James Monro
As great as they are, there is so much more to Spain than paella, sangría and beachside resorts!! So often the stereotypical images of a country remain just at that and bear little resemblance to everyday life for locals. It didn't take me long to realise this on arrival in Andalucia, some 11 years ago and I fell for the most authentic version of Spain with its focus on quality of life & personal bonds, its stunning landscapes and its pride in its own traditions and culture.
Travel, as a means of recreation or even as a hobby has so much we can learn from, whatever our travel 'style' is and however we prefer to 'get out there and explore'. It should clearly never just be a matter of ticking boxes and I believe that the most worthwhile experiences are those with which we feel we've seen, done or experienced something novel, eye-opening and authentic. This is where I hope to lend a helping hand!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialise in custom making complete itineraries including accommodation and private transport for couples, families and small groups around Spain. We incorporate private tours and excursions with a guide for you to get the absolute most out of your visit, however long it may be. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll do our best to organise it, be it a flamenco jamming session or a culinary tour of the White Villages! "
How did you get involved in travel?
"While growing up in the UK, I was lucky enough to visit a number of European countries and the US from a young age and so I always knew that once I had the chance, I would jump at the chance of broadening my horizons. And this I did before, during and after studying my degree in Spanish & Geography at Leeds University, and thereby develop my enthusiasm for thinking up and planning trips to a whole range of destinations.
This, combined with the local knowledge of southern Spain gained from living and working here means that creating travel itineraries for other visitors was a natural progression and a real pleasure. I truly believe that Spain, and Andalucía in particular have so much to offer as a destination and I love the challenge of creating the ideal trip for each & every visitor."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One moment stands out among the many while travelling with friends and living in Argentina for 6 months before going to University. Thanks to some contacts, we were never short of ideas or recommendations. It was while staying with local friends (of friends!) in a small mountain village in the foothills of the Andes. We were warmly taken into their home and shown the authentic (and very active!) local life in a beautiful natural setting including how to prepare the real Asado barbecue and play the complex card game of Truco. More than anything, it was ideal for that particular moment for its authenticity and sense of discovery and has left lasting memories for these same reasons."
Featured trips & expertise
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid - 6 Days
On this immersive 6-day itinerary, you'll get a local's eye view of Madrid as you explore its culture and cuisine with a series of guided walks and excursions. After visiting the capital's landmarks and sampling its best tapas, set out on a selection of easy day trips into the surrounding countryside of Castilla y León. Visit the historic towns of Segovia and Pedraza as you tour and taste your way through cheese farms, olive groves, and wineries, returning to the bustle of Madrid each evening.
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 9 Days
If you really want to do Spain differently, you'll not only visit the famous sights but you'll opt for cultural tours as well. This 10-day itinerary offers just such an authentic experience as you'll not only visit the plazas of Madrid and Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, but you'll take foodie tours and road trips to country villages. For a finishing touch, you'll enjoy a luxury sunset cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 5 Days
Five days may not be much time, but if you focus your energy you can create the perfect Spanish holiday. This itinerary focuses on Madrid and Barcelona, and in the former, you'll visit its most famous city sights, enjoy gourmet walking tours, and visit local artisans. In Barcelona, you'll discover this Catalan gem via its cuisine as well as an unforgettable cruise around its port by sailboat.
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 6 Days
Even in less than a week, it's possible to get to the heart of Spain—you just need to focus on the right places. This six-day whirlwind cultural tour achieves exactly that by focusing on Madrid and Barcelona, ensuring you get the most out of each. Not only will you see famous sights like the Royal Palace and El Prado Museum, but expert local guides will give you a delicious introduction to both cities on private food tours.
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 7 Days
With a full week, you can experience both the highlights of Spain's most famous cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Not only that but on this seven-day whirlwind itinerary, you'll also find time for day tours to historic towns outside the nation's capital. And when you do finally end up in Barcelona, prepare yourself for a delicious food tour and sunset sailing experience on top of visiting its most famous neighborhoods.
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 8 Days
In just over a week you can not only experience the highlights of Spain but go off the beaten track as well. This eight-day itinerary delivers on the famous sights and neighborhoods of Madrid and Barcelona, but you'll really immerse yourself on gourmet walking tours of these cities. Throw in a sunset sailboat cruise around Barcelona and you have the recipe for the perfect Spanish holiday.
Recent trip reviews for James
James and Rocio were always on top of everyth... · Spain - Dec 22 - Jan 4, 2020
James and Rocio were always on top of everything. Tour was well thought out and we had a great time. Andalusia Region is so beautiful, we will be back for sure.
Local hotels and guides were also amazing, we couldn't ask for more.
Highly recommend this trip and also its crew.
Palomares Family
Hi Javier & family,
Thanks very much posting this great review!! It was a real pleasure to plan the trip with you and then have you travelling with us over this festive period. We're thrilled that you enjoyed it and experienced the real Andalusia. Hope to see you back here soon!
James & the Tailormade Andalucia team
Spain Highlights · Spain - Sep 12 - Sep 20, 2019
I can't speak highly enough of my 9 day Spanish experience. From the drivers, the hotel service and Rocio, who made time to check in how my trip was going.
My tour guide Delia in Sevilla was great company and her knowledge was fantastic. She really made me feel welcomed. I can't recommend her enough. Kudos to La Azotea on Calle Zaragoza, some great tapas!
Both Madrid and Barcelona were great urban escapes. My tour guide Sandra in Barcelona was an absolute joy. She was quite taken back by... read more
Hey Jordan!
I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your adventure here in Spain. Also, great to hear that your guides added to the experience and that they made you feel extra special! Your kind words are much appreciated!
From us all at Tailormade Andalucia!
Amazing trip! This is my second trip with Kimkim and I am already planning for the next one. My daughter and I were treated like VIPs! Every detail was anticipated and handled. Every guide ( Miguel Angel, Estephania and Christina) were professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Every driver, whether for a short ride or a day long assignment, was amazing. I can't thank David, our driver for Malaga, for how wonderful, punctual, knowledgeable and friendly he treated us all day. Please don't change anything about your services.
Hi Maria,
Thanks very much for your comments! We're all so pleased that you enjoyed the trip and above all, felt like VIPs along the way! As you can imagine, it's very satisfying for us to hear such positive feedback about all the different elements of the trip and we sure will continue doing just as we have been ;)
With best wishes from us all at Tailormade Andalucia.
Saludos,
James
Loved Gallery Hotel. Tremendous value!
Marie was great but is a sommelier and should be touring the city and its wine bars in her element, not tapas.
Loved our sail!
Andrew and the Priorat region were absolutely amazing. One of our best days ever!!! The meal in the village was best meal of the trip!
Craig challenged us on the hike and it was a great day. Also gave us tremendous insight into Spanish art. Meal was disappointing but the service there was great as was the view.
Overall, great trip and thanks for taking the planning research off our shoulders!
Hi Cristin,
Great to hear from you! We're so pleased that your action-packed trip was a success and that you all enjoyed Barcelona & the surrounding areas. Your comments are much appreciated, especially to hear your highlights and that you enjoyed the time with your guides! We hope to welcome you back again soon!
With best wishes from all the Tailormade Andalucía Team!
James
Family trip to Madrid and Surrounding · Spain - Jun 26 - Jul 6, 2019
Kim Kim was my first experience using a travel agency. I am so glad we did! James was patient with me from the start. Kindly answering all of my questions and waiting for my husband to get on board! He sent over a great itinerary and worked with me when I found out I had the dates wrong as well :)
The itinerary was exactly what we asked for, some action, some down time and very family friendly as we traveled with our six year old.
I’m not sure what I was expecting upon arrival, but James and... read more
Hi Kenya!
Thank you again for sharing such detailed comments and fantastic photos of your trip. We are delighted you all enjoyed the trip and it was a pleasure to plan it with you!
With best wishes from us all,
Saludos!
James
We had a great time, overall the experience exceeded our expectation.
James was very professional throughout the preliminary and delivered a perfect package for us.
Thank you KimKim team!
Hi Mauro,
Thanks for your comments and of course, we are all very pleased you enjoyed your holiday on the island of Mallorca. Even more so that the trip exceeded your expectations!! It is really rewarding for us to know this!
Best wishes from us all,
James
Our trip was to Barcelona and the Coasta Brava (staying in Calella de Palafrugell).
James planned a great itinerary for us! He asked the right questions to learn what we would enjoy and made great suggestions. Our favorite parts of the trip were things that we wouldn’t have done without his help in planning. (The more forgettable parts were the “must dos” that I found on lists and asked him to include!). In fact, it was James who suggested visiting the Coasta Brava and it was the perfect... read more
Hi Carol!
Thanks very much for your kind words & for writing such a detailed review! It is much appreciated and is really helpful to hear about which parts you enjoyed most!
We are so pleased that you had such a great holiday together and that all the guides added to your experience, showing you things you otherwise wouldn't find. It was a pleasure to plan and prepare the trip with you and if you ever decide to come back to Spain, we would love to hear from you again!
With best wishes,
James & Rocio
Family fun in Spain · Spain - Apr 13 - Apr 19, 2019
It was a delight working with James on my family's recent trip to Andalucia. He was very helpful in guiding us through our options for traveling in the area. His knowledge and expertise of our travel options, as well as his flexibility and helpfulness in adjusting our itinerary to meet my family's specific needs, were essential in ensuring that we had the best experience possible. Our trip also included some slightly more challenging travel that involved the very busy (while delightfully... read more
Dear Jason,
Thanks very much for your kind words and we appreciate you taking the time to review your trip to Andalucía. We're delighted that you and the family had a great time and that everything went smoothly in this busy time of year! Of course, I hope you'll take many happy memories with you and we would love to welcome you back in future.
Best wishes from all your friends at Tailormade Andalucia!