SPAIN: Boutique Southern Spain Cultural & Foodie Tour - 14 days

Destination:  SPAIN: Madrid |(Toledo) Granada | Seville (Ronda) | Cordoba | (Penedès) Barcelona

Tour Commences In:  Madrid

Tour Concludes in:  Barcelona

Number of Days:  14 days / 13 nights

Tour Style:  Luxury / Deluxe

Accommodation:  Luxury / Deluxe

Meals:  Breakfast; 13: Lunch; 4: Dinner; 3:

Leaders: One or more local professional guides

Transportation: Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & fast train

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with a average level of fitness and mobility

• Tour the incredible Royal Palace and Squares in Madrid

  • View the remarkable Cathedral & Synagogues in Toledo

  • Study the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings plus an impressive foreign collection as you tour the Prado Museum with an expert art historian.

  • Be in awe of the amazing Alhambra in Granada

  • Marvel at Andalucía’s splendid Moorish architectural heritage

  • Be inspired to get your dancing shoes on when we visit our Flamengo Show

  • Visit a special olive oil mill

  • Sip real sherry from the home of sherry

  • Wander through Ronda, perched on an inland plateau riven by the 100m fissure of El Tajo gorge

  • Venture to the historical Bull Ring & Arab Baths in Ronda

  • Explore the Mosque & Alcazar in Cordoba

  • Step inside the impressive cathedral, past the altarpiece, dripping with gold, to the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.

  • Tour the Picasso Museum & Cathedral in Barcelona

  • Be overwhelmed by Gaudi’s extraordinary architectural masterpiece Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

  • Discover the amazing Parc Guell

  • Relish strolling the cobblestone lanes of the Gothic quarter

  • Participate in our fabulous Paella cooking class

  • Visit the beautiful wine region of Penedès

  • Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Spain and the regional delicacies, especially our Tapas Tours 

Day 1: Sunday: Arrive Madrid: (D)
Hola! A very welcome to Spain. Today, you arrive into Madrid airport (Barajas) where you will be met by a driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
Later this afternoon we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing on our welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.
You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with this exciting city.

Day 2: Monday4: Madrid: (B)
Later this morning our local expert guide will meet us in the lobby of our hotel to take us on a captivating 4 hour (Approximately) exploration of the heart of Spain’s capital and will also include a visit to the grandiose Royal Palace.
Later, we continue on an enriching tour of the world-renowned Prado Museum solidifying Madrid’s status as an epicentre of the art world. Within its walls, an impressive array of masterpieces awaits, promising to leave a lasting impression.

Day 3: Tuesday: Madrid: (B/D)
Enjoy a free morning perhaps meander through the central district often dubbed the "aristocratic center," which encompasses iconic sites like Plaza España, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Cibeles, representing some of Madrid's most significant landmarks.
This evening, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby to commence an enticing Tapas Tour, allowing us to savour the culinary delights of this vibrant city.

Optional Tour:
Perhaps this afternoon, explore the captivating Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Museum and The Reina Sofia Museum and Art Gallery, with a specialist guide and immerse yourself in the rich world of art.

Day 4: Wednesday: Madrid – Toledo – Granada: (B)
We embark on a voyage to explore Toledo, a city renowned as the 'Imperial City' and celebrated as one of Spain's most remarkable and exquisite destinations. Toledo boasts a historical legacy as the former capital of Spain.
We drive to Toledo and upon our arrival we will meet our private guide for three-hour guided tour and who will an enlightening us about this captivating city.
Following the tour, there is free time to wander and soak in the city's charm before reuniting for our onward journey to Granada. On arrival check into the hotel and the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 5: Thursday: Granada: (B/L)
This morning enjoy a city tour enchanting Granada followed by a tasty lunch in the heart of the Moorish Quarter of Granada. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 6: Friday: Granada: (B/D) Today you will have the pleasure of visiting one of the most beautiful and exquisite treasures in Spain: the 13th century palaces of the Alhambra. Your guide will meet you at the Alhambra Map, then enjoy an exclusive private tour of the Palaces, the Gardens, and Fortress that constitutes this magnificent complex. (NOTE: we cannot guarantee Alhambra tickets, but we will try to get them and, if we do, we can set up the guided tour. If we cannot, the clients will be responsible to purchase their own online, we can assist). Later this evening we’ll enjoy a wine tasting with some delicious Tapas.

Day 7: Saturday: Granada – Ronda – Seville: (B/L)
Today we embark on a journey with our expert local guide to explore one of Spain's most picturesque "pueblos blancos," Zahara de la Sierra. White village. Our itinerary includes a visit to an olive oil mill and an exploration of the charming town. From there, we proceed to the enchanting city of Ronda, renowned for its breathtaking gorge that divides the town in two and discover its storied bullfighting heritage.
Following our Ronda adventure, we continue our drive to Seville, where we'll check into our hotel. Later in the evening, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Flamenco with a captivating show featuring supremely talented artisans at one of Seville's most renowned "tablaos" dance halls. It’s a must..

Day 8: Sunday: Seville: (B)
Following breakfast, we rendezvous with our guide for a private walking tour of Seville where you will visit the Cathedral, the Alcazares Reales and the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. Following the tour the remainder of the day is at your leisure in this delightful city.

Day 9: Monday4: Seville – Cordoba: (B)
This morning we drive to Cordoba. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel where you have the option of lunch. Later this afternoon we have the pleasure of meeting our guide for an enriching walking tour of this magnificent city; capital to the Moors’ Al-andalus.

Day 10: Tuesday: Cordoba – Barcelona: (B)
It’s a travel day today as well board the AVE high Speed train no9h stop for our journey to Barcelona. (About 5 hours) On arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel in Barcelona. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Day 11: Wednesday: Barcelona: (B/D)
The best way to begin your exploration of this stunning city is with a guided stroll through the Gothic Quarter led by your local guide. Our journey will take us to renowned spots like the Ramblas, Barcelona's famous pedestrian avenue, the bustling Boqueria market located at the heart of the city, the remnants of the Roman town and some of Europe's finest shopping districts. To culminate this memorable day, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class at a local culinary school, where the art of preparing ‘paella will be unveiled, adding a delightful culinary touch to your Barcelona experience.

Day 12: Thursday: Barcelona – Penedès – Barcelona: (B/L)
Following breakfast, our dedicated driver will escort us to an enchanting Montserrat in Penedès region in Catalunya, where we'll embark on a visit to one of the area's renowned wineries. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore one of Spain's most picturesque wineries and savour a delightful lunch featuring typical Catalan delicacies. Later in the day, we'll return to Barcelona, and the remaining afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, whether for some last-minute shopping or relaxing.

Day 13: Friday: Barcelona: (B/D)
One of Barcelona's most celebrated figures is Antonio Gaudi, a pioneering architect and a key influence in the city's modernist movement. After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick us up for a comprehensive 5-hour tour of Gaudi's Barcelona. This journey will encompass visits to his awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia and the enchanting Park Guell.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relish, whether you choose to further explore the city or simply savour a glass of cava, Catalonia's own rendition of sparkling wine, while observing the world go by. In the evening we gather for our farewell dinner at a special restaurant.

Day 14: Saturday: Depart Barcelona: (B)
This morning our small group tour concludes. It is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Spain.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport, port or train station for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure schedule, you might have an opportunity for last-minute sightseeing and shopping. If desired, we can arrange a private guide to accompany you.

For those who wish to extend their stay in this incredible country, perhaps for another day or more, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Boutique Tours & Travel for any additional travel arrangements.

Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Spain. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided small group tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.

Flexibility
The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.

Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.

Boutique Tours & Travel offers comprehensive travel packages with just about everything on land included in one price. Accommodation, some meals, transfers, baggage handling, all major sightseeing and numerous cultural events are also included. Before you travel, you may have questions about what to expect while on your tour; for further information about this tour, or assistance in booking this tour please don’t hesitate to email us at: info@boutiquetours.com.au

Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.

World Heritage Sites:

• Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid (1984)

• Historic City of Toledo (1986)

• Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada (1984)

• Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville (1987)

• Historic Centre of Cordoba (1984)

• Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona (1997)

• Works of Antoni Gaudí Barcelona(1984)

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour 4 – 12 guests

• Exclusive and private airport / train arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Hand selected centrally located 4 star hotel accommodation – Standard Rooms (upgrade on request)

• Internet Access where possible

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = B’fast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner:

• Private services of a professional bilingual tour guides

• Private services of a bilingual tour host

• Concierge / bell hop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on call support service

• Luxury private air-conditioned vehicles for our transportation for transfers and sightseeing

• High speed train (AVE) Cordoba – Barcelona - Economy Class –Upgrade to Business Class –(on request)

• Admission fees to all sightseeing, shows and foodie moments as per itinerary.

• Most gratuities to Guides & Drivers

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information App

• Optional room sharing for solo travellers

  Not included:

  • International air or train fares

  • Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges

  • Porterage, tipping and gratuities on arrival and departure at airports & train stations

  • Passport and visa fees

  • Hotel City Taxes

  • Late Hotel Checkouts

  • Excess baggage charges

  • Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Porterage, tipping and gratuities

  • Meals not included

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Personal expenses