Riviera Travel: A Classical Spain Review
Travel Club Elite recently spoke with Claire, the European Product Manager at Riviera Travel, as she shared insights into Riviera’s exceptional classical Spain tours. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Claire reveals the best seasons to visit Spain, the ideal starting point for first-time travellers, and the diverse range of Riviera Tours to suit every traveller. From the enchanting streets of Seville to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Granada and the rich history of Gibraltar, Claire reviews classical Spain like never before. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, and cuisine or simply craving a sun-soaked getaway, she shares expert tips on the best itineraries, must-visit spots, and unforgettable experiences that set Spain apart. Read on for the full review which is sure to offer some great inspiration for your next adventure!
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel below, or listen to the podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Podcasts.
Spain – More Than Just One Destination
Now, when people think of Spain, they often think of it as just one country, but the reality is, every region is completely different. You can’t just say, “I’ve been to Spain” and be done with it -there’s so much to see! I think that’s what fascinates me the most.
Take the south, for example, Andalusia is probably my favourite part, but then you go up north to the Basque Country, and it feels like a completely different place. The culture changes, the food changes – it’s all still Spain, but with these unique regional flavours. And that’s what makes it such an incredible place to explore. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or a deep dive into history and culture, there’s something for absolutely everyone.
The cityscape of Bilbao, Spain
Where to Start?
Now, asking me to pick the best place to visit in Spain is like asking me to choose a favourite child – it’s impossible! But if you’ve never been before, or if you’ve only ever done a beach holiday, I’d say start with two key places: Seville and Granada – both of which are included in Riviera’s Classical Spain Tour.
Seville is just bursting with Spanish culture and everywhere you turn, something’s happening. You might wander into a little festival or stumble upon a religious procession with these massive statues being carried through the streets. It’s incredible to see. And then there’s the food, the music, the atmosphere, Seville really has it all.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, Seville
Then you have Granada. You absolutely have to visit the Alhambra – it’s one of the most stunning places in the world. And the history! The Moors ruled southern Spain for 800 years, and you can still see that influence everywhere. From the architecture to the food, Andalusia, in general, is just such a fascinating region. And with Riviera Travel’s tours, you’ll always have a knowledgeable local guide with you, giving you the inside scoop on everything.
View of Alhambra, Granada at sunset
When’s the Best Time to Visit Spain?
Honestly, Spain is beautiful all year round, but if you’re like me and don’t do well in extreme heat, then I’d recommend going in May or September. Even April is great. That way, you can really make the most of sightseeing without melting in the sun!
Souvenir shop in Seville
That being said, even in the summer, a lot of the old towns have narrow, shady streets where you can stay cool while exploring. And hey, if it gets too hot? That’s just a good excuse to stop for tapas and a cold drink!
Street of Mijas, Andalusia
What Kind of Tours Do Riviera Offer?
We have a really diverse range of tours to suit different travellers. Our Classic Tours have a maximum group size of 36 people, while our Signature Tours are smaller – around 22 people on average, with a max of 25. The smaller groups allow for more exclusive experiences, like intimate flamenco performances where you’re right up close to the dancers.
Flamenco Dancing, Granada
We also cater to solo travellers. You can book onto any of our regular tours as a solo traveller, but we also offer dedicated solo trips, where our tour managers make sure no one feels left out—unless they want some alone time, of course!
Cathedral Mosque & Roman Bridge, Cordoba
And if you’re after a longer, more in-depth experience, we’ve got our Grand Tours – these are 11 to 12 nights, with a slower pace and deeper exploration of each destination. We’ve got some amazing new Grand Tours launching in 2026, including a hidden gems tour featuring places like Girona, Zaragoza, and Valencia. These trips really give you a chance to soak up the local culture, food, and scenery. Trust me, you won’t want to nap on the coach, or you’ll miss out on some stunning views!
Tips for First-Time Travellers With Riviera Travel
If you’re visiting Spain for the first time, my biggest piece of advice is to slow down. Take your time. In the morning, find a little café, grab a coffee and a pastry, and just watch the world go by. And in the evening, do as the locals do—head to a bar, ask for a recommendation on wine, and enjoy some tapas.
Exhibitor pinchos & tapas
One of my best memories was in Zaragoza. My colleague Carmen and I found this tiny, hole-in-the-wall bar, it was so small we almost didn’t go in! But once we stepped inside, we found this amazing selection of wines, starting at just €2.50 a glass, and we ended up chatting with locals all night. Those kinds of moments are what make travel so special. Oh, and one very practical tip – bring a power bank for your phone! You’ll be taking loads of photos, and the last thing you want is to run out of battery before you get back to the hotel.
View of the old city of Ronda, Malaga
Personal Highlights
I fell in love with Spain when I was a kid. My first time abroad was when I was 11, and I remember seeing olive trees for the first time – I didn’t even know what they were! But that moment stuck with me. Since then, I’ve had so many unforgettable experiences, from celebrating fiestas in tiny villages to watching the sunset over the Alhambra.
Alhambra Palace, Granada
One of the most touching stories I’ve come across was a man who booked a trip for his wife to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He had never planned a holiday before, but he wanted to do something really special. They ended up watching the sunset over the Alhambra together – such a romantic moment! It’s little stories like that which make this job so rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Spain is just one of those places you have to keep going back to. Every time you visit, you’ll discover something new – whether it’s a hidden tapas bar, a stunning historical site, or just a quiet moment watching the world go by.
Plaza de Espana, Seville
And if you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything. All you need to do is book a trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
If you’re interested in booking a classical Spain tour with Riviera Travel with exclusive extra savings, call Travel Club Elite free on 0800 707 6229, and one of our travel experts will discuss the best options for your getaway. Alternatively, you can also browse Riviera Travel’s wide variety of European and Worldwide tours on our website.
