Idyllic Andalucia & Catalunya

Your journey begins with your arrival into the capital of Andalusia, Seville, known for its centuries-long legacy of flamenco and tapas culture. You’ll be met upon your arrival by our driver for a private transfer into your hotel in the city. Enjoy the rest of the day to yourself, perhaps relaxing after a long flight. One of the best ways to do that is to visit the Aire ancient baths for a soak in muscle-soothing waters, perfect for a jet-lagged body. Massage and wine bath experiences are available too. Or stretch your legs. Enjoy people watching and a preview of the city.

Meet our local guide this morning for a private walking tour that will reveal Seville’s fascinating history. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the old Jewish Quarter, which was a separate, walled part of the city during medieval times. Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed, gothic-style Seville Cathedral, the largest of its kind in the world, and the stunning Royal Alcazar. With over a millennium of history dating back to Moorish times, it’s the oldest royal residence in Europe that’s still in use. The oldest remaining traces of the original 10th-century structure are the Patio del Yeso with its remarkable arches and the Justice Room.

Embark on a captivating day tour from Seville by private car to immerse yourself in the wonders of Córdoba. While the magnificent mosque-cathedral alone justifies a visit, this enchanting city offers much more. As the capital of Islamic Spain and once the largest and most cultured city in Western Europe, Córdoba reveals its rich history and sophistication. Beyond the bustling tourist hub surrounding the mosque-cathedral, explore the labyrinthine of medieval streets to discover the true essence of the city. Explore golden-stone buildings and verdant interior patios, occasionally stumbling upon picturesque hidden plazas. Entrance to the mosque-cathedral is included.

In the evening you will return to Seville and enjoy an authentic evening of flamenco, including tapas of set dinner.

A private transfer brings you to your hotel in the rural countryside between Seville and Jerez. Enjoy the afternoon to yourself, perhaps taking advantage of the time to relax between all the sightseeing. Yoga, reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy, and massage are just some of the possibilities. Hiking, golfing, cooking classes, or even horseback riding through olive groves and orange trees and along sandy stretches are a few of the other options. Or you could just lounge around the pool soaking up the sun and the beautiful scenery. When hunger pangs hit, the on-site restaurant features fresh fish, local meats, and organic produce from the property’s garden.

Enjoy a day trip to one of the highly underrated corners of Spain and some of the most alluring “white” villages.  Home to a wide range of settlers over the centuries, including Romans, Visigoths, Jews, Muslims and Christians. You’ll see their mark in homes, temples, castles, mills, and in the narrow maze of streets as our local guide leads you through them. Begin in Arcos de la Frontera, with its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls that stop abruptly along the sheer cliff that plunges down to a lush valley below. The highlight of the day is Ronda famous for its cliffside location, deep canyon and historic bullring, which dates back to 1779.

Throughout the day you’ll discover the history of these settlements, and what life is like throughout the ages in this beautiful region of southern Spain while enjoying some local bites along the way. Return to Seville late afternoon.

Start your day with a private transfer to your Granada hotel in the Andalusian countryside. After getting settled in, you will discover the hidden history of Jewish Granada. Uncover the impressive achievements, expulsion, and enduring legacy of the Jewish people in Spain. This unique tour takes you on a 2,000-year journey, exploring their contributions to science, philosophy, and the arts. Gain insight into how they shaped Granada’s vibrant history. Learn about the tumultuous periods of expulsion, persecution, and forced conversion that led to their departure from Spain. This immersive excursion as we bring the past to life, shedding light on the hidden chapters of Jewish history in Granada and their enduring legacy in Spain.

Both the residential district of Albaicin and the Alhambra were developed during Spain’s Moorish history, set atop two adjacent hills forming the city’s medieval area. Today you’ll get to explore the citadel of Alhambra, its lush Garden of Eden-like gardens, and opulent palaces. Today, these are the only royal residences from an Islamic dynasty that are still standing ever since the Middle Ages. As you follow your guide, an Islamic art expert, you’ll learn about the symbols and the secrets behind these remarkable structures, including poems carved on the walls, mathematical achievements, and philosophical concepts that defined the civilization.

This morning, our driver will bring you to Granada’s airport to catch your flight to Barcelona. You’ll be met by another private transfer to your hotel in the city, with time to refresh before joining an expert guide for a tour of the historic center, including the Gothic Quarter. You’ll take a walk back in time to Barcelona’s origins as you stroll the narrow streets and alleyways, encountering medieval buildings, Roman ruins, and gothic cathedrals, including the stunning Cathedral of Barcelona. Visit Plaza del Rey, the City Hall, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, the Boqueria Market, famous La Rambla street, and more.

Today you are free to enjoy Barcelona at you leisure. However you might want to explore the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, who left a huge mark on the city. This private tour will reveal the highlights of his magnificent works, including La Sagrada Familia which fuses art nouveau and gothic styles in unprecedented ways. Think vivid colors, hyperboloids, and unconventional animal representations like turtles, chameleons, and pelicans. Visit Casa Mila and Parc Guell, where Gaudi created a fantasy-like world with remarkable stone structures, unique buildings, and a dragon adorned with colorful tiling. The terraced area at the top of the park offers fabulous views over the city.

Montserrat Mountain rises more than 4,000 feet into the sky at its highest peak. Known for its jagged rock formations and Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, it’s just an hour away from Barcelona. A sacred place of pilgrimage, the monastery is a little more than midway up the mountain, home to the Virgin Mary of Montserrat. The statue was uncovered on the site and restored in 1925. You’ll reach it the safest and easiest way, by a cable car that climbs the mountain in only 5 minutes, soaring through inclines of as much as 45 percent while providing panoramic vistas.

This morning you’ll take a private transfer from your Barcelona hotel to Costa Brava, which translates to “wild coast” in Spanish. One of the most unspoiled, romantic coastlines, it’s characterized by rugged pink cliffs that dip down to the turquoise Mediterranean below, framed by green pine trees. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy it at your leisure. With some of Europe’s finest Blue Flag beaches nearby, including everything from sandy stretches to secluded coves, you might want to relax among the scenery, enjoy a refreshing swim, or embark on a spectacular coastal walk.

A full-day tour explores awe-inspiring scenery, nature, and art, with a focus on Spanish artist Salvador Dali. You’ll walk the streets where he grew up in Portlligat, visiting the House-Museum where he lived to admire his eclectic works and unique décor, and discover the genius theater-museum he designed in Figueres. Explore the village of Cadaques, often called the most beautiful along the Costa Brava. It’s the place where Dali and other world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso lived and found their inspiration. Throughout the excursion, you’ll learn about some of the most intimate details of the surrealist painter’s life from your expert guide.

After 12 unforgettable days in Spain, your journey comes to a conclusion today. Our private driver will bring you to Barcelona for your final transfer: to Barcelona’s airport to catch your flight home. Of course, if you’d like to explore more of Spain or elsewhere in Europe, our travel experts can help you plan the perfect addition to this itinerary.