Spanish Sampler

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Barcelona

   Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Barcelona's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the transfer is about 30 minutes.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Ramble on La Rambla

   Embrace the authentic Catalan spirit with an evening stroll along La Rambla on your first night in Barcelona. Spanning nearly a mile, this historic street is the sole avenue in the old part of the city, running parallel to the historic city wall. Unlike the bustling downtown, La Rambla offers a broad and spacious expanse, serving as an ideal meeting place for both locals and visitors alike. Flanked by bars, bistros, boutiques, and galleries on either side, La Rambla stands as a distinctive microcosm of Barcelona's charm.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Get a grounding in Barcelona

   Today, you'll receive the perfect introduction to Barcelona with a private tour exploring the historic Ciutat Vella, including the charming Gothic and Born neighborhoods, led by a knowledgeable and personable guide. You will enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Barcelona and Catalunya and crown the experience with tasting tapas and wine in a traditional restaurant.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Sagrada Familia Highlights Group Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

   It's hard to find an architectural structure as striking as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece is counting over 140 years in the making and the artist's genius is omnipresent inside and out of this iconic church. La Sagrada Familia is the ultimate highlight of Barcelona. As such, it attracts hordes of visitors every day. However, this tour grants you skip-the-line access to the architectural wonder, thus saving you precious time. Once inside, an expert guide will guide you through the history, vision, and artistic genius of Antoni Gaudí, one of Barcelona's most prominent personalities.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Art is Everywhere in Barcelona

   Barcelona caters to modern and contemporary art enthusiasts, with luminaries like Gaudí, Miró, Picasso, and numerous other architects and artists contributing to the city's acclaim as a globally cherished and vibrant cultural destination. Strolling through Barcelona's streets unveils an abundance of sculptures and decorations crafted by these artistic giants. Striking sculptures, architecturally intriguing buildings, and art-filled parks offer a multifaceted cultural experience, establishing Barcelona as a haven for art and life.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Traveling to Madrid by Train / Arrival in Madrid

   

   You're leaving Barcelona behind today and heading to Madrid. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a number of daily departures to Madrid, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 3-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Madrid by Private Transfer with a Stop in Zaragoza

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.

   When you arrive at Madrid's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.

   Start out by getting your central Madrid bearings by strolling two of the city's most impressive squares, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. Then make your way into the adjoining La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars. Explore the narrow streets and hop from one tapas bar to another, savoring a variety of local flavors and specialties.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Madrid

   

   Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace and Prado Museum Group Tour

   Experience the best of Madrid's art, architecture, and culture on a seamless half-day tour led by an expert guide. Skip the lines to explore the stunning Royal Palace and its opulent rooms, including the throne room and chapel. Stroll through historic streets, visit iconic landmarks like Plaza Mayor. End your journey at the Prado Museum, discovering masterpieces with engaging stories that bring the art to life.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Traveling to Seville by Train / Arrival in Seville

   

   You're leaving Madrid behind today and heading to Seville. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a few train departures to Seville daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the 2.5-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Seville by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Although it may not be the most famous city in Spain, Seville is considered by many to be the most beautiful. You get a sense of its unique charms as you meander through winding streets surrounded by characteristic white and pipeclay yellow walls of the painted buildings. Due to the hustle and bustle of port activity, 16th century Seville was the richest city in Spain. Goods of all splendor brought from the New World arrived at the feet of awestruck locals. Venture further into the city to marvel at the largest Gothic Temple in the world, Seville Cathedral, or try to imagine the sense of pride and awe felt by locals for hundreds of years as they gazed up at The Giralda Tower. This minaret was built in the Almohad period and was, for centuries, the tallest building in Spain and constructed as part of a Grand Mosque.

   When you arrive at Seville's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Stroll On and Beneath The Metropol Parasol

   The Metropol Parasol, affectionately known as "Setas" (mushrooms), is a wooden structure in Seville that dominates the skyline. This contemporary architectural marvel, completed in 2011, serves as an urban canopy, housing an archaeological museum, a marketplace, and a panoramic terrace with stunning views of Seville. Its undulating design and impressive scale make Setas a unique and modern addition to the historic cityscape. Visitors can explore its various levels and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Seville. Below the structure and on surrounding La Encarnacion square, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy your first tastes of Seville. Fun JayWay fact: we held our 2022 end of season team meeting closing event inside the mushrooms!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Seville

   

   History in Paper and Stone

   2,200 years of turbulent history made Seville, the capital of Andalusia, a wonderful mix of historic churches and grandiose palaces and Moorish heritage. With our local guide, you will walk the Santa Cruz neighborhood, home to many popular locations, including two UNESCO sites: the Seville Cathedral – the world's largest Gothic cathedral – and the Real Alcázar palace with its stunning gardens, still in use by the Spanish royal family. At the end of the tour, your guide can bring you back to your accommodations, or give you tips for further exploration.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Learn About & Experience Flamenco

   Seville is renowned for flamenco, an expressive art form rooted in the diverse folk music traditions of southern Spain, particularly originating from Andalusia. The Museo del Baile Flamenco showcases the allure of this art through exhibitions on dance, singing, and guitar. Visitors can explore flamenco costumes, video displays, and various educational exhibits. Additionally, the museum houses a Flamenco School and hosts daily performances from 5 to 9 pm, providing an immersive experience into the captivating world of flamenco. If you'd prefer more of a dinner-and-a-show performance, we can arrange for a table at Tablao el Arenal, another famous flamenco venue in the city.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Seville

   Discover The Foods of Andalusia

   Whether you want to learn some recipes to wow friends and family back home, sample tapas at the best places in town with a local guide, or head further afield to discover just why real Jamon Iberico comes at such a premium, we've got options for you.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Private Cooking Class in a Traditional Andalusian House

   Are you passionate about cooking and interested in delving deeper into the world of Andalusian cuisine? If so, this excursion is tailored just for you! Embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey in a charming town near Seville, where the vibrant Andalusian tradition and identity come to life. This immersive experience not only provides insight into the deep-rooted traditions and historical lifestyle of Andalusia but also furnishes you with a recipe book and materials, ensuring you can recreate these exquisite flavors and cherish the memories of your culinary exploration.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Iberian Pig Farm Private Day Trip

   We will immerse ourselves in one of Spain’s true gastronomic treasures. An experience where the senses are heightened, and where smell and taste reach their fullest expression. This journey revolves around a unique, exceptional, and incomparable product: Iberian ham.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Taste Seville Group Tour

   If you have a few hours to spare and want to discover why tapas are central to Seville's culture, this group tour is for you. A typical starting point is at a traditional tapas bar, where you’ll enjoy a glass of Manzanilla or your wine of choice with local delicacies like mojamas. Wander through Seville’s historic streets to a famous tavern, where you’ll savor classic dishes such as chicharrones and montaíto, served with refreshing Cruzcampo beer. Your journey can also include stops at a gourmet food store for Andalusian olive oil tastings, a visit to Seville’s Cathedral, and a final stop at a modern restaurant blending traditional and international flavors.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   World Heritage Hunt

   After exploring the magnificent UNESCO sites in Seville, consider a day trip to Córdoba, where time seems to stand still in a medieval setting. This city, like many in Spain, was once a harmonious coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. A highlight is the 8th-century mosque, a pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the Western world. Don't miss the historical Jewish Quarter, Judeíra. Wander through Moorish castles like Alcazar, discover Andalusian gardens, and savor the experience at local restaurants and bars. Córdoba is truly another jewel in Spain's crown.

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.