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Alba Cruells

Founder and CEO of Spain Insights & Travel Consultant
Born in Barcelona and adopted by Aragón –Europe’s Natural Park and one of the most protected natural areas in Spain. I consider myself an inhabitant of the Earth spaceship and a traveler throughout discoveries and experiences.

I have university studies as an economist and as a business administrator. I have previously worked in several multinational companies which belong to the consultancy and industrial marketing sector, along those years I led working groups of more than 20 people… Nevertheless, my true passion is traveling all around the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Sustainable and Ecotourism
Nature and Adventure
Culture & Heritage
Rural Spain
Out of the beaten track trips
Gastronomic Slow Food and Wine Tourism"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I had the chance of traveling for more than three years all around the world. I have also walked more than 1800 km in Spain, including the Way of Saint James twice. I have been learning from each person I have met and from each culture I have had the honor to approach.

All this experience is reflected, from 2008 onwards, in our first project related to nature tourism trips and SpainInsights our project for customized travels all around Spain, always having in mind the best trip that I would like for myself… All of this is transferred to each of you, our customers, who eventually will become our friends and our aventure partners."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Really difficult to choose a unique travel experience, personally Rural Japan impressed me, how nice is the people, how you can trust them and how happy they are to find someone that doesn't look like them in the middle of nowhere. Not to miss: Rebun-to (Rebun , the island of flowers)"

Alba is part of the following groups: Spain Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
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Recent trip reviews for Alba

Alba Cruells, 5+ Travel Planner
Spain | Oct 17 - Oct 29, 2024

Ron
Ron G.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024
From start to finish, Alba put together a terrific two week itinerary of Northern Spain (Madrid, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Las Rioja, ALQUÉZAR* and Barcelona). She (and her staff) have set the standard for working with a travel planner. Alba gave us a broad suggestion to start and over subsequent KimKim messaging system and direct phone calls we were able to shape a dream itinerary that gave us everything we wanted to do and was able to afford. Moreover once we set out on our adventure she and... Read more

From start to finish, Alba put together a terrific two week itinerary of Northern Spain (Madrid, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Las Rioja, ALQUÉZAR* and Barcelona). She (and her staff) have set the standard for working with a travel planner. Alba gave us a broad suggestion to start and over subsequent KimKim messaging system and direct phone calls we were able to shape a dream itinerary that gave us everything we wanted to do and was able to afford. Moreover once we set out on our adventure she and her staff were in constant contact to make sure all the plan's details were falling in to place seamlessly.

Note that Alquézar is starred. That is because it was the star of our journey. A quaint little Medieval Village in the foothill of the Pyrenees held the most amazing foot journey through a beautiful river valley. So different from the big tourist cities like Madrid or Barcelona. We spent several hours walking through forest trails, on catwalks (installed into the rocks) overlooking river falls and along river beds. And the village itself was so charming and picturesque!

Within the large city Alba's stable of vetted tour guides (both private and small group) only enhanced our overall experience. Each was personable, knowledgeable and totally amenable to our needs. Pairing us with this type of service truly showed that Alba listened to us.

Alba...as far as my wife and I are concern, you are a Rock Star of the travel industry!!

Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Read all Spain reviews

A PERFECT 2 WEEK VACATION TO SPAIN
Spain | Sep 27 - Oct 11, 2024

B
Bryan T.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024
Dearest Alba,
My wife Jill and myself cannot thank you enough for the absolutely wonderful trip that you planned for us in Northern Spain. Your professionalism was unparalleled throughout the entire planning phase and we are forever grateful that you put this all together for us. From the very beginning, we felt totally comfortable with you and knew that you would come up with some unique things for us to do and see. All of the accommodations that you sourced out were excellent in the 5... Read more

Dearest Alba,
My wife Jill and myself cannot thank you enough for the absolutely wonderful trip that you planned for us in Northern Spain. Your professionalism was unparalleled throughout the entire planning phase and we are forever grateful that you put this all together for us. From the very beginning, we felt totally comfortable with you and knew that you would come up with some unique things for us to do and see. All of the accommodations that you sourced out were excellent in the 5 different locations that we travelled to during the trip. We especially felt that the daily activities you suggested and booked for us were perfect and well balanced. The full day Gaudi tour in Barcelona was an amazing way to start the trip. In Alquezar, the Footbridges hike down in the canyon was really cool but our favourite thing to do there was the day we personally got to meet you and we went to "The man who whispers Vultures". It was a day we both will never forget. Another special tour was when we arrived in Haro in the Rioja wine district and went on the full day wine tour which included horse back riding through the vineyards. Additionaly, from the bike and hiking tours in San Sebastian, to kayaking in the Mediterranean in Aigua Blava Begur, the itinerary you organized for us could not have been better. Thank you so much again Alba and we can't wait to book with yourself and Kimkim as we plan to go to the Southern Spain in the future.

Bryan and Jill Turkstra,
Ontario, Canada

Activity Review
Full Day Horseback Riding & Vineyard Visit
Full Day Horseback Riding & Vineyard Visit
La Rioja

Thank you so much Rebecca and Robert for the wonderful full day on the WIne and Horseback Tour. Jill and I had so much fun!!! Your personal attention and kindness were over the top. We did a lot of great things during our 2 week trip to Spain, but this day was very special to us and will remember forever. Thanks again!!! Bryan and Jill Turkstra, Ontario, Canada

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Alba
Alba Cruells
Local specialist in Alquezar | Replied on Oct 31, 2024

Hola dearest Jill and Bryan,
Such a pleasure to spend time with you!! I also enjoyed myself that day at the Whispering the Vultures Experience together.. like a day off for me!!
I have to tell you that I already miss you and the "spicy" sauces from your daughter are AMAZING and already used in a Spanish Kitchen
All my love!
Alba

Read all Spain reviews

12 Wonderful Days in Spain - Thanks Alba!
Spain | Jun 23 - Jul 5, 2024

Jeff
Jeff S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2024
We are 3 couples from the USA visiting Spain for 12 days. From the beginning Alba was incredibly helpful in arranging this trip. First, we shared with Alba what we were interested in seeing and doing (And what our budget was!), and she gave us her ideas on what the most popular things to see and do are . This was followed by several ZOOM calls and written communication back and forth until we had an itinerary that Alba thought we would enjoy and also appealed to us. We shared with Alba... Read more

We are 3 couples from the USA visiting Spain for 12 days. From the beginning Alba was incredibly helpful in arranging this trip. First, we shared with Alba what we were interested in seeing and doing (And what our budget was!), and she gave us her ideas on what the most popular things to see and do are . This was followed by several ZOOM calls and written communication back and forth until we had an itinerary that Alba thought we would enjoy and also appealed to us. We shared with Alba some suggestions that we had received from friends who were from Spain, and she was willing to incorporate some of them but wasn't afraid to tell us what wouldn't work for us. Ultimately, Alba devised an amazing CUSTOMIZED Spain vacation.

We spent 4 nights in Madrid, 3 nights in Bilbao (Basque Country) and 5 nights in Barcelona. Alba arranged everything for us including airport transfers, hotels, dinner reservations and a tour virtually every day. The tours included visiting The Royal Palace, The Prado, Botin Restaurant, Guggenheim and Dali Museums, a Flamenco Show, A Wine Tasting, La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and day trips to Toledo, Avila, Segovia, San Sebastian, Costa Brava, Girona and Montserrat. And of course we ate lots of Tapas and Pinxtos with our Guides taking us to some awesome places in each city. The Guides (Beatriz, Rosita, Mati, Julen, Anna, Stepan and Julia were all excellent. They were friendly, informative and very well organized. They all shared the history and culture of Spain which we found very interesting. In the Prado and Dali Museums Rosita and Julia taught us about the artists and showed us specific pieces or art, giving us an understanding of the meaning of each one. That really gave us a better understanding of what we were looking at and made it way more interesting. And we saw some fantastic natural landscape, incredible cathedrals and interesting architecture. We also had enough free time to wonder on our own. Throughout the trip, Alba kept us up to date on What's App to confirm what we were doing each day and who our Guides were which was very reassuring.

It's hard to say what our favorites were. We really enjoyed everything (Except maybe The Guggenheim Museum and Nerua Restaurant which we all thought were a little weird but certainly an unforgettable experience). But that is a matter of taste. The H10 Villa de la Reina, Hotel Miro and H10 Art Gallery hotels were nice in good locations with good staffs. And we had some really enjoyable meals. If anyone is planning a trip to Spain, we would recommend starting with our itinerary, and let Alba customize it based on your interests. We highly recommend KimKim and Alba!!!!!

Hotel Reviews
H10 Villa de la Reina Boutique Hotel
Madrid

Nice hotel, great location, wonderful people (Especially Paco). Smaller rooms than we are used to in the USA but typical for Europe. Yummy breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Miró
Bilbao

Nice hotel, good location, friendly and helpful staff. Good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
H10 Art Gallery
Barcelona

Nice rooms and staff. Easy to get to everywhere. The breakfast was just OK.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Alba
Alba Cruells
Local specialist in Alquezar | Replied on Jul 09, 2024

Hola Jeff!!
This message is amazing.. that's why we love the work we do!
Thanks so much it has been a real pleasure and REMEMBER there are still some hidden places waiting for you next time
All my Love to all the group!
Alba

Simply amazing!
Spain | Jun 10 - Jun 24, 2024

Graciela
Graciela S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2024
All the guides were amazing! Not only where they very knowledgeable, they interacted with you like a friend would. The hardest thing in planning the trip was to decide what to do out of all the ideas that alba and Stefy gave me. Communication with them was on point. I had a question or concern, and I got an answer within a day. Rarely two. Once I got to Spain, they provided me with their phone number in case there were any problems. They also sent the numbers of the drivers and their... Read more

All the guides were amazing! Not only where they very knowledgeable, they interacted with you like a friend would. The hardest thing in planning the trip was to decide what to do out of all the ideas that alba and Stefy gave me. Communication with them was on point. I had a question or concern, and I got an answer within a day. Rarely two. Once I got to Spain, they provided me with their phone number in case there were any problems. They also sent the numbers of the drivers and their information as the day to the tours approached. (I’m including in this the information for the guides as well). To me it was worth every penny not to have the headache of having to foresee problems or complications. The culture and the food there were also amazing and whenever I needed a recommendation for anything, Stefy and Alba where at a text or phone call away. Overall experience, awesome!

Hotel Reviews
Acta Splendid
Barcelona

Great service. Very centrally located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Centrally located!
Staff
Very personable and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria
Granada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NH Málaga
Málaga
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Intur Palacio San Martin
Madrid
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Inglaterra
Seville
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Monumental Seville: Royal Alcazar Cathedral and Giralda
Monumental Seville: Royal Alcazar Cathedral and Giralda
Seville
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Park Güell & La Sagrada Família
Park Güell & La Sagrada Família
Barcelona
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Market Visit & Cooking Class
Local Market Visit & Cooking Class
Barcelona

Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens Visit with a Historian
Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens Visit with a Historian
Granada
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taste of Granada Walking Food Tour
Taste of Granada Walking Food Tour
Granada
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tapas & Flamenco Experience in Seville
Tapas & Flamenco Experience in Seville
Seville
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Frigiliana Hike & Wine Tasting
Frigiliana Hike & Wine Tasting
Málaga
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ultimate Córdoba Day Trip
Ultimate Córdoba Day Trip
Seville

Carlos was amazing in showing the city of Cordoba and the guide that we had for the Mosque-Cathedral (sorry I can’t remember his name) was incredible. And he happened to have been Rick Steves, the travel guru’s guide, during his visit to Cordoba!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Madrid’s Royal Palace
Madrid’s Royal Palace
Madrid
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Photo taken by Graciela S
Show 6 more photos
Alba
Alba Cruells
Local specialist in Alquezar | Replied on Jul 09, 2024
Hola Graciela y familia! Muchas gracias por tu bonito comentario, ha sido un placer ayudarte en todo el proceso de elaboración, planificacion y seguimiento de tu viaje. Recorrer España con tu familia y poder hacer todas las actividades que te he propuesto ha sido una experiencia que espero que no olvidéis nunca.
Hello Graciela! Thank you very much for your nice comment, it has been a pleasure to help you in the whole process of elaboration, planning and follow up of your trip. Touring Spain... Read more

Hola Graciela y familia! Muchas gracias por tu bonito comentario, ha sido un placer ayudarte en todo el proceso de elaboración, planificacion y seguimiento de tu viaje. Recorrer España con tu familia y poder hacer todas las actividades que te he propuesto ha sido una experiencia que espero que no olvidéis nunca.
Hello Graciela! Thank you very much for your nice comment, it has been a pleasure to help you in the whole process of elaboration, planning and follow up of your trip. Touring Spain with your family and being able to do all the activities that I have proposed has been an experience that I hope you will never forget.
I look forward to your next visit to Spain.
All our love!
Alba and Stefy

Hotels selected were appropriate comfort leve...
Spain | Mar 9 - Mar 22, 2024

J
James K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
Hotels selected were appropriate comfort level, clean and well located for easy walking to most attractions. Breakfasts were uniformly excellent. Staff were friendly, helpful and conversant in English at all facilities.
Tours and guides were great. Sean in Madrid for the Palace and Prado tours was very informative, enthusiastic and fun to listen to. Juan Carlos for the Toledo tour was enjoyable guiding us in his hometown. Theresa and Jaime in Sevilla and Cordoba both were locals and... Read more

Hotels selected were appropriate comfort level, clean and well located for easy walking to most attractions. Breakfasts were uniformly excellent. Staff were friendly, helpful and conversant in English at all facilities.
Tours and guides were great. Sean in Madrid for the Palace and Prado tours was very informative, enthusiastic and fun to listen to. Juan Carlos for the Toledo tour was enjoyable guiding us in his hometown. Theresa and Jaime in Sevilla and Cordoba both were locals and entertaining and we really enjoyed both tour days. Stepan was great on our tour of Montserrat. He had a unique perspective as a non native of Spain. Ana gave us a nice overview of Gaudi architecture and Sagrada Familia visit. We have nothing but positives for all of the guides. The trains were great. No problems with any delays, etc. I believe the trip was planned really well and we were able to see many different areas of the country and both large and small communities without feeling too stressed or rushed. Alba did a great job planning and adjusting a few things on the itinerary. Her periodic check-ins and reminders were appreciated and was like having our Spanish Madre looking out for us!

Hotel Reviews
H10 Puerta de Alcalá
Madrid
Authenticity & Character
Clean, friendly and nice rooftop area
Location
Close to Retiro Park
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Las Casas de la Judería
Seville

Unique property with friendly staff. May be diffcult for some with poor mobility because of the outlay of the rooms but we really enjoyed the character of the building and proximity to attractions

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
H10 Art Gallery
Barcelona

Clean, friendly, nice greeting with Cava or juice on arrival, nice rooftop and dipping pool

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sercotel Palacio De Los Gamboa
Granada

Clean, friendly, great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Montserrat & Scenic Hike
Day Trip to Montserrat & Scenic Hike
Barcelona
Private Gaudí Architecture Walk with La Sagrada Família
Private Gaudí Architecture Walk with La Sagrada Família
Barcelona
Madrid at a Glance, Culture, Royal Palace and El Prado
Madrid at a Glance, Culture, Royal Palace and El Prado
Madrid

Sean was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Toledo Day Trip
Toledo Day Trip
Madrid

Juan Carlos was fun and informative guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monumental Seville: Royal Alcazar Cathedral and Giralda
Monumental Seville: Royal Alcazar Cathedral and Giralda
Seville
Ultimate Córdoba Day Trip
Ultimate Córdoba Day Trip
Seville
Group Guided Tour To Caminito del Rey
Group Guided Tour To Caminito del Rey
Spain
Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Alba
Alba Cruells
Local specialist in Alquezar | Replied on Mar 26, 2024

Hola James and Susan,
It was great to have you in Spain, it's so nice to have travellers like you both!
Your "new mama" in Spain misses you now after so many days
I wish you all the best. Life is GRANT
Alba

Alba booked us an incredible trip to Barcelon...
Spain | Feb 15 - Feb 20, 2024

Lani
Lani W.
Germany | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2024

Alba booked us an incredible trip to Barcelona and Madrid. Her attention to every detail made the trip truly easy and enjoyable for us. Guides Anna in Barcelona and Carmen in Madrid were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful; we've had private tours in multiple cities and never had better experiences. We wanted a special trip to celebrate some recent life events, and we got everything we wanted and more! We will definitely be back to KimKim, and to Alba should we return to Spain.

Local specialist: Alba Cruells
Alba
Alba Cruells
Local specialist in Alquezar | Replied on Mar 05, 2024

Hola Lani,
It has been a great pleasure to meet you both. Thanks so much forbyour kind words, we love what we do
Life is great and our job also thanks to customers like you
Alba