Introduction to Spain

This tour introduces Spain through the sights and flavors of three distinct cities: aristocratic Madrid, Moorish Granada, and modern Barcelona.

Begin in Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant squares, stately Habsburg architecture, leafy boulevards and superb museums. With your expert private guide, explore the city according to your interests. Perhaps tour the majestic Royal Palace and the world-renowned Prado Museum to see paintings and sculpture from the royal collections, or the equally impressive Reina Sofia or Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Stroll through the narrow backstreets of elegant shopping and residential districts. One evening, enjoy a private “tapas tasting” tour of some of the city’s most beloved tapas bars.

Continue to Granada, one of the richest and most populated cities in Europe during Moorish rule and still one of Spain's most breathtaking cities. During private touring, explore the extraordinary Alhambra—one of the highlights of Spain—a stunning Moorish castle, palace and garden complex on a hillside overlooking the town. Visit the Generalife, the country retreat of Moorish royalty just behind the Alhambra. With a local resident, wander the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin—the old Arab Quarter—and discover a world full of winding, hilly streets and alleys; Moorish ramparts, fountains and cármenes (traditional villas); and restaurants, shops and teterías (Arabic tearooms).

Conclude in Barcelona, one of Europe's most dynamic centers of modern art and contemporary culture. With your private guide, tour the city’s famous boulevards, the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, the central food market, and neighborhoods that are centers of Barcelona's design movement. Discover Gaudi's fantastical buildings, such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and the hillside Parc Guell. Also visit several of the city’s many excellent museums and architectural landmarks. During leisure time, enjoy Catalan cuisine, which is at the cutting edge of Spanish cooking.