Ultimate highlights of Spain

Transfer from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport to your hotel in Madrid - Pestana Plaza Mayor Hotel - Private guided tour of the Art Walk & Prado Museum

Day 1: Madrid

Transfer from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport to your hotel in Madrid
Car Transfer: Welcome to Spain and Madrid! Upon arrival at Madrid Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall to transfer you to your hotel. Estimated journey time: 30 minutes.


Private guided tour of the Art Walk & Prado Museum
Excursion: In the afternoon, our guide will pick you up for a private guided tour of the art triangle and Prado Museum. Madrid is one of the cities in Europe with the vastest collections of art and Prado is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world. It was designed in 1785 to host a Royal art collection and opened to the public for the first time in November 1819. This very first Royal cllection started to increase significantly in the 16th century and continued to thrive under the succeeding Monarchs. Currently the collection comprises around 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints and 1,000 sculptures, in addition to many other works of art and historic documents. It is the main Spanish national art museum and it is widely considred to have one of the world's finest art collection of European and Spanish art. You will be able to admire the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Velázquez, El Greco, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and Raphael, among many others. Apart from visiting the museum, you will also discover the architectural and historic landmarks in the surroundings, such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, etc. Inclusions: 4-hour English-speaking private guide, hotel pick-up, transfers by cab if needed, entrance fees to Prado Museum. Estimated tour time: 4 hours

Private guided tour of the Habsburgs' Quarter and Royal Palace - Time at leisure in Madrid

Day 2: Madrid

Private guided tour of the Habsburgs' Quarter and Royal Palace
Excursion: Our local guide will pick you up at the hotel for a private guided walking tour of the old part of the city: the Habsburgs' quarter, noteworthy places such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market...and the most emblematic buildings such as the Royal Palace. In the 16th century, Felipe II established his court in Madrid. By then, the city was nothing but a myrian of small houses, churches and streets with a population of just 20,000 inhabitants. The kingdom of the Habsburgs, to show off their powerful empire and wealth, had to invest to develop and transform the city with a great variety of buidlings and infrastructures, such as the iconic Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, which became the geographical centre of Spain. The aristocracy also built their mansions in this area, which became really rich in terms of architecture, ranging from the late Renaissance through the early Baroque. The works were culminated in the 18th century with the construction of the Royal Palace, which is a magnificent architectural masterpiece with an impressive inside decoration full of frescos, tapestries, etc. So, today, along this tour, you will be travelling back to the Golden age of Madrid and its magnificent buildings. Inclusions: 4-hour English-speaking private guide and entrance fees to the Royal Palace included. Estimated tour time: 4 hours


Time at leisure in Madrid
Excursion: Free time to explore the city on your own. Here you have some ideas and recommendations to continue discovering iconic places: - Gran Vía Street: Gran Vía is the most famous street in Madrid and an essential walk for all those who visit the city. Its construction dates back to the early twentieth century, in which large buildings such as the Grassy, ​​the Telefónica or the Metropolis Building, one of our favorites in Madrid, were built. This street where you cannot stop looking everywhere while you walk, is also famous for its great theaters, which represent some of the best works and musicals of the moment. In addition, the Gran Vía is one of the main commercial hubs of the city, where you can find clothing and footwear stores of large national and international chains, as well as having a wide range of restaurants, something that gives it a unique atmosphere , especially when the good weather arrives and its terraces are full of people. - El Retiro Park: A historic garden located in the center of the city, is perfect to disconnect from the noise of the city, practice sports, walk or simply sit on a bench to read or be in contact with nature. Inside the Retiro you cannot miss the Palacio de Cristal and the pond, one of the most famous images of the park. - Puerta de Alcalá: The Puerta de Alcalá, one of the five old royal doors that gave access to the city of Madrid, is located in the center of the roundabout of the Plaza de la Independencia and is similar to the Roman Arcos de Triunfo, in addition to its name to a road that led to Alcalá de Henares and that passed through this place. - Temple of Debod: It is an Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC, transported to Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park. The temple was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods following the construction of the great Aswan Dam. Adress: Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid - Walk around the streets of Chueca and Las Letras neighborhoods, where tradition and modernity perfectly blend. Castilian arquitecture, centenary shops, bohemian atmosphere, vibrant lifestyle, cool bars, trendy designers... -If you'd like a taste of luxury and tranquility, Salamanca quarter is the ideal place. Great for high-end shopping too. Museums. if you are an art lover, Madrid has great art collections, such as: - Museo Sorolla: A great collection of this painter, located in his house in the capital city. Address: Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid - Museo Reina Sofía: Modern Art Museum. Guernica by Picasso is here. Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid - Museo Thyssen Bornemisza: One of the most incredible private art collections in the world. Any period, any style, any painter...can be found here. Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid Rooftop terraces to enjoy the best views of the city: - Riu Plaza España Hotel: Calle Gran Vía, 84, 28013 Madrid - La Azotea del Círculo: Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera, 2, 28004 Madrid Markets to get a taste of Madrid food scene. Markets in Madrid are much more than just markets, they are great places to taste the local produce and gastronomy: - Mercado de San Miguel: Plaza de San Miguel, 5, 28005 Madrid - Mercado de San Antón: Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24B, 28004 Madrid

Madrid - Toledo - Madrid

Day 3: Toledo - Madrid

Transfer from Madrid Hotel to Atocha Railway Station
Car Transfer: Today morning, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to Atocha railway station, where you will take the train. Estimated transfer time: 20 minutes


Transfer from Madrid Atocha Railway Station to Toledo Railway Station
Shared Train Transfer: With the train tickets that we will have previously purchased for you, you will take the train to Toledo. Estimated transfer time: 35 minutes


Private Guided Tour of Toledo, UNESCO World Heritage City.
Excursion: Upon arrival at Toledo railway station, our guide will be waiting for you to walk you around this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City, a labyrinth of historical streets located on a hill and surrounded by the Tagus river. It is known as the Imperial City because it was the main venue of the court of Charles V before he established it in Madrid. Due to its varied and vast monumental, historical and cultural heritage, it is also known as the city of the three cultures because Moors, Christians and Jews managed to peacefully cohabit in the city for centuries and they all left their traces in the architecture which defines the town today and which makes it such a special and interesting place. Along this tour, you will visit three sites in Toledo: - the Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo: this 13th-century temple is one of the jewels of Gothic architecture in Spain. It is brilliant, both outside and inside, where apart from many architectural and artistic gems, you will also discover amazing works of El Greco, Caravaggio, Tiziano, Goya or Rubens. - the Synagogue of El Transito or Samuel ha-Levi: it is the most iportant Hispanich-Jewish building in Spain and the most beautiful and best preserved medieval synagogue in the world. It is also home to the Sefardi Museum, where you will be able to learn about the Jewish culture in Spain. - the Church of Santo Tomé: this church, which was rebuilt in the beginning of the 14th century by the Lord of Orgaz, is famous because it hosts the painting "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" by El Greco. Inclusions: 3-hour English-speaking private guide, entrance fees to the Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary, Synagogue of El Tránsito and Church of Santo Tomé. Estimated tour time: 3 hours After the tour, you will have some free time for lunch, and at the appointed time based on the train tickets that you will have with you, you will head to the railway station. Estimated duration of the trip (including transfers): 8 hours.


Transfer from Toledo Railway Station to Madrid Atocha Railway Station
Shared Train Transfer: With the tickets that we will have previously purchased for you, you will take the train to Madrid. Estimated transfer time: 35 minutes


Transfer from Atocha Railway Station to Madrid Hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival at Madrid Atocha Railway Station, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals' hall to transfer you to your hotel. Estimated transfer time: 20 minutes

Madrid - Seville - Train from Madrid to Seville

Day 4: Seville

Transfer from Madrid Hotel to Atocha Railway Station
Car Transfer: Today morning, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to Atocha railway station, where you will take the train. Estimated transfer time: 20 minutes


Train from Madrid to Seville
Train Transfer: Upon arrival at Atocha railway station, with the tickets that we will have previously purchased and delivered to you, you will take your train to Seville. Inclusions of the trip: high-speed train tickets Madrid - Seville (standard category) Estimated transfer time: 2 hours 35 minutes


Transfer from Seville Santa Justa Railway Station to Seville Hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival at Seville Santa Justa Railway Station, our driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Estimated transfer time: 20 minutes.


Seville Flamenco & Tapas Experience
Shared Excursion: Enjoy a passionate evening of tapas and flamenco in the magical old town of Seville. During this tour, you will discover why Seville is the true home of tapas, and experience the mysteries, the emotion and the power of true flamenco. First, you will dive into two family-run taverns where your expert English-speaking guide will give you the tips to eat tapas like a local. Over the places of delicious acorn-fed Iberian ham and local wines, your guide will then lead you through a fascinating explanation of the roots and mysteries of flamenco - from its unclear origins to it current worldwide fame. After the tapas experience, you will head for the show, which is tucked in the city's gorgeous Santa Cruz neighborhood, in a fabulous 15th-century building, where you will experience the power, passion and sheer drama of real flamenco. After the performance, you will sit down for dinner at a hidden family-run tapas bar that serves up incredible freshly cooked tapas, local wines and, of course, dessert. The perfect end to a magical evening in Seville!

Private guided tour of Seville Old Quarter and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Afternoon at leisure in Seville

Day 5: Seville

Private guided tour of Seville Old Quarter and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Excursion: Today, our guide will pick you up for a private guided tour of the old part of the city, Santa Cruz quarter, and its most emblematic monuments. Along this tour, you will enjoy a walk around the fascinating Sta. Cruz quarter, the former Jewish quarter of the Medieval city, where the Jews were confined when Ferdinand III took the city from the Moors in 1248. It is a labyrinth of winding narrow streets with quaint houses, patios and gardens in bloom all year round, lovely tiny squares...where the legends of its Sephardic past will be brought alive and can be still felt in the atmosphere. You will also visit the Cathedral of Seville (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is the third largest church and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. It was built in the 15th century and its construction lasted over a century. It was planned under the statement "Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished think that we are mad". It was built on the site of the great Aljama mosque and some remaining parts of the Mosque are still preserved: the Patio de Naranjas, the Puerta del Perdón and the Giralda (former Minaret and now the belltower). It is also popular because Christopher Columbus is buried here. Finally, you will also visit the Royal Alcazar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which became very popular a few years ago because it was one of the film settings of Game of Thrones. It is a place absolutely different from what you have seen so far. It is a colorful and charming site which will transport you to a different era, an experience you will never forget. Its handpainted tiles, its blooming and lush idyllic gardens, its fountains, its legends...make it a really special place and a must-see place when visiting Seville. One curiosity: it is the oldest active royal palace in Europe. Estimated tour time: 3.5 hours Inclusions: 3.5-hour English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the Cathedral and to the Royal Alcazar.


Afternoon at leisure in Seville
Excursion: Enjoy some free time to keep exploring Seville: wander around its quaint winding streets, visit centenary shops and ceramic workshops in Triana quarter, have a ride on one of the traditional horsedrawn carriages.... Some places that we recommend: ** Spain Square & Maria Luisa Park: Incredibly beautiful and a great place to take some pictures. **Casa Pilatos and Palacio de Dueñas: two beautiful palaces, two unknown gems which are worth a visit. **Go up the Metropol Parasol and enjoy some of the best views of Seville. It is really worth it at sunset. **Cross the bridge and Guadalquivir River and have a walk around the local quarter of Triana. You will be surrounded by local people, lively atmosphere...and ceramic and tiles workshops. **Traditional shops in the old quarter of Seville: we will provide you with a list of very old shops which have been preserved for generations and shops which sell authentic local items.

Seville - Cordoba - Seville

Day 6: Córdoba - Seville

Day trip to Cordoba
Excursion: In the morning, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to Cordoba. Upon arrival, our local guide will be waiting for you for a private guided tour of two of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jewish quarter and the Mosque-Cathedral. The Jewish quarter boasts a unique charm filled with winding narrow streets, whitewashed façades, flower pots, quaint squares...You will visit the Flowers' Street, Pañuelo Street, the Maimonides Monument, Judios Street, the Zoco... After strolling around the lovely streets, you will visit the Mosque-Cathedral. This spectacular building is one of the jewels of Muslim arquitecture in Spain and a stunning blend of the two religions and cultures which have shaped Andalucia: Islam and Christianity. A magnificent awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece which amazes all travelers. Its main hall with over 850 double-arched columns is one of the best and most impressive examples of this architectural gem. (During the spring months, especially in the month of May when the flowers contest takes place, you will also visit some patios -courtyards- of the houses, which are decorated with lots of colourful flower pots.) In the afternoon, our driver will transfer you back to Seville. On the way, you will make a halt in Almodovar Castle, one of the best preserved Medieval castles in Spain, from where you will enjoy stunning views of the Andalucian countryside. Estimated trip time: 8 hours Inclusions: 8-hour English-speaking driver/guide, 3-hour English speaking guide in Cordoba, entrance fees to the Mosque and the Royal Alcazar.

Seville - Ronda - Granada

Day 7: Ronda - Granada

Transfer from Seville to Ronda
Car Transfer: In the morning, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to the outstanding village of Ronda, considered one of the most beautiful and oldest villages in Spain, which is perched on top of a deep gorge and from where you will enjoy awesome views. Estimated transfer time: 1 hour and 45 minutes


Visit to a Boutique Winery in Ronda
Excursion: Upon arrival in Ronda, you will enjoy a private visit to a very special boutique winery whose cellars are located in the old chapel of a former Monastery. Here, you will have a great local approach to the winemaking process and to the oenologist, who will explain everything to you...a unique and unforgettable experience, which will of course end up with some wine tasting. Inclusions: 1.5-2-hour private visit to the winery including some wine and snacks tasting Estimated tour time: 1.5-2 hours


Time at leisure in Ronda
Excursion: After the winery visit, you will enjoy some free time in the beautiful village of Ronda to stroll around its charming streets, have lunch and enjoy the gorgeous views from the top of the 18th-century bridge (Puente Nuevo). Around the winding streets of this old town, you will discover lovely squares, such as Plaza del Campillo or Plaza Duquesa de Percent, which boasts a convent, two churches and the city hall, and you will also be able to admire beautiful mansions, such as Casa de Don Bosco or Palacio Mondragón. Ronda is also famous because it is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting and you can also visit its bullring.


Transfer from Ronda to Granada
Car Transfer: In the afternoon, our driver will transfer you to Granada. Upon arrival, hotel check-in and free time to start exploring the magic city of Granada. **Do no miss the sunset from St. Nicholas Viewpoint, as it is said to be one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Estimated transfer time: 2 hours

Private guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens - Time at leisure in Granada

Day 8: Granada

Private guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens
Excursion: This morning, you will go to the Alhambra main entrance, where you will meet your guide for a private guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. It was originally created for military purposes, but it became a residence of kings. It was a fortress, a palace, Arab, Christian...all these features explain many distinctive features of this impressive World Heritage Site, which, as a historic monument, is unlikely to be surpassed. This place where fountains trickle, leaves rustle, and ancient spirits seem to mysteriously linger, enchants all expectant visitors. Inclusions: 2.5-hour English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, transfer from the hotel to the Alhambra Palace) Estimated tour time: 2.5 hours


Time at leisure in Granada
Excursion: In the afternoon, free time to keep exploring and enjoying the beautiful city of Granada. Do not miss a walk around the old quarters of Albayzin and Sacromonte. Also, visit the Alcaicería (Longtime, Arabic-style bazaar featuring vendors selling miniatures, purses, souvenirs & jewelry. Address: 1, Alcaicería St.). If you would like a more natural stroll, do not miss the Paseo de los Tristes, which offers stunning views of the Alhambra and begins at the point where it crosses the Bridge of the Chirimias; the Chirimias are a kind of flute that was once played from a balcony or veranda built there for such use. Although the Paseo de los Tristes is officially called Andres Manjon, it is known by this name because funeral processions on the way to the cemetery once passed through it. If you wish to have a sensory experience, you can attend the Old Hammam Baths, the first old Arab Baths (15th century) to be reopened in Europe, where you will be able to feel the scents of the past.

Granada - Granada Airport - Barcelona

Day 9: Barcelona

Transfer from Granada hotel to Granada airport
Car Transfer: Today morning, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to the airport, where you will take a flight to Barcelona.


Flight from Granada to Barcelona
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Granada to Barcelona. Estimated flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes


Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall to transfer you to your hotel. Estimated transfer time: from 20 to 30 minutes.


Private guided walking tour of the Gothic Quarter
Excursion: In the afternoon, our local guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private guided walking tour of the Gothic quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona. Along this tour, you will travel back in the history of the city while you explore Roman ruins, Medieval buildings and Gothic cathedrals, out of which the current cosmopolitan city developed from. Inclusions: 4-hour English-speaking private guide, hotel pick-up, transfers by cab if needed. Estimated tour time: 4 hours **Picasso Museum could be added to this tour if you were interested.

Private guided tour of Gaudi Masterpieces - Time at leisure in Barcelona

Day 10: Barcelona

Private guided tour of Gaudi Masterpieces
Excursion: Today morning, our guide will pick you up for a private guided tour of Gaudi masterpieces: Guell Park and "Sagrada Familia" Cathedral. Home to Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and boasts some of the most celebrated Modernist architecture and structures found anywhere in the world. One of the great innovators of his time, Gaudí left his mark on the map of Barcelona and today, you will explore some of the architectural treasures that he left behind. Inclusions: 4-hour English-speaking private guide, hotel pick-up, transfers by cab, entrance fees to Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Guell Park. Estimated tour time: 4 hours


Time at leisure in Barcelona
Excursion: In the afternoon, free time to keep exploring the city on your own. Here you have some recommendations: Paseo de Gracia: which is Barcelona shopping street, here a part from many international shops, you can find and visit La Pedrera-Casa Milà: a modernist building built by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, also in this street you can find and visit another of Gaudi’s pieces, the Casa Batlló. Also I would like to suggest to go to the Barceloneta area and get the cable car to Montjuic mountain. Here you can visit the Montjuic castle and walk around the area where the Olympic Games took place in 1992. Here you will find as well the “Font Magica de Montjuic” Magic Fountain. If you want to experience Barcelona as a local, head to Gracia neighborhood, just walk around and let yourself get lost in the streets and squares of Gracia Neighborhood. Here you could visit La Casa de les Punxes, this modernist building was built by the local architect Josep Puig I Cadafalch in 1905. Music Palace: Located in the Born quarter, in the old part of the city, it is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, and well worth a visit. Its interior is gorgeous...and if you can enjoy a corcert in it, it is even better. Ciutadella Park: The Parc de la Ciutadella is very idyllic and probably the greenest oasis in the megacity of Barcelona. It invites you to relax, to rebound and to go for long walks, as well as for a picnic. You can also use a rowing boat on the lake. The Catalan Parliament and the Modern Art Museum are also located here.

Transfer from Barcelona Hotel to Barcelona Airport - Transfer from Barcelona Hotel to Barcelona Airport

Day 11:

Transfer from Barcelona Hotel to Barcelona Airport
Car Transfer: Today, at the appointed time, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport, where you will take your flight back home. Have a safe trip back home! Buen viaje! Estimated transfer time: 20 to 30 minutes.