Spain: Cities & the Sea

Upon your arrival at Barcelona’s airport, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel in the city. After getting settled and refreshed, dive in with a private walking tour of the historic center. The Gothic Quarter sits at its heart, bringing you back in time to the city’s origins while strolling the narrow streets and alleyways. Marvel at the gothic-style Barcelona Cathedral and walk a unique path to Sant Jaume Square which hosts the City Hall, hidden Roman ruins that will be revealed, and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi with its soaring bell tower. You’ll stroll the famous Las Ramblas and visit Boqueria Market too.

This morning is free for you to enjoy Barcelona at your leisure. However we recommend an optimal  private guided tour  to discover the highlights of architect Antoni Gaudi. In a city known for its spectacular architecture, Gaudi is a standout. You’ll visit the remarkable gothic/art nouveau Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell with its fantastical works, including a dragon, and the Gaudi House-Museum.

In the early evening you will immerse yourself in the culinary traditions as you learn to prepare one of Spain’s most famous dishes, Paella, or indulge in creating a delightful variety of tapas. Accompanied by our skilled chef, embark on a culinary adventure to a bustling market, where you’ll handpick the freshest ingredients for your dish then  return to the kitchen and unleash your inner chef as you create a delectable menu for lunch or dinner.

Today is totally free for you to enjoy Barcelona at your own pace. Or you may chose to take an excursion out of the city to enjoy the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat, which is reached by cable car and offering stunning views of the Catalunya countryside. The monastery dates back to the 11th century, and highlights include the Sanctuary and its mighty basilica. After a tour, you will continue to a local winery top enjoy a tour an tasting, followed by a 3-course lunch. Return to the hotel late afternoon.

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.

Morning pick up from your hotel to enjoy a private 8 hour tour to the UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia and Avila. Avila is known for its perfectly preserved city walls that encircle the old town and date back to the 11th century. After time to explore, you will continue to Segovia, which was once a major center of the Roman Empire in what became Spain. The highlight here is the incredible aqueduct, which is considered one of the best preserved of its kind in Europe. After the tour there will be time for lunch before returning to Madrid.

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.