Cities & Culture in Spain: Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Optional Artisan Tour

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in Madrid, you'll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to settle in before heading out to explore some of the city's highlights, including the Puerta del Sol, one of the most historic and expansive plazas in the city. There's also Madrid's famous Fountain of Cibeles, which features a sculpture completed in 1782 depicting Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, riding in a chariot pulled by lions.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a four-hour artisan tour while visiting the workshops of several talented artists to witness their creativity firsthand. The tour comprises visits to various artisans, including a craftsperson specializing in handmade Spanish guitars, a tailor renowned for creating bullfighters' costumes, a manufacturer of traditional wine bota-bags (wineskins made of leather or goatskin), and skilled handcrafters of traditional Spanish capes, among others.

When night falls, you'll have the evening free to indulge in Madrid's world-class culinary scene. If you want to dine among history, head to Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world. No less than Ernest Hemingway described it in his seminal novel "The Sun Also Rises" as the best restaurant on earth.

Day 2: Private City Tour, Discover Madrid's Royal Legacy

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll meet a local guide for a half-day tour of Madrid. Spain's capital city has a long history with interesting architecture, public spaces, and culture. Your guide will reveal insight into how different periods influenced Madrid's neighborhoods and buildings and explain the city's biggest sights.

The tour will start at the Madrid de los Austrias. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Hapsburg Dynasty's first ruler, Charles I. Located in the city center, it's home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, once the heart of Old Madrid. Nearby, you'll find the Royal Palace, the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll tour the grounds and interior of this 3,418-room monument, entering the parade grounds, the chambers of Charles III, several salons, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of the Crown, which displays Charles I's crown, scepter, and throne.

Later, enjoy a visit to El Retiro Park. Its 308 acres are the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and a man-made lake perfect for an afternoon boat ride. The park has several gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces (Garden of Vivacious Plants), Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (inspired by the Andalusia region), and a rose garden home to over 4,000 bushes—the best time to see these blooms is from May through June.

In the evening, return to your hotel for a little rest before heading back out into the city. For dinner, explore some of Madrid's lively neighborhoods, such as trendy Malasaña, the historic Literary Quarter, or the old Latin Quarter, La Latina.

Day 3: Train to Seville, A Night of Tapas & Flamenco

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Madrid's railway station, where you'll board a 3.5-hour train to Seville. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and unwind before a lively evening in the city.

Whether in a small group or private tour, you'll head to Seville's historic old town for a night of delicious tapas and authentic flamenco, a musical style originating in Andalusia. Your expert guide will lead you through two family-run taverns where you'll taste a wide selection of dishes. Traditional tapas on offer include acorn-fed Iberian ham, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in oil), and bacalao (salt cod). Of course, throughout the dinner, you'll pair the tapas with delicious local wines.

You'll then switch to the flamenco, experiencing the most authentic version in the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood. Here, you'll enter a 15th-century building that hosts the evening's dance performance. It's the perfect ambience to experience the power, passion, and drama of real flamenco. After the performance, you'll visit yet another family-run tapas bar to cap the whirlwind evening with more incredible wines and equally delectable desserts. All in all, it's a perfect end to a magical evening in Seville.

Day 4: Private Walking Tour of Seville

After breakfast, you'll head off with a local guide to explore Seville, starting with a visit to the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in the world, and a testament to religious grandiosity. You'll also see La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. There's a noticeable stylistic difference between the two structures, as this 12th-century pillar was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque back when Andalusía was ruled by the Moors.

You'll then walk to the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the Jewish Quarter in the city. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars. Enjoy a break with some small plates and regional wine. You can also visit markets and local shops where artisans craft intricate silverwork and elegant garment embroidery.

Day 5: Explore an Andalusian Olive Oil Farm

One of Spain's most popular exports is its high-quality olive oil. You'll witness the production process firsthand on an exclusive Andalusian olive oil estate tour. Located just 30 minutes outside Seville, this estate has quite the history, as it was right here in the 17th century that Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil to the New World.

You'll tour the old manufacturing center and view the 16th-century olive oil presses. You'll also visit the estate's working presses, which use modern methods to produce the olive oil they export today. The excursion ends with a tasting of the oils, allowing you to use your newfound knowledge of the ingredients. After the tour, you'll return to Seville and have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city.

Day 6: Day Trip to the White Villages & Ronda

Awake early for a day trip to the beautiful hills in the province of Cádiz, enjoying some of the most spectacular views of Andalusia. Driving through olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and mountainous terrain, you'll visit several of Andalusia's white villages, perched on hillsides with iconic whitewashed houses visible for miles around.

Your first stop will be Zahara de la Sierra, perhaps the most beautiful White Villages. Nearby, you'll visit an olive mill to learn about the production process and taste their oils, then drive to Grazalema. Here, you'll sample the renowned payoyo cheese. During the day, and depending on your schedule, you'll stop for lunch in a typical local restaurant.

Afterward, you'll continue to Ronda, where you'll have time to explore the town at your leisure. Before returning to Seville, you'll visit a winery just outside of Ronda. Here, you'll learn all about how this wine-producing area has grown in the last 20 years and, of course, taste some of the different wines with a host to guide you through it. Upon returning to Seville, you'll have the evening to relax and enjoy the city on your own.

Day 7: Private Tour of the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

In the morning, you'll say farewell to Seville and make your way to the city of Granada, which was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (the historic Muslim name for the Iberian Peninsula) when it was ruled by the Moors. You can see examples of this history in the form of Granada's most famous landmark, the Alhambra, which receives more than two million visitors annually. You'll meet your guide for a private tour of this palace, as well as the surrounding Generalife Gardens.

This imposing Muslim fortress was built atop a hill overlooking Granada and dates to the 9th century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella after the Christian reconquest. Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will take you through its grand halls and gardens filled with colorful flowers, fountains, and panoramic views of the city down below.

After the tour, you'll have free time to enjoy Granada on your own. You can walk around the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín and Sacromonte quarters, the well-preserved historic neighborhoods of the city. In areas such as these, you can visit the Granada Cathedral, Royal Church, Alcaicería (old silk market), and Madraza (medieval Quranic school).

Day 8: Fly to Barcelona, Explore the City by Bike

In the morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, you'll take another private transfer to your hotel. After checking in and unpacking, it will be time to head out and explore the capital of Catalonia.

However, you won't be doing so on foot—you'll be touring this popular city by bicycle as you ride through its most famous area: the medieval Gothic Quarter and the trendy El Born neighborhood. As your guide leads you on a 3-hour tour, you'll learn about the rich history of these neighborhoods. You'll pass Roman ruins, the grand Plaça Reial, and the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, which dates to the 13th century.

Next, you'll cycle from the Gothic Quarter through Ciutadella Park—one of the largest green spaces in the city—and to Barceloneta Beach. This is the main urban beach in Barcelona, and it's always a hub of activity, lined with cafés, restaurants, beach bars, and discos. Riding along the promenade fronting the water is the perfect way to cap your cycling tour of Barcelona's most famous areas.

Day 9: Explore Gaudí's Architecture & Barcelona's Markets

After breakfast, you'll be picked up by your private guide for an exclusive tour of some of Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces. You'll start by exploring Park Güell, set atop Carmel Hill, featuring manicured gardens, Gaudí's artistic elements, and fantastic views of Barcelona. This is also a great place to see local buskers performing in the park's nooks and crannies.

Next, you'll visit the famous Sagrada Família basilica. It's an unfinished masterpiece where vaults can reach nearly 200 feet (60m) high. Then, make your way over to Casa Milà (1906-1912), one of Gaudí's most iconic works of civil architecture due to both its constructional and functional innovations, as well as its ornamental and decorative details. Built for the wealthy and aristocratic Milà family, the result is a sensational work of art.

Later, you'll stop at a few of Barcelona's best local markets to taste a range of Spanish delights with your guide's help and careful guidance.

Day 10: Depart Barcelona

It's time to say farewell to Barcelona. Depending on the time of your flight or train reservation, enjoy one last walk through the city. At the designated time, you'll transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.

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