Romantic Getaway to Spain Tour: Luxury & Wonders

The morning in Madrid is tranquil. Even the capital city is known for its sleepy early hours, waiting for the midmorning sun to really bring the city to life. After breakfast your private guide meets you at the hotel and brings you to the Royal Palace, the largest palace in all of Europe. The 18th century structure maintains a grand and opulent façade matched only by the interior. The entire complex stretches over 1,450,000 square feet. Statues of Gothic kings line the walkway in Plaza de Oriente. The halls and banquet rooms are lavish. When you enter the palace even the staircase is exuberant.

The granite walls tower over you as the sunlight shines through the open porthole high above the first floor. The sense of history competes with the exceptional décor. Chandeliers dangle from the embellished ceilings. Even the royal pharmacy is adorned with gilded drawers and tiny ceramic bottles that contained medicine meant only for the royal family. Beneath the glistening chandeliers and near the glossy knights in the armory, you begin to understand the city’s connection to a broader culture and the ardor of its history.

Segovia is a city with a breath of myth. After breakfast you will make your way out of Madrid’s urban bustle, view the breathtaking mountains of the tranquil countryside, and arrive in Segovia. The famous aqueduct runs through the Plaza del Azoguejo and breathes fresh air into the whirlwind of histories that describe the ambiance of the city. The aqueduct was built by the Romans around the 1st century AD and spans over 2,683 feet. The stone structure runs alongside homes and shops like an ancient border of the city’s historic center. Tulips blossom around the plaza in the spring and summer.

Terracotta and sandstone buildings give a subtle color to the foreground, set among the rolling hills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Alcázar of Segovia stands atop a citadel and is surrounded by trees. The scent of pine brushes the air. Towers and ramparts stand against the bright blue sky. The 18th century recreation of the 13th century edifice resembles the perfect fairytale castle. Turrets are topped with sloping roofs that resemble witches’ hats and the Sala de las Piñas is decorated with stalactites shaped like pineapples. The stories of the city, and of your impassioned journey through the countryside, are just beginning.

Toledo is a city that has collected culture and maintained its connection to beauty throughout the ages. Your private guide meets you and is ready to show you the majesty of the remarkable city. The streets wind and twist between close-knit buildings creating the framework of a fabulous labyrinth, steeped in a past you want to know. Inner patios and plazas decorate the cityscape high above the Tajo River. You can see the ever-present beauty that captured the eye of El Greco, the famous painter who created the exceptional rendition of “The View of Toledo.”

The Alcázar stands at the highest point of the city and now contains a military museum, which includes a fabulous overview of Spain’s local and global history. In Toledo it is the Catedral that will take your breath away. The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo is a Gothic piece of art constructed in the 13th century. Five separate naves fill the impressive and lavish space. The Portal of the Clock is the oldest gateway into the building. A semi-circular decorative piece that adorns the doorway is divided into four panels; each is intricately carved to tell biblical stories from both the Old and New Testament. The image of the cathedral is unforgettable, rising high over the city like a crown jewel.

Seville is the capital of southern Spain and continues to display its influences of Arabic culture that date back to the 8th century when the Moors controlled the city. After breakfast you will enjoy the delightful train ride through the countryside and arrive in Seville. A private transfer will meet you at the station and check you in to your fantastic hotel. Seville has a particular flair that emanates from its history and its diverse cultures settling along the city’s cobblestone streets. You hear it in the distinct sounds of Flamenco that emanate from restaurants and sometimes even from open plazas. The fast clicking heals and hypnotic guitar strumming makes this feel different than any other city in Spain, a bit more intimate, a bit more romantic, a bit more passionate.

The Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz represents the medieval history of the city and a people, and is edged on one side by the Alcázar. The streets are paved with cobblestones and the buildings maintain bright colors. Gaslights protrude from the walls above the walkways. Gardens dangle over balconies and under the shade of towering palm trees. The bright aroma of orange trees comes from the Plaza Doña Elvira. The narrow alleys lead you through a maze of houses that almost touch. The Callejon del Agua runs parallel to the city walls and once brought water to the palace. The atmosphere of the city is unique and a true treasure to discover with someone special.

Cadiz is an ancient city that sits alongside the Atlantic Ocean. The water glistens sapphire in the sunlight. The city shines a variety of pastels against the color of the sea. The city has such a history that it is thought to be the oldest inhabited settlement on the continent and is in its 4th millennium of urban living. Head to the city’s historic center and find a meandering wave of romance in the assortment of narrow streets. You can hear waves brush against the sea walls. The aroma of freshly fried seafood lingers in the air.

Old mosques of the Barrio del Pópulo have become churches and the open plazas are lined with trees that shade you from the sun. Fishermen set out on the water in tiny colorful boats. The relaxed atmosphere brings you to the feel of a beachside community, rather than a historical city. Plaza San Juan de Dios bustles with life around the cafes and the trickling water of the fountains. You can stroll along the tiers of seating at the Roman Theater and discover the unrelenting splendor of the city.

After breakfast you will make your way to Ronda, one of Andalusia’s “white villages.” The walls of the city are whitewashed to help retain heat in the winter and reflect the sunlight in the warmer summer months. The closer you come to the city the more you can see the shimmering light bounce off of the whitewashed walls. The town stands on a plateau that marks the El Tajo Gorge on one side and the Serrania de la Ronda mountains on the other. The rocks are golden and decorated with speckled greenery.

The Puente Nuevo is a bridge that connects the town over two narrow drops in the canyon. Although the bridge was constructed in the 18th century it maintains its integrity and beauty, standing 390 feet above the canyon floor. The cobblestone streets run through the white walls and colorful windows. The charm of the city is so magnificent you almost want to get lost among the winding alleys and sensual aromas that spill out from homes and cafes. The sleepy city offers a remarkable view of the vast countryside the spreads outward from the gorge. The city was established in the 9th century and old town of La Ciudad will offer a breathtaking moment of history, nature, and romance.

In the charming and elegant countryside outside of Seville you will find the ancient city of Italica. The Roman settlement began in the year 206 BC and now fills the countryside with the most prominent display of Roman ruins in Andalusia. The streets are broad and paved, as if maintained through thousands of years of neglect. Houses contain patios embellished with delightful mosaics. In the House of Birds you find an intricate Owl Mosaic, its green and blue feathers surround its yellow and red eyes. The city is surrounded by tremendous greenery that shades the ancient roads and buildings. The amphitheater is one of the largest of any remaining site, able to hold up to 20,000 people. The image of what the city was is vibrant in your imagination. Stroll along the avenues, witness the strength of the architecture, and fill the day with spectacular memories.

Arrive in Cordoba and spend the day walking among the architectural splendor along the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir. In the spring and summer you can stroll beneath the blossoming trees that fill boulevards and courtyards dripping with foliage and blooming flowers. The Mezquita was the city’s great mosque, built to encompass a tranquil and spacious interior and decorated with lavish and refined style. The complex is now centered in a 16th century cathedral that ranges in style from the late Renaissance to Spanish baroque. The interior was constructed around the premise of creating infinite space.

The quiet prayer hall gives you that impression when you enter the room. The gallery is filled with endless columns and archways that look like a reflection in a row of parallel mirrors. The mihrab is gilded and adorned with calligraphy of Quranic verse wrapping around the space. You could hear a pin drop and echo through the room against the 856 remaining marble pillars. The courtyard outside of the mosque is shaded by rustling trees and a tranquil fountain. The scent of orange citrus drifts from the trees. You can sit under the leaves and listen to the breeze paint the courtyard.

The hills outside of Granada roll along the horizon. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are snowcapped, yet the air outside the train is warm and inviting. The golden grasslands lead you into the city where the ancient past somehow feels more recent. Albaicin is a neighborhood in Granada with narrow winding streets that create a wonderful labyrinth to comb through. Walls were built to surround the ancient area of the city in the 11th century and today make it feel as though it’s an entirely different city all together. The buildings are tall, whitewashed, and pressed against one another.

The alleyways are shady and quaint. There is an encompassing scent of pine and a view of the city glows against the surrounding mountains’ greenery. Plaza del Salvador sits near the top of the neighborhood where you can find the 16th century church of Colegiata del Salvador that overtook the city’s main mosque. You can find the horseshoe-arched patio around the western side. People gather near the Arco de las Pesas at sunset. The impressive gateway opened up the defensive walls and now offers a romantic and popular view of colors of the sky at dusk.

The red walls of the Alhambra rise over the cypress and elm trees like a majestic castle born from the forest. The 14th century palace continues to awe and inspire visitors as it watches over the entire city of ancient and modern Granada. The network of palaces and gardens is filled with specific detail that creates a unique and stunning discovery. The entire complex wraps around the central palace synthesizes harmony and space, light and shade, water and greenery. The roofs are vaulted with honeycomb decoration and contain wood trim. The walls are inscribed with Arabic calligraphy.

The Courtyard of the Lions was the once the pinnacle of artistry and innovation. A fountain was mounted with 12 marble lions positioned to create a clock. On the hour a particular lion would spout water. Although the fountain no longer functions, the detail of the lions and the surrounding patio is exceptional. When you walk through the palace it is like stepping back into the opulent beauty of the height of the Moorish power in Spain, from the art to the images of romance. In the afternoon you will fly to Barcelona and settle into the luxuries of the energetic beachside city.

Barcelona is a city filled with boundless world-class restaurants and the decadent artistry of architectural wonders. The city is filled with endless spirit that wraps around it day and night. After breakfast the day is yours to enjoy the sweet scent of the Mediterranean Sea. Garraf Beach is a short ride away from the city center and is situated between subtle outcropping foothills. The sand is powdery and inviting. The water is crystal clear. The local neighborhood is sleepy and friendly.

The water laps at the sand and a small crowd wades into the sea. The refreshing temperature wraps around your feet as you make you make your way into the water. A whitewashed restaurant sits atop the rocky outcrop. The scent of sweet sea and fresh grilled seafood mixes in the still air. The sky is almost as blue and clear as the water. Relax under the sun and let the sensual warmth of the day carry into the night.

Today your private chauffer and guide meets you at the hotel ready to show you the beauty of Barcelona. The heart of Catalonia is filled with pride for its unique culture, language, and all around connection to its traditions. The day is yours to see the highlights of the city or venture into the lesser-known treasures that hide within the city’s vast and winding neighborhoods. La Sagrada Famillia is one of the most iconic images of the city. The cathedral has been under construction for over 100 years, beginning in the 1880s. Antonio Gaudi originally designed the structure. The tallest spire rises 560 feet and was meant to represent Jesus.

The surrounding spires were meant to represent the apostles. The Gothic design brings exceptional artistry to the various entrances, each offering a different imagining of a biblical scene. The southwest façade displays the Passion of Jesus’ last days and death. The images represented on the façade were created by sculptor Josep Subirachs and rise over three levels in a sequence that slithers like an “S.” For a quieter look at the city you can visit Plaça Prim in a rustic corner of the neighborhood. The Plaza Prim is a small square filled with quiet charm. Ombu trees shade the cobblestones and you can find one of the finest seafood restaurants in the city, Els Pescadors, on the corner.

On top of a rugged mountain just outside of the city is the church of the Shrine of our Lady of Montserrat. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century and has been a pilgrimage stop ever since, filled with people drawn to see the Black Madonna. The mountain is over 4,050 feet tall. The limestone rises over the canopy and juts into the sky like fingers reaching towards heaven. Eighty monks continuously reside in the monastery and perform daily mass and liturgies. When you enter the basilica you find the lavish décor and high vaulted ceilings that create an echo of whispers. Natural light beams down from skylight dome over the dais.

The Black Madonna is made of wood and holds the child Jesus in her lap. The color has changed with time due to the deterioration of the varnish. At 1pm the cathedral fills with enrapturing music from the Escolania, a world-renowned boys’ choir. Their soft and heartfelt hymns rise through the gallery and almost drift out of the doors like visible musical notes. In the early afternoon you will venture through the coastal mountain range of the Penedes to enjoy a private wine tasting through the region before returning to Barcelona for the evening.

The aroma of an omelet filled with creamy artichoke is decadent in the morning light. The sounds of the city come to life and you can still hear the soft tide of the Mediterranean push against the golden sands. The images of the La Pedrera rooftop are charming in their surrealist character and elegant design. After breakfast your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight home. You have traversed Spain and experienced its divers culture, fabulous heritage, and unparalleled romance.