Simply Spain: Madrid, Seville & Barcelona

Enjoy an evening out discovering Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene, armed with an expert local guide. Stroll through hip neighborhoods on lively cobbled streets hopping between centenary bars and cozy taverns. Getting introduced to Spanish cuisine over live commentary, learn about the origins, inspirations, and ingredients of tapas. Rubbing shoulders with madrileños, get a lesson in ordering tapas plates from the daily chalkboard menus. Sip on vermouth – Madrid’s national drink – while partaking in the country’s aperitif ritual. Bite into traditional and modern gourmet tapas complemented by a selection of artisanal Spanish wines, and sherry from across various regions of Spain. Expect to try Iberian ham, salted cod croquettes, cheeses, olive oils, eggplants with honey, Spanish omelets, and chickpea stew among others. Finish off with a plate of typical Spanish desserts before dispersing. (Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfers Included; Tapas and Wine Tastings Included; Fitness level: Easy)

Discover old Madrid on this historic walk, in the company of your local English speaking guide. Stroll down popular old streets, lingering around the many plazas surrounded by public buildings and magnificent palaces. Walk to Plaza de Oriente by which the Royal Palace stands. Enter the 18th century Royal Palace, which once housed royal receptions, hosted foreign dignitaries and saw the signing of historic treaties. Head to either the Museo Nacional del Prado for a taste of classical Spanish art or the Museo Reina Sofía for a taste of modern 20th century Spanish art. At the Museo Nacional del Prado admire the museum’s famous masterpieces, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest by El Greco, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya. At the Museo Reina Sofía see masterpieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Don’t miss Guernica, one of Picasso’s most recognizable masterpiece. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfer; Admission Included; Drink & Snack tasting included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Lose yourself in the medieval lanes of the picturesque city of Seville. Visiting the Réal Alcazar palace complex, marvel at the Mudéjar architecture, along with beautiful gardens, fountained courtyards, and sumptuous accommodations. See the dozens of chapels and the tomb of Christopher Columbus at the expansive Gothic-style Seville Cathedral. Enjoy cityscape vistas from atop the La Giralda Tower next door. Stroll about on pedestrianized streets at the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood replete with quaint buildings and pretty squares. Drop by the city’s many museums and churches, or step into ceramics workshops of the artsy Triana district. Interact with locals at the atmospheric Plaza de España, highlighted by a curved palace that overlooks a canal. (Half Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Explore the highlights of sun-drenched Seville as you traverse its historical neighborhoods. Soaking up the Andalusian vibe, begin your tour with a visit to the Seville Cathedral that houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Marvel at the expansive structure that showcases stunning late Gothic architecture, and features dozens of chapels inside. Drop by Giralda bell-tower next door, which is a minaret of the former mosque on this site, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city. Continue onward to the 14th century Royal Alcázar of Seville that is still in use by the Spanish royal family. Strolling through ornamental gardens and beautiful courtyards of this palace complex, admire the Mudéjar, Islamic, and Gothic styles of architecture. Finally, navigate the maze of narrow streets at Seville’s former Jewish quarter Santa Cruz that features colorful houses, and intimate plazas dotted with orange trees. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Spend a day exploring Barcelona where Roman and medieval era influences jostle with modernist architecture and vibrant street art. After breakfast at your hotel, set out to discover the city at your leisure. Visit Barcelona’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including landmark structures designed by the modernist architect, Antoni Gaudí. Walk past old-world food markets, sampling fresh regional produce and finger food. Enjoy exhilarating rides at lively fairgrounds, taking in a bird’s eye view of the cityscape from a hilltop Ferris wheel. You can also stop for a look-in at the city’s many churches and museums. Afterward, wind down with traditional Catalan food and wine at the many tapas bars dotting the city. (Half Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover the life and times of famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi on this fascinating guided tour. Travel down a few of the famous city streets that are home to unique artistic monuments designed by this exponent of Catalan modernism. Explore his unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, a magnificent church with an exquisite façade and splendid stained glass windows. Head over to Parc Guell where you can see gorgeous mosaics of colorful broken tiles used to beautify the park benches. Learn all about the architectural genius who was a master in creating spectacular aesthetic effects with inexpensive materials. Stop by Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, the last residential building designed by Gaudi. Capture stunning images of this UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by its unconventional rough-hewn façade and unique rooftop before winding up your tour. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)