Essential Spain

Discover the highlights of Spain as you visit three of its key cities – Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. Get under the skin of this beautiful country, its fascinating history and its vibrant culture in this itinerary perfect for first-time visitors.

1. Fly to Madrid

2. Days 1-3: Madrid

   Begin your exploration in Madrid, Spain’s lively capital city and cultural hub. Located at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid has been at the center of Spanish life for centuries and today boasts a thriving art scene.

   Discover the ancient history of Madrid with your private guide as you explore the city. Admire the picturesque architecture throughout the city, from winding streets packed with lively tapas bars to elegant Bourbon squares. Learn about Madrid’s history throughout the centuries, starting with the 10th-century Arab city walls, before you end at the spectacular Royal Palace with its elegant and opulent interiors.

   Venture out of Madrid to explore the nearby medieval city of Toledo, famed for its unique mixture of cultures dating back centuries. Throughout the Middle Ages, Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures peacefully coexisted in this picturesque city, dramatically situated overlooking the Tagus River. Explore the charming city streets and admire its impressive medieval architecture with your private guide before return to Madrid.

   Accommodation: NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado (2 nights)

3. Days 3-6: Seville, Spain

   Continue south to Seville, capital of Andalucia and birthplace of iconic Spanish traditions such as flamenco. This elegant city boasts a wealth of intricate Moorish architecture and a lively, vibrant atmosphere in its traditional tapas bars.

   Explore the city with your private guide, discovering the history behind its picturesque streets and UNESCO World Heritage Site landmarks. Visit the spectacular Royal Alcazar and admire its detailed Mudéjar architecture, created as a palace for Castilian kings. Explore the winding streets of the Jewish quarter before visiting the magnificent Seville Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.

   The following day you’ll head out of Seville to nearby Cordoba, once the largest city in western Europe and former capital city. With your private guide you’ll explore this charming city, home to one of the largest mosques in the world. The breathtaking Mezquita dates back to the 10th century and uniquely contains within it a Christian cathedral. Discover Cordoba’s beautiful Jewish quarter and visit the city’s medieval Synagogue, built during the 14th century.

   Accommodation: Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla (3 nights)

4. Days 6-8: Granada, Spain

   Your next stop will be Granada, a city packed with character and atmosphere, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Sierra Nevada. The last Spanish city to be ruled by the Moors, the influence can still be seen in Granada’s streets and architecture today.

   Discover the beauty of Granada with your private guide, exploring some of the city’s most historic districts and its spectacular landmarks. Visit the impressive Gothic cathedral and admire the opulent tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella before exploring the Arab quarter, Albaycin. Wander through this ancient neighborhood’s cobbled streets to reach the San Nicolas viewpoint where you can enjoy fantastic vistas across the city. Next, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Spain’s most iconic monuments – the majestic Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site rises above Granada and boasts some of the finest examples of Moorish and Islamic art and design, with beautiful mosaics and intricate stucco work found throughout the palace. With your private guide you’ll admire the intricate interiors and learn about the fascinating history of this magnificent palace.

   Accommodation: Hotel Alhambra Palace (2 nights)

5. Days 8-10: Barcelona, Spain

   Your final stop on your journey through Spain will be Barcelona, the vibrant capital of the north where contemporary architecture and surrealist art meet. Explore the city with your private guide, taking in the sights of the old town and the charming winding streets of the Gothic Quarte. Admire the breathtaking medieval buildings and the impressive Barcelona Cathedral before discovering a more modern side of the city.

   Renowned for his truly unique modernist designs, Antoni Gaudi has shaped the landscape of Barcelona with his fascinating architecture. Discover a selection of his works with your private guide, learning about the life of the artist and admiring his stunning masterpieces, including La Pedrera and the iconic Sagrada Familia.

   Accommodation: El Avenida Palace (2 nights)

6. Fly home from Barcelona

Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona