Traditions of Spain 20-Day Tour

Situated along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona remains an idyllic destination for a handcrafted tour through Spain. The cosmopolitan capital of the Catalan region presents a rich artistic heritage, proud culinary scene, and a national pride that dates back centuries. After arriving, your private transfer will quickly convey you to your conveniently located hotel. During your transfer, you should keep your eyes peeled for the looming profile of the holy mountain of Montserrat in the distance.

The artistic genius of Antoni Gaudi will come alive on your first full day in the city during a guided walking tour of many of the architect's stunning works, which are proudly displayed across the city. From regal homes along the Passeig de Gracia to the mesmeric Temple of La Sagrada Familia, you will get an in-depth look at the inspired life of Gaudi. Your tour will conclude at the famous outdoor market that is known as La Boqueria. Here, you can amble past stalls that each compete for your attention with colorful produce, seafood, and unique local foods.

Today, you will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted day of leisure in the colorful city of Barcelona. Adjacent to the harbor are the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Here, you can find ancient Roman walls that claim their historic position alongside the more recent 18th-century development. The narrow alleys and blind corners that cover these neighborhoods of El Gotico and Born will provide an exciting atmosphere to find a charming bar or delicious eatery.

Today, you will be able to leave the bustle of the big city behind and make your way to the coastal town of Tarragona. Once one of the richest ports in the Roman empire, this town boasts an impressive array of classical ruins, including a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Once you arrive in the charming community, a private guide will walk you through the ages on a private tour of the city center and the attractions that earned its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, you will revisit Gaudi's legacy on a half-day tour of the Colonia Guell, which houses the artist's crypt and is an excellent example of his unique architectural style. As your guide walks you through the impressive stonework and stained glass, you will get an entirely new appreciation for the artistic treasures that burst at the seams from this Spanish city. Upon your completion of the tour, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the city.

Your second day trip on your tour will come in the form of a scenic train journey to the landlocked town of Girona, which sits aside the Onyar River. This scenic town offers visitors some stunning examples of Gothic architecture and Romanesque neighborhoods. The cathedral, in particular, enjoys a stunning reputation, which was a reason it was chosen for filming the hit television series Game of Thrones. By the time you return to Barcelona, your mind will be swimming with the visions of this beautiful community in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.

After enjoying the hospitality of Catalan culture, it will be difficult to leave Barcelona. It will the promise of Valencia and the steaming piles of paella that will entice you to embark on the next leg of your journey. After a private transfer to the city's principal train station, you will hop on your coach and enjoy the costal journey. After you arrive and have had a chance to settle in to your new accommodations, you will be met by a private guide, who will help orient you in this seaside community.

History is well on display in Valencia. Today, you will be able to chart your own course through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of the city center. As you will have undoubtedly noticed by now, Spain's love affair with plazas provides an excellent source of diversion and open space in the often times crowded old towns. In Valencia, you can explore the Plaza de la Virgin in the evening to see how colorful these squares can be as both young and old come out to enjoy the day's final light.

You will depart Valencia today and leave the Mediterranean Sea behind as you make your way into the highlands of Spain's interior and it's elegant capital of Madrid. After making your way to Valencia's station, you will board a high-speed train that will carry you into the heart of the country. Upon your arrival in Madrid, a private transfer will convey you to your luxurious hotel. Here, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the city on your own. The serene atmosphere of the city's El Retiro Park offers an excellent way to relax after your journey and enjoy the gardens, plants, and fountains of this once exclusively royal property.

As the capital of Spain, Madrid enjoys a diverse culture that attempts to include the beauty and heritage of all 17 of the country's autonomous regions. This is no small feat when you consider the depth of heritage that can be found in just one corner of this colorful land. Today, you will embark on a walking tour of this city in search of the best of Madrid. As your guide entertains you with anecdotes and stories from the city's origins, you will be able to take in the sights of the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol while enjoying a visit of one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.

Today, you will embark on a journey to the nearby attractions at Segovia and El Escorial, where you can ponder the tombs of long-dead monarchs or stand in the shade of one fo the world's most intact Roman aqueducts. A private transfer will convey you to each of these sites where you will be able to enjoy the artistic and architectural treasures on display or find a sunny plaza to relax. By the time you return to Madrid, your imagination will be saturated with the sights and sounds of both the famous heritage sites.

A trip to the Spanish interior would not be complete without visiting the riverside community of Toledo. Perhaps, nowhere else in the country possesses the diversity of Spanish religious influence than Toledo. Here, Christians, Muslims, and Jews all made notable contributions to the city's culture. After arriving in the town, you will be met by a local guide who will be well-versed in Toledo's history. You will be able to enjoy the remainder of your visit on a guided excursion in the walled city.

To the south, rumors persist of a colorful city that is surrounded by fertile fields and scented with the aroma of blossoming citrus trees. The city of Seville has long enjoyed a strong grip on the minds of those who visit Spain. Today, you will be able to see how well its reputation compares with reality as you arrive after a high-speed train ride from Madrid. After you have had a chance to settle in to your new surroundings, you will be met at your hotel for a private tour of this remarkable city, which will include visits to its famous cathedral and Alcazar.

No visit to Seville is complete without immersing oneself in the colorful character of the city's suburb of Triana. The corner of the city is imbued with a charismatic and laid-back attitude that comes with its humble origin and reputation for attracting musicians and bullfighters. Today, you will be able to enjoy a private tour of this community where Seville's ceramic expertise is best displayed. Your day will conclude with that tastiest of all Spanish traditions: tapas.

Departing the warmth of the city streets, you will enjoy a full day's tour to the communities of Vejer de la Frontera, Barbate, and Brena National Park. The whitewashing town of Vejer will remind you of the painting style that was made popular in Greek fishing villages. Afterward, you will visit the beautiful beaches and villages of Barbate and the adjacent park. Through these mesmeric locations, your guide will be able to regale you with tales from local history as well as offer recommendations for the best dishes of the famous seafood.

Situated along the banks of the wide Guadalquivir river, Seville long-enjoyed a status as one of Spain's principal ports in the medieval and early modern periods. It was from here that under the provisioning of Spain's monarchs, Colombus was able to set sail for India. Instead, he ran into a whole new continent. For your final day in Seville, you will be able to enjoy it at leisure. Perhaps, a visit to a still-operating bull ring will help illustrate Hemingway's fascination with this land. You can also relax in the shaded comfort of a spa, which will help you rest after so many enjoyable tours.

Today, a private transfer will whisk you effortlessly from one beautiful gem in Andalusia to another. The coastal port of Malaga offers visitors a unique atmosphere that is enhanced in the evenings by the exciting nightlife. After arriving at your private hotel, a private guide will introduce you to the city and its major attractions, including but not limited to the cathedral, old town, and impressive Gibralfaro Castle. Any appetite you work up during the day's excitement will be easily satisfied during an evening tapas tour through the city center.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The tumultuous history since then has seen religious wars, inquisitions, and artistic revivals. Today, you will depart the busy port for the quiet highlands of the rugged mountains. Your destination will be Ronda, a hilltop community perched next to a massive abyss, affording visitors some spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. An expert guide will ensure no major site is missed on this trip and help you appreciate the scenic gardens and churches you visit.

By proceeding by train, you will return to Madrid for the final leg of your exciting Spanish journey. After arriving at your luxurious and conveniently located hotel, the remainder of your final day in Spain will be yours to partake in those last-minute shopping sprees or scenic visits that appear in abundance in the Spanish capital. If your stomach instead of your purse is your guide, you can visit the boisterous Salamanca neighborhood for some authentic tapas and savor the diverse flavors prepared for you.

A private transfer will ensure your comfortable departure from your hotel on your final morning in Madrid. As you await your flight home from the city's main international airport, it is not without some reluctance that you will prepare to leave. From the windswept shores of Cataluna to the quaint comforts of Andalusia, this tour will have provided you with a thorough immersion of the charm and character of Spain. Luckily for you, there is still much to see and do in this stunning corner of Europe.