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The capital of Catalonia is a maze of higgledy-piggledy streets, wide open promenades and bustling plazas, all winding their way towards the city’s famed beachfront. Exploring the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, the market stands of La Rambla and the beachfront restaurants of Barceloneta on two wheels allows you to soak up many of the city’s sights in just one day. Accompanied by an expert guide, get under the skin of this fantastic city on a private tour, weaving your way through the city and uncovering its hidden gems.

Enjoy a leisurely kayak along the Douro river, one of the major arteries connecting Spain and Portugal, to see the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley up close. Home to rolling vineyards dotted with charming quintas, the region is the beating heart of Portuguese wine country and a wonderful place to unwind, getting back to nature while lapping up creature comforts at the renowned Six Senses Douro Valley.

Get under the skin of southern Spain with a private Flamenco class, learning the steps of the much loved dance. With its roots in age-old Andalucia, Flamenco is etched into the rich culture of the region and getting to grips with the fundamentals of a routine is the perfect way to see the real Spain and embrace the spirit of Seville.

With an expert instructor, you will learn the rhythms and details of the dance, learning about the important part that Flamenco plays in the traditions of Andalucia.

Combining cosmopolitanism and country retreats, this itinerary strikes the perfect balance between a city escape and rural getaway. Leave behind Lisbon for São Lourenço do Barrocal, set in Portugal’s rural heartland, before crossing the border to Seville, and then moving on to the boutique property, La Donaira, in Andalucia. This decidedly grown up itinerary not only takes in four of the finest hotels in the region while embracing the authentic charm of each destination.

Think of Portugal’s coastline and it is the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve that spring to mind, but look to its lesser discovered west coast and it is Mother Nature that rules the waves. This stretch of coastline has long been Portugal’s best kept secret, discovered only by the world’s surfing contingent, yet for now, it’s ours too – let the wind whip through your hair on a deserted beach, and get back to nature in the best way we can think of.