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PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

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Surround yourself with all the lively and passionate pleasures of Spain on a customized private tour. With your private guide, you'll discover Spanish architectural in the cities of Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada and Barcelona. You'll visit beautiful destinations such as Granada’s famous Alhambra. Stand in the courtyard of this former Moorish palace, listen to bubbling fountains and tales about the intricate inscriptions. In artsy Barcelona, let your knowledgeable guide lead you to Gaudi′s modernistic fantasies. Stroll through beautiful narrow passageways with your private guide and enjoy plates of olives or homemade sausages at a local tapas bar. Few destinations offer such an ideal combination of sun and sea, history and culture, and architecture—embellished with delectable cuisine like gazpacho, fresh seafood and fruity sangria. 

 

Day 1: Arrive Madrid

You’ll be met on arrival at Madrid Airport and transferred to a palatial hotel in central Madrid for a three-night stay. Settle into your beautiful accommodation and take some time to relax. 

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Day 2: Madrid

Today, explore the best of Madrid with your local guide. You will also have your own transport and driver at your disposal throughout the day. Your tour will include an introduction to Madrid, the Old Town, and two of Madrid’s unique museums of golden art – the iconic Prado Museum (Valázquez, Goya, Rubens, Titian and more) and the Reina Sofia Museum which features Picasso’s famous and expansive Guernica, the undisputed jewel of the Reina Sofia's collection.

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Day 3: Toledo

This morning, you’ll depart the hotel for Toledo, Spain's medieval capital and home to a treasure trove of famous artworks by 16th-century master, El Greco. Surrounded by the River Tajo, the atmospheric walled town is abundant with churches and museums. You'll discover a glorious city filled with amazing medieval architecture while taking a walk into the past along its cobblestone alleyways. Take your time as you stroll past sites like the stunning Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece of the 14th century, the 16th century Hospital de Santa Cruz, Church of Santo Tomé (which includes the Burial of the Count Orgaz by El Greco) and the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, the oldest still-standing synagogue in Europe. Your guide will take you to a fantastic viewpoint over Toledo for an impressive photo opportunity. Never far from view is the imposing Alcazar of Toledo, a historic fortress with its strategic stance gazing out over Toledo to the River Tagus and lands beyond. 

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Day 4: Depart Madrid for Seville

Today, you'll have a private transfer to Madrid’s Atocha train station to board a high-speed train to Seville. Arrive in Seville by lunchtime where you will be met and escorted to a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Seville’s Barrio de Santa Cruz (Old Town). The hotel is located only a three minutes’ walk to the Cathedral and its surroundings on one of Seville’s typical narrow and beautiful pedestrian streets. The main historic buildings of Seville are also within walking distance. This afternoon, relax, settle into your accommodation and explore Seville in your own time.

 

Day 5: Seville

This morning, enjoy a private-guided walking tour of Seville, including a visit to the Alcázar Palace, Seville’s fashionable Barrio de Santa Cruz, The Giralda, the 12th century bell tower of the cathedral, and along the way enjoy Spanish hot chocolate and churros at a local Chocolaterias. The afternoon is free for you to explore Seville on your own time. You may wish to visit: The Casa de Pilatos (16th century aristocrat’s residence), Palacio de Lebrija (Roman mosaics from nearby Italica), or enjoy shopping in Calle de las Sierpes. Tonight, meet your guide at the hotel and leave for a flamenco show featuring singing, dancing and guitar playing with rhythms and moves drawn from Arabic, African, Jewish, and Spanish roots.

 

​Day 6: Depart Seville for Granada

Take a morning trip to Granada with your private driver. Upon arrival in Granada, check-in to Palacio de Santa Paula for a two-night stay. This atmospheric luxury 5-star hotel, set within an old Hieronymite convent, is home to one of the city’s best restaurants. It's centrally located, comfortable and has a feeling of seclusion. The hotel is located in the historic center of Granada near the Albaicín and Sacro Monte areas, the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, the historical Gardens of the Triumph, the Archeological museum, and, of course, the Alhambra. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Granada on your own. You might start with the Cathedral Quarter then wander through the Alcaiceria, site of the former Moorish silk market, filled with stalls of various wares.

 

Day 7: Alhambra Palace & Generalife

This morning, leave with your guide for the Alhambra Palace, situated on a hill above the main city, where you will enjoy a private tour of the famed palace. Considered one of the wonders of the world, these are sights that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. The Alhambra Palace is a unique complex of fortified palaces, courtyards and gardens, the ultimate symbol of sophistication which grew from the Arabian and North African armies that invaded Spain in 711 and ruled here for almost 700 years. For an extra special experience, you may want to enjoy lunch at the Parador de Granada located directly inside the palace complex, where you can enjoy spectacular views while savoring Andalusian dishes. This afternoon you’ll explore the beautiful gardens of the Generalife. 

 

Day 8: Depart Seville for Barcelona

Today, leave for Malaga Airport for your flight to Barcelona. You will be met on arrival for your transfer to the Serras Hotel for a three-night stay. Sunny, friendly and supremely comfortable, the Serras is one of a new breed of stylish and unstuffy five-star hotels changing the face of the Barcelona hotel scene. Its decked rooftop bar, with views across the port, is worth a visit alone. This afternoon, relax, settle into your accommodation, and explore Barcelona in your own time.

 

Day 9: Barcelona

Today, explore Barcelona with your local guide. You will also have your own transport and driver at your disposal throughout the day. Your tour will include the The Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gràcia, Block of Discord (famous collection of modernist buildings), Santa Maria del Mar (Saint Mary of the Sea, built in the 13th century and an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic), Casa Batlló (Gaudi), La Pedrera (Gaudi), Sagrada Familia (the unfinished basilica by Gaudi), Columbus Monument (monument to Christopher Columbus at the lower end of La Rambla), Plaça Espanya (one of Barcelona's most important squares built on the occasion of the 1929 International Exhibition) and Montjüic Hill (generally considered the birthplace of the city). 

 

Day 10: Catalunya & Montserrat

Today enjoy a drive through Catalunya countryside to the sacred mountaintop monastery, Montserrat. Located nearly an hour outside of Barcelona, Montserrat has remained one of Spain's most significant pilgrimage destinations for nearly 1,000 years, and is home to an order of approximately eighty Benedictine monks. You'll have an opportunity 

to catch the La Escolania de Montserrat boys choir performing, always a highlight. In the afternoon, you'll depart Montserrat and head to a winery in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, situated in the Penedès wine-growing region. Tour the winery and enjoy a tasting of some of the best Cava the region produces.

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Day 11: Barcelona Airport

Today your tour ends with a transfer to Barcelona Airport for your return flight home.