Ultimate Food, Culture & Wine Tour of Spain - 11 days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Explore the City

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a private driver will transfer you into the city, where you can check into your four-star hotel and unwind. You'll then have the afternoon free to explore on a self-guided tour.

We recommend first visiting Mount Montjuïc and the surrounding area. Montjuïc is a famous hill that stands 1,988 feet (606 m) high and overlooks the Port of Barcelona. Take the Montjuïc Cable Car from the metro station near Olympic Park, which takes you up to the 17th-century Castle Montjuïc and offers panoramic views of the city. You can also access Montjuïc via cable car from Barcelona Beach and by a funicular elevator adjacent to the cable car.

The Poble Espanyol is also fun to visit. Constructed in 1929, this open-air museum features over 100 recreated buildings in the style of traditional Spanish villages. When the sun goes down over the city, make sure you're near the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, named for the dazzling display of water and colored lights that occur after dark. It's the best free show in the city, one whose effect is heightened by the hundreds of spectators and a communal atmosphere.

Day 2: Private Tour of Barcelona by Land & Air

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll meet a local guide who will whisk you away in a chauffeured vehicle for a half-day tour. The destinations are some of the most astounding works by the legendary Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí. First, you'll visit Park Güell. Located atop Carmel Hill in north Barcelona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fine example of Gaudí's boundary-pushing modernist style. Interestingly, it also has a storybook quality due to the bright colors and smooth organic shapes. The park takes up 42 acres, and you'll be able to marvel at every building as you stroll the myriad walkways and gardens.

Next up is the Sagrada Família, the iconic Roman Catholic basilica that's an impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Despite construction on the church beginning in 1882, it's still technically listed as under construction and was only consecrated in 2010. Upon arrival, the guide will reveal insight into the Sagrada Família's fascinating history, and you'll glean even more info as you explore the interior.

Then, you'll head to the famous boulevard Passeig de Grácia. It's home to upscale boutiques as well as two buildings by Gaudí. The first is the Casa Milà apartment building, which earned the nickname "La Pedrera" because its facade resembles a stone quarry. Casa Batlló is another modernist masterpiece of a residential building. Locals have christened it Casa dels Ossos, or "House of Bones," due to the skeletal nature of its design.

After touring Barcelona's streets, it will be time to change perspective and take to the skies on a helicopter tour. This excursion lasts a brisk 10 minutes, during which you'll be able to look down on every major landmark in the city as well as the impressive coastline. It's the perfect activity in which to cap your second day in Barcelona.

Day 3: Private Cooking Class with a Master Chef

Today in Barcelona, food takes center stage as you participate in an exclusive cooking class of traditional Spanish cuisine. You'll learn skills that you can use to impress friends and family back home when you cook them authentic Spanish tapas.

This gastronomic workshop begins with a visit to a local market with your private teacher/master chef. With fresh produce in hand, you'll head to a private kitchen in downtown Barcelona and prepare your very own Spanish tapas from scratch under the tutelage of your chef. A fitting end to this experience is when you get to sit down and enjoy your delicious creations.

After the cooking class, you'll have a few hours to enjoy the city. If shopping is on your radar, visit the boutiques around the Passeig de Gràcia. And if the cooking class piqued your appetite, you can find many options for dinner, complete with great local wine on Carrer De Blai in central Barcelona. It's known as the "tapas route," as it features many spectacular tapas bars.

Day 4: Train to Madrid, Free Afternoon

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll transfer to the train station, where you'll embark on a 3.5-hour journey to the nation's capital. Upon arrival in Madrid, you'll check into your downtown hotel and then have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace. Tomorrow will be the grand tour of this historic metropolis, so you might want to opt for more leisurely activities this afternoon and evening.

Perhaps you could take in a show. Gran Vía is Madrid's answer to Broadway, and on it, you'll find plenty of theaters showcasing plays and musical productions, many of which are geared toward the whole family. Needless to say, the options for culture in this city are vast, and you could also visit museums, art galleries, and live music venues if the mood strikes.

When night falls, be sure to indulge in Madrid's world-class culinary scene. If you want to dine amid history, head to the city center and Botín, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world—it first opened its doors in 1725. No less than Ernest Hemingway described it in his seminal novel The Sun Also Rises as the best restaurant on earth. 

Day 5: Private City Tour, Discover Madrid's Royal Legacy

Today, you'll enjoy a half-day tour of Madrid led by an expert local guide. Over the course of its long history, Madrid has seen many eras, and today, the city adorns itself with that history in its architecture, public spaces, and culture. An organized tour is ideal, as your guide can reveal insight into how these different periods influenced Madrid's different neighborhoods and buildings, as well as point out the most interesting sights.

One area you'll visit that's awash in regal splendor is the Madrid de los Austrias. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Hapsburg Dynasty's first ruler, Charles I. Located in the city center, it's home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, once the heart of Old Madrid.

Also here is the Royal Palace, which was the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll tour both the grounds and interior of this 3,418-room monument to opulence, entering the parade ground, the chambers of Charles III, several salons, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of the Crown, which displays Charles I's crown, scepter, and throne.

Later you could visit El Retiro Park. This 308-acre expanse of verdure is the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and a man-made lake perfect for taking a boat trip. There are also must-visit gardens here, including the Jardín de Vivaces (Garden of Vivacious Plants), Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (inspired by the Andalusia region), and a garden home to over 4,000 roses—best to see these blooms is from May through June. 

Day 6: Free Day in Madrid, Evening Flamenco Show

Today is a more relaxed day in Madrid, free of rigid timetables. You can spend the morning enjoying the hotel amenities or get out and explore the city on foot. If you're a sports fan, you can opt for a treat in the form of a tour of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the 81,000-seat stadium home to the Real Madrid football club. You might also consider taking a stroll along Fuencarral Street, which runs through downtown and is a popular shopping area full of upscale brands and designer boutiques.

In the evening, you'll have the chance to experience and appreciate one of Spain's premier cultural offerings: flamenco. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the 9th century when the music and dances of immigrants in the Andalusia region of the country mixed with the cultures of local Moors and Jews. Over the centuries, the intermingling of these various influences synthesized to produce the style of flamenco that has come to define Spanish folkloric music. Experiencing a flamenco show is an absolute must for anyone visiting Spain. For a more immersive understanding of this captivating musical style, join a guided tour that delves into every facet.

Your journey begins with a private tour of a guitar workshop, where local artisans skillfully craft these traditional instruments. Next, you'll visit a dance academy that teaches the future stars of flamenco. And don't forget the shoemaker who meticulously designs the special footwear for these passionate dancers. As the evening progresses, you'll have the opportunity to witness a sultry tango show, where professional dancers bring the dancefloor to life. Throughout the performance, your guide will unravel the intricacies and significance of the dance so you can better appreciate this artistic expression.

Once the final notes of the performance fade away, you'll find Madrid coming to life. This is a city that truly thrives after dark, making it the perfect time to head to Calle Ponzano. Located in the northern part of the city, this bohemian enclave is an ideal spot to indulge in a late-night tapas dinner, followed by bar-hopping.

Day 7: Train to Málaga, Explore

After breakfast in Madrid, a driver will pick you up at your hotel to transfer to the Atocha Train Station. You'll board a high-speed train for the 2.5-hour ride to Málaga, a coastal city in Spain's Andalusia region. It's a pleasant journey south, and along the way, you'll be able to relax and watch the beautiful Spanish countryside pass by outside the window.

Upon arrival in Málaga, a private driver will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city's Old Town. After taking some time to settle in, we recommend you head out and explore.

The first order of business should be to sample Málaga's delectable cuisine. Whether it's lunch or dinner time, when you arrive, you'll find plenty of great tapas, bars, and restaurants, particularly in the neighborhoods near the waterfront and along Calle Marques de Larios. You'll also notice certain common ingredients used in the cuisine of Málaga, which include olives, almonds, grapes, and raisins.

Day 8: Picasso Museum & Food Tour

Besides its medieval cathedrals and enviable location on Spain's Costa del Sol, Málaga prides itself on being the birthplace of one of the most prominent and revolutionary artists in history, Pablo Picasso. Today's exclusive tour of Málaga is centered around this painter, sculptor, and the father of Cubism. The first stop is the Picasso Museum, located in the historic center of the city. It's home to almost 300 works by Málaga's most famous son, all of them donated from Picassos' family estate.

Even if you're an art novice, don't worry; you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will lead you through the museum's various exhibits, discuss interpretations of the paintings, and reveal insight about Cubism along the way. Consider it an entertaining education and exploration into the life and work of one of the giants of 20th-century art.

After your cultural tour of the life and work of Picasso, you can continue to delve into the spirit of Málaga, this time through its gastronomy. You'll head to a traditional tapas bar and sample a variety of small plates featuring ingredients the city is known for. Naturally, this includes seafood like anchovies and salted fish, ajo blanco (garlic and almond soup), and cured meats like jamón ibérico and salchichón de Málaga, a type of Spanish summer sausage. Expect the plates you enjoy to be artfully presented with elevated and colorful ingredients—Picasso himself would approve.

Day 9: Pilgrimage Walk from Málaga

Today, you'll enjoy a quintessentially Spanish cultural activity. After breakfast at your hotel, you'll partake in the centuries-old folkloric tradition known as romería.

This long-standing activity involves a crowd of pilgrims walking from the city to a religious sanctuary in the countryside. The procession is the whole point of the celebration, and those on the route dress in costumes, ride horses and carry flags, all accompanied by live music and fireworks. There's no shortage of food stalls, bars, and drink vendors, too. It's an organized experience, but don't worry about getting lost—just follow the crowd of merrymakers, horses, and parade floats, and they'll lead the way.

After the party, you'll have a break for a picnic lunch. Then, it will be time for the 30-minute ride back to Málaga, where you'll have the rest of the day free to explore. Perhaps visit the hilltop Gibralfaro Castle, which dates to the 10th century, or stroll around the Port of Málaga. For culture, you can visit the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum (which features Andalusian paintings from the 19th century), or the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a contemporary art museum housing works in a glass cube.

Day 10: Day Trip to Granada, Tour the Alhambra

In the morning, a driver will meet you for a two-hour drive northeast and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Granada. This is another historic city that was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) when it was ruled by the Moors. You can see examples of this history in the form of Granada's most famous landmark, the Alhambra, which receives more than two million visitors annually.

This imposing Muslim fortress was built atop a hill overlooking Granada and dates to the 9th century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when, after the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on tour, you'll walk through its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic views of the city down below.

Day 11: Depart Málaga

It's time to say farewell. Depending on your flight time, you can squeeze in one last walk through the streets of Málaga and view the city's extraordinary sights. At the designated time, a private driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Adiós!

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