Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe, and for very good reason. From the Pyrenees Mountains south to the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain takes up most of the Iberian Peninsula. The Mediterranean Sea, which contains the Balearic Islands of Spain, is east of the mainland.
Spanish rule also extends to the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and two cities in North Africa. Spain can also be considered a very diverse country with Mountain ranges that encircle and crisscross Spain’s heartland, gorgeous beaches, tropical islands, and picture-perfect small towns that will make your heart melt.
Since the beginning of time, people have moved to Spain from Europe, Africa, and through the Mediterranean. The peninsula was known as “Span,” meaning hidden land, and was named this by the Phoenicians who arrived in the eighth century B.C. Spain had been overrun by the Romans by the first century B.C.
Under the Romans, who were followed by the Germanic Vandals and Visigoths, Spain mostly converted to Christianity. The Visigoth kings quarreled with one another, and in 711 A.D., Muslims from Africa invaded Spain. As Muslim kings established new agricultural practices and irrigation systems, they expanded trade which made Islamic culture spread all over Spain.
Northern Spanish Christian kingdoms defeated the Muslims in 1492 and promoted the Catholic faith. Later on, Spain expanded its influence due to receiving silver from the Americas In the Napoleonic Wars, which ended in 1815. As history went on, Spain started to develop as a contemporary, industrial, and democratic country in Europe.
As mentioned previously, Spain draws more tourists than any other European nation except France. This is due to its lively, historic towns, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. Spain’s large economy is mainly driven by the tourism sector, which draws billions yearly. That said, tourism is really important to the Spaniards, and Spain is a very popular destination.
Visiting Spain can be done quite easily on your own. However, staying with a tour operator is always much more fun and practical. Not only will you get the opportunity to see some of the countries’ top sites, but you’ll also learn about each landmark and what makes it unique.
This can make your experience, especially if you go with the right tour operators and take the right tours. That’s why it is recommended to take a multi-day time to Spain, so you can see the country for what it truly is. Here are the top six best Spain tours.
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Walk the Camino de Santiago
G Adventures
Embark on your trek across Northern Spain’s picturesque landscapes with this multiday tour of the Camino de Santiago! During this eight-day journey, complete the final 100 miles of the Santiago pilgrimage route and get a “Compostela” as proof of completion. It’s active but at a slower, more picturesque pace, so refuel with some delectable Spanish cuisine and take some time to pause and smell the roses.
Santiago de Compostela is where the tour will start and finish. This 8-day Walk the Camino de Santiago Hiking & Trekking itinerary includes stops in Sarria, Spain, as well as 5 other locations throughout the country. “Walk the Camino de Santiago” provides hotel accommodations, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Sarria and get settled with your group.
Day Two: Hike from Sarria to Portomarín and maybe choose to picnic in places such as Barbados, Renta, or Ferreiros.
Day Three: Early start from Portomarin en route to Palas de Ray.
Day Four: Continue the pilgrimage westwards, walking through the lush green valleys of Galicia.
Continue walking through rural Spain. Take a break in the lively market town of Melide.
Day Five: Follow the Camino from Melide to the village of Ribadiso and, finally, the town of Arzúa.
Day Six: The Camino walk will pass through pretty woods, sleepy villages, and streams most of the day.
Day Seven: Enjoy a final day of walking through spectacular scenery toward the final destination.
Day Eight: Depart at any time.
Enjoy a thrilling pilgrimage with a chance to experience Spanish culture simultaneously. With G Adventures, you can travel to exciting and exotic locations at a low cost. You can also travel with ease, knowing you’re in good hands. G Adventures has excellent ratings from pleased travelers around the world.
Along with a large selection of destinations and departure dates, many tour styles are available to suit different tastes. You may travel far and wide with eager and helpful guides to aid you during your journey as you experience the world with G-Adventures. That said, this tour can easily be considered one of the best tours in Spain.
Northern Spain (Classic, End Barcelona, 11 Days)
Insight Vacations
On this guided 11-day tour, you’ll see the beauty of the North of Spain. During this excursion, you’ll visit a green beach beside the untamed Cantabrian Sea, the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, the town’s 9th-century churches in Oviedo, and Santillana del Mar.
Enjoy views of the bay while you unwind at your opulent Santander beach resort. Allow a Local Expert in Barcelona to guide you through the city’s Gothic Quarter, past the Roman Gate, and to the Sagrada Familia, which is world-famous for its beauty. You’ll start your journey in Madrid and end in Barcelona.
With 11 days to explore the country’s north, you’ll have plenty of time to see and do everything you would like. You’ll also get to see 14 cities in Spain with transportation, a professional guide, meals, lodging, and accommodation included. Excited yet? Here is a brief look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Welcome to Madrid
Day Two: Madrid of the Bourbons
Day Three: Through Rueda to Santiago
Day Four: Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start
Day Five: The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start
Day Six: Explore Santander
Day Seven: Bilbao and San Sebastián Relaxed Start
Day Eight: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start
Day Nine: Pamplona and on to Barcelona
Day Ten: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí
Day Eleven: Depart Barcelona
Enjoy 11 full days to discover the North of Spain! You will see the top highlights of the region and explore the region in depth. You can also count on a good tour! Every moment is extraordinary when you travel with Insight Vacations. You’ll meet, experience, and even taste a place in addition to seeing it.
Stay at luxury hotels in the appropriate locations while traveling in style. With real eating experiences that transport you to the destination’s core, you’ll learn about other cultures and people. With an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars, you can count on Insight Vacations to give you an amazing experience, and this tour is one of the best in Spain.
Colors of Spain – 8 Days
Click Tours
On this 8-day journey, you’ll see the finest of Spain. You’ll take an organized sightseeing tour to learn more about its treasures, marvel at its historic landmarks, Learn about the former capital of Toledo and check out the magnificent Roman amphitheater in Merida.
You’ll also discover the enchanting city of Seville, the peaceful Maria Luisa Park, and the famous cathedral. Before arriving in Granada to complete the tour, admire the majestic Alhambra in Cordoba and the former Great Mosque.
You’ll start in Madrid and end in Malaga on this tour. With the 8-day package, you’ll see 7 different Spanish cities, and your accommodation, meals, guide, transportation, and more are completely included in the cost of the tour. Here is a look at your daily itinerary.
Day One: Sunday – Welcome to Madrid and Transfer & “Illuminated Madrid” Tour
Day Two: Monday – Madrid City Tour
Day Three: Tuesday – Madrid – Merida – Extremadura – Seville
Day Four: Wednesday – Charming Seville City Tour and optional PREMIUM PACKAGE
Day Five: Thursday – Seville – Great Mosque the World’s Marvels – Cordoba – Granada
Day Six: Friday – Granada – Alhambra & verdant Gardens of the Generalife – Costa Del Sol
Day Seven: Saturday – Malaga (Costa Del Sol) – Ronda Chaming City Tour – Malaga
Day Eight: Sunday – Malaga – Departure Day and Transfer to Malaga Airport
With such a diverse itinerary, with visits to cities across the country, you’ll truly get the opportunity to experience Spain to the fullest. You can also travel at ease knowing you would be booking with a one-of-a-kind tour operator. It’s a pleasure to travel with Click Tours.
More than 200 different itineraries are available from them, exploring locations throughout Europe and the Middle East. The knowledgeable staff offers both meticulously scheduled excursions and custom adventures.
You can count on both an authentic but memorable experience with Click Tours as not only are they highly rated but considered a “Platinum” Tour Operator. All in all, you should consider traveling or booking your tour to Spain with click Tours as this is one of the best tours in Spain.
Majorca: Sierras and Monasteries
UTracks
The Sierra de Tramontana in Majorca is a rough limestone mountain range with peaks reaching up to 1370m/4500ft. It forms one of the most breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines as it runs parallel to the island’s northwest coast.
Although the mountain peaks are bare, the lower slopes are heavily covered in holm oak and Aleppo pine forests. Ancient almond, orange, and olive orchards terraces can be found in the populated valleys. The European Black Vulture, a rare bird, may be seen close to Puig Roig along a protected stretch of beach that you will stroll along.
The Majorcan mountain villages of Valldemossa, Soller, Deia, Biniaraix, and Fornalutx are especially lovely with their mellow stonewalls and flower-draped balconies. That said, you will start your tour in Lluc and end in Valldemossa. You’ll spend 8 days traveling through 5 Spanish cities with accommodation, meals, and transportation included in the cost. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour!
Day One: Arrive Santuari de Lluc Monastery
Day Two: Circular walk around Puig Roig 21 km/13 miles, 6 h
Day Three: Ascent of Massanella Peak 14.5km/9miles, 5 hours
Day Four: Transfer to Cuala Tuent, walk to Ses Barques, to Soller 14 km/8.7miles, 4-5h
Day Five: Pilgrims Trail 17 km/10.5 miles, 6 hrs
Day Six: Explore Soller, day walks, travel to Valldemossa
Day Seven: Circular Walk on Path of the Archduke 12.7 km/8 miles, 6 h
Day Eight: Departure at any time.
This tour gives an interesting perspective on the biggest of Spain’s islands. Instead of just relaxing by the beach, take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of Spain and admire the islands for what they truly are. This tour is rated very highly, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars. In conclusion, this is a tour to consider when planning your dream vacation to Spain.
Madrid & The Basque Country Explorer By
OmegaTours
Discover the historical sites, rich landscapes, and sunny beaches that make Northern Spain such a special place. Enjoy La Rioja’s breathtaking vineyards and try some of its delectable wines. Visit San Sebastian, the crown gem of the Basque Country, before continuing to Bilbao, a city known for its arts, and Santiago de Compostela, a well-known destination for pilgrims.
On this tour, you’ll start and end in Madrid. This 10-day explorer package includes visiting Madrid, Spain and six other cities within Spain. You can also enjoy an expert guide, meals, accommodations, and transportation which are included in the cost of the tour. Here is a look at your day-to-day list of activities for this tour.
Day One: Welcome to Madrid.
Day Two: Enjoy a panoramic tour of Madrid; the afternoon is free to explore.
Day Three: Transfer to Bilbao to explore on your own.
Day Four: Explore the Bilbao estuary, stop to see the Bizkaia Bridge, then arrive at the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with a visit to Bermeo and Gernika.
Day Five: enjoy a guided tour of Biarritz in the French Basque Country with a visit to San Juan de Luz
Day Six: Enjoy a free day in San Sebastian.
Day Seven: spend the morning doing what you please. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Bilbao.
Day Eight: Transfer to Vitoria with a trip to the wine region of Rioja.
Day Nine: After your breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Madrid.
Day Ten: Departure at any time.
This tour is offered by Omega Tours, a Toronto-based tour company that is 100% family owned and run. Small-group and private tours in Europe are their area of expertise. Traveling with Omega Tours is rewarding and exciting. This is because they have established an array of award-winning tours in Europe.
This tour operator strives to give travelers the most authentic experience possible with its uniquely crafted itineraries created by experts and locals alike. You can count on Omega Tours to deliver a great tour and a breathtaking experience full of memories you will be talking about forever. Omega Tours has an overall rating of 4.1 out of five stars. So, this is an operator and tour recommended by travelers.
Grand Tour of Spain
Eskapas
On a nine-day trip, explore the most beautiful cities in Spain. You’ll experience a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and cuisines on this enthralling tour of the Spanish Nation. Leave Spain’s capital to see the history and main attractions of gorgeous Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona with a mix of guided excursions, city sightseeing, and free time.
Discover a vibrant history and culture in Madrid, the historic capital of Spain. Visit the La Mezquita, a holy wonder in the Moorish city of Cordoba. Explore Granada and check out the Royal Chapel. Enjoy guided tours of the magnificent Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque in Cordoba, and other notable sites.
You may also take a city tour and use your free time to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona. You’ll start your journey in Madrid and end in Barcelona on this excursion. This 9-day adventure includes stops in six Spanish cities. You can also count on your accommodation, professional guide, insurance, meals, and transportation as complimentary on this tour! Let’s take a look at your full itinerary for this nine-day tour!
Day One: Arrive in Madrid.
Day Two: Morning Madrid panoramic city tour with a visit to the Arabic fortress at the Barrio de la Morería, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the Royal Palace.
Day Three: Drive through some of the most famous towns in Spain on your way to Cordoba. Then take a tour of the Mosque and other sites. Then you will continue to Seville.
Day Four: Morning panoramic city tour visiting the Cathedral, with free time in the afternoon.
Day Five: Drive east through the Caliphate road to the heart of ANDALUSIA, observing an endless number of olive trees on the way to Granada and Visit the world-famous Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens.
Day Six: After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a drive along the Meddterian coast. With visits to Murcia, Alicante, and Valencia, with a night in Valencia.
Day Seven: Morning city tour of this bright city, including a drive through the old city, drive past the old riverbed of the Turia to the most avant-garde complex, “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.” Early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco, and finally reach Barcelona.
Day Eight: Morning city tour of Barcelona, where you’ll drive along the main avenues with impressive modernist buildings by Gaudí, such as La Pedrera, Casa Milá and visit The Montjuïc Park with spectacular views of the city and harbor, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port.
Day Nine: Departure at any time.
This tour gives the best of both worlds with a good mix of guided tours and free time to explore on your own. This tour is offered by Eskpas Tours, a Gold tour operator dedicated to giving travelers the best experience possible. For over 30 years, Eskpas have devoted their efforts and skills to one passion: Travel.
Eskapas -aka Let’s Escape in Esperanto-is working hard to make new advances in each itinerary every year to give travelers the best trip possible. Eskapas is a nominee for the 2020 27th World Travel Awards in the Leading Tour Operator category. The World Travel Awards is globally recognized as a highly prestigious honors program in global travel and tourism.
Tourism professionals and consumers worldwide judge the awards. This honor recognizes the operator’s commitment to excellence. Overall, Eskapas has an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars. So you can count on this Tour Operator to deliver an excellent tour and one known to be outstanding by travelers and tourism professionals alike.
Conclusion
Traveling to Spain is on almost everyone’s bucket list. From the enchanting tropical islands to the big cities like Barcelona and Madrid, there is something for everyone in Spain. Sites like “Sagrada Familia” or the Pyrenees Mountains of the North draw in millions of tourists each year and for a good reason.
Their magnificent beauty is not only breathtaking but magical at the same time. There is nothing out there quite like Spain. So back your bags and get ready to party like the Spanish in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Visit Spain, Spain – Spain In Detail.
If none of these tours work for you in Spain, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Spain now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
