The Delights of Spain

Your discovery of Spain’s highlights begins with your arrival into Barcelona’s airport where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to your accommodation. Take time to relax and refresh before enjoying a glimpse of what the city has to offer while stretching your legs. Las Ramblas is its liveliest artery, a shady boulevard that travels through its heart from Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell. There’s lots to see along the way, including frequent street performances, along with outdoor cafes that are ideal for people watching. If you want to do some shopping, head to the charming El Born district.

A half-day tour through Barcelona’s highlights, led by your private driver/guide, begins by visiting the UNESCO-listed Sagrada Familia basilica, a stunning architectural masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi and the world’s largest unfinished Roman Catholic church with a mix of gothic, art nouveau, and modernism styles. Along elegant Paseo de Gracia you’ll see some spectacular modernist architectural jewels: Casa Amatller, Casa Mila, Casa Batlo and Casa Lleo Morer. Marvel at the 4th-century Roman walls and stroll the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the famous tree-lined pedestrian avenue Las Ramblas before climbing up Montjuic Hill to soak up a fantastic view of the city.

Continue your journey to Granada, taking private transfer to the airport to catch your direct flight with another private driver bringing you to your hotel. Afterwards, embark on a half-day guided walking tour, exploring historic areas like the former Moorish quarter, the Albaicin district, a medieval Islamic city. Your guide will fill you in on its history while leisurely strolling the winding alleyways that bring views of spectacular Alhambra palaces and the soaring Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stop to experience daily life in the squares and see a quarter famous for its cave dwellings and flamenco tradition, ending at the breathtaking 16th-century gothic Granada Cathedral.

Meet your local guide for a private tour of the palace, castle, fortress, and enclosed town all in one: the Alhambra. Set atop two adjacent hills this enchanting UNESCO-protected site forms the medieval part of Granada and is the only preserved palatine city from the Islamic period. Considered one of the finest examples of Nasrid art in its architectural and decorative aspects, explore tranquil courtyards, beautiful gardens, pools, fountains and royal chambers. After your tour you can walk down the hill to explore more of the city. You’ll find some great tapas bars in the Plaza de Toros area and on Gonzalo Gallas Street.

Take private transfer to the rail station, catching the train to Cordoba. Another private transfer brings you to your hotel where you’ll have time to relax before meeting a local guide for a private walking tour of Cordoba’s impressive cultural and historic landmarks. You’ll marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes all the buildings and streets around it. One of the most impressive Moorish complexes, some sections date as far back as the 8th-century. Wander through Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th-century synagogue and finish by strolling through the courtyards and gardens of the royal Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Your private driver will bring you to Cordoba’s train station, continuing to Seville. After taking private transfer to your hotel in the city, get ready for an exciting evening of flamenco at El Arenal Tablao Flamenco in the traditional El Arenal district. Here you’ll enjoy an authentic flamenco performance, a unique Andalusian blend of song and dance. Expect a magical night and a memorable show that’s likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. It includes as many as 17 professional artists up on the state at once. They’ll bring the art of flamenco to life while you relax with a drink.

Following your private guide, enjoy a walking tour through Seville. Start in the former Jewish Quarter, Barrio de Santa Cruz, the city’s most picturesque area with its meandering cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes. Next visit the Seville Royal Alcazar and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes palaces from various eras. The royal family uses the Alcazar’s upper levels as their official Seville residence. You’ll be in awe of the incredible Seville Cathedral, another UNESCO-listed site and the world’s largest gothic cathedral. It’s home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb and contains the minaret of the 12th-century Great Mosque that was once here.

Private transfer brings you to the Seville train station today to transfer by train to Madrid where your private driver will meet you for transfer to your hotel. Afterwards, a private guided walking tour will reveal the capital’s tapas scene. Ever evolving, the delicious eats often incorporate new or forgotten ingredients and use innovative techniques. Your tour includes a visit to three restaurants where you’ll enjoy tapas and a drink in each. It’s a great way to discover some of the best that Madrid has to offer, with the eateries included always aiming to surprise with unique twists on classic dishes.

Your last full day brings a discovery of Madrid’s history. Your private guide/driver will bring you through the oldest quarters of the city where you can admire the palaces, convents, churches, theaters, inns, traditional shops and medieval streets. Visit popular spots like Madrid’s bustling heart, the Habsburg-era Puerta del Sol and the porticoed square of Plaza Mayor. In the Arco and Calle Cuchilleros, check out the centuries-old taverns that were dug underneath the square and see fine examples of Spanish architecture at the Plaza de la Villa. See Western Europe’s largest Bourbon-era Royal Palace, Teatro Real, Prado Museum, gorgeous fountains and more.