Active Tour of Spain

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Madrid & Segovia, Marbella & Ronda, Granada, Barcelona & Montserrat

This private Spain tour is perfect for travelers wanting to combine private cultural and culinary touring with activities such as hiking and biking in the country's beautiful landscapes.

Start in Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant squares, stately architecture, leafy boulevards and world-class art museums. During flexible private touring, visit renowned museums such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia National Museum or Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and tour the majestic Royal Palace. Stroll through favorite neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and exclusive shopping and residential districts. Also visit historic squares and lively food markets, including the gourmet San Miguel Market. One evening, enjoy a private tasting tour of some of Madrid's most beloved tapas bars. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Segovia, a charming historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See its impressive ancient Roman aqueduct, imposing Gothic cathedral and fairy-tale Alcazar castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop. Also enjoy hiking in the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama, as well as time for lunch of local specialties at a top restaurant. Other touring options in Madrid include visiting the flea market, seeing the bullring or touring smaller museums. Upon request, additional experiences can be arranged such as cooking lessons, tickets to soccer matches, a behind-the-scenes tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or insider shopping tours.

Next, take the high-speed AVE train to southern Spain and transfer to Marbella, a fashionable beach town on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Ronda, a renowned whitewashed village built on the edges of a dramatic gorge, and enjoy hiking or biking in the area. Alternatively, opt to tour Malaga, a historic port city with a Roman theater, a ruined Alcazaba and a museum dedicated to local hero, Pablo Picasso. Other options include a visit to the Cueva de la Pileta to see ancient rock art, private boat charters or a private cooking class.

Continue to Granada, one of the richest and most populous cities during Moorish rule. With your expert private guide, tour the Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish castle, palace and garden complex on a hillside overlooking the city. Also visit the Generalife, the summer palace and gardens of Moorish royalty. See additional city highlights such as the opulent Royal Chapel, where monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried, and the labyrinthine Albaicin (the former Arab Quarter), a world of winding streets, Moorish fountains and teterias (Arabic tearooms) in the hills. For dinner, Artisans of Leisure can make reservations at a restaurant with views of the Alhambra. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range.

End your tour in Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region and a center of modern design and cutting-edge cuisine. During comprehensive private touring, discover Gaudi's fantastical structures such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Parc Guell. Stroll along Las Ramblas—Barcelona's most famous boulevard—and explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera. Visit excellent museums such as the Picasso Museum or Miro Museum. If desired, browse upscale boutiques along the Passeig de Gracia and design shops in the stylish Born and Raval neighborhoods. Also visit top food markets such as the Santa Caterina Market and La Boqueria Market. One day, enjoy a private hiking or biking excursion in the mountains around Montserrat; other options include exploring medieval villages along the Costa Brava, visiting top wineries in Penedes to sample different styles of wine and cava (sparkling wine), a specialty of Catalonia, touring Jewish sites in the historic city of Girona, or visiting the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities in Barcelona, such as cooking lessons, Jewish touring, tickets to soccer matches, visiting favorite family attractions, private yacht charters and foodie tours.