Ultimate Luxury Tour of Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Andalusia - 10 Days

Highlights

• Embark on private food, wine, and city tours in Barcelona
• Visit Madrid's best museums and see its architectural landmarks
• Enjoy a flamenco show in Granada and tour the famous Alhambra
• See the highlights of Seville on a bike and taste fine olive oils

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, VIP Food & Wine Tour

Welcome to Spain and Catalonia! Everything you've heard about this region on the northern Mediterranean Coast is true. It's a hotbed of culture, history, mind-bending architecture, sun-kissed beaches, and, of course, fine food and wine. You'll arrive in Barcelona, the capital of the region and the epicenter of all things Catalan.

And in a city as chic as Barcelona, you'll want your hotel to be equally on-brand. That's why, upon arrival at the airport, your personal driver will transfer you to the heart of the city and the 5-star Hotel Alma. Located in the Eixample district (home to famous Gaudí-designed buildings), this contemporary boutique hotel exudes sophistication and tranquility. After checking in, you can take the edge off the flight with a visit to the on-site spa for some sauna time or a dip in a heated pool inspired by the most relaxing hot springs in Japan.

When the sun goes down, you'll embark on a culinary journey to discover the soul of Catalan cuisine. You'll stop at four of Barcelona's standout restaurants during this epic three-hour food walk. These range from humble family-run taverns serving traditional tapas to modern gastronomic powerhouses known for their artistic presentations of contemporary Spanish cuisine. Part of the experience also involves following a professional sommelier to a local wine bar to taste the hidden gems of Spain's wine regions and some local bubbly cava—the country's favorite sparkling wine. 

Day 2: Architecture Walk, Optional Olive Oil & Winery Tour

Barcelona's historic Catalan modernist architecture has one founding father: Antoni Gaudí. This morning, you'll meet a local guide for a half-day, private tour of his most famous buildings. It begins on Passeig de Grácia with Casa Batlló. This modernist masterpiece of a residential building is known as Casa dels Ossos (House of Bones) due to the skeletal nature of its design. Then, you'll tour the iconic Casa Milà. Built for the aristocratic Milà family in 1906, this iconic apartment building earned the nickname La Pedrera (The Quarry) because its facade resembles a stone quarry.

Finish with a stop at the legendary Sagrada Família, the most iconic church in Barcelona. Construction of this Gothic/Art Nouveau basilica began in 1882 but technically remains unfinished to this day. It's a popular tourist draw, but you can breeze right past the line with your prearranged tickets. After the visit, you'll say goodbye to your guide and can continue exploring the city on your own.

Or, if you'd prefer, you can forgo the architecture tour in favor of a day trip to a private winery and olive oil estate outside Barcelona. At the estate, you'll tour the farm's olive groves and learn about the estate's 500 years of history. Then, you'll taste three of the region's most emblematic olive oils, followed by a traditional Catalan meal prepared by a private chef with farm-fresh ingredients. After eating, head to a small organic winery known for its fantastic reds. There, you'll enjoy a tasting of wines at various stages of the aging process, from those currently aging in oak barrels to wines at the end of their cycle. 

Day 3: Train to Madrid, Museum Tour

In the morning, your driver will take you to the Barcelona Sants station, where you'll catch a three-hour train ride (in a first-class coach) to Madrid. There's a lot of history in Spain's dynamic capital: it was founded around the ninth century by the Moors and became the nation's capital in the 16th century under the reign of King Phillip II, a member of the famous Habsburg dynasty of Europe. Much of this long and storied history remains visible in Madrid's parks, plazas, and palaces.

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up for the transfer to the upscale Chamberí neighborhood and your accommodation: URSO Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of Madrid, this 5-star boutique hotel in a historic neoclassical building isn't only luxurious but also within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions. These include Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and Parque de El Retiro. The hotel itself features several highlights and amenities, including well-appointed suites and a wellness center with personalized spa services, like citrus cleansing and anti-aging remodeling.

After checking in, you'll head over to Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art" and visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. During this two-hour private tour led by an art historian guide, you'll witness one of the world's finest private art collections, which contains nearly 1,000 paintings spanning the 13th-20th century. Several of the world's most celebrated artists are on display here, from Dalí to Degas, Rembrandt to Renoir, and van Eyck to Van Gogh, among several others. The styles range from Renaissance and Baroque to Impressionism and modern art. 

Day 4: Madrid City Tour, Dinner at a Michelin Restaurant

Get to know Madrid even better today on a private history, culture, and architecture tour. Accompanied by a local guide, head to the historic Habsburg district. This is the oldest part of the city, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. During the walk, you'll visit the 18th-century Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates to the 15th century. Your guide will also take you to hidden gems and tell stories about Madrid's fascinating history.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and/or exploring the city on your own. Then, when the sun goes down, get dressed up for an evening out at a special restaurant, Paco Roncero. Located in an elegant space on the top floor of a 19th-century building in Chamberí, the eatery has earned two Michelin stars for its eponymous chef's innovative and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Sit on the expansive terrace and enjoy a sophisticated tasting menu paired with fine wines you won't soon forget.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ávila & Guided Tour

It's time for another train trip! This full-day excursion begins after breakfast with your transfer to the station, where you'll catch a train 1.5 hours northwest to Ávila, a small city nestled in rolling green hills and a bastion of medieval history. It's also deeply pious, as supposedly there are more Gothic and Romanesque churches per capita here than in the whole of Spain. In fact, Ávila's 12th-century Cathedral is believed to be the first Gothic church in the country.

You'll see these highlights and more on a private city tour led by a local expert guide. This includes strolling the medieval center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircling it are Ávila's imposing stone walls, which feature eight monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and over 2,500 turrets. Taken together, the walls and historic center comprise one of Spain's most well-preserved medieval enclaves. After some free time to explore the city on your own and have a bite to eat, you'll return to Madrid by train.

Day 6: Train to Granada, Five Senses City Tour

Transfer to the station in Madrid this morning and catch a train for 3.5 hours to the southern Andalusia region and Granada. This is a city that rivals any other in Spain for history and beauty. Granada was once the last stronghold of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) during the 400-year reign of the Moors, which lasted from 711 to 1086 CE. You can see examples of this history at Granada's most famous landmark, the Alhambra, which receives more than two million visitors annually.

Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel, Parador de Granada. Located within the actual Alhambra complex, this 4-star hotel is housed in a 15th-century Franciscan convent featuring beautiful gardens, courtyards, and terraces. You couldn't ask for a finer location for a luxury hotel than this option. And when you get hungry, the Parador's restaurant offers a menu that combines local Andalusian flavors with international dishes set amid fine views of the Alhambra.

First, though, you'll head out for an alternative tour of this treasure trove of Spanish history. Over 2.5 hours, you'll discover Granada using all of your senses. Led by an expert guide, you'll be transported to different eras in the city's history as you visit iconic locales like the 11th-century Bañuelo hammam (Arab baths), the grand 16th-century Granada Cathedral, and the colorful Alcaicería, once a traditional Moorish bazaar now full of colorful Spanish treats, trinkets, and souvenirs.

Day 7: Alhambra Tour, Hammam & Cave Flamenco Show

In the morning, you'll head out from your hotel on a short walk up to the Alhambra, the famous 26-acre (12 ha) Muslim fortress that overlooks Granada. Dating to the ninth century, the Alhambra was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when, after the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. During a private tour, you'll walk its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic city views.

After all that walking, you can rest your tired legs with a one-hour session at a local hammam. These steam baths hold a significant place in Arab/Andalusian history and remain a cornerstone of the culture today. Every hammam comprises different rooms, each containing baths set at different temperatures. A hammam session is a great way to reduce stress and relax while receiving essential vitamins and minerals and increasing blood circulation.

Now that you're rejuvenated, you'll head out for another cultural touchstone of this region: flamenco. The ultimate artistic expression of Andalusia, it's said that this combined dance/singing style dates back to the 16th century when performers would entertain passing travelers in the hills above Granada, using caves as stages. Today, you'll witness a recreation of this experience on a visit to one such cave to enjoy an authentic flamenco show—an event you won't find anywhere else.

Day 8: Transfer to Seville via Cueva de la Pileta

Meet your driver in the morning for the three-hour transfer west from Granada to Seville, the capital of Spain's Andalusia region. A highlight of the journey is a stop at Cueva de la Pileta, a cave system famous for its archaeological wonders like prehistoric rock art. You'll get to venture into these caverns on a small-group tour by torchlight. As you descend into the belly of the caves, your guide will point out Stone Age rock paintings dating back 25,000 years that depict animals like horses, goats, and fish. Adding to the heady ambience are otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites.

After the caves, you'll travel through Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The landscapes here are wild, featuring towing limestone peaks, deep gorges, and storybook hamlets. A highlight that you'll get to stop at here is Grazalema, a postcard village that has been inhabited since Roman times. Leave the town on a mountain road called Puerto de las Palomas, where you can make further stops at mountain viewpoints. From 3,795 feet (1,157 m) up, you'll enjoy dramatic views over the provinces of Cádiz, Málaga, and Seville.

After marveling at the landscapes and snapping photos, you'll continue on to Seville. This charming city lies on the shores of the Guadalquivir River and is a mix of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish architecture, home to a rich history and phenomenal cuisine. You'll be staying at the Corral del Rey, a 4-star hotel in a 17th-century building in the city center that perfectly encapsulates Moorish/Andalusian architectural style with its arches, courtyards, and Islamic design patterns. After checking in, you can relax in the fireplace lounge or head to the rooftop terrace for stunning views of Seville's skyline.

Day 9: Seville City Bike Tour & Olive Oil Tasting

After breakfast, meet your private guide, who will have bikes prepared and ready to go for an active tour of Seville's numerous awe-inspiring sights. These include the Plaza de España, Guadalquivir riverfront, Setas Marketplace, Plaza de San Francisco, and some of the city's most beautiful gardens and parks.

During the excursion, your guide will share anecdotes and explain some of the mysteries and stories behind the aforementioned sights, making this a fun and educational way to get a feel for the city. Following the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to spend as you please, perhaps taking a long paseo (stroll) around Seville's historic landmarks and indulging in its world-famous tapas.

Later on, get ready for a very special lunch/olive oil tasting. Spain's olive oils are some of the most prized in the world, and you'll discover their quality during a private tasting hosted by a bona fide expert and producer of this liquid gold. During the fun workshop, you'll learn the characteristics of different Andalusian olive oils, such as picual, arbequina, hojiblanca, and picudo. After the tasting, sit for a traditional Andalusian lunch of various tapas—complimented by more delicious olive oil and Spanish wine.

Day 10: Train to Madrid, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to Andalusia and Spain. In the morning, transfer to the station and board a train for the 3.5-hour ride north to Madrid and the airport. There, you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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