Explore Spain and its History, Museums, Tapas foods and Spanish Culture. We will travel to some of the greatest sites and cities on our Spanish adventure.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial center, with a large cultural and artistic heritage and exciting history.
Art and culture play a key role in Madrid’s cultural life. The capital has over 60 museums. Highlights include the Prado Museum, one of the world’s most important art galleries; the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, with over 800 paintings, the Reina Sofía National Art Center, dedicated to contemporary Spanish art and containing works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris, among others. Madrid’s extensive and beautifully maintained parks and gardens – like the Retiro park, formerly the recreational estate to the Spanish monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I park – offer visitors the chance to enjoy the sunshine, stroll along its lakes and enjoy its natural beauty.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters and the most beautiful examples of 20th century Modernism and avant-garde. It is no surprise that emblematic constructions by the Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner have been declared World Heritage Sites by “UNESCO.”
The city’s origins are Roman, and its long history and economic dynamism have made Barcelona a cultural city, which can be seen in the historic-artistic heritage and the promotion of the most innovative artistic trends.
Toledo is considered most representative of Spanish culture, and its historic center was designated a “UNESCO World Heritage site” in 1986. Its rocky site is traversed by narrow, winding streets, with steep gradients and rough surfaces, centering on the Plaza del Zocodover. Two bridges cross the Tagus: in the northeast is the bridge of Alcántara, at the foot of the medieval castle of San Servando, parts of which date from Roman and Moorish times; in the northwest is the bridge of San Martín, dating from the late 13th century.
DAY 1: Arrival Day: September 19, 2024 – Arrival in Malaga, Spain
On your arrival in Malaga, you will be met at the airport by our chauffeur for your private transfer to our cosmopolitan hotel in Malaga, with views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the Costa del Sol. If your flight arrives in the morning, you’ll get a chance to rest, or take a walk on the beach and get acquainted with the picturesque Puerto de Malaga.
In the afternoon, we’ll meet for an introductory meeting and welcome drink, then we’ll take a leisurely walk to a beachside restaurant for our welcome dinner, featuring fine Andalucian cuisine and excellent wines.
4-star Hotel (D)
Day 2: Granada and the Alhambra
Today, we’ll set out in the morning for the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the glorious city of Granada. This ancient Moorish town is home to the Alhambra Palace, often described as the Jewel of Moorish Spain, as well as its fascinating, exotically tangled Moorish Quarter. We’ll spend the morning touring the city’s historic center,
including its impressive Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, then we’ll head to St. Nicholas overlook for a breathtaking view of the city and the Alhambra, and we’ll finish in the Albayzin neighborhood for a traditional North African lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an in-depth, privately guided visit to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, one of the world’s great architectural and historical treasures, filled with stories, dreams and mysteries from the days of its glory.
After touring the Alhambra, we’ll return to Malaga in the evening.
(B, D)
Day 3: Málaga to Sevilla. Stop in Cordoba
This morning, we’ll travel to the Moorish city of Cordoba. Once the capital of AlAndalus, famous for its splendid court and cultured caliphs, Cordoba’s opulent Islamic heritage resonates with a faded glory. We’ll start the tour with the emblematic Mezquita, a majestic Moorish monument which, with its colossal dome, intricate courtyards, and richly ornamented interior of candy cane columns, is the most powerful symbol of the two cultures that have shaped Andalucia. Afterwards, we’ll explore the medieval Synagogue in Cordoba’s Juderia, a charming maze of cobbled lanes, white-washed buildings, flowers dripping from window boxes, and wrought iron doorways allowing glimpses of plant-filled patios. We’ll conclude with a visit to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress with exotic gardens and distinct architecture.
After, we continue to Seville in the late afternoon, we’ll relax after a busy day over an elegant dinner.
(B, D)
Day 4: Seville
We’ll start our exploration of Spanish Andalucia with the iconic city of Seville, wrapped in romanticism and the thick scent of orange blossoms. The highlight of our historian led tour of Seville will be the immense Seville Cathedral with its Giralda Tower. The adjoining Alcázar Palace with its stunning gardens (immediately recognizable to the “Game of Thrones” fans) was built for Peter of Castile on the site of a Muslim fortress and is associated with the lives and loves of several rulers.
After all this history, we’ll catch our breath at a tapas and Jerez sherry lunch in the photogenic barrio of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Plaza de España, Seville’s extravagant open space in El Parque de Maria Luisa, blending both Renaissance and Moorish Revival architectural styles, and we’ll return to our hotel in the evening. (B, L)
Day 5: Sevilla to Madrid; Prado Museum
In the morning, we’ll take the express AVE train to Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid, where we’ll check into our elegant, Old World style hotel, located in the center of the city, on Gran Via and right by the Spanish Royal Palace. After a short break to rest and have lunch, we’ll set out to tour Madrid’s Prado Museum, one of the world’s top art
galleries, filled with masterpieces of art and antiquities, especially by Flemish, Italian and Spanish superstar painters, and home to Diego Velazquez’s Las Meninas, considered by many to be the world’s finest painting.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate the region of La Mancha and its culinary traditions with a lavish dinner at a traditional Madrileno restaurant. (B, D)
Day 6: Toledo
After breakfast, we’ll set out for a delightful detour to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain and one of Europe’s artistic highlights. Sitting high on a rocky perch and wrapped on three sides by the Tajo River, the city still looks much like it did when the artist El Greco painted here in the 16th century. During our in-depth guided tour, we’ll visit Toledo’s most celebrated sites, including the Cathedral of Toledo, Santa María la Blanca (a former synagogue), and St. Tome’s Church, reflecting the city’s tangled Roman, Jewish, Visigothic, Moorish and Christian history. We’ll also have some leisure time to explore the city according to your individual interests.
Returning to Madrid in the evening, we’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the city’s atmospheric restaurants, followed by a fiery flamenco performance. (B, D)
Day 7: City Tour of Madrid
Today, we’ll spend the morning with our private Madrid guide, slowly exploring the culinary, historical and cultural wonders of Madrid, as we wind our way through the city’s medieval lanes and modern landmarks on a gourmet culinary tour, stopping at the city’s most celebrated sites, such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. The tour will conclude at the Saint Michael’s Market, where we will be spoiled with choices for a lavish lunch of freshly prepared dishes and locally grown food.
In the afternoon, we’ll tour the sumptuous Palacio Real, beautifully furnished with royal antiques and works of art, and the rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere, great shopping and its many historical surprises.
This evening is yours to explore Madrid at leisure. (B)
Day 8: Madrid to Barcelona, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell
In the morning, we’ll leave Madrid, as we take the express AVE train to Barcelona.
After arriving in the proud capital of Catalunya, we’ll settle into our boutique hotel in the city center and have some time to rest. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a private, historian-led tour of the city’s architectural treasures, including Gaudi’s still unfinished cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, the mesmerizing Casa Batllo and the whimsical,
otherworldly Park Guell. During the tour, we’ll get to appreciate Gaudí’s unique style and see examples of how his ideas shaped the way of thinking about architecture for a generation, and his immense influence on Catalan modernism. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner. (B, D)
Barcelona is without doubt one of Europes most exciting cities. It is a place of extraordinary architectural dazzle, achieved by what has been called both Catalán Art Nouveau and Modernisme, by architects Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch. Monumental sculptures by local masters like Joan Miró adorn public spaces, and museums house extraordinary treasures ranging from works of the ancient Romans to those of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The city is further enhanced by brightly colored outdoor markets, a magnificent Mediterranean port , and a plentiful array of stylish restaurants. Needless to say, the nightlife is splendid.
Day 9: Barcelona – Gothic Quarter
Today, we’ll spend the day enjoying Barcelona’s sensual sights on a guided historical walk through its impressive Gothic Quarter, the labyrinth of narrow streets, undiscovered courtyards, grand squares, Art Nouveau storefronts, colorful cafes and classy antique shops, once confined by the medieval city walls, protecting its population and its colossal Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia Cathedral.
Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to explore the wonders of Barcelona.
(B)
Day 10: September 28, 2024 – Departure Home
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the Barcelona airport for our flight home. (B)
Entry Requirements: Visitors from the US and Canada need a valid passport, Visas are not required for Americans or Canadians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another E.U. country, you do not need a passport, only an identity card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave the European Union. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it’s a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you.
Time Zone: Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Like most European countries, Spain has daylight savings time.
Weather: April is beautiful with low rainfall. Barcelona offers daytime highs in the mid to upper 70’s with cooler evenings in the low to mid 60’s. In Madrid a bit warmer with the mid to high 80’s and cooler evenings in the upper 60’s.
Currency: The local currency in Spain is the euro. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank’s ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($3 – $5) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.
Electricity: Voltage in Spain is 20 volts AC and the plug is the typical European plug with two round prongs. Many stores in North America sell the appropriate transformers and adapters, and they can also be purchased on arrival in Athens airport, as well. Any heat generating appliances that you bring need a transformer, and they may still not work properly with the different voltage. Small electronics which are such as laptops, tablets, Phones, etc., have dual voltage, so you only need a plug converter.
Taxes/VAT: The internal sales tax (known as IVA) ranges from 7% to 33%, depending on the commodity being sold. Food, wine, and basic necessities are taxed at 7%; most goods and services at 13%; luxury items (jewelry, all tobacco, imported liquors) at 33%; and hotels at 7%. If you live outside the European Union you can enjoy Tax Free shopping. This amounts to a saving of 21% off the price of any items purchased in Spain where the total bill exceeds €90.15. Once you know the shop runs the tax free service you can purchase your items and then request the TAX refund cheques which the shop will fill out for you. They will then present you with a cheque for your tax refund which you take with you to the airport. When you arrive at the airport you must present you tax refund cheques at customs BEFORE you check your bags in. Customs may request to check the items before they stamp your cheques. Once your cheques have been stamped by customs you can cash your cheques at any Bureau de Change in your chosen currency.
Health: Travelers from Canada and the United States must pay for medical services rendered, but you will be reimbursed by your traveler’s insurance if you purchased a policy. Spain does not offer free medical treatment to visitors. Few health problems are encountered while traveling in Spain. The tap water is generally safe to drink.
Activity Level: This trip has a fairly limited activity level however at each stop we will be walking quite a bit. Most streets are uneven pavement or on cobble stone paths. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or 4 or so miles on some days. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to keep up with the group without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however if you can’t or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.
We are here to answer any questions you have.
This document outlines what Women Traveling the World LLC agrees to provide when you sign up for a tour, and what you agree to do in return. This information is very important, please read it carefully.
Current tour prices are listed on the page corresponding to each tour. Due to currency fluctuations, cost increase and situations out of our control tour prices may change without notice at any time. Tour participants who already registered for a tour will not be affected by any price changes.
Included in the price of the tour:
A full-time tour leader/guide with 6 or more clients and licensed in-country tour guides are used for tours.
Any tours, meals, activities or otherwise stated for each individual tour.
Any tours, meals, activities or otherwise stated for each individual tour.
Tour prices DO NOT INCLUDE: airfare (unless noted) and airport/departure taxes (unless stated as such in the tour), other transportation to the tour location, laundry charges, telephone calls, room service charges, mini-bar charges, all items of personal nature. Travel, accident, baggage, health, or life insurance policies. Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included in the itinerary. Passport and/or visa when applicable. Additional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary.
In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to re-invoice Participants with correct billing.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF DELAY, CHANGE OF SCHEDULES, ILLNESS, WEATHER, STRIKES, HOSTILITIES, QUARANTINE, GOVERNMENT REQUISITION OF HOTEL SPACE, OR ANY OTHER REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF WTTW, SHALL BE BORNE BY THE PARTICIPANT.
Single supplements are available on a limited basis at additional cost. The actual cost of a single supplement for each tour is listed on the Tour Details page for each tour.
Roommates: The Tour Organizers will attempt to match you with a roommate based on age/smoker or not. If the Tour Organizers match the Participant with a roommate whom the Tour Participant deems unsuitable, then the Tour Participant must either change roommates on her own or simply accept the current roommate and make the best of it. There will be no refunds for complaints about roommates, and if any Tour Participant departs the tour because of a roommate, there will be no refund. We try to match you up the best we can but cannot promise a guarantee as to companionship. If WTTW cannot find a roommate due lack of enough participants wanting a roommate then a single supplement will be charged.
Baggage: We recommend that Tour Participants take a carry-on bag as per airlines restrictions and include any needed toiletries, medications a change of clothes or anything else you simply can’t’ live without for 24-48 hrs in case of baggage loss or delay. Baggage is carried at owner’s risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. We are not responsible for baggage loss/delay due to airline error.
Health: Woman traveling the World tours includes a lot of walking, stairs, hiking, and standing while sightseeing. All Tour Participants should be prepared to walk at least three miles a day on uneven surfaces, including steps, during days on which excursions are scheduled. If you have any concerns regarding your physical ability to participate in the tour, we strongly recommend that you consult your physician before signing up. Any pre-existing physical, mental, or emotional disability that may require attention or treatment must be reported in writing prior to the beginning of a tour. Tour Participants who require any form of assistance must be accompanied by a helper who is capable of and totally responsible for providing such assistance. The group’s itinerary will not be adjusted for people who are not able to keep up with the rest of the group. All Tour Participants are required to complete and sign a Medical Release and Waiver Agreement. On the day the tour begins, or any day thereafter, if you leave the tour for an, unforeseen medical or family emergency, money will be refunded, “ONLY” if you have purchased “trip insurance” then the terms of that policy will apply and the insurance company would be responsible for any refund as per the policy. Woman Traveling the World is not responsible for any refunds for a trip interruption or delay of your own cause. The minimum age for participants is 18. There is no maximum age, however you must be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Smokers may smoke only outdoors and downwind from the group – never in hotel rooms or during group meals or activities. Smokers will stay in a single room, unless they share a room with another smoker.
Travel Insurance: Not included in the tour price. We highly recommend obtaining individual travel insurance for the duration of the tour (trip cancellation, foreign medical, flight delays and cancellations, medical evacuation). For an overview of available options in travel insurance coverage please contact us. You acknowledge that trip insurance has been presented to you in the Tour Booking form if you decline to purchase trip insurance then you are on your on for any cancellations of your own doing or non covered issues as mentioned herein.
Travel documents and Visas: Tour Participants are required to have a valid passport and a visa, if necessary. Incomplete documentation will result in the airline and airport authorities refusing permission to enter the country. The Tour Organizers will not arrange for passports or visas and will not be held liable for any irregularities caused due to improper documentation. Each Participant is responsible for determining specific passport and visa requirements in the Participant’s country of origin and for obtaining the necessary documents prior to departure. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the anticipated tour date. It is suggested that all Participants check with the appropriate Consulate regarding their visa requirements.
Tour itineraries are subject to change: Due to unexpected circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel, change or substitute an activity or a service. During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours, and shopping may be limited. Uncompleted portions of the tour itinerary are not cause for refund.
Waiver of responsibility: Women Traveling the World and its representatives (“Tour Organizers”) are making all ground arrangements pertaining to the Tour, including, but not limited to, hotel and restaurant reservations, sightseeing and side trips, subject to the condition that the Tour Organizers will not be held liable to injury, death, delay, theft, damage, or irregularities, however caused. Tour Organizers will take no responsibility or liability for: 1. injury, loss, or damage to persons or property, including luggage. 2. Additional expenses resulting from changes in exchange rates, tariffs, or schedule. 3. The act or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the Tour Participants, or in carrying out the arrangements of the Tour, or otherwise. 4. Additional expenses incurred or due to sudden sickness, weather conditions, strikes, or other causes or acts of God. 5. Losses due to cancellations.
Travel: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the tour location. Please note that some tours start and end in different cities and an “open jaw” or “Multi City” air ticket is required. This is noted in each itinerary.
Tour Payments: To reserve space on any tour, a deposit of $500.00 per person per tour is required at the time of booking. Some tours require a higher deposit and this is noted in the tour details.
No reservation is considered confirmed until the deposit is received by Women Traveling the World. The deposit is part of the final payment which must reach us no later than 60 days prior to the start of the tour. Returned checks will incur a fee of $50.00 For all deposits and tour payments, we accept personal checks, Visa, Master Card, bank wires, Zelle. Missing the final payment deadline may result in being removed from the tour.
Cancellations and refunds: The tour deposits are not refundable if you cancel for a non insured reason. All cancellations must be sent in writing via email. Do not consider a cancellation received and effective until you get a cancellation confirmation from us.
Tour Cancellation: Although we do our best to avoid this, it may occasionally become necessary for Women Traveling the World to cancel any tour due to insufficient sign-ups or any other cause. We recommend NOT to purchase your air until 60 days prior to departure unless you have been informed otherwise that the tour is a definite go. If a tour is cancelled due to low enrollment, you will be notified at least 60 days in advance of the tour departure date. In this case, your entire payment will be refunded to you within fourteen days after the tour cancellation. Refund of payments made constitutes full settlement, and releases Women Traveling the World from any further liability. We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by tour members preparing for a canceled tour, such as nonrefundable airline tickets, travel insurance cost or passport fees. If a tour is cancelled due to a natural disaster, strike, or other event outside our control, we cannot guarantee the 60 days notice.
Loss & Liability: Women Traveling the World strongly encourages all tour Participants to purchase Travel Insurance to cover additional costs (airline tickets, loss of luggage, trip delay or tour cancellation, personal accident, medical evacuation, etc.). We assume no liability for the safety of any Participant while in transit or during the tour. Women Traveling the World is not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal injury, accidents, or illness while on tour nor for any type of trip interruption.
Photographs: Representatives of the Tour Organizers may photograph the Tour. The Tour Organizers reserve the right to publish any such photographs without obtaining further consent from any Participant. Each Participant releases the Tour Organizers and their representatives from any liability in connection with any such use of such photographs.
Leaving the tour: The Tour Organizers reserve the right to accept, decline, or retain any person as a Participant on the Tour at any time without liability and without any obligation to pay a refund or any other amount whatsoever. The Tour Organizers take no responsibility or liability for any Participant who leaves the Tour prior to its conclusion or for any activity undertaken by any Participant that is not included on the Tour itinerary. There will be no discounts or refunds for any Tour Participant who temporarily leaves the Tour and then returns to the Tour later.
Unruly guest. We at WTTW ask all our clients to conduct themselves in a mature and courteous manner while on tour. If a client becomes unruly, argumentative or drunk beyond control and interrupts the tour or other clients in any way it is our right to call this person aside and issue a formal warning. If this behavior becomes consistent and creates a problem for other clients WTTW reserves the right to ask the participant to either leave the tour early, get her own room at her own cost if she has a roommate who has been interrupted due this behavior or take any and all necessary action to protect the health, safety and well being of the other travelers. Any such action taken that results in additional cost shall be the sole responsibility of the client who has created the issue. This is to protect all clients and assure them of a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
Special Requests: We will advise hotels of any special requests of Tour Participants provided we receive the request at the time of booking. However, we cannot guarantee all requests.
Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Please answer these questions on the booking form so we can advise the restaurants for the included meals.
Payment of deposit or full payment shall be deemed as consent by the Tour Participant to the above Terms and Conditions.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: I am entirely responsible for my own personal safety, physical and health mental and general well-being during and after the Tour. I release Women Traveling the World LLC and its representatives and any of their employees, assistants, and affiliates of any liability for any injuries or damages mentally or physically I or any of my family members might incur during or after the Tour. I understand that no health insurance or travel insurance will be provided by the Tour Organizers, and, if I wish to be insured, I must do this myself.
Women Traveling the World is registered with the state of Florida as a seller of travel, Registration No. ST38808. We are also bonded.
