Grand Tour of Spain

Drive past picturesque hamlets in the verdant countryside as you head to the majestic mountain of Montserrat located at an elevation of 4,051 feet (1,235 m). Learn about the history of this splendid UNESCO World Heritage site from your knowledgeable guide. Head to the Royal Basilica of Montserrat that is home to the famous 12th century Romanesque sculpture of Virgen Moreneta or the Black Virgin. If you are lucky, you might get the opportunity to hear the renowned local children’s choir in action! Stroll around Spain’s primary pilgrimage site to your heart’s content before returning to your vehicle. You can also choose to go on the optional tour of Montserrat Museum with its collection of works by Catalonian artists such as Salvador Dali and Caravaggio among others. (Duration: 5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Museum Admission not included; Fitness Level: Easy. This activity involves walking at a higher altitude.)

Explore the highlights of sun-drenched Seville as you traverse its historical neighborhoods. Soaking up the Andalusian vibe, begin your tour with a visit to the Seville Cathedral that houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Marvel at the expansive structure that showcases stunning late Gothic architecture, and features dozens of chapels inside. Drop by Giralda bell-tower next door, which is a minaret of the former mosque on this site, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city. Continue onward to the 14th century Royal Alcázar of Seville that is still in use by the Spanish royal family. Strolling through ornamental gardens and beautiful courtyards of this palace complex, admire the Mudéjar, Islamic, and Gothic styles of architecture. Finally, navigate the maze of narrow streets at Seville's former Jewish quarter Santa Cruz that features colorful houses, and intimate plazas dotted with orange trees. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Discover the fascinating flavors of Seville through the eyes of a local guide. Passing by the city's landmark sights in historical neighborhoods including the atmospheric old Jewish quarter, see remnants of Moorish architecture, and understand the 2000-year-old story of Seville. Visit several handpicked abacerías from among thousands of bars across Seville and get a glimpse of its rich culinary culture. Listening to live commentary, learn about the origins, inspirations, ingredients, and etiquette of tapas over a glass of vermouth. Hop between century-old family establishments brimming with locals, and feature walls adorned with statues of Christ and posters of Semana Santa, along with blue tiles and suspended hams. Savor myriad Andalusian tapas paired with regional sherry. Expect to taste Iberian ham, cheeses, pringá, garbanzos, chorizos, fried fish, and local miniature sandwiches called montaditos among others. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity, No Transfer; Tapas and drinks included; Fitness level: Easy)

Explore the archaeological ruins of Medina Azahara – a fortified Andalus palace-city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the first Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba. Hear about its fascinating history, the ideology behind its construction in the 10th century, and its rediscovery in the 20th century. Gain insights about the former Western Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus as you walk around the ancient palace. Stroll through the central area with its caliphal residences, aristocratic residences, and service quarters. Stop by the museum for a quick look at the impressive architecture too. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Included: English-speaking tour guide and entrance fees.)

Discover old Madrid on this historic walk, in the company of your local English speaking guide. Stroll down popular old streets, lingering around the many plazas surrounded by public buildings and magnificent palaces. Walk to Plaza de Oriente by which the Royal Palace stands. Enter the 18th century Royal Palace, which once housed royal receptions, hosted foreign dignitaries and saw the signing of historic treaties. Head to either the Museo Nacional del Prado for a taste of classical Spanish art or the Museo Reina Sofía for a taste of modern 20th century Spanish art. At the Museo Nacional del Prado admire the museum’s famous masterpieces, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest by El Greco, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya. At the Museo Reina Sofía see masterpieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Don’t miss Guernica, one of Picasso’s most recognizable masterpiece. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfer; Admission Included; Drink & Snack tasting included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo! Drive out from Madrid to Toledo with your English speaking chauffeur, where you will meet your local guide for the day. Replete with its two millennia-old rich histories of the Visigoths, the Emirate of Cordoba, Moors and Christians, there’s much to discover around the city. Visit the Toledo Cathedral, the Synagogue El Tránsito or Santa María, and the Santo Tomé Church. You can choose to buy yourself a sumptuous lunch at any of the tapas bars or traditional restaurants around town. Post lunch, marvel at the architectural beauty of the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and The Cristo de la Luz Mosque, after which you will head back to Madrid. (Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Toledo Cathedral closed on Sunday mornings & Synagogue El Tránsito closed on Mondays; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Discover the breathtaking beauty of San Sebastian, or Donostia as it is also called, on this walking tour. Located between the Urgull and Igueldo hills on the Cantabrian coast, San Sebastian is a combination of picturesque fishermen’s houses and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Walk through the warren of cobblestone streets in its famous Old Town, dotted with historic buildings, cafes, boutiques with the intoxicating smell of pintxos in the air! Visit the Virgen del Coro with its magnificent architecture that features an amalgamation of various styles. Head to its beautiful waterfront with its two crescent-shaped beaches. Take a ride on the cable car to Mount Igueldo and soak up panoramic views of the city from the top. (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 4 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Taxi for Monte Igueldo and cable car rides included.)

Visit the famous Paleolithic Monte Castillo caves on the banks of the Pas river in Puente Viesgo from Bilbao. Explore the cone-shaped limestone hill of at El Castillo and its intricate labyrinth of caves inside. You'll be amazed by the ancient artistic expressions of human and animal figures on the 275-meter wall inside that reflects the techniques, themes and graphic resources used by the prehistoric artists. Also notice the signs, geometric forms, abstractions and engravings. Follow the path skirting the hill for around 675 meters to reach the Las Monedas cave - the longest in Monte El Castillo. Enjoy a walk through the passageway inside observing the stalagmites, columns, and hanging terraces on the rock. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Entrance fees are included. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.)