This tour is classified as Activity Level 3. Sightseeing days are active and fast paced, with full schedules that often involve extended periods of walking and standing. It's important to acknowledge that we are travelling a considerable distance in a relatively short timeframe, resulting in a brisk pace. In total, this tour will cover approximately 1100 miles in 9 days.
Travelers should be prepared to handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet and a variety of terrains fitting with the region, such as cobblestone streets, moderate hills, and flights of stairs that may not have railings. The Alhambra complex requires climbing stairs and walking through expansive grounds built on elevated terrain. San Gimignano, Seville, Cordoba, and Barcelona include historic districts with uneven elevations and hilly terrain. Hilly medieval villages such as Besalu require walking on cobblestones. From mid-June to mid-September, temperatures can reach 100 degrees, especially in Seville and Cordoba.
The train will facilitate our journey between Madrid and Cordoba. While there are some big steps to board the train, Collette will handle the luggage. Motorcoach transportation includes long transfer days, including one day with approximately 7 hours on the bus. Metro transportation is used during sightseeing; many stations are older and do not have escalators or elevators. Tourist buses are not allowed in the historical town centers, which have designated drop-off/pick-up areas. Due to these regulations, travelers can expect to walk an additional 0.5 miles to access the starting point of the walking city tour for all our inclusions. It is NOT possible to wait on the bus while the group is sightseeing. Due to mandated Driver resting hours and environmental regulations, once parked the motor coach engine must be turned off. That cuts off Air Conditioning which makes waiting in the bus a health hazard for which the bus driver and motor coach company would be fined.
Many walking tours take place in very crowded areas, requiring sustained walking and standing. Sightseeing is all on foot: a lot of walking, cobblestones, uneven paving, many steps, many stairs usually without handrails; very few places to stop and sit (no benches). Hotel accommodations vary by destination. Room layouts, bathroom configurations, and walking distances within hotel properties may differ by city.
Day 3 – Madrid: Touring will be a mix of motorcoach and walking, but mostly walking. Madrid is a very busy city with cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. The local guide will walk at a pace that keeps you moving out of crowded areas, but about 1.2 miles of walking is expected. Between the walking tour of Madrid and inside the Prado Museum, that is massive and with flights of stairs inside. This is a level 3.5 walking tour, as we will use the Metro to reach the city center and feel locals move around. The big parts of Metro stations are old and don't have escalators or elevators.
Day 4 – Madrid - Cordoba: The train will facilitate our journey between Madrid and Cordoba. While there are some big steps to board the train, Collette will handle the luggage. In Cordoba, the Bus Drop-off is about 0.6 miles from La Mezquita-Catedral. Expect to walk that and return another mile on uneven pavement. Even though we pre-book tickets for your group, you must be prepared to stand in line, sometimes up to 10-20 minutes, without shelter or seating. #1-Jewish Quarter Walking Tour: Level 3. #2-Patios Visit: Level 2. Terrain is more flat, and there is less walking. Dinner is included and also requires a 0.5 mile walk.
Day 5 – Cordoba – Seville – Cordoba: It's a 2-hour transfer each way, from Cordoba to Seville and return at the end of the day. It will be a long day from 8 am to 6 pm. The walking tour in Seville requires around 1.5 miles of walking, including the cathedral and the Santa Cruz Quarter. During summer, expect high temperatures that can go up to 100F°.
Day 6 – Cordoba - Granada: You must be able to walk and stand on your feet for 3.5 hours with only 1 break (approximately 20 minutes). There is NO seating available during the tour. Even though we pre-book tickets for your group, you must be prepared to stand in line, sometimes up to 15-30 minutes with no shelter or seating. The bus will drop you 0.4 miles (550 meters) from the entrance of the Alhambra. Once inside the complex, you must be prepared to walk a minimum of 1 mile and climb at least a couple flights of stairs. You may skip the gardens visit (Generalife) and reduce the amount of walking. At the end of your visit, you will then have to walk an additional 0.3 miles (350 meters). Dinner time is never before 8PM.
Day 7 – Granada – Murcia – Valencia: Long Transfer Day – 9 hours in total – 7 hours on the bus.
Day 9 – Valencia – Barcelona: Be prepared to stand on your feet and walk for 3 hours with only 1 restroom stop. During the walking tour, there are no benches. You will be walking around very crowded areas. Streets are cobblestoned with narrow sidewalks. To complete sightseeing, expect a minimum of 2 miles of walking.
Day 10 – Barcelona: Walking is needed to get to the Basilica, around 0.3 miles, and around 80 steps to get into the Basilica. The bus drops off about a 30-minute walking distance from the entrance. Be prepared to stand in line, sometimes 15–30 minutes, without shelter or seating.
Day 13 – Costa Brava - Figueres - Besalu - Costa Brava: We will visit hilly medieval villages, like Besalu, that require walking on cobblestones. We will also visit the Dali Museum. Expect to walk a total of 2 miles.
