Spain

A journey through Spanish Passion and Paradise

The Best of Spain

Madrid, Andalucia & Mallorca

This itinerary offers a journey through Spain’s most vibrant cities and picturesque landscapes, beginning with the cultural treasures of Madrid. Immerse in Seville's rich history, lively music, and exquisite gastronomy, while enjoying excursions to the countryside for sherry tasting, an Iberian ham production tour, and visits to the enchanting white villages. In southern Spain, experience exclusive private access to the breathtaking Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada, with time to explore Granada's walkable streets and architectural gems. Conclude your adventure on the island of Mallorca, with a day aboard a yacht discovering hidden coves, a special farm-to-table dinner, wine tastings, art gallery tours, and visits to mountain villages, all complemented by the cosmopolitan allure of Palma.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 - 3 | Madrid | Mandarin Oriental Ritz

Day 3 - 6 | Seville | Alfonso XIII or Corral del Rey

Day 6 - 8 | Granada | Palacio de los Patos

Day 8 - 11 | Mallorca | Son Net or Cap Rocat

Day 11 | Departure

Travel from Madrid to Seville in a first class cabin on a high-speed train (2 hours and 30 minutes). From Seville, you’ll have a private transfer of 2 hours and 30 minutes to Granada with stops along the way. Finally, from Granada, catch a 1 hour and 30 minute flight to Palma de Mallorca. There are direct flights from Mallorca to NYC in the summer months.

Madarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Alfonso XIII, Seville
Corral del Rey, Seville
Palacio de los Patos, Granada
Son Net, Mallorca
Cap Rocat, Mallorca

Madrid

Madrid retains the grandeur of Spain’s Golden Age under the Habsburg Empire, a period that marked the unification of the Crowns of Castile and Aragon and the nation’s expansion into the New World. The city is adorned with monumental cathedrals and royal palaces, many of which now house some of the world’s most iconic artworks, including Picasso’s Guernica, Velázquez’s Las Meninas, and Goya’s La Maja Desnuda. With its traditional charm, Madrid boasts some of the country’s most sought-after culinary experiences, complemented by an impressive constellation of Michelin-starred establishments.

Historic Walking Tour: Visit the sites that best represent the old essence of the capital of Spain with your guide: Cibeles Square, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Via. The historic old town is a living example of the city’s 16th century heyday.

Madrid Food Tour: An insider’s culinary adventure through Madrid, exploring bustling mercados, tucked-away tapas bars, traditional vermuterías, and family-run tabernas, all while discovering the city’s rich gastronomic history and vibrant food culture.

Private Access to the Prado Museum: Enjoy the Fast Track Access to the Prado Museum and complete private access to the museum itself during closing hours.

Explore Madrid private tour luxury trip spain

El Rastro Market: Starting at Plaza de Cascorro, vendors line the streets, selling everything from antiques, leather wares, imported items, and textiles to clothing, souvenirs, and paintings (only open on certain days of the week).

Architectural Tour: With an expert guide, admire the wide variety of styles that coexist in the city, from contemporary architectural wonders to 17th century baroque buildings.

Royal Palace: Visit the Royal Palace, residence of the Kings of Spain since the 18th to early 20th century, an elaborate building that contains paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio.

Tailored Shopping Experience in Salamanca : Discover Madrid’s most exclusive boutiques with a personal stylist in the chic Salamanca neighborhood. Explore designer labels like Loewe, Manolo Blahnik, and Cartier while enjoying VIP services, including private fittings and champagne.

Seville

Perhaps Spain’s best-known and well-loved region, Andalucia is the folkloric heart of the country where the influence of its Moorish past can not only be seen across the architectural landscape of Cordoba, Seville and Granada, but also felt within the permeating sound of the Spanish guitar or the tapping of a fervent flamenco dancer.

Historical Biking Tour: Seville’s historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval alleys. Cycle by the Real Alcazar, a magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture. End your tour in at the famous Parque de Maria Luisa. A delightful oasis of green, the extensive park is a lovely place to escape the noise of the city, with duck ponds, snoozing sevillanos and shady paths snaking under the trees.

Flamenco Bar: Enjoy tapas at a local restaurant and walk over to a flamenco bar, La Carboneria, to listen to live flamenco music that is occasionally accompanied by a dancer.

White Villages of Andalucia: Explore the charming town of Jerez with a visit to its vibrant local market, followed by a private sherry tasting at Lustau Winery with an expert sommelier. Enjoy a seaside lunch in Conil de la Frontera, an Atlantic coastal town famed for its stunning beaches, cliffs, and the historic Torre Castilnovo. Discover the enchanting White Village of Vejer, perched on a clifftop with narrow, whitewashed streets and a timeless atmosphere.

Private Flamenco Class Seville Spain Luxury Tour

Cathedral of Seville & Rooftop Access: Your guide will take you to explore Seville’s immense cathedral, awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty, and enjoy access to its spectacular rooftop. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what had previously been the city’s main mosque. Highlights include the Giralda, the mighty bell tower which incorporates the mosque’s original minaret, the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Capilla Mayor with an astonishing gold altarpiece.

Private Flamenco Class: Immerse yourself in the heart of Andalusian culture with a private flamenco class in Seville, led by a professional dancer in an intimate studio setting. Start with introduction to the origins and spirit of flamenco, followed by personalized instruction on its key elements, including the rhythm (compás), hand clapping (palmas), and passionate footwork (zapateado). This class provides a unique opportunity to connect with the soul of Seville through its most iconic art form.

Cordoba

On your way to Granada from Seville, stop by the famed city of Cordoba.

Olive Oil Tasting: Experience an olive oil tasting session with traditional salmorejo and learn about the intricate process of making this oil, known as “liquid gold” in Spain.

Cordoba Jewish Heritage: Stroll through the famed Jewish quarter of Cordoba. Aside for its world-renowned samples of splendid Moorish buildings dating from the Islamic era, Cordoba boasts a rich Sephardic history. Visit one of the three pre-expulsion synagogues remaining in Spain built in 1315. Stop by Casa de Sefarad Casa de la Memoria, which contains items from local medieval Jewish homes and an exhibition on Sephardic tradition.

UNESCO Mezquita in Private: The monument will open its doors exclusively for you during closing hours. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain and one of the world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture. The style hints at a refined age when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side and enriched their city with vibrant cultures. Experience a live organ show by a local musician during your exclusive tour.

Granada

Realejo: Meet with your guide to walk through some of Granada’s main highlights, including the Jewish neighborhood of Realejo. This Realejo is known as the “Juderia” or the Jewish Quarter during Muslim rule. Stop by the Sephardic Museum of Granada and pop into the Palace of the Forgotten – a new privately-run Sephardic museum.

Royal Chapel of Catholic Monarchs: Visit the last resting place of Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, Isabel I de Castilla (1451–1504) and Fernando II de Aragón (1452–1516).

Alhambra Private Access: Enjoy exclusive private access of one of the world’s most famed UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Alhambra, with its palaces, courtyards and gardens. You will experience this tour with an expert guide after hours and have it all to yourself.

Tapas Tour: In the evening, experience a walking tapas tour with your personal guide, tasting the various authentic dishes of the region.

Flamenco Show in Sacromonte Caves: Delight in an intimate flamenco performance in the historic caves of Sacromonte, the heart of Granada’s Gitano culture. Paired with fine Andalusian wines and local tapas, this exclusive experience offers an authentic glimpse into the passion and artistry of traditional flamenco in its birthplace.

Mallorca

Mallorca is truly an island fit for royalty, with its 14th-century palace overlooking the capital still serving as an official residence for Spain’s king and queen. Beyond the medieval walls, the city has transformed into a hub of stylish restaurants, bars, and boutiques, while the island’s turquoise waters and dramatic seaside cliffs remain as breathtaking as they have been for centuries.

Deia & Valldemossa: Visit the charming towns of Valldemossa and Deia. Crowned by the spires of its Carthusian monastery, Valldemossa is one of the island's most eye-catching sights. The small coastal village of Deià, on the northwest coast of Mallorca, is one of the prettiest villages on the island. Perched in a ravine at the foot of the Teix mountain, with views out to the Mediterranean below, Deià has long been a magnet for famous artists, writers and other creative people – most notably the writer Robert Graves.

Private Yacht Tour: Mallorca wouldn't be done right without a day of cruising over crystal waters, past secluded rocky coves and powder-sand beaches. Spend the morning aboard a private boat and explore the rugged coast, stop at any sandy cove you wish and forget about time and space. Snorkels are available on board for you to use.

Gourmet Dinner at Zaranda: Savor an unforgettable dining experience at Zaranda, Mallorca’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy a creative tasting menu crafted by Chef Fernando P. Arellano, showcasing the finest local ingredients in a sophisticated yet intimate ambiance.

Palma de Mallorca: Rising in honey-colored stone from the broad waters of the Badia de Palma, this enduring city dates back to the 13th-century Christian reconquest of the island, and to the Moors, Romans and Talayotic people before that. A richly studded diadem of historical sites, Palma also shelters a seemingly endless array of galleries, restaurants, craft studios and bars – it's without doubt Mallorca's greatest treasure.

Farm to Table: Visit a 'Finca', a local farm and enjoy a tour through the property, where your hosts will explain everything there is to know about local farming. You will learn more about the Mallorquin traditions in growing fruits and vegetables. Once you've harvested your seasonally available products, together with your host you will prepare a true farm to table meal to be enjoyed in the company of newfound friends and acquaintances.

Private Wine Tasting: Discover Mallorca’s rich culinary heritage with a private tour of a historic finca. Learn about traditional olive oil production and sample award-winning local wines, accompanied by artisan cheese and charcuterie, all in a picturesque countryside setting.

Stay at Cap Rocat: Experience unparalleled tranquility and elegance at Cap Rocat, a former military fortress turned five-star luxury retreat. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this exclusive property offers exquisite suites, a private beach, and world-class dining under the stars.

Alternatively, stay at Son Net and read my review here.