Best of Southern Spain - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What cities will this tour visit?

  The tour covers major highlights including Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Seville, and Barcelona.

• What are the main highlights of the "Best of Southern Spain" tour?

  You will explore Moorish palaces, enjoy a lively flamenco performance in Seville, see the astounding red-clay fortress of the Alhambra, and witness Gaudí’s architectural marvels in Barcelona.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small, family-run hotels or pensions (7 nights), generally centrally located. These accommodations may vary in standard and facilities; some may not have elevators or air-conditioning, but most provide a fan if needed.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Generally, other meals are not included to offer flexibility, and your CEO can suggest local dining options. A paella cooking class followed by a group dinner in Barcelona is included.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  Intercity travel will primarily be by public bus and train. You will also use walking and public transport like metro and taxis to get to stations within cities. Travelers should be prepared to carry their own luggage for short distances (up to 15 minutes walk).

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. At a minimum, coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000), is required.

• What is the physical activity level required for this tour?

  An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• Is there a specific dress code for visiting religious sites?

  Yes, when visiting places of religious worship, travellers are expected to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. There is no single supplement charge for this arrangement. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room, though these may be smaller than double-occupancy rooms in European hotels.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Spain?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Travel within the Schengen area (which includes Spain) is simplified by the Schengen visa system. As of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may be required for visa-exempt nationals. It is your responsibility to check the most up-to-date requirements.

• How much spending money should I budget for this trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveller depending on habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Many optional activities are available, including visits to museums (Reina Sofia, Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza) and the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Granada Cathedral and tapas tours in Granada, the Alcázar Palace and Seville Cathedral in Seville, and Gaudi's Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Família, and Park Güell in Barcelona. These typically incur extra costs.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  The trip is accompanied by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout. Local guides are also used for specific sites, such as the Alhambra in Granada, to provide detailed historical and cultural knowledge.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with G Adventures to help local communities earn income from tourism. It supports community-owned businesses that empower women, youth, and indigenous people, and protects the environment. G Adventures covers all of Planeterra's operating costs, so 100% of donations go to projects.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay in hotels for 7 nights. Generally, these are small, family-run hotels or pensions in central locations, though starting and finishing hotels may be larger city hotels. You can expect clean, safe, and simple accommodation. Please note that some properties, especially those with only two stories, may not have elevators, and air conditioning is not routinely installed in European accommodations, though a standing or desk fan can often be provided upon request.

• What is the typical group size for this tour, and who will lead it?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12. A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you throughout the trip, providing orientation walks and suggestions for activities and dining. Local guides are also utilized for specific sites to offer in-depth historical and cultural insights, such as during the guided tour of the Alhambra.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Other meals are not included to provide you with maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. Your CEO will be able to suggest local restaurants and dining options.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  Intercity transport on this trip will primarily be by public bus and train. Spain's public transport systems are generally very good. Within cities, you will navigate by walking, and may use public transport like the metro and taxis to get to train and bus stations. You should be prepared to carry your own luggage comfortably, as elevators are rare in train stations and some hotels.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation. Single travelers joining are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. If you prefer your own single room, a 'My Own Room' option is available for an additional fee, though these rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2. An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• What do I need to know about visiting the Alhambra?

  Due to strict ticketing regulations for the Alhambra, your passport information must be provided at the time of booking, at least 30 days prior to departure, to guarantee your guided tour. If booked less than 90 days before departure, a guided tour cannot be guaranteed due to high demand, and alternative options like a self-guided visit or tours of nearby districts will be arranged. Visits may take place on Day 3 or Day 4.

• How should I dress to respect local customs, especially at religious sites?

  When visiting places of religious worship, travelers are expected to dress modestly, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. It is advisable to carry a shawl or scarf for such visits.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% of the bill for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, a recommendation of €3-€5 per day is suggested, and for your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of €6-€8 per person per day is appreciated.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used in rare circumstances outside our control that might require a change to the planned route.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• Are there any optional activities I can do, and should I book them in advance?

  Yes, there are many optional activities available in cities like Madrid, Granada, Seville, and Barcelona, including museum visits (e.g., Reina Sofia, Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza), palace tours (Royal Palace, Alcázar), and exploring various city quarters. During high season (May-October), it is highly recommended to book popular optional activities and museum tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.

• What are the age requirements for this trip?

  You must be 18 years old to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors, the minimum age to join is 12 years old, provided they are traveling with a guardian who is over 21 years old.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances, and ATMs are widely available. However, it's wise not to rely on cards as your only source of money, as there are no guarantees they will always work. A combination of Euros, traveler's cheques, and cards is best. Be aware that credit card purchases may incur a 5%-10% fee. You should always carry more money than you think you'll need.

• Is this tour combined with other tours?

  Yes, this tour may combine with other tours. This means that the staff and some of your fellow travel companions might have been traveling together prior to Day 1 of your tour, or they may continue on another tour after this trip concludes.