Overview
From wine tastings and sailing along the coast of Catalonia to the castles and cathedrals of the sun-drenched cities of Andalucía, you’ll experience some of Spain’s most dynamic sites. Explore the legacy of Gaudi in Barcelona, the medieval core of Cordoba, the rhythm of flamenco in Sevilla, the rugged mountains of Rhonda, and relax in luxury on the Costa del Sol.
Days: 15
Best time to visit: March-June, September, October
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Barcelona & Foodie Tour
Arriving in the morning, you’ll be met at the airport for a private transfer to your Barcelona hotel. In the afternoon, get to know the city through its Catalan culinary traditions; visit one of the city’s historic pastelerías, a 150-year-old tree-nut roastery, and a specialized cheese store housed in an old butter-making factory, enjoying tastings all along the way. Delve into local markets, tapas bars, and pair the experience with fine regional wines.
Day 2 – The World of Gaudí
Explore the world of Antoni Gaudí and Catalan Modernism on a private, 4-hour Highlights of Barcelona Tour. From the rippled stone facade of the Casa Milá, to the iconic towers of La Sagrada Familia Church and the sculpted walkways and structures of Park Güell, the mark of Gaudí and the modernists is indelibly entwined in the city’s identity. Along the way, you’ll see some of Barcelona’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Day 3 – Sailing & Wine Tasting
Today you’ll get to experience Barcelona’s seaside charm on a premium, full-day sailing excursion and wine tasting. You’ll sail for 3-hours along the coast on glittering Mediterranean seas, before landing and making your way to the village of Alella, a principal wine region and producer of traditional Spanish cava wines. Visit a family-run wine cellar for a tour and tasting of world-renowned organic wines. Return to Barcelona by car along magnificent coastline.
Day 4 – Barcelona to Córdoba
Check out of your hotel this morning and catch the high speed rail to Córdoba, which takes under 5 hours to travel nearly 600 miles. An enchanting Andalusian town that weathered the Dark Ages as a center of scholarship and learning, Córdoba’s medieval quarter is one of the best in Europe. Discover Córdoba’s historical monuments and architecture on a private, half-day tour that includes a visit to the 8th-century Grand Mosque.
Day 6 – Córdoba to Sevilla
This morning, continue exploring Córdoba with a knowledgeable guide and new mode of transit on a Horse and Carriage Tour. Visit local craftspeople that produce renowned leatherwork and pottery, delve into the history of bullfighting, and enjoy a view of the city off of the conventional sightseeing route. In the afternoon, travel to Sevilla by private transfer, with the rest of the day free to explore.
Day 7 – Tour Sevilla & Flamenco Performance
Step right into the heart of Sevilla, one of Spain’s most alluring cities, beginning with a half-day tour of its many historical highlights. Visit the massive Gothic cathedral, the Alcázar with its magnificent gardens, and stroll through the historic Barrio de Santa Cruz. In the evening, get a taste of the region with an amazing array of tapas—seafood, cured meats, cheeses, red pepper dishes, and more—and experience the intricate rhythm of flamenco with its exuberance, passion, and blend of cultural legacies.
Day 8 – Art Restorers & Tour of Triana
Hidden in Sevilla’s Old Town, down a narrow side street, you’ll enter into the exclusive home workshop of renowned art restorers. Depending on the day, they might be working on Golden Age paintings, ancient Roman pottery, or intricate rococo mirrors. Learn about their process and see artistic masterpieces away from museum crowds. In the afternoon, cross the river into the Trania neighborhood, an area with its own colorful history, intertwined yet independent of central Sevilla.
Day 9 – Sevilla to Ronda
Today you’ll drive from Sevilla to Ronda, stopping along the way to explore Zahara de la Sierra, a village of white-walled buildings perched on a rocky peak, crowned with an ancient castle. Visit a 17th-century olive oil mill, and learn about the town’s Moorish roots. Continue to Ronda and get a feel for the local lifestyle on a relaxed-pace walking tour through this historical city—Ronda has been at the crossroads of empires for centuries.
Day 10 – Hiking in the Serrania de Ronda
Travel out of Ronda this morning to explore the Serrania de Ronda, encompassing beautiful landscapes ranging from river valleys to limestone summits. Today’s hiking tour is tailored to your interests; you can stroll through several of the Pueblos Blancos, or stay off the beaten track in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Learn about the flora and fauna that characterize this diverse region, like the pinsapo, or Spanish fir tree, a genetic variety that has been around since before the last Ice Age.
Day 11 – Ronda to Granada
After breakfast this morning, drive the 2 ½ hours from Ronda to Granada, which is home to the iconic Alhambra, and was the final Moorish stronghold in Spain. Take an Insider’s Stroll through the winding, cobblestone streets of the Albaicín, the old Moorish Quarter, and learn about its colorful past. End the tour with tapas and drinks on a terrace overlooking the city.
Day 12 – The Alhambra & Countryside Stroll
Enjoy a private, half-day tour of the Alhambra, the fortified palace complex of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Moorish rulers of Spain. Explore the architectural history of the ornate palaces and massive stone walls, which offer great views over the city and surrounding mountains, and then head over to the royal Generalife Gardens. After lunch, if you’re up for an active adventure, take a guided hike through pine and oak forests into Darro River Valley, and through the cave district of Sacromonte.
Day 13 – Granada to Marbella
This morning, check out of your hotel in Granada and drive about 2 hours south to the Costa del Sol and your resort outside of Marbella. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the waterfront, browsing boutique shops, strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town, or swimming at one of the many nearby beaches.
Day 14 – Enjoy the Costa del Sol
Today is all about enjoying the beauty of the Costa del Sol. Get out on the water on a catamaran tour, go for a scenic drive along the coast, or relax at your luxurious seaside resort.
Day 15 – Departure
Travel up the coast to Málaga, about an hour-long drive, for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
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With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.