A Grand Discovery of Spain

Enjoy exclusive access to the Prado Museum with its collection of around 9,000 paintings by artists such as Bosch, Titian and Rubens. You’ll then discover Madrid’s fascinating history as you explore the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the vibrant market of San Miguel, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera House. You’ll also visit the places that capture the essence of the city, including the Neptune Fountain and the Spanish Parliament Building.

Enjoy exploring the historic city of Toledo. Sitting above the Tagus River, the old town’s winding streets and alleyways are punctuated by a stunning cathedral, the San Juan Monastery, ornate churches and two of Spain’s three pre-16th century synagogues that survived the Expulsion.

Dive into Madrid’s past, discovering the places that capture its historic glory. Your local guide will lead you through the incredibly well-preserved Royal Palace, where the kings of Spain lived from the 1700s until the early 1900s, as well as iconic sites like the Royal Theater and Plaza Mayor. Then you’ll head to Barrio de Las Letras, the literary quarter, where legendary writers live on through monuments and gilded inscriptions in the stones beneath your feet.

Enjoy a walking tour through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s oldest quarter. You’ll visit the cathedral; the only part of this that remains is the minaret, now known as the Giralda Tower. The Ambassador’s Hall is beautifully decorated with plasterwork and tiles, while the top floor is accessed by a 16th century staircase featuring paintings by Roelas and Madrazo. The pretty gardens reflect the passing of historical periods and are a lush hideaway filled with pomegranate, orange and palm trees.

Flamenco is the traditional song and dance of the gypsies of Andalusia and was developed over hundreds of years before becoming popular in the 19th century as a form of café entertainment. There are three parts to every flamenco show: ‘grande’ or ‘hondo’ with intense, profound songs; ‘intermedio’; and finally ‘pequeño’, lighthearted songs about love and nature.

Experience Seville as only the locals do as your host welcomes you into the rhythms of daily life. Visit a traditional market to pick up fresh produce and flowers, pop to the wine seller for a quick glass before continuing on with your day, stop by the neighbourhood church for pastries prepared by the cloistered nuns, or maybe browse artisans’ custom work to find pieces that fit your style.

Then relax by sampling Sevillian bites as you chat about customs, politics and hobbies on an open-air terrace, weather permitting, or the restaurant’s very best table, away from the crowds.

Head to the Hammam al Andalus, the first Arab baths to reopen in Europe after being closed down in the 16th century. The baths are located at the foot of the Alhambra over the ruins of an original public bath. They feature hot, warm and cool baths which you can dip in and out of, as well as a steam room. You’ll also enjoy a traditional massage using red grape soap and essential oils.

The lavish Alhambra is Granada’s most visited site. Once a palace and fortress for the city’s Muslim rulers, the Alhambra means ‘red fort’ and is named after the red clay used in its construction in the mid-13th century. The Generalife was the country residence of the Nasrid king and the recreational courtyard and its beautiful gardens sit on the slopes of the Cerro del Sol, offering spectacular views.

Antoni Gaudí is practically synonymous with Catalan Modernism, the architectural style that defines many of Barcelona’s buildings. Today you’ll visit awe-inspiring sites where his distinctive style is on full display, including ParkGüell: one of the world’s most important modernist works. Stroll down the Passeig de Gràcia and take in the majesty of the Sagrada Familia. Considered Gaudí’s magnum opus, this exceptional and intricate cathedral defines the city’s skyline.

Enjoy a private exploration of Dalí’s Catalonia, with a visit to the beautiful town of Figueres. Here you’ll find Dalí Theater and Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world, built by Dalí over the ruins of a 19th century theater destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War.

Girona is a small but charming city north of Barcelona. The old center of Girona has preserved the remains of its long history. Take a private guided walking tour to see its imposing Gothic cathedral, which contains a textile jewel, the medieval Creation Tapestry. You’ll also stroll through El Call, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Arab baths.

Join a local expert to explore the narrow alleys and hidden corners of the Gothic Quarter – the oldest part of Barcelona – where you’ll admire the 14th-century Gothic basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

Then wander through the area of ​​El Born, where you’ll rub shoulders with everyone from violin makers and fashion designers to local elders and party goers. In the old town, discover medieval remains and visit the Picasso Museum, one of the most important collections in Europe of the Spanish painter.

Spend a day wandering through San Sebastián’s cobbled streets and visiting local hangouts, artisan shops and food markets with a local expert. You’ll experience the authentic Spanish lifestyle as your host whisks you off to one of their favorite pintxos spots paired with wine, where you’ll sample some of the city’s most emblematic small dishes, along with a few off-the-menu items only locals know about.

Uncover the bygone curiosities of San Sebastian’s old quarter today as you navigate this historic cobblestone maze with a local expert guide. First, stand in awe of the Gothic church of San Vicente, the Renaissance-Baroque church of Santa María del Coro, and the impressive El Buen Pastor. Next, be led through the city’s old bullring, now the striking Plaza de la Constitución, before taking La Alameda del Boulevard to La Concha beach. Lastly, at the San Telmo Museum, reflect on Basque history, society, and culture at this one-of-a-kind, thought-provoking museum.

Immerse yourself in La Rioja, Spain’s most well-known wine, by getting to know the region of the same name. Experience the perfectly preserved medieval village of Laguardia before visiting a family-owned winery, a timeless institution within a unique terroir. Next you’ll enter the astonishing ‘City of Wine’ and enjoy a lunch at the restaurant of the Marques de Riscal Winery, 1860 Tradición. Lastly, sample the highly sought-after modern batch wines of a modern winery with 21st-century architecture.