected by hotel at destination.
Prices were accurate at the time we posted them. Sample prices were for a specific travel date and specific departure airport, as indicated. Your prices will vary according to departure cities and travel dates. We do not control prices (airlines and hotel reservation systems do). Prices may change dynamically and at times significantly numerous times during any given day.
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