Day 1 – Welcome to Barcelona
On arrival, you’ll be met and chauffeured to your choice of first class or deluxe hotel. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 2 – Tailor Your Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona beckons with a tapestry of sites and experiences waiting to be unraveled, from walking along Las Ramblas, the city’s historic promenade, to exploring architectural marvels like the works of Antoní Gaudi and the 14th-century Cathedral. Just choose one of these included tours and delight in the intimacy and thoughtful engagement of touring with your own personal guide! Meals B
Half-Day Walking Tour of Barcelona: Starting from the bustling Plaça de Catalunya, you’ll follow your guide along Las Ramblas, the historic promenade bustling with cafes, vendors and street performers. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of La Boqueria, the city’s colorful market, before navigating the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, now brimming with trendy eateries, bars and boutiques. Learn about the history of the Cathedral as you explore its intricately designed cloisters, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and ascend to the rooftop for panoramic vistas. Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Half-Day Gaudí Walking Tour: With insight and historical context from your private guide, you’ll discover the landmarks of the world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Highlighting this excursion is your guided tour inside his most famous work—the still unfinished La Sagrada Familia. Learn about the background of this ongoing basilica project, a marvel of design and engineering. You will also see Casa Milà, a genuine masterpiece of the Modernista style, and Casa Batlló, a private residence that was commissioned by a wealthy patron. Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Epicurean Gastronomic Tour: Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s rich culinary scene with the guidance of your private guide, a true foodie and an expert on the city’s latest trends and newest hot spots. With no fixed itinerary, you’ll be able to visit some of your guide’s favorite establishments and most recent finds. A new artisanal cheese purveyor or a lovely shop that has been roasting nuts for over 150 years are just some of the tempting possibilities. This excursion is a deep dive into Barcelona’s Catalan culinary traditions that ends with lunch or dinner at your of your guide’s favorite tapas bars. Tour Duration 3 Hours
You can also purchase any of these tours in advance for additional sightseeing to enhance your time in Barcelona. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/c4523751-0b93-4155-8c70-0d270f7a3880/Europe-Spain-Barcelona-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our Privately Guided Sightseeing Tours.
Day 3 – Enjoy a Free Day in Barcelona
Our carefully selected first class and deluxe hotels enjoy prime, city-center locations, making it easy to explore more of Barcelona’s myriad sites and charms at your own pace. If you prefer additional guided touring, we offer a wide variety of excursion in and around the city. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/c4523751-0b93-4155-8c70-0d270f7a3880/Europe-Spain-Barcelona-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] to see a complete list of our available privately-guided tours in Barcelona. Meals B
Day 4 – By First Class Rail to Madrid
After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the station where you’ll board the high-speed train to Madrid, traveling in first-class comfort. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be met and chauffeured to your choice of first class or deluxe hotel. The balance of this day is yours to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish. Meals B
Day 5 – Personalize Your Sightseeing in Madrid
Vibrant heart and cosmopolitan capital of Spain, Madrid boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, world-class art museums and a rich cultural heritage. Embrace your personal passions today with the included private excursion of your choice. Accompanied by your engaging personal guide, these tours have been designed to showcase Madrid’s diverse highlights. Meals B
Half-Day Walking Tour of Madrid de los Austrias and Royal Palace: Known as El Madrid de los Austrias, the historic center of Madrid dates back to the time of the Habsburg Emperors and Empresses who ruled over much of the continent from their capital in Vienna. In the enlightening company of your private guide, your narrated stroll through its winding streets and charming squares will take you from the handsome Plaza de la Villa to the historic Plaza Mayor. Then visit the Royal Palace; surrounded by landscaped grounds, this was the King’s official residence until 1931 and it is filled with great works of art by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and other masters. Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Half-Day Tour of Madrid’s Museums: Embark on a cultural odyssey as you explore two of Europe’s greatest art museums in the enlightening company of your own personal guide. Begin at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a treasure trove spanning centuries of artistic evolution from medieval Italian painters to modern avant-garde luminaries like Kandinsky and Dali. Continue your exploration at the renowned Prado Museum, a bastion of the art world that is home masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian, and other giants of European painting and sculpture. Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tapas Walking Tour: Spain’s beloved tapas tradition is more than just small-plate dining. It’s a convivial cultural experience that is equal parts food, ambiance, wine and company. Experience this delightful dining and cultural tradition, led by our passionate foodie guide. Choosing afternoon or evening, you’ll enjoy a pleasant and informative stroll through the charming streets and squares of Madrid’s historic city center, stopping along the way in a few of your guide’s favorite places. Enjoy engaging conversation and a variety of traditional tapas dishes paired with Spanish wine. Tour Duration 3 Hours
Dinner to the Sound of Flamenco: Tracing its roots to southern Spain, authentic flamenco is a complex art form that involves poetry, singing, guitar playing, polyrhythmic hand-clapping and, of course, dancing. Known as Tablao Flamenco, there are many places in Madrid where you can enjoy a flamenco show. This evening, we’ll take you to the best Tablao Flamenco in the city, recipient of numerous accolades including the prestigious City of Madrid Award. Enjoy fine Spanish cuisine and an unforgettable evening of Flamenco.
You can also purchase any of these tours in advance for additional sightseeing to enhance your time in Madrid. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/dbebf7cf-64aa-48a3-a335-7614852b9d68/Europe-Spain-Madrid-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our Privately Guided Sightseeing Tours.
Day 6 – Enjoy a Day at Leisure in Madrid
Our first class and deluxe hotels in Madrid both offer the perfect base for exploring the city on your own. If you prefer additional privately guided touring, we offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours to complement your stay here in the capital. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/dbebf7cf-64aa-48a3-a335-7614852b9d68/Europe-Spain-Madrid-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our privately guided excursions in and around Madrid. Meals B
Day 7 – By Rail to Granada
After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the rail station to continue your journey. Sit back in first-class comfort and enjoy the scenery en route to Granada. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted by private vehicle to your choice of first class or deluxe hotel. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals B
Day 8 – Tailor Your Sightseeing in Granada #WHS#
Situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage reflecting its Moorish influences. Pursue your own personal interests today in this fascinating city by choosing one of these included excursions—and enjoy the attentive, thoughtful engagement of touring with your own private guide. Meals B
Half-Day Tour of the Alhambra: Originally established as a simple walled fortress, the Alhambra #WHS# evolved over the centuries into a magnificent fortified palace complex. By the late 13th century, it served as the seat of authority for the powerful Nasrid emirs who ruled in the Iberian Peninsula through the 15th century. From the resplendent Nasrid Palaces to the beautiful Generalife Gardens, the Alhambra stands as a pinnacle of Spain’s architectural heritage and a timeless beacon of the Moorish influences that continue to resonate. Enriched by your guides extensive expertise, this private tour is an immersive journey through captivating chapters of Spain’s storied past. Tour Duration 3.5 Hours
Tour of the Albaicín and Tapas: Dating back centuries before the Alhambra, the Albaicín #WHS# is the city’s oldest quarter, where the architectural remnants of the Nasrid Dynasty blend cohesively with later Christian-era constructions. Led by your experienced personal guide, your tour begins with a breathtaking twilight vista of the Alhambra #WHS# against its mountainous backdrop. Continue along the picturesque cobblestone lanes of the Albaicín as your guide enlightens you with tales of its rich history. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to experience the local evening life by stopping at a couple local establishments to savor some authentic tapas paired with a fine Spanish wine. Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours
Day 9 – Continue to Seville
After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the train station for your included first-class rail journey to Seville. On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to your choice of first class or deluxe hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish. Meals B
Day 10 – Choose Your Sightseeing in Seville #WHS#
Seville is home to significant landmarks that reflect centuries of Moorish influence as well as Spain’s emergence as a global maritime and ecclesiastical force. The city is home to three UNESCO World Hertiage Sites and today you can tailor your exploration to suit your individual interests and style: Simply choose one of these included, privately guided excursions. Meals B
Half-Day Tour of Monumental Seville – Cathedral + Alcazar: Reflecting 700 years of history and architecture, Seville’s Cathedral #WHS# reflects both Gothic and Renaissance styles. Boasting five naves, it is the largest Gothic building in all of Europe. In addition to your guided Cathedral tour, you’ll also visit the lavishly adorned Alcazar Palace #WHS# and its beautiful Andalusian gardens. Originating in the 10th century, this regal landmark is one of the oldest royal residences on the continent, heralded as an exquisite example of Mudéjar architecture—a style that harmoniously combines Moorish and Christian influences. Tour Duration: 3.5 Hours
Guided Visit to Hospital de la Caridad and Archivo de Indias: Showcasing two of Seville’s most revered historical sites, this privately guided tour is tailor-made for history enthusiasts. Your first is the Archivo General de Indias #WHS#, housed within a distinguished 16th-century building that once served as the Consulate of the Merchants of Seville. Established as an archive in 1785, it now hosts the world’s preeminent collection of documents chronicling the voyages of Europe’s earliest explorers in the New World and the enduring legacy of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Then continue to the Hospital de la Caridad, founded by a 17th-century nobleman as a sanctuary for the impoverished and ailing. It’s exquisite Baroque architecture and remarkable art collection stand as testament to Seville’s rich cultural heritage. Tour Duration: 3.5 Hours
E-Bike Introduction to Seville: Your personal guide will meet you at your hotel to lead you on a pleasant stroll to the Cathedral, where you’ll be outfitted with your e-bike and safety helmet. Begin your guided biking adventure through Seville, exploring its wealth of historical sites and impressive landmarks. Marvel at the iconic Giralda Bell Tower, erected in the 12th century as the minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville, and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Alcazar #WHS#. Delight in the beautiful Park of Maria Luisa and proceed through the Plaza de España to explore along the serene banks of the Guadalquivir River. Tour Duration: 2 Hours
You can also purchase any of these tours in advance for additional sightseeing to enhance your time in Seville. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/14204270-aafb-446d-8f97-4cd57f0ed72a/Europe-Spain-Seville-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our Privately Guided Sightseeing Tours.
Day 11 – At Your Leisure in Seville
This entire day is free to relax, shop, or discover more of Seville at your own pace. If you prefer guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of optional excursions in and around Seville that you can book to enhance your stay. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/14204270-aafb-446d-8f97-4cd57f0ed72a/Europe-Spain-Seville-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] to see our complete list of privately guided tours, cultural activities and exciting excursions. Meals B
Day 12 – Depart Seville
After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. Meals B