Highlights
- Experience the wonder of Gaudì's most famous project, La Sagrada Família
- Snorkel the crystal clear waters of Andalusia's La Herradura National Park
- Learn the art of the flamenco in the heart of Seville
- Take a family pottery class with local masters
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walk | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Gaudí Architecture Walk, Ceramic Workshop | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Fly to Málaga, Kayak & Snorkel in La Herradura | Málaga |
| Day 4 | Caminito del Rey, Málaga Beach Day | Málaga |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Granada, Sierra Nevada Hike | Granada |
| Day 6 | Alhambra & Generalife Gardens, Evening Tour of the Albaicín | Granada |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Seville, Flamenco Dance Lesson, Museum & Show | Seville |
| Day 8 | Seville Cathedral & Alcázar, Triana Pottery Class | Seville |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Madrid, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walk
Welcome to Barcelona! A private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Get settled in, then head out to explore the city with a kid-friendly guided walk of the Gothic Quarter. Start with Barcelona's oldest shop, where you'll find a welcome surprise: churros con chocolate, the perfect pick-me-up after your travels. The kids will love the opportunity to sample a few other local candies as well!
Once you've been fortified, your guide will escort your family to famous historical sights such as the Roman Temple, Barcelona Cathedral, and the Giants Museum, where you'll be captivated by the large papier-mâché figures that oversee the city's festivals. Along the way, the kids will be entertained with puzzles and mysteries—they'll even get the chance to play king and queen at Plaça del Rei. The whole family will get a great overview of Barcelona's history and culture before heading back to relax for the evening.
Day 2: Gaudí Architecture Walk, Ceramic Workshop
Antoni Gaudí's buildings aren't just a part of Barcelona—they are Barcelona, and this morning you'll enjoy a private tour of his most renowned architectural works. Start with the exterior of Casa Batlló, where you and the kids will learn how Gaudí mixed colors and shapes to craft his whimsical masterpieces.
Proceed to Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and take the kids inside for a look―the building is stunning both inside and out and is sure to stimulate their imaginations. The tour ends with Gaudí's most renowned project, La Sagrada Família. At this immense (and still unfinished) basilica, your guide will talk you through the various elements before leaving you to explore the astonishing structure to your heart's content.
Now that the family is feeling inspired, head to the Taller Gingell Studio near Montjuïc Castle. Initially solely a producer of hand-made heirloom ceramics, the studio now also teaches traditional pottery techniques. A private class tailor-made for families is the perfect way to introduce your kids to simpler techniques such as sculpting and hand-building. Have fun together and make your masterpieces—whether you create plates, bowls, or a sculpture, you and the kids will leave Barcelona not only with handmade souvenirs but with a whole new skill set!
Day 3: Fly to Málaga, Kayak & Snorkel in La Herradura
It's time to head to your next destination today, with a short flight to Málaga. Your driver will meet you at the airport there and take you to your accommodation to settle in. When you're ready, your guide will escort you to La Herradura, a picturesque Andalusian village. Take some time to explore the lovely horseshoe-shaped bay and marina before heading to the Sports Club, where you and the kids will get equipment and training before you get out on the water for an afternoon of snorkeling and kayaking―the activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels, so you'll be well looked after.
After a little practice paddling in the shallow waters, it's time to head out into the Cerro Gordo National Park. Take your time as you kayak along the coastline, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water. Once you reach a prime snorkeling place, it's on with the fins and goggles to explore the vibrant undersea world. Have fun with the kids, spotting all the colorful fish swimming around the coral together before paddling your way back to the village. Spend some time exploring there, or relaxing on the beach, before heading back to Málaga for the night.
Day 4: Caminito del Rey, Málaga Beach Day
For a morning your family will never forget, head out after breakfast to hike the Caminito del Rey, situated in one of the world's most beautiful gorges. Enjoy the scenic transfer through the citrus-lined Guadalhorce Valley to get there, and then traverse two stunning gorges with your guide―Gaitanejos, famed for its orange limestone, and Los Gaitanes. Savor a delicious picnic of local produce before tackling the thrilling 400-foot (122 m) high suspension bridge and heading to El Chorro Village. Along the way, you'll learn about the region's history, geology, and fossils. Afterward, catch the shuttle back to Málaga.
This outing is suitable for older children, so if the kids are on the young side or you feel keen for a slower-paced day, Málaga is ideally situated for a good old-fashioned beach day of the best kind. Several options are walkable from the city center, including Playa de la Malagueta―with a long stretch of sand and gentle waves, it's perfect for little ones. Alternatively, you can take the kids exploring at the Alcazaba Fortress or Gibralfaro Castle or nurture your artistic sides at the Picasso Museum. Enjoy dinner in the city and then head back to your accommodation to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Granada, Sierra Nevada Hike
Rise and shine for a last, leisurely breakfast in Málaga before a private driver takes your family on a 1.5-hour drive to your next stop, Granada. Settle into your accommodation and then head out of the city into the Sierra Nevada mountains for a private guided hike. Your tour starts in the tranquil village of Monachil, a historical agricultural region known for its fine produce. Tradition still runs strong here, and your guide will show you the locals' way of life as you wander by farms and olive groves amid the alpine scenery.
Next, you'll proceed through Las Cahorros―the kids will love the adventurous hanging bridges and canyons. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as some swimming gear―several waterfalls and pools provide beautiful places to stop for a picnic or cool off with a quick dip. Have some fun exploring the shady caves and tunnels along the way, and make time for some family photos in the breathtaking scenery. Afterward, your guide will drive you back to your accommodation in Granada.
Day 6: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens, Evening Tour of the Albaicín
Spend some time exploring Granada's crown jewel today with a private visit to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Let the kids pretend to be royalty as your family tours multiple palaces, courtyards, chapels, and gardens, all intricately constructed and carefully maintained over hundreds of years. With its history as both a Nasrid monument and a palace of Spanish royalty, you'll catch a fascinating glimpse of Andalusia's past as you're guided through its many rooms. Take a break in the gardens with ice cream and savor your extraordinary surroundings before making your way back down to town.
Relax for a few hours and then get ready for an evening delight―a family-friendly tour of the Albaicín, Granada's former Moorish quarter. Wander through this medieval Islamic city with the help of your guide, who will explain its history and lead you through its quaint cobbled streets and staircases to discover its highlights, including churches, gardens, and viewpoints with stunning vistas of the city and the Alhambra. The whole family will be fascinated as you dip into the bordering Sacromonte district, where Spanish Gitanos (Roma) made their homes in hillside caves. The tour ends with tapas and a drink at a local tavern.
Day 7: Transfer to Seville, Flamenco Dance Lesson, Museum & Show
It's off to Seville today as your private driver picks you up for the three-hour drive west. Enjoy the scenic trip, get settled in at your hotel, and then prepare for the ultimate introduction to one of southern Spain's most important artistic traditions―flamenco. Your guides today will be expert dancers from the Ballet Cristina Hoyos and the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, and the class will cater to all levels of skill―so don't worry if this is something completely new for you and the kids. Have fun together as you learn the steps, claps, and handwork of this famously eye-catching dance.
Once your lesson is complete, browse through the Museo del Baile Flamenco around you to learn about the history and cultural significance of this dance. Now a symbol of national identity, flamenco combines many cultural influences, such as Romani and African, and has even been used as a form of protest in the past. Your immersion course ends in spectacular style as three dancers, two singers, and one guitarist take to the stage with a live show in the museum's attractive courtyard―you and the kids will love the chance to see everything you have learned today brought to life before your eyes.
Day 8: Seville Cathedral & Alcázar, Triana Pottery Class
Get to know Seville better this morning with a private tour of the Gothic Seville Cathedral. If you and the youngsters are up for a little exercise, climb the famous bell tower of La Giralda for unbeatable views over the city. Highlights inside the cathedral include the tomb of Christopher Columbus, several famous artworks, and the historic treasure room. Next, take a short walk to the Alcázar, a royal palace that's one of Spain's best examples of Mudéjar architecture (a mix of Moorish and Renaissance styles). Let the kids stretch their legs in the many intricate gardens and see if you can spot all the peacocks that live there!
The afternoon brings you all another chance to get creative with a family pottery class in Triana. Triana is Seville's most artsy district, renowned for its azulejos ceramic tiles, pottery, and textiles. It's a little off-the-beaten-path, so there'll be fewer tourists but still plenty to see and do. The district is a fantastic place to browse artisan shops and markets to pick up a few authentic treats and souvenirs, so try and get here a little early. Once you arrive at the workshop, you and the kids will get to know your teacher and receive an entertaining history of the district before "baking" your perfect memento―a ceramic tile made using traditional techniques.
Day 9: Transfer to Madrid, Depart
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