Barcelona is the global traveler’s dream come true. Expect to encounter a flamboyant cosmopolitan city with a history encompassing Roman catacombs and magnificent medieval cathedrals to modernist architecture and street art.

Included Activities

Gaudi’s Works of Art
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.)

Paella Cooking Class with Market Visit
Master the art of cooking traditional Spanish paella on this enjoyable activity. Accompany your expert chef to the Boqueria market, one of the oldest in the country. Watch as your chef shows you how to choose the freshest of ingredients for your culinary adventure. Soak in the vibrant ambiance of the bustling market with its colorful displays of produce, seafood, and meat. Afterward, make your way to the cooking school where you will learn the secret techniques of making authentic paella. Listen to the history and origins of this traditional rice dish as you familiarize yourself with the process of cooking it. Pick up the nuances of concocting a delicious four-course meal featuring popular Mediterranean delicacies. Taste the flavorful creations before you leave with a copy of the recipes in English. (Duration: 5 hrs; Lunch Included; Shared Activity, Transfer included one way; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Spend the Day Touring Montserrat
Drive past picturesque hamlets in the verdant countryside as you head to the majestic mountain of Montserrat located at an elevation of 4,051 feet (1,235 m). Learn about the history of this splendid UNESCO World Heritage site from your knowledgeable guide. Head to the Royal Basilica of Montserrat that is home to the famous 12th century Romanesque sculpture of Virgen Moreneta or the Black Virgin. If you are lucky, you might get the opportunity to hear the renowned local children’s choir in action! Stroll around Spain’s primary pilgrimage site to your heart’s content before returning to your vehicle. You can also choose to go on the optional tour of Montserrat Museum with its collection of works by Catalonian artists such as Salvador Dali and Caravaggio among others. (Duration: 5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Museum Admission not included; Fitness Level: Easy. This activity involves walking at a higher altitude.)

Hotel Options

1898 Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Classic Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux‎ – Opt 2

Room	Classic Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 4 - 6

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Barcelona airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Barcelona to Granada (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs).

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Granada airport and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle

Granada

2 Nights

Comfortably ensconced at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain, the grand Andalusian city of Granada is best known for the Alhambra, the symbol of Europe’s colorful Moorish history from the middle ages.

Included Activities

Discover Granada and the Alhambra Palace
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra palace complex and the city of Granada. Learn about the history of the Alhambra that was built by the Nasrid emirs in 1238. Symbolic of the end of 800 years of war against the invading Moors, it is also known for being the place where Columbus got permission from the Queen to set sail to America. Marvel at the distinctive features of the monument – an Alcazaba (fortress), an Alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one. After lunch, continue on your own to the Royal Chapel – an Isabelline style, 16th-century building, which was the burial place of the Spanish and Catholic monarchs. Learn why this location was chosen for its construction and the socio-political factors that led to it. (Duration: 6 hours; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; A tour guide, entrance fees, and taxi from your hotel to Alhambra and to Sacromonte.)

Hotel Options

Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos – Opt 1

Room	Dreamer Alabaster Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Parador de Granada: Convent of San Francisco – Opt 2

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 6 - 8

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from Granada to Seville in a private vehicle. En route you will have an activity. (Duration without stops: 2.5 hrs)

Seville

2 Nights

Seville is a city of flamenco music and dance, of medieval Moorish history and architecture, wild parties, grand parades and fiestas.

Included Activities

En Route: Explore Ronda
Enjoy an exciting day out exploring the various tourist attractions of Ronda, a picturesque village perched on a dramatic rocky promontory. Soak in views of the El Tajo Canyon from the cliffs that afford views of the Punto Nuevo, an 18th century bridge built over the Guadalevin river. After taking in panoramic vistas of valleys and mountains of the Andalusian countryside from the Alameda del Tajo, visit the Arab Walls and Arab Baths. Drop by the neoclassical Ronda arena and learn about this birthplace of bullfighting heritage. Get an understanding of Ronda’s history at the 14th century Mondragón Palace that showcases Moorish architecture. Stroll on the quaint cobbled streets flanked by handsome mansions, and people-watch at the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent or admire the Santa María la Mayor Church. Explore the Ronda wine route to savor the many regional boutique wineries, before continuing onward to Seville. (Full Day; Private En route Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Wine tastings included)

Walking Explorations of Seville
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)

Discover the Tastes of Seville
Discover the fascinating flavors of Seville through the eyes of a local guide. Passing by the city’s landmark sights in historical neighborhoods including the atmospheric old Jewish quarter, see remnants of Moorish architecture, and understand the 2000-year-old story of Seville. Visit several handpicked abacerías from among thousands of bars across Seville and get a glimpse of its rich culinary culture. Listening to live commentary, learn about the origins, inspirations, ingredients, and etiquette of tapas over a glass of vermouth. Hop between century-old family establishments brimming with locals, and feature walls adorned with statues of Christ and posters of Semana Santa, along with blue tiles and suspended hams. Savor myriad Andalusian tapas paired with regional sherry. Expect to taste Iberian ham, cheeses, pringá, garbanzos, chorizos, fried fish, and local miniature sandwiches called montaditos among others. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity, No Transfer; Tapas and drinks included; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza – Opt 1

Room	Dreamer Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Hotel Palacio Villapanes – Opt 2

Room	Grand Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 8 - 9

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Seville train station in a private vehicle

Board your train from Seville to Cordoba (Duration: 1 hr).

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Cordoba train station and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle

Córdoba

1 Night

Cordoba’s colorful historical past and an equally vibrant present brought together with a medieval Islamic heritage delights travelers from all over the world.

Included Activities

Walking Explorations of Cordoba
Admire the historic architectural highlights of Cordoba that hark back to the time when it was the capital of Islamic Spain. Visit the multi arched La Mezquita mosque-turned-Catholic church with its columned prayer hall, Byzantine mosaics, and the Renaissance-style nave. Admire the iconic Roman Bridge that was originally built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river. Take a trip back in time as you stroll through the fascinating narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter past well-preserved Medieval-era buildings including the Calle Judios is Casa de Sefarad museum and the city’s traditional flower-adorned patios. Drop into the famous Alcazar that was once the residence of monarchs, a defense fortress, and was even a garrison for Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. Admire the distinct Mudejar architecture of the oldest remaining synagogues which survived the Spanish inquisition. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Tour guide, and entrance fees included.)

Off the Beaten Track Medina Azahara Tour
Explore the archaeological ruins of Medina Azahara – a fortified Andalus palace-city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the first Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba. Hear about its fascinating history, the ideology behind its construction in the 10th century, and its rediscovery in the 20th century. Gain insights about the former Western Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus as you walk around the ancient palace. Stroll through the central area with its caliphal residences, aristocratic residences, and service quarters. Stop by the museum for a quick look at the impressive architecture too. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Included: English-speaking tour guide and entrance fees.)

Hotel Options

Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba – Opt 1

Room	Standard Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Hotel Hospes Palacio Del Bailio – Opt 2

Room	Dreamer Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 9 - 12

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Cordoba train station in a private vehicle

Board your train from Cordoba to Madrid (Duration: 2 - 2.5 hrs).

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Madrid train station and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle

Madrid

3 Nights

The beautiful city of Madrid serves the global traveler an amalgamation of Spain’s glorious history and modern culture on a platter.

Included Activities

A Night of Tapas
Discover Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene, accompanied by a local expert guide, after dusk. Take a walk through stylish neighborhoods dotted with centenary bars and cozy taverns tucked away in lively cobbled streets. Getting introduced to Spanish cuisine while listening to live commentary, learn about the origins, inspirations, and ingredients of tapas. Interacting with madrileños over vermouth – Madrid’s national drink – join in on the city’s aperitif ritual. Test your Spanish skills by ordering tapas plates from the daily chalkboard menus. Savor an assortment of traditional and modern gourmet tapas paired with an array of regional drinks. Expect to try Iberian ham, salted cod croquettes, cheeses, olive oils, eggplants with honey, Spanish omelets, and chickpea stew among others. Round this off with a plate of typical Spanish desserts, and knowledge of Madrid’s hidden gems before dispersing. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfers; Tapas and drinks included; Fitness level: Easy)

A Walking Tour with a Taste of the Museum World of Madrid
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).

Explore Toledo
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo! Drive out from Madrid to Toledo with your English speaking chauffeur, where you will meet your local guide for the day. Replete with its two millennia-old rich histories of the Visigoths, the Emirate of Cordoba, Moors and Christians, there’s much to discover around the city. Visit the Toledo Cathedral, the Synagogue El Tránsito or Santa María, and the Santo Tomé Church. You can choose to buy yourself a sumptuous lunch at any of the tapas bars or traditional restaurants around town. Post lunch, marvel at the architectural beauty of the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and The Cristo de la Luz Mosque, after which you will head back to Madrid. (Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Toledo Cathedral closed on Sunday mornings & Synagogue El Tránsito closed on Mondays; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Hotel Options

URSO Hotel & Spa – Opt 1

Room	Urso Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hospes Puerta de Alcala – Opt 2

Room	Dreamer Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 12 - 14

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from Madrid to La Rioja Region in a private vehicle (Duration: 3.5 hrs)

La Rioja Region

2 Nights

La Rioja Region is marked by idyllic vineyards watered by the Ebro River, the lovely Cantabrian Mountains with the river valley below, and vast open blue skies.

Included Activities

Wine Trails of La Rioja
Begin your day at the 13th century walled town of La Guardia perched on a hilltop overlooking picturesque vineyards framed by the Cantabrian mountains. Strolling on cobbled streets, learn about the many family cellars located under the townhouses, and the region’s winemaking history. First stop, visit the modern Bodegas Baigorri where a large glass box viewing area affords fantastic vistas of the surroundings. Enjoy a tour of this state-of-the-art facility that features gravity-flow architecture boasting vertical wine production spread across six underground floors. Sit down for a tasting of their distinct wines complemented by homemade tapas. Savor a wine-paired seasonal menu of local Riojan specialties for lunch while unwinding with views of the vineyards. Finally, head to the Marqués de Riscal winery and explore the lush estate highlighted by a contemporary Frank Gehry hotel. Sip on their fine vintages before returning to your accommodations. (Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch and wines included; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hotel Echaurren Relais & Chateaux – Opt 1

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hotel Marques de Riscal – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Gehry Guest Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 14 - 16

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from La Rioja Region to San Sebastian in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

San Sebastian

2 Nights

San Sebastian, a stylish seaside town, enjoys a vibrant cultural scene throughout the year and is arguably the best destination for food connoisseurs!

Included Activities

Eat Your Way through San Sebastian
Experience the delightful cuisine of San Sebastian on this walking tour of its famous pintxos bars! Get an insider’s perspective into the cuisine as you visit both well-known as well as hidden treasures that dot its globally renowned culinary landscape. Pintxos are small snacks, popular in bars in northern Spain, with the main ingredients being sliced bread and toppings held together with a toothpick! From olives and anchovies to txuleta, a type of grilled beef steak, foie gras and a plethora of seafood, the list of pintxos is endless! Savor this flavorful local cuisine at traditional Pintxos (Tapas of the Basque region) bars and restaurants washed down with wine as your guide shares his unique insights into this culinary delight! (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Lunch/Dinner included.)

Explore San Sebastian by Foot
Discover the breathtaking beauty of San Sebastian, or Donostia as it is also called, on this walking tour. Located between the Urgull and Igueldo hills on the Cantabrian coast, San Sebastian is a combination of picturesque fishermen’s houses and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Walk through the warren of cobblestone streets in its famous Old Town, dotted with historic buildings, cafes, boutiques with the intoxicating smell of pintxos in the air! Visit the Virgen del Coro with its magnificent architecture that features an amalgamation of various styles. Head to its beautiful waterfront with its two crescent-shaped beaches. Take a ride on the cable car to Mount Igueldo and soak up panoramic views of the city from the top. (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 4 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Taxi for Monte Igueldo and cable car rides included.)

Hotel Options

Villa Soro – Opt 1

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Hotel Maria Cristina – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 16 - 18

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from San Sebastian to Bilbao in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Bilbao

2 Nights

Bilbao is a sunny port city celebrated for its urban architecture of soaring skyscrapers, cultural centers and museums such as Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, offset by a coastal landscape and towering cathedrals.

Included Activities

Discover Bilbao and the Famous Guggenheim Museum
Witness the perfect blend of medieval and urban Bilbao in its ancient buildings, the modern Guggenheim Museum and the Vizcaya Bridge. Go back in time to medieval Bilbao starting with Saint James’s Gothic Cathedral. Observe the mix of architectural styles here – a Gothic cloister, a Renaissance portico and a neo-Gothic facade and spire. Admire the 19th-century Neoclassical Plaza Nueva lined with snack bars tucked inside its arch-shaped colonnades. Head to the twin attractions of San Antón Catholic Church and the San Anton bridge by the Nervion river. Take in the bustling atmosphere of the Mercado de la Ribera seaside market and sample some of the traditional snacks. Continue to the iconic, sculpture-shaped Guggenheim museum designed by architect Frank Gehry. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Vizcaya suspension bridge that links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas near Bilbao. (Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Includes a tour guide, Guggenheim Museum entrance fee, a walk through town to market, free time in Bilbao Centre, and a scenic drive to see Vizcaya Bridge.)

Ancient Cave Drawings of Puente Viesgo Caves
Visit the famous Paleolithic Monte Castillo caves on the banks of the Pas river in Puente Viesgo from Bilbao. Explore the cone-shaped limestone hill of at El Castillo and its intricate labyrinth of caves inside. You’ll be amazed by the ancient artistic expressions of human and animal figures on the 275-meter wall inside that reflects the techniques, themes and graphic resources used by the prehistoric artists. Also notice the signs, geometric forms, abstractions and engravings. Follow the path skirting the hill for around 675 meters to reach the Las Monedas cave – the longest in Monte El Castillo. Enjoy a walk through the passageway inside observing the stalagmites, columns, and hanging terraces on the rock. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Entrance fees are included. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.)

Hotel Options

Hotel Miro Bilbao – Opt 1

Room	Urban Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao – Opt 2

Room	Superior Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 18 - 18

Your English speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Bilbao airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Bilbao to Madrid (Flight duration: 1 hr).

Madrid

0 Nights

The beautiful city of Madrid serves the global traveler an amalgamation of Spain’s glorious history and modern culture on a platter.

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 13,290 /person
Option 2 From $ 15,390 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 18 days / 17 nights.
Meals as indicated
Economy flights for all sectors :
- Barcelona – Granada
- Bilbao – Madrid
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Seville – Cordoba
- Cordoba – Madrid
All activities as listed :
- Barcelona: Gaudi’s Works of Art
- Barcelona: Paella Cooking Class with Market Visit
- Barcelona: Spend the Day Touring Montserrat
- Granada: Discover Granada & the Alhambra Palace
- Seville: En Route: Explore Ronda
- Seville: Walking Explorations of Seville
- Seville: Discover the Tastes of Seville
- Cordoba (Spain): Walking Explorations of Cordoba
- Cordoba (Spain): Off the Beaten Track Medina Azahara Tour
- Madrid: A Night of Tapas
- Madrid: A Walking Tour with a Taste of the Museum World of Madrid
- Madrid: Explore Toledo
- La Rioja Region: A Discovery of La Rioja Wine Region
- San Sebastian: Eat Your Way through San Sebastian
- San Sebastian: Explore San Sebastian by Foot
- Bilbao: Discover Bilbao and the Famous Guggenheim Museum
- Bilbao: Ancient Cave Drawings of Puente Viesgo Caves
A Mercedes car for all your transfers and drives within Spain
All activities specified in the itinerary including transfers and entrance fees unless otherwise specified
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above

Not Included

Barcelona: Visitor’s tax of 2.50 to 5.00 EUR per person (18 years and above) per night, payable directly at the hotel
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Entrance fees, unless otherwise stated in the activity descriptions
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Grand Tour of Spain

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Barcelona

Granada

Seville

Córdoba

Madrid

La Rioja Region

San Sebastian

Bilbao

Madrid

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included