Highlights
- Take a private tour of Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona
- Go horseback riding through the stunning alpine parkland of Montserrat
- Kayak and snorkel in the clear waters of La Herradura
- Go on a family treasure hunt through Málaga's sunny streets
- Learn the art of flamenco together in the heart of Seville
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walk | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Gaudí Architecture Walk, Ceramic Workshop | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Horseback Riding & Montserrat Monastery | Barcelona |
| Day 4 | Fly to Málaga, La Herradura Kayaking & Snorkeling | Málaga |
| Day 5 | Málaga Treasure Hunt & Beach Day | Málaga |
| Day 6 | Caminito del Rey Tour | Málaga |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Granada, Hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains | Granada |
| Day 8 | Alhambra & Generalife Gardens, Evening Tour of the Albaicín | Granada |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Seville, Flamenco Experience: Dance Lesson, Museum & Show | Seville |
| Day 10 | Seville Cathedral & Alcázar, Triana Pottery Class | Seville |
| Day 11 | Fly to Madrid, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walk
Welcome to Barcelona! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation. Settle in and then head out for the perfect introductory tour―a kid-friendly guided tour of the Gothic Quarter. Start with Barcelona's oldest shop and get the kids to guess what it stocks. They'll love what they find inside―a tasty helping of churros con chocolate! There's also plenty of opportunity to sample other local candies! Once you're fortified, head out for the rest of your tour.
Day 2: Gaudí Architecture Walk, Ceramic Workshop
Barcelona is known as a city of art, and this morning your family will embark on a private tour of some of its most formative structures―the works of Antoni Gaudí. Starting with Casa Batlló, where you and the kids will learn how Gaudí mixed shapes and colors to bring his unique vision to life, you'll then head to Casa Milà (La Pedrera), arguably Barcelona's most famous and beautiful apartment block.
Your tour ends with the visionary's most famous project, La Sagrada Família. Your guide will lead you through the highlights of both the exterior and interior before leaving you to savor this extraordinary work at your own pace. The whole family will be captivated by the immensity, detail, and light in the basilica. Afterward, relax in the nearby parks―the Plaça de Gaudí is the ideal spot for a few family photos.
Day 3: Horseback Riding & Montserrat Monastery
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's excursion sees your family exploring the scenic Catalan landscape outside Barcelona. What better way to view the beauty of Montserrat Natural Park than from horseback? You'll begin at a local ranch with a thorough riding lesson, so don't worry if you and the kids are inexperienced equestrians. As well as horses, there are also pint-sized ponies for your littlest ones. When you're ready, you'll head out at a relaxed pace through the peaceful countryside, finishing up with a delicious traditional lunch served on the ranch.
Your afternoon will be spent at the nearby Montserrat Monastery, where a guide will escort you through the site, teaching you about its history and art. Take the funicular up and enjoy the breathtaking views. Your family will also be captivated by the monastery itself―appearing almost as though it is carved from the mountain, it's an enticing building for the kids to explore. See the famous Black Madonna, head to the museum (which features works by Caravaggio and Picasso), or pause for a few minutes and listen to the choir. There are also several great hiking trails with plenty of caves and hermitages to discover.
Day 4: Fly to Málaga, La Herradura Kayaking & Snorkeling
You and the kids leave Barcelona today for the sunny, coastal beauty of Málaga, just a short flight away. Your driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your accommodation to settle in. Then it's off to the picturesque Andalusian village, La Herradura, for an afternoon of seaside fun. Explore the horseshoe-shaped bay and marina before heading to the Sports Club, where you and the kids will be kitted out with everything you need (including training) for a snorkeling and kayaking adventure suitable for all ages and skill levels.
After a little practice paddle, you'll head out into Cerro Gordo National Park. Cruise along the pristine coastline, savoring the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs and the clear water. Once you're in a prime spot, it's time to get the fins and goggles on for a memorable afternoon snorkeling with the colorful fish around the coral. As the day draws to a close, you'll paddle back to the village to spend a little time exploring or relaxing on the beach before heading back to Málaga for the night.Day 5: Málaga Treasure Hunt & Beach Day
Ready for the ultimate kid-friendly way to explore Málaga? Today's private treasure hunt should fit the bill! Equipped with a GPS, an adventure kit, and plenty of clues, you and the kids will visit Málaga's highlights, solving puzzles at each stop. Learn about the Atarazanas Market, the Cathedral, and the Roman Theater while the kids enjoy the thrill of solving the clues and finding the secret treasure box at the end! Go at your own pace and enjoy plenty of time for coffee and ice cream breaks. The hunt finishes in one of the city's beautiful parks, perfect to let the kids relax and enjoy their treasure.
This afternoon, relax on the beach. Málaga's position on the Costa del Sol makes it a great central point to visit several idyllic beaches if you want to head out of town, many within easy reach by bus or train, or keep it simple and choose one of the beaches within walking distance of the center. The Playa de la Malagueta is a great spot for little ones, with its long stretch of sand and gentle waves, or head to the old fishing district of El Palo for small, sandy coves and a fresh fish dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Caminito del Rey Tour
After a leisurely breakfast, head out of town to hike one of the world's most memorable walkways. Beginning with a scenic transfer through the citrus trees of the Guadalhorce Valley, you and the kids will then lace up your walking shoes and hike two picturesque gorges with your guide. Traversing a varied landscape of orange limestone and woods, you'll experience plenty of thrills as you walk cliffside―the highlight being the 400-foot (122 m) high suspension bridge. Along the way, your guide will teach you about the region's history, geology, and fossils, and you'll be nourished with a delicious picnic of local produce before catching the shuttle back to the city.
This outing is more suitable for older children, so if the kids are younger, stick around Málaga. There's plenty more to see there―take the kids exploring at the historic Alcazaba Fortress or Gibralfaro Castle. Revisit some of the sites from yesterday's treasure hunt, or spend a few hours at the Interactive Music Museum (bound to be a ton of fun for the kids), the Picasso Museum, or the Municipal Heritage Museum, all of which give great insights into the city's roots.
Day 7: Transfer to Granada, Hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
This morning you'll be greeted by your private driver, who'll take your family on the 1.5-hour drive to your next stop, Granada. Drop your bags at your accommodation and then head out of the city into the Sierra Nevada mountains for a private guided hike along beautiful walkways. Starting in the tranquil village of Monachil, you'll pass by olive groves and farms nestled in the alpine scenery as your guide shows you the locals' way of life. Though breathtakingly scenic, the walkways are well-managed and suitable for families.
A highlight will be Los Cahorros―the kid will love the adventurous feel of the hanging bridges and canyons, and they'll have plenty of fun exploring the caves and tunnels. Bring plenty of snacks and water to sustain you―you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pretty places to picnic. Also, don't forget your swimming gear: there are several waterfalls and pools along the way where you and the kids can take a dip and refresh yourselves. When you've explored the outdoors to your hearts' content, your guide will drop you back off at your Granada accommodation.
Day 8: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens, Evening Tour of the Albaicín
Make some time for Granada's highlights today―you won't regret it, as the Alhambra Palaces and Generalife Gardens are two of Spain's most popular destinations for a reason. Take a private tour of the ornate courtyards, halls, chapels, and gardens as your guide takes you through Granada's fascinating Moorish and Christian history. The kids will find endless nooks to explore in this beautifully constructed and maintained monument―and an ice cream break in one of the gardens before you head back down to town won't go amiss either!
After a few hours of downtime, you and the family will be treated to an evening tour of the Albaicín, the city's oldest quarter. Over time it has developed and retained its own distinct identity, and you and the kids will love its quaint, cobbled streets and quirky staircases. The tour will pass five different viewing points where you'll get great photos of the city, and every corner will bring a new chance to discover the area's fascinating history, hidden gardens, charming squares, ancient baths, and churches.
You'll also get the chance to pop into the neighboring Sacromonte district, where Spanish Romani (known as Gitanos in Spain) famously made their homes in the hillside caves. Finish up the tour with a drink and tapas at a local tavern as you chat with your guide about local history and culture.
Day 9: Transfer to Seville, Flamenco Experience: Dance Lesson, Museum & Show
It's on to Seville today as your private driver picks you up for the three-hour transfer west. After settling into your accommodation, head to the Museo del Baile Flamenco for the ultimate introduction to one of Andalusia's most important artistic traditions. Guided by professional dancers from the prestigious Ballet Cristina Hoyos and Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, you and the kids will learn the steps, claps, and handwork of this famous dance in a fun class aimed at all skill levels. Whether your family members are keen dancers or total beginners, you'll enjoy yourselves.
Once your lesson is finished, take a look through the surrounding museum exhibits. A symbol of Spanish identity, the flamenco combines many of the country's cultural influences, such as Romani and African, and has even been used as a form of protest. Finally, you and the kids can watch everything you've learned today come to life before your eyes with an evening performance in the museum's attractive courtyard. Talented musicians and dancers will showcase one or more of the various flamenco forms―whether solemn, tragic, sensual, or upbeat, you'll be treated to a live show to remember.
Day 10: Seville Cathedral & Alcázar, Triana Pottery Class
Now you're more familiar with Seville's culture, take in some of its major sights this morning. Skip the lines and take a guided tour of the impressive Seville Cathedral, the world's largest Gothic cathedral. If you and the kids are up for a bit of a climb, ascend the famous bell tower, La Giralda, for panoramic views over the city. Next, take the short walk to the Royal Alcázar, one of Spain's best examples of Mudéjar architecture. See if you can pick out the Renaissance and Moorish elements of its construction and let the kids explore the ornate reception rooms, pavilions, and intricate gardens.
In the afternoon, there's another great chance for the family to get creative. Head to Triana, Seville's historic artisan district. Renowned for its azulejo ceramic tiles, pottery, and textiles, the district has an off-the-beaten-path vibe and is a fantastic place to browse the markets and pick up a few souvenirs. Nothing beats making your own, though, so take a family pottery class and "bake" your own ceramic tile memento while your teacher provides you with an overview not just of the traditional techniques but also of the district itself. Grab some dinner in Triana after―there's a seemingly endless array here of authentic, local eateries.
Day 11: Fly to Madrid, Depart
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