Everyone from pilgrims and culture lovers to hikers and speleologists love the spot thanks to the gorgeous hiking terrain and beautiful abbey village built into the mountain and to top it all off, it is an easy day trip from Barcelona. The following list of articles published by Odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Spain when visiting; This is only one of many Spain and Portugal tours offered by Odyssey Traveller. People were friendly and helpful. Overall, Odysseys small group tour of Spain has an itinerary that is considered and paced for the mature traveller to enjoy the journey. The Santiago de Compostela (Camino de santiago) is a heritage listed Christian pilgrimage route, with the routes of Camino Francs and Northern Spain as optional extensions. Five Incredible Women of the Renaissance | Small Group Tours The Renaissance is considered humanitys greatest intellectual and artistic revolution and stories about the period is dominated by tales of famous men and their inventions,. Are you a senior traveller looking for a great trip? Luxury 8-Day First-Timers Tour of Spain's Highlight Cities. Almeria's name comes from al-Mariyyah, "the Watchtower", which is a reference to its Alcazaba or citadel. Perfect and flawless ground logistics are the hallmarks of allSpain Travel. It is the ultimate place where one can retrace the footprints of Jewish history in Spain. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. The capital, Madrid, is a lively city and key destination for those interested in Moorish Spain. From A$12,950 AUD View Tour Peace of Mind Travel But authentic paella originates from the Valencian region. One of the benefits of this is that there are no hidden extras or an optional excursion with respect to cost which means that you can budget accordingly and ensure the holiday is an affordable one for you. You May Be Surprised By Sixty and Me June 26, 2014 Travel Once you have decided to go on a group tour, you will need to select a specific destination and itinerary. For more details, click the Top 5 or Itinerary buttons above! It was a very full itinerary which I like. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and well be able to help. Spain & Portugal Real Food Adventure 1 review "Great tour! Are you a senior traveller looking for a great trip? During these months, you will find that the weather is warm, without being unbearably hot, and there are less tourists to compete with when visiting popular landmarks and museums. Considering the list of all available tours, you'll easily find a range of fantastic choices to suit your travel preferences. Spain Tours for Seniors 2023 | Easy-pace Spanish Vacations Another type, Jamn Iberico, is more expensive and comes from black pigs. Senior travelers also are particular about the regions they visit and they appreciate our preference for small and more cultural regions that are rich in culture but are not visited by mass tourism. Tours of Spain and Portugal | Small Group Tours - Odyssey Traveller Whether focusing on prehistoric drawings, antique vases, gigantic paintings, or intricate sculptures, these famous museums in Spain display the countrys opulence. A compact medieval fortress city with the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Europe, Girona offers a medley of galleries, churches, restaurants, museums and medieval architecture to explore. Founded as the Roman city Hispalis and now the capital of the Andalusia region, Seville is a lively and disarming city, and a popular tourist destination in Spain. This seniors small group is part of a collection of Portugal and Spain tours offered each year. Spain Tour Packages & Spain Destination Guide | Trafalgar 7 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour to Porto, Santiago De Compostela and 3 other destinations traveling through Portugal and Spain. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 1. Spain is a country of contrasts. Spain | Small Group Tours for Seniors | Odyssey Traveller Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes - a Franciscan monastery founded in the 15th century by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It is an action-packed story of intrigue, treachery, cruelty, cunning, courtliness, bravery and tragedy. Apart from the tremendous sunbathing opportunities, these two countries boast unique cultures, rich histories, and fascinating traditions. Just over an hour by train from Barcelona is the magnificent port city of Tarragona. This allows us to stop at important destinations between major cities such as Cordoba, San Sebastian and visit lesser-known cultural hotspots. Eat like a Spaniard: For those meals when you are out and about, you can save money by eating as the Spanish do. Traces of their rule can still be seen in the surviving monuments of modern-day Seville, though some designs belong to the Arab-inspired Mudejar aesthetic, which actually developed during Christian rule. It provides comprehensive coverage of events across the whole of the region from 711 to the fall of Granada in 1492. This is a comprehensive history of the Moors, who were part of the Muslim empire and held territory in the Iberian peninsula for centuries until Ferdinand & Isabella were able to defeat them at the end of the 15th century. Several times, we tried the emergency phone number Firebird provided to us. Escorted tour begins in Madrid, finishes in Barcelona. 12 day cultural, religious and historic sites trip to Madrid, Sierra De Aracena and 7 other destinations traveling through Spain and Portugal. Tipping in Spain is optional yet appreciated. Throw in day trips to Cordoba and Toledo, and you have a perfect seven days in Spain with a journey through the eras made easy by 21st-century luxury travel. This holiday with a leading tour operator allows the escorted tour for seniors to explore the life and times of the royal families responsible for making England and Spain so significant in the 16th century with local guides providing the travel experience for the detailed itineraries. Moorish spirit and culture endures in the city today. The country is the worlds biggest virgin olive oil producer, one of the main ingredients in Spanish cooking. Every day was different with so much to see and do. Go behind the scenes of famous museums to view undisplayed work, find inspiration as you paint like Picasso during an art class, and enjoy the artists bohemian life inside one of his favorite cafes as you explore and experience the influential life of Picasso in Spain. Learn aboutall the unmissable "tops", "bests", "mosts" in Europe. Choose from 416 senior tours to Spain with tour durations varying from 1 to 37 days. Other events include Fiesta de San Isidro Labrador in Madrid, honouring the citys patron saint and marking the start of bullfighting season; Festa Major de Grcia in Barcelona where locals compete for the most elaborately decorated street; and San Sebstian International Film Festival, a two-week festival that begun in the 1950s. 7. Popular Senior Tours in Spain Tours See all 25 Senior Tours in Spain trips Spanish Fiesta By Globus none 4.7/5 100+ reviews Small Group Tour 14 days $3,119 Show more 14 days $3,119 Trip dates & details Compare The Best of Spain By Globus none 4.7/5 100+ reviews This means the cost of the holiday on a escorted tour includes accommodation , all entrances including any UNESCO world heritage site visited, tipping and a majority of meals, the guided tour with great local guides and tour manager. Terms and conditions However, tips for good service are always appreciated. Who were the Moors? The Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, lie about 190 kilometres south-east of Barcelona, while the Canary Islands lie off the west coast of Africa. All-Inclusive Spain Vacation Packages. Sitting on 135,000 square metres with more than 3,000 rooms, the palace is now only used for official functions. Once an Almohad mosque, it was turned into a Catholic Cathedral following the Reconquista in 1248 and now holds the remains of Juan of Aragon, son of Ferdinand and Isabella, and Christopher Columbus, Barrio Santa Cruz - a "barrio" or neighbourhood where Seville's Jewish population was confined after the Reconquista; now a famous tourist destination, thanks to its picturesque alleys. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. The first tribunal of the Spanish Inquisition was also held here in the 15th century. Get some ideas below. Although many locals speak English, The more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be. Together, led by your tour director, we will discover the traces of the art, moorish architecture, and religious reign and culture of the Moors in Spain by visiting their former strongholds in the Spanish capital of Madrid , before moving further south to Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha and several cities in the charming region of Andalusia with its spectacular landscapes. Fill out the short trip survey to receive a personalized itinerary from a destination expert. We have a variety of adventures that will take you down the streets of Seville and astonish you with the vibe of Madrid. If you are looking for a trip that combines the bustle of the big cities with the tranquility of the countryside, this is the trip for you. Your ideal journey to Spain starts right here. Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including the, and ferries. This area of Spain is little known and on three walks we saw no-one else and on one we saw just one couple. By booking two travellers sharing a room you save $2100 per person. We will visit: We will have dinner at a local restaurant. As part of the Caliphate of Cordoba, it grew prosperous in the 10th and 11th centuries, before falling to Christian forces in 1489. Relaxing Two-Week Spanish Vacation for Seniors | Zicasso From the Moorish heritage of Andaluca in the south to the soaring mountains of the Picos de Europa. The best tours and trips for seniors in Spain. While you can find some great last-minute deals, your best chance of finding an affordable flight is to book your flight in advance and as soon as you know your dates of travel. From La Tomatina in Bunol, to the many celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Carnaval, you will certainly be able to find something that suits your schedule and taste. Get insider insights. Demonstrations and strikes affecting transport services and traffic can occur at minimal or no notice; we advise you to monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your travel plans. Olives are grown in different regions in Spain, mainly in Southern Spain, Andaluca and Catalonia. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. Comprehensive international travel insurance. However, be certain to inform your provider that youre heading overseas, because just like a bank, they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity. For couples or solo traveler with minimal single supplement has daily itineraries with local guides that provide authentic experiences for those who seek small group journeys. Train, Bus, Boat, Private Vehicle, Coach, Flight & Taxi. We are aware that good travel for senior citizen is about trust and we have over the time gained a reputation of reliability from a good portfolio of overseas tour operators, as well huge number of independent travelers who book direct with us. Spain Tours from Madrid. Small group journeys from one of the best small group tour companies Europe that delve into Barcelona's history, culture, and cuisine. Pickpocketing is popular in tourist areas and on public transport, so keep a close eye on your belongings at all times. The Mediterranean coast stretches from the French frontier in the north-east down to the Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa. In addition, Tenerife offers countless accommodations geared towards older travellers who want to enjoy ultimate comfort and relaxation. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. Your selected small group tours Spain should include some or all of the following places and experiences on any Spain vacation: a visit to Barcelona, that includes Antoni Gaudis cathedral the Sagrada Familia, park guell in the gothic quarter and las ramblas; the work of El Greco in Toledo; and time in Alhambra to take in a guided tour of the UNESCO World heritage listed Alhambra palace for example. If you are a first-time traveler to Spain, we have a perfect solution to offer. It is sad to see the ordinary people and businesses suffering from the lack of tourists. As expected this trip includes several famous historic destinations rich in Spanish culture on this escorted tour. It is not customary to tip in a tapas bar, even if you receive some small change back from the bartender after enjoying some of Spains delicious tapas. Camino De Santiago Small Group Walking Tour | Odyssey Traveller Browse our best tour packages in Spain with more than 100 A+ reviews. In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. It is just behind Benidorm but is little touched by tourism and gives an insight into rural Valencia. (B, D). Odysseys tour of Spain are often linked to a Portugal tour that includes Lisbon. Spain Escorted tours and Guided trips - Bookmundi You can reserve your spot by paying a $1,000 pp deposit, for full details please see our Portugal and Spain Tours for Seniors - TourRadar Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking / hiking up to 8 kilometers per day on uneven ground. Up till now the history of this region has been badly neglected in comparison with studies of other states in medieval Europe. Spain has an extensive high speed, network connecting most of the country as well as links with Portugal and France. The province is also known for its fine wine. Articles about Spain and Barcelona published by Odyssey Traveller. Barcelona offers great bus and metro transport to get around the city and visit all the main sights. You can enjoy the luxuries of your lavish accommodations between walking tours of Barcelonas cultural neighborhoods, while tasting the regional dishes that separate Spains northern and southern culinary heritage. (B), Accommodation: Hotel Sercotel Alfonso VI or similar. Didn't spend enough time in each city. Sinagoga del Transito - a richly decorated synagogue built in 1355, years before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. Learn about Madrid and its history on a small group package tour for mature and senior travellers for couples and single travellers. Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise), Highlights of Spain and Portugal (Summer, 13 Days), Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid, Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia, Best of Spain & Portugal (Small Groups, End Madrid, 15 Days), From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise). A great break, Lovely walks with views over Olive tree plantations and rolling Andalusian hills. Travel to Spain on this guided tour for seniors. With impressive flavors and endless allure, you will experience the best of classic northern Spain over two weeks. 21885RJ Length 45 days Rating (5) Starts at 9,199 3 Book the trip when you are satisfied. Best Things to Do in Senior Tours in Spain - Travelstride He would be the last. Spain, France, and Italy Vacation for Seniors | Zicasso Our tours for senior citizens have received 397 customer reviews. We have many guests over their 60s. 5. For couples or solo traveler with minimal single supplement has daily itineraries with local guides that provide authentic experiences for those who seek small group journeys. (B). As a senior citizen, the list of things to do in Spain is endless, from the Catalonian capital to the northern resort towns, southern Moorish palaces to central historical sites. But all want the explore Barcelona as much as they can and take the most out of their time here. We had a good trip. As for Spanich souvenirs, think about bringing back home some cheese, coffee, wine, olive oil, and ham. With so many tour operators to choose from, how do you find the best senior tours? It was used as a royal palace by Charles I until the court moved to Madrid. Click the links to see our other tours to the Iberian Peninsula for mature and senior travellers. The workshops are especially renowned for their fine azulejos, glazed ceramic tiles adorned with colourful geometric patternsa legacy of Andalusias Moorish aesthetic. If youre keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Ros & Tony S. Sep '17, We felt safe in Turkey and found the people friendly and helpful. Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service4.9on a scale of 1 to 5 based on1441reviews on Trustpilot. From strolling through the exuberant interior of La Sagrada Familia Basilica to pausing to enjoy the incredible technique of a work displayed in the Prado Museum, your senses will be engaged. This particular Alcaicera was built in the 15th century and was once home to more than 200 shops squeezed together in the narrow streets, Capilla Real (Royal Chapel of Granada) - originally integrated with the Granada Cathedral, housing the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. Here are the important factors: 645 trip options analyzed $260 average price per day (USD) 1 to 183 days in length 4.06 of 5 average rating 66 people or less on average You'll be surprised at the array of tours for seniors in Spain, as there is something for everyone. SAVE 10% on ANY Tour. Almerias name comes from al-Mariyyah, the Watchtower, which is a reference to its Alcazaba or citadel. Receive personalized recommendations. 4.9. Our trip couldn't have been more perfect. Once an industrial city, it has been transformed into a design city, where sleek new buildings sit alongside Gothic cathedrals and art nouveau train stations. Her." Destinations Lisbon, Batalha, Coimbra, Porto Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Country Region Central Portugal Travel Style In-depth Cultural +3 more Operated in English Operator G Adventures Tour length 7 days Price per day $228 From US $1,599 Short Spain Tour for senior and mature travellers. We connect you with the best boutique tour companies to plan your dream trip. Campo del Moro - "Moor's Field", where an Almoravid army laid siege to (and later retreated from) the city in the 12th century; this was transformed into a garden by Queen Maria Cristina in the 18th century. Are you interested in learning about the culture and history of new destinations while making new friends? Located on the Costa Daurada, Tarragona is home to sparkling beaches and a wealth of Roman ruins. We will visit: Accommodation: AC Hotel Almeria or similar, We will have the morning free to spend at our leisureif perhaps you would want to return to the market or walk around the city at your own pace. The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. There will be less traffic and more temperate weather, The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain by Maria Rosa Menocal, The Revolution and Civil War in Spain by Pierre Broue and Emile Temine, Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through a Countrys Hidden Past by Giles Tremlett. This Spanish city has it all: vibrant history and culture, modern architecture, beautiful scenery and spectacular regional cuisine. Spain boasts the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our program explores the lands of Spain and Portugal, two countries bound by many centuries of history reflected in their modern cultures. This was renovated and rebuilt by the Christians. Toledo is a medieval town that has been heavily influenced by its mix of Christian, Jewish and Muslim inhabitants throughout the centuries. Support over email or phone available 24/7 for any questions you have. Seville is a lively and disarming city, and a popular tourist destination in Spain. You will find monuments scattered throughout the city that reflect Toledos three cultures and many of the citys most visited attractions are religious. The weather was sunny and cool. Pamplona, Spain Pamplona, the capital of Navarre in northern Spain, is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermin fiesta, and for being one of Ernest Hemingways favourite cities. As well as this, it can be stressful working out how much and how often you should be tipping. Destination guide. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements: For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page. Top 10 Spain Tours for Seniors and Over 50s - TourRadar Home / Europe tours / Spain tours / Seniors Spain Tours for Seniors Explore Spain with other Seniors. n the heart of Basque Country, 11km from the Bay of Biscay, you will find Bilbao, one of northern Spains greatest treasures. So you can with confidence book your Spain senior tour knowing that you are dealing with a genuine and professional Spanish travel. One driver literally shut off his meter because he was so lost even with our hotel business card. Escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to Spain. Visiting Portugal, Spain An escorted tour for like minded people that provides mature couples and solo travellers with daily itineraries that provide authentic experiences with qualified local guides in the great cities of Lisbon and Barcelona over 21 days. They compete to plan your tour. It later became applied to Arabs and Muslims living in Europe, and to the art, architecture, and culture of Muslim Andalusia and North Africa. Some ways that you can make sure youre touring Spain affordably include: When booking an Odyssey small group tour, some things to consider before you book include: Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including the train and ferries. We start in Barcelona and make our way slowly towards Madrid. It was under Islamic rule for 800 years, and we will be able to see the remnants of this long reign on our tour. ("Narrow-gauge": this means the railway's track gauge is narrower than the standard 143cms). Paella is one of the most well-known dishes in Spanish cuisine, and a dish you may have already tried at your local restaurant. Lots of history and magnificent architecture. Attend a flamenco show in Madrid, experience the magic of Portuguese Fado, and visit . Showing 1-11 of 208 tours A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini 9 days | 12 days with Rome extension 699 From $3,989* $3,739* View tour Senior Tours in Spain Tours & Travel Packages 2022-2023 - Travelstride The Euro is the official currency of Spain. The Alcazar is located in the historic heart of the city, near the Grand Mosque. Odyssey offers a range of tours that take the traveller to Madrid in its collection of Spain tours. An outstanding feature of the elderly travelers who join our tours in Spain is that though their days for extreme adventure are over, they are active to their ability and they certainly dont want to spend their days confined at home. Twelve hundred years ago, Tarik the Moor added the land of the Visigoths to the long catalogue of kingdoms subdued by the Moslems. Alcaicera, from the Arabic al-Kaysar-ia ("the place of Caesar"), refers to the time the Byzantine Emperor Justinian granted Arabs the exclusive right to manufacture and sell silk. We are flexible so clients can choose how long they want to stay and what kind of accommodation you want to use. Basing her vivid account on original documents and sources, Elizabeth Drayson traces the origins and development of Islamic Spain. The thing that shocked me most was that every point of the tour was soo well-organized! On your trip, make sure to head to a local restaurant for your meals, tour the tapas bars , enjoy a glass of la rioja wine perhaps, listen to flamenco music and soak it all in. MENU. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. Tales of the Alhambra is must-reading for the traveler in Spain and the best souvenir of your visit. Set off on an excitingadventure in Spain, Enjoy an Italian adventure when you book or customize your trip, First time traveling to Scandinavia? Witness astounding architecture from Alhambra Palace to the modern architecture of Barcelona with Tours of Distinction on this small group tour. In 1482, Abu Abdallah Muhammad XI became the twenty-third Muslim King of Granada. Great cuisine prepared by local staff from the village of Algamitas at the farmhouse base, Cortijo Rosario. 10 day food trip through Barcelona, Logrono, San Sebastian and 3 other destinations in Spain. 1 people reviewed these Seniors in Spain Tours. In September, the average high temperature is 26 degrees, with a low of 15 degrees. Sierra Nevada lies to the south-east of Granada. Plugs in Spain have two round pins (type F), so make sure to pick up the right adaptor before your trip. It eventually fell to Christian Spain in 1236, under the Castilian King Ferdinand. Jump straight to the freshest and hottest travel content. Prices are per person and valid until 30th December 2023. During this time, the most popular destinations in Spain, including Barcelona and Madrid, experience a massive increase in tourism. Before departing on your trip, contact your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. The Alhambra, the palace fortress of the Nasrid sultans, is the heart and soul of Granada and one of Spains most popular tourist attractions. A tapa is an appetizer in Spanish cuisine, and one staple tapa is patatas bravas (brave potatoes), in which potatoes are cubed, fried, and often served with a spicy tomato sauce. Carry a card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost. Step Inside Historical Sites. 7 day marine wildlife tour in Spain, visiting Tenerife, San Sebastin de La Gomera and La Palma. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. This is the ultimate 14-day Spain tour for senior travelers, handcrafted with an easy-going Spanish pace and minimal walking while packed with experiential highlights and private tours. How you decide to travel will determine when you should visit Spain and our information can help you narrow down your choice. Spain and the Moors | Small group tour for seniors - Odyssey Traveller Seville, capital of Andaluca, is the city of Flamenco and Moorish architecture. We will visit: Today we will make our way south to Cordoba in Andalucia. Odyssey Traveller has been serving global travellers since 1983, conducting educational tours with small groups of mature and senior travellers . Theres a great variety of wines on offer, from Tempranillo to Syrah to Verdejo, again, the Camino, from San Sebastian to Santiago de compostela, Crossing international borders with restrictions. The Alczar (fortress) of Seville, imbued with Moorish influences, is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. There are so many reasons to choose the Iberian Peninsular as your next event destination. Spain Tours for Seniors Best Spain Tours for Seniors There are a lot of things to keep in mind while planning a tour to Spain. Alhambra and Generalife - Alhambra is the Arab citadel and palace, originally constructed in the 9th century upon Roman ruins, and the Generalife gardens (entry subject to availability) was once the summer palace and estate of the Nasrid rulers of Granada.