Cities & the Sea

Your trip begins upon your arrival into Barcelona’s airport where you’ll be welcomed by our driver who will provide a private transfer to your hotel in the city. After checking in and getting refreshed, a walking tour of the city’s historic center will bring you to many of the top sights. It’s a trip to the past in the Gothic Quarter. Located in the heart of Barcelona, this is the oldest area, dating back over 2,000 years, with winding alleyways and narrow streets. You’ll visit the stunning gothic-style Barcelona Cathedral, discover hidden Roman Ruins, stroll famous Las Ramblas, browse the lively Boqueria Market, and more.

For foodies and amateur cooks, a private cooking experience in Barcelona is a definite highlight of the trip, as it’s much more than a lesson. You’ll be guided by our chef through the city’s most famous market, Boqueria. It’s one of the best in Europe with vendors who’ve been there for generations – you’ll get to meet them, learn about the local foods, and shop for the ingredients needed for the recipes you’ll cook. Afterward, head into the kitchen for hands-on cooking instruction. When your meal is done, you’ll sit down to enjoy it alongside a carefully selected local wine.

Discover Barcelona through the eyes of its famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, on a private highlights tour. You’ll follow our expert local guide who will reveal his significant influence on the city, including Sagrada Familia. One of the emblems of Barcelona and its most visited attraction, it’s a masterpiece of immense proportions, considered one of the most original and ambitious modern buildings. Walk through Parc Guell with its many brilliant hues spread throughout, including a fantastical dragon and mosaic benches. You’ll see the undulating stone façade of Casa Mila, another one of Gaudi’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Casa Batllo, and more.

Get your bags packed and ready to head off to your next destination by train. Our driver will meet you for a private transfer to Barcelona Sants Station where you’ll hop on the high-speed AVE train to Madrid. Upon arrival, a private transfer will bring you to your hotel in the capital city. You’ll have time to stretch your legs with a walk or rest up a bit before joining an evening of tapas and flamenco. Sample tapas paired with wine while your guide tells you about the history of the flamenco dance before taking in a show (tickets included). A wine tasting with more tapas will follow.

Discover Madrid’s most emblematic buildings on a private guided walking tour. Habsburg is what the city was called during the Habsburg dynasty, beginning with Charles I who enhanced the city with impressive monuments and palaces. See Madrid de Los Austrias, the name given to Madrid’s oldest area during this period. It’s home to Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Monarchy from 1765 through 1931. It’s one of the most well-preserved palaces in Europe with more than 3,400 rooms. Along the way, our guide will provide insight into the various eras in history and how they influenced the buildings.

One of the most popular day trips from Madrid is on the agenda today. You’ll travel to Segovia by high-speed train for a private tour of its awe-inspiring sites. Upon arrival, our local guide will be there to greet you, leading you through the old quarter of the city. Witness the remarkable ruins of the Roman aqueduct and its iconic arches, considered an engineering masterpiece, and the Royal Alcazar. Said to have inspired the Wicked Queen’s castle in Disney’s classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” it truly looks as if it came straight from the pages of a fairytale.

It’s time to head to your final destination, Mallorca. This morning, you’ll take a private transfer from your hotel to the airport in Madrid to catch your flight. Upon arrival, another private transfer brings you to your accommodation in the largest of the Balearic Islands. It’s home to some of the best beaches in Europe and beautiful coves lapped by turquoise water, attracting more than a few celebrities who come to enjoy the sun and the sand, and famous nightlife. With everything from secluded stretches to wide, sweeping beaches fronted by lively promenades, you’ll find plenty of things to do along with opportunities to relax.

While Mallorca may be most well-known for its beaches, it’s also home to towering mountains, the Serra de Tramuntana. Take a break from the sand with a private hiking excursion that brings the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views. Breathe in the aroma of wild rosemary, watch the goats scurry about, and capture photos of the pines that stretch toward the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean. You’ll also visit traditional villages home to writers and painters from around the world who’ve been inspired by the island’s breathtaking landscapes and laid-back way of life.

Enjoy a full day to yourself to do as you wish. You might want to spend it at one of the beaches like Portals Nous with its fine golden sands, incredibly clear turquoise water, and a picturesque view of a small island that fronts it. Enjoy soaking up the sun or getting active by renting a pedal boat, kayak, jet ski, or even windsurfing gear. Or you might explore the Santa Catalina neighborhood in the middle of Palma de Mallorca with colorful stalls in the market, bohemian chic cafes, bars, and brightly painted fishermen’s homes with balconies overflowing with flowers.

After experiencing an ideal mix of Spain’s famous cities and glorious beaches, it’s time for your trip to come to an end. Our driver will meet you at your accommodation for transfer back to Mallorca’s airport where you can begin your journey back home or head out on travels elsewhere. Our travel experts are always happy to help by creating a bespoke addition to this itinerary or provide advice for your next Unforgettable trip.