Grand Discovery of Spain

The Spanish capital is bursting with life and passion and through its well planned streets course Madrilenos, the city's inhabitants who really know how to live.

Madrid is a powerhouse of culture, and no trip here could miss a tour of the the Golden Triangle of Art, encompassing the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Music is also an important feature and the city marches to the beat of flamenco, jazz and live music of all kinds. And don't forget that Madrid serves some of the most delicious tapas that there is.

This tour includes exclusive access to the Prado Museum with a collection of around 9,000 paintings by artists such as Bosch, Titian and Rubens. You'll visit the museum before it opens to the public so you can appreciate the displays without battling the crowds. You'll then discover Madrid's fascinating history as you explore the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the vibrant market of San Miguel, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera House. You'll also visit the places that capture the essence of the city including the Neptune Fountain and the Spanish Parliament Building.

Enjoy exploring the historic city of Toledo. Sitting above the Tagus River, the old town’s winding streets and alleyways are punctuated by a stunning cathedral, the San Juan Monastery, ornate churches and two of Spain’s three pre-16th century synagogues that survived the Expulsion.

Cordoba is perhaps Spain’s most handsome city, an historic centre of culture and lasting testament to a golden age of religious tolerance during its time as a caliphate. King Ferdinand III then claimed the city for Castile during the Spanish Reconquista, bequeathing it its gothic and renaissance finery. Visit today, and you'll find Cordoba's grand past beautifully reflected in the city's magnificent architecture. During your tour, explore the Moorish, Jewish and Christian quarters including the ornate synagogue and the Alcazar with its beautiful gardens. You'll also discover Roman remains and the famous Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral.

The jewel in the Moorish Caliphate of Cordoba and the capital of the most powerful Castilian Kingdom, Seville has been left with eye-popping architecture and majestic grace. While Seville reached its peak in the 17th century and then suffered terribly in the Spanish Civil War, today it has resurrected itself as the capital and largest city of Andalusia. You'll need to spend a few days here at least to experience the true essence of Spanish grandeur.

Enjoy a walking tour through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville's oldest quarter, learning about its history from the Roman times right up until the present day. You'll visit the cathedral which sits on the site of the Great Mosque of the 12th century; the only part of this that remains is the minaret, now known as the Giralda Tower. The Royal Alcazar was the site of the marriage between Carlos V and Isabel of Portugal and is centred around two courtyards. The Ambassador's Hall is beautifully decorated with plasterwork and tiles, while the top floor is accessed by a 16th century staircase featuring paintings by Roelas and Madrazo. The pretty gardens reflect the passing of historical periods and are a lush hideaway filled with pomegranate, orange and palm trees.

Flamenco is the traditional song and dance of the gypsies of Andalusia and was developed over hundreds of years before becoming popular in the 19th century as a form of café entertainment. There are three parts to every flamenco show: 'grande' or 'hondo' with intense, profound songs; 'intermedio'; and finally 'pequeño', lighthearted songs about love and nature.

Seville's brooding Andalusian sister sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Iberian Peninsula's highest massif. Renowned as the last stronghold of the Moors who were driven out of Western Europe in the 15th century, it's here that you'll best discover Andalusia's splendid Arabic architectural heritage including the beautiful Alhambra Palace.

Head to the Hammam al Andalus, the first Arab baths to reopen in Europe after being closed down in the 16th century. The baths are located at the foot of the Alhambra over the ruins of an original public bath. They feature hot, warm and cool baths which you can dip in and out of, as well as a steam room. You'll also enjoy a traditional massage using red grape soap and essential oils.

The lavish Alhambra is Granada's most visited site. Once a palace and fortress for the city's Muslim rulers, the Alhambra means ‘red fort' and is named after the red clay used in its construction in the mid-13th century. The Generalife was the country residence of the Nasrid king and the recreational courtyard and its beautiful gardens sit on the slopes of the Cerro del Sol, offering spectacular views.

Stacked full of appetising restaurants, a sparkling port and an animated nightlife, Palma de Mallorca is seductively glamorous. Located on the southern shores of Mallorca, the island's capital city looks out over the sparkling blue seas of the Mediterranean. Amongst all this charm, La Palma's Le Seu Cathedral is a wonder in itself. This unusual Gothic church was begun in 1230 and holds its head above most views of downtown Palma. For an authentic slice of Catalan life, take a day trip or spend a few days exploring Mallorca's stone hilltop villages, mountain monasteries, and enchanting little coastal towns.

Discover the beautiful city of Palma and learn all about its history with a walk through the charming old quarter. Stop at the cathedral, known as Le Seo by locals, to admire its beautiful facade as well as its interior, designed by Gaudi. You'll also visit the village of Valldemossa and its Cartuja, a former 14th century Carthusian monastery and once the home of Chopin and Georges Sand. Deia was also a hub for artists, musicians and writers including the English poet and novelist Robert Graves, who was one of the first foreigners to settle in the village.

The Serra de Tramuntana is the highest mountain range in Mallorca, running for 90km from the cape of Formentor in Pollença to the cape of Sa Mola in Andratx. The coastline is very rugged with deep torrents and impressive karst formations which you can admire during your walk, along with the local flora and fauna.

In Spain’s northwestern corner sits the proudly independent comunidad autónoma of Catalonia, with the charismatic city of Barcelona as its capital.

One of Europe’s greatest cities, Barcelona has a rich history with iconic architectural treasures dating from Roman temples to winding gothic streets, with Gaudi’s uniquely playful modernism cut with stark millennial flashes of glass and steel. There is a tangibly buzzing culture in the streets and squares, an inspiration for some of the 20th century’s greatest artists and writers, that makes exploring tucked away bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries endlessly captivating.

Barcelona is known for its beautiful and often eccentric architecture, and on this tour you will learn all about Catalan Modernism that flourished between 1888 and 1906. Start at the Paseo de Gracia, one of the city's major avenues, before exploring Güell Park, home to some of Gaudi's most famous work. La Sagrada Familia, although not finished, is considered his masterpiece and is a real feat of engineering incorporating stone, brick, tiles and glass.

Enjoy wandering along the cobbled streets of the Gothic quarter, taking in the Santa Maria del Ma, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. You'll also visit the Picasso Museum, home to works from his youth, and El Born which feels like a small village nestled within the city.

Explore Dali’s Catalonia on this private tour. Visit Figueres, the beautiful town where the Dalí Theatre and Museum is located. The museum itself is the largest surrealistic object in the world, built by Dali over the ruins of a 19th century theatre destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War. You'll also head to Girona, a small but charming city north of Barcelona to wander through its historic streets.

The old centre of Girona has preserved the remains of its long history. Take a private guided walking tour to see its imposing Gothic cathedral, which contain a textile jewel, the medieval Creation Tapestry. You'll also stroll through El Call, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Arab baths.

The sophisticated and shimmering city of San Sebastian in the north of the country sits at the mouth of the River Urumea, looking out on to the Bay of Biscay, with the natural beauty of Mount Urgull, Mount Ulia, Mount Adarra and Mount Igeldo at its back. Its covetable position has given rise to a lively beachfront that includes Playa de la Concha, renowned as one of the best beaches in Europe, and Playa de la Zurriola, a champion surfing destination. But it's the city's fabled elegant architecture, spacious plazas and plentiful green parks that has led to its moniker as the 'Pearl of Northern Spain'. San Sebastian is famous for its pintxos and an evening dipping in and out of its bars is not to be missed.

San Sebastian has every right to be incredibly proud of its culinary heritage, and going out for pintxos is a fun and delicious experience. Pintxos are small morsels of food and people will typically visit three or four bars, sampling a different dish in each place. Originally pintxos were held together by a toothpick but nowadays there are all sorts of variations and they are best enjoyed with a wine, beer or a glass of txacolí - the lightly sparkling wine typical of the Basque country.

Drive through the beautiful Basque landscape to Bilbao, the driving force of social and economic development in the Gulf of Biscay. It is also home to some bold examples of modern architecture including the Euskalduna Concert Hall and the Metro, designed by Norman Foster. Gehry's Guggenheim is Bilbao's star attraction with its eye-catching glass and titanium design.

Head out of Spain to explore the nearby French Basque countryside. Your excursion includes a visit to Bayonne, a charming city filled with timber houses set on the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers. You'll continue to Biarritz, made famous when Napoleon III built his wife a summer residence on the seafront, and the colourful village of Saint Jean de Luz.

La Rioja is one of Spain's most famous winemaking regions, known the world over. You'll visit some of the local wineries, including the iconic Marques de Riscal, to learn all about the processes involved in transforming the humble grape into something magical. You'll also explore the medieval town of Laguardia, full of history and charm and there will be the opportunity to taste and buy the local wine.

The mighty Duero River winds its way through the rocky outcrops of the elevated plateaus of the Iberian Peninsular, giving life to the multitude of vines that criss-cross the land. Winemaking has been a way of life here for over 2,000 years; a huge Roman mosaic depicting Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine, was discovered here during one of the grape harvists and can be seen in the small town of Baños de Valdearados. There’s no denying the mighty grape is the beating heart of Riberia del Duero, but be sure to go exploring beyond the vineyards. Spanning four provinces, the area is rich in culture, with several magnificent castles to discover, such as the Peñaranda de Duero in Burgos and the Peñafiel in Valladolid.