Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
ARRIVE BARCELONA, SPAIN
Arrive in Barcelona, where you are met by your Guardian Angel, transferred to your hotel and assisted with check-in. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
BARCELONA | GAUDÍ’S GREATEST & TAPAS TOUR
Accompanied by your private guide, discover the masterpieces of Catalonia's famed architect, Antoni Gaudí, starting with the Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera. Next, visit the visually arresting Sagrada Familia Basilica. Started in 1882 and still not complete, it combines Gothic influences with Art Nouveau. Finally, stop at Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a gatehouse where Gaudí lived during his later years, to view furnishings he designed as well as personal memorabilia. This evening, enjoy a tapas tour, strolling between several of Barcelona's most interesting tapas bars to sample the savory snacks.
BARCELONA | INTO THE GOTHIC QUARTER
Discover the true heart of the old city — its medieval Gothic Quarter, where you explore narrow, labyrinthine streets and quiet squares that are quite distinct from the rest of the city. Take in the magnificent 13th-century cathedral, notable for its fine Gothic chapels, medieval choir stalls and shady cloister. Then, visit the spectacular Palau de la Música Catalana, a symphony of stained glass, ceramics, ironwork, stone and brick created by Gaudi’s great contemporary Domènech i Montaner that is now classified as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
MADRID | CITY TOUR & PRADO MUSEUM
This morning, transfer to the rail station to board the AVE train to Madrid, where you are met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, tour Spain’s capital city, visiting the Royal Palace, its rooms filled with art treasures and antiques. Continue to the world-famous Prado Museum to admire works by Spain's three great masters: Goya, Velazquez and El Greco.
TOLDEO OR SEGOVIA | YOUR CHOICE OF EXCURSIONS
Today, you may choose a full-day excursion to Toledo, visiting its sixth-century Cathedral, and proceeding to the church of Santo Tome, to view El Greco’s The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Stop at the 14th-century El Transito Synagogue, and tour the House and Museum of El Greco. Alternatively, head out of the city today and travel through the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to explore one of Castile y Leon’s most enchanting cities, Segovia. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, taking in its marvelous Roman aqueduct and its narrow streets. You also visit the Alcazar, an archetypal fairy-tale castle with gabled roofs, turrets and crenellations. You may like to enjoy a lunch on your own of the traditional suckling pig for which Segovia is famous. Continue your explorations just outside Segovia with a visit the sumptuous royal palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, with its delightful gardens and elegant rooms.
CÓRDOBA | JEWISH QUARTER & MEZQUITA
Privately transfer to the Madrid rail station to board a train to Córdoba, one of Spain's oldest cities. On arrival, meet a local guide to walk through the flower-filled streets of the Jewish Quarter and visit the medieval Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its humble beginnings as a small Christian Visigoth temple, the site was greatly expanded by the Muslims who conquered Spain in 711 and is today considered a superb example of Moorish architecture. View its Christian Baroque nave, in the heart of the former mosque. This afternoon, ride through spectacular countryside to Granada.
GRANADA | HERITAGE OF MOORS & MONARCHS
Visit the Alhambra, a remnant of the Muslim occupation of Andalusia. Admire the Alcazaba fortress and Royal Palace of this once mighty citadel, and then stroll through the lovely gardens of the nearby Generalife Palace. Continue to the city for a walking tour that includes the Royal Chapel, burial place of the Catholic Monarchs who financed the explorations of Christopher Columbus, as well as the cathedral. Time permitting, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Albaicín to learn about its Moorish history or the Sacromonte area, noted for its cave houses.
RONDA & SEVILLE | INTO THE ARENA
Journey to Seville, stopping en route in Ronda, a city dramatically perched high above a deep gorge, where you join your local guide on a stroll along narrow streets and visit the Plaza de Toros (bullring), an impressive arena with Moorish architecture. Continue to Seville and settle into your luxurious hotel. This evening, transfer to Tablao El Arenal for an authentic flamenco show. The Tablao El Arenal is situated in a building dating from the 17th century and its architecture and decoration are typically Andalusian. Enjoy a complimentary beverage during the show, and afterward, return to your hotel.
SEVILLE | FROM THE CATHEDRAL TO THE BARRIO
Explore the historic heart of Seville, starting with the immense 15th-century Seville Cathedral, a breathtaking jewel of medieval Christendom. Then, behold the delicately carved La Giralda, a soaring Moorish minaret from the 12th century. Visit the magnificent 14th-century Alcázar and enjoy a walk through the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz.
DEPART SEVILLE
This morning, transfer to the Seville airport to board your homebound flight.
Enhance Your Journey
Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
Cook Like a Barcelona Local
Join your expert chef at the world-famous Boquería market, where you select ingredients for your lunch. After a short walk, begin your cooking class on the iconic La Rambla, preparing Spanish classics paired with fine local wine.
Explore the Benedictine Abbey of Montserrat
Visit a Benedictine abbey nestled among the striking pink peaks of Serra de Montserrat. Venture within its domed basilica to reveal the shrine of the Black Virgin of Montserrat and a museum exhibiting masterworks by El Greco and Caravaggio.
Visit a Local Guitar Workshop
Meet one of Madrid’s legendary guitar luthiers in a small, traditional workshop in the historic Malasenas district. A traditional bookbinder, violin maker and mandolin maker share the workshop, culminating in an inspiringly creative space.
Cycle Madrid
Embark on a leisurely cycling tour of Madrid, pedaling past the grand Plaza de Oriente, the Teatro Real, the Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace.
Learn to Dance the Flamenco
After a tour of Seville’s Flamenco Museum, take a primer in this captivating dance, learning the basic steps with expert instruction accompanied by live music.
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