Madrid

City Walk Old Town (private guide service)

Sightseeing Tour (private driver service)

The Art Avenue with its Museums and Parks, the Old Quarter and Plaza Mayor, the best flamenco dance companies, San Isidro Festival in May, Summer open-air Festivals and the well-renowned city nightlife, taverns and cafes.

All year round, except during December and January, the coldest months. July and August can be quite warm. Best months are April, May, June, September, October, not only for the weather, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.

Great taverns and cafes in the Old Quarter and surrounding zone. Local dishes or specialties are "cocido madrileno" (a type of stew) and "tapas" (appetizers of meat, fish, seafood or whatever, usually consumed with beer or wine). The bar and café scene changes depending on the hour. Local, national and international cuisine running the gamut of prices and quality is available.

We suggest you review our accomodations web page where you will find a variety of lodgings described. For relative price to quality, you are not likely to find better. There is much to choose from, but you cannot go wrong at the Ritz, Orfila, Santo Mauro, Emperador, Bauza, Velazquez.

Toledo, Aranjuez, Chinchón (8 a 10 hours)

Segovia- Palacio de La Granja o El Escorial (8 a 10 hours)

Avila y Monasterio de El Escorial (8 a 10 hours)

* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Madrid, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.

 

Toledo

A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver and a personal guide who will take you around the Old Town and its monuments. If you wish to stroll about on your own, there will be time to do so.

We recommend you spend the night in Toledo, taking advantage of the evening to stroll about the city without having to fight traffic and the daytime horde of tourists. The perfect moment to hunt out some forgotten corner in one of the antique taverns or restaurants, or enter in the twilight calm of one of the city's many churches and monasteries.

All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. July and August can be rather hot. April, May, June, September and October are the best months, not just for the climate, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.

Toledo is at the heart of small game territory and the local cuisine reflects it: quail, rabbit, partridge, as well as the full gamut of domestic meat dishes are common. A multitude of fine restaurants exists in the city center as well as in the hotels. Outstanding are the Parador and the renowned Hostal del Cardenal.

Two of our favorite hotels are the Hostal del Cardenal and the recently-opened Ciudad de Toledo.

Madrid is a 45-minute drive to the North, and the mythic land of Don Quixote, La Mancha, is close-by. Also within easy driving distance are the palace and gardens of Aranjuez and the quaint village of Chinchon with its unusual plaza.

 

Segovia

A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you around the Old Town and its monuments. Also, time for you to go off on your own to explore or relax with a riverside stroll through its parks.

Aside from the parks, you can visit some of the city´s famed Roman Aquaduct, it's convents and romanesque churches, the cathedral, the Alcazar (fortress/palace), the old Jewish Quarter and its necropolis and the nearby Palace of La Granja, where the Royal Glass Factory, the neoclassic palace and its superb gardens are definitely worth seeing.

All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. April, May, June, September and October are the best months, not only for the weather but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.

The local gastronomy is as justly famous. There are many fine restaurants in the Old Quarter. Try the Judiones de la Granja (king-size beans), the lamb and the suckling pig (cochinillo). The daily menus at Casa Candido, Casa Duque, the Parador and the Cuevas de San Esteban provide excellent quality/price value.

Two of our favourites are the Infanta Isabel on the Plaza Mayor and Los Linajes.

Madrid is within an hour´s drive, while Avila, Salamanca and El Escorial Monastery are nearby.

 

Salamanca

A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you around the Old Town and its monuments. Local guide service for a walking tour is also available.

Salamanca is a city well worth an overnight stay. An evening stroll puts the city´s unique Old Town sector, the Plaza Mayor, cathedral and famous, ancient university into a whole new light. The plazas, cafes and terraces of this antique architectonic jewel of a city resonates with the vitality of the university students.

All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. Best months are May, June, September, and October, but not just for the climate, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.

Typical game cuisine is the order of the day. Try the local stews, desserts and wines. Many superb restaurants in the city center.

Without any doubt, we recommend the Palacio de Castellanos and the Hotel Rector.

Madrid is an hour and a half, via Avila. Interesting local towns within easy driving distance: Bejar, La Alberca and Sierra de Francia, Alba de Tormes and Santa Theresa.

 

Barcelona

Gothic Quarter City Walk

Private Sightseeing Tour

Stroll the Ramblas, then divert through the Gothic Quarter with a stop at Plaza del Pi for a coffee. Walk around the Borne Market, Santa Maria del Pi Gothic Church and the Citadela Park with its zoo. Be tempted in the exclusive shops along the Paseo de Gracia and the Rambla de Catalunya. The night comes alive in the zones of Borne, the Gothic Quarter and Eixample. Great views from Montjuic, and the Mirablau café-and-dance club on top of Tibidabo. The city has its arms open to embrace the Mediterranean with clean beaches and seaside restaurants and bars. Stroll the beach promenade by the World Trade Center and the Marina Port Vell with its Olympic Harbor.

The whole year, although July and August can be rather hot and humid (due to the proximity of the Mediterranean). Best times, March, April, May, September, October, not only for the weather, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.

Around the Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and Diagonal. The city has a wide range of restaurants. Noteworthy is the traditional catalan cuisine. Try the wonderful Mediterranean pasta and rice dishes (especially paella). Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.

The selection is wide and varied. See our accomodations pages and try one of our suggestions.

Figueres, Dali Museum and Costa Brava (10 hours)

Pyrenees Mountains and Andorra (10 hours)

Sitges and the Wine Region (6 hours)

Beaches: Sitges, Aigua Blava, Tossa, Sant Feliu Guixols

Ruins: Tarraco and Ampuries

Iberian Citadel of Ullastret

Modernism in Catalonia

* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Barcelona, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.

 

Valencia

Be sure to visit the Playa (beach) de la Malvarrosa, take a walk along the Paseo de la Alameda where you will find the Science Museum and the Classical Music Hall, and browse through the ancient quarter around the cathedral.

All year round

The superb beaches in the zones of Valencia and Alicante, towns such as Xativa, the orange groves and the Albufera rice fields, the mountains and Natural Parks. Lladro, the maker of world-famous porcelain art, has its factory on the city outskirts and visits are possible if you are a member of the Lladro Society.

 

Seville

Personalized City Walk Old Town of the Old Quarter of Santa Cruz and the cathedral and Royal Alcazares.

Riverside Cruise

You can be kept hopping as there is so much to see and do under its usually clear, sunny skies. Try Maria Luisa park where you can take a horse carriage ride, sip some sherry on a cruise along the Guadalquivir River, do some tavern hopping in Triana Quarter, or take in some flamenco in the Santa Cruz Quarter late in the evening.

All year round, although the mid-day sun during July and August can be brutal. Best months are March, April, May, not just for the weather and fewer tourists, but also because there is a lot of local color with a multitude of local festivals and fairs.

Seville is a major city and as such has a great variety of cuisines available for all tastes and pocketbooks, including international. But, when in Rome or rather, Seville... why not follow the example of its inhabitants and savor some tapas (appetizers) at a bar in one of the plazas such as Salvador. There are great restaurants in the Santa Cruz Quarter and Arenal District for lunch and dinner. The Triana Quarter is also well worth a visit for its tapas bars, ancient taverns and restaurants. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.

Sierpes and Tetuan Streets, La Campana and Plaza Nueva.

Try any of our favourite "charming" hotels at the heart of Santa Cruz Quarter such as Casas de la Juderia, Casa Imperial or Casa Mercaderes.

Also there are superb haciendas and cortijos (country estates) nearby, such as the Hacienda Benazuza, Torre de la Reina or Aguila Real, as well as the Inn Carmona, the Casa de Carmona, the Alcazar de la Reina and the Parador.

Jerez and the White Villages and Puerto de Santa Maria (8 hours)

The Bull Route, White Villages and Gibraltar Strait

Undeveloped beach areas of Cadiz

Cordoba (an hour away)

Carmona (a half hour away)

Roman City of Italica (a half hour away)

Costa del Sol: Malaga or Marbella (4 hours away)

Ronda (3 hours away)

Gibraltar (3 hours away)

* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Barcelona, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.

 

Cordoba

Visit the Mosque and Jewish District (private visit or join a small group)

Festival of the Patios each year during May and the local Fair (in May)

Once the usual crowds begin to disperse as the sun sets, take a stroll around the Mosque and the Tendillas neighborhood. The Plaza del Potro and the taverns around Tendillas are justly famous. The citizens of Cordoba are proud of their patios and some of the best examples to be found of these unique, colorful, flower-scented open-air courtyards are at the Palace of Viana, Julio Romero de Torres Museum and the Archeological Museum. The Palace of Medina Zahara and the Alcazar of the Christian Kings are well worth a visit as are the Jewish district and its Synagogue and the innumerable baroque churches.

All year round, although the mid-day sun in July and August can be brutal. Best month is May and not just for the weather but also because there is a lot of local color with a multitude of Festivals and Fairs.

Try the tapas at the Taberna el Pisto. The Caballo Rojo and Restaurant Almudaina, close to the Mosque, are two of our favourite spots for full-course meals. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date detailed information.

In the city itself, we recommend the Hotel Alfaros, Amistad, Hesperia Cordoba, the Parador and the Occidental. Close-by, in the countryside, the Hospederia de San Francisco, an old renovated monastery located between Cordoba and Seville, in Palma del Rio, is a real jewel.

You can visit rural towns, such as Cabra, Montilla, Aguilar, Priego de Cordoba, or on route to Seville, Carmona.

Medina Zahara (remains of the Caliphate palace are 20 minutes away)

Montilla and Moriles Wine Region and White Villages (an hour away) & Seville (an hour away)

Driving time to principal Andalusian cities: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Madrid by Ave (bullet train)

 

Granada

Private visit to the Alhambra (better in the afternoon) and stroll on your own through the Albayzin district.

Aside from the Albayzin district, we recommend the Mirador de San Nicolas, the Cuevas del Sacromonte (flamenco), the Arab baths, Calle Elvira, the Calle Teterias and the area around Plaza Nueva.

All year round, but be aware that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort and during the winter months the temperature can dip to around zero at night. During high season (summer months), it is a very popular tourist destination, so, expect crowds.

In addition to the restaurants of the Albayzin district, like the Mirador de Morayma, there are many bars and taverns with patios, the perfect spots to try local tapas, such as the embutido (sausage) de Alpujarras, cheeses and other delights, all as you sip a glass of flavorful wine. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.

Among our favorites are the Alhambra Palace, the Parador and two hotels in the Albayzin district: Carmen de Santa Ines and Palacio de Santa Ines. Also, the Reina Cristina, Anacapri, and the Tryp Albayzin are excellent.

The Alpujarras (southern slope of the Sierra Nevada), the Costa Tropical and Motril, the Sierra de Jaen (olive orchards), as well as the White Villages between Granada and Cordoba or Malaga. The Costa del Sol is only an hour and a half away.

 

Costa del Sol & Marbella

This is the Spanish Riviera. As well as a drive along the coast, we recommend a stroll around Puerto Banus, with its excellent marina, exclusive, trendy shops, restaurants and nightclubs. In addition, there are multiple opportunities to indulge in water sports as well as some of the best golf courses in Europe.

All year round

For a quick snack, there are numerous cafeterias in the beach zones of the principal towns, called chiringuitos. The best are along the Playa de los Boliches in Fuengirola; La Carihuela in Torremolinos; Marbella´s maritime promenade and the old quarter; Puerto Banus, San Pedro (village and beach) and Estepona. At the same time, you can watch the famous and not-so-famous do their thing.

An astounding selection. Check out our web-site.

Ronda, Mijas, Gibraltar, Arcos de la Frontera and the White Villages, Tarifa, Malaga and Granada

The Route of the White Villages runs from the Atlantic coast near Cadiz to Antequera. It is in general, away from the coast, but roughly parallels the Mediterranean. The following villages are well worth visiting: Vejer, Jimena de la Frontera, Castellar de Frontera, Medina Sidonia, Alcala Gazules, Arcos de la Frontera, El Bosque, Ubrique, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaojan, Montejaque, Ronda, Olvera and Antequera. There are also extensions with other white villages in the Alpujarras region and in the Sierras of Cordoba, Granada and Jaen.

Different routes for Self-Drive Programs: the Atlantic coast, Jerez and Puerto de Santa Maria, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, etc.

Golf, horse-back riding, hiking, water sports and activities, beaches and National Parks.

All year round

These villages are quite small, and many are oriented towards the tourist trade. You will easily find delightful little restaurants and old-style taverns (mesones) with local dishes at reasonable prices that are well worth trying.

Country inns, haciendas and cortjos (country estates), as well as converted historical buildings such as palaces and convents in Vejer, Arcos, Ronda and Cadiz.

 

San Sebastian and Bilbao (The Basque Country)

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao & City Walk Old Town in San Sebastian.

A visit to the old section of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, as well as a drive to nearby littoral villages towards San Sebastián (especially Mundaka, Gernika, Guetaria and Zarautz) are highly recommended. Also worth a visit are those villages with magnificent houses and beaches, such as Fuenterrabia, between San Sebastian and the French border. In San Sebastian itself, a visit to the harbor zone and the Plaza de la Constitucion, with its taverns and famous pintxos are a must. Be sure to indulge in one of the city´s fine restaurants to try the traditional Basque cuisine, considered one of the best in the world.

The temperature is seasonally mild during the entire year with considerable rainful, especially during the late fall and winter. Rain, in any event, is frequent in the northern half of Spain, but more so along the Cantabrian coast.

Some of our favorites are the Parador and Hostal del Obispo in Fuenterrabia, the Maria Cristina and Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, the Carlton and the Hesperia in Bilbao.

Besides the Basque Coast, Bilbao and its museums and the beauty of San Sebastian and its famous beach, La Concha, try the wine region of La Rioja, the rock art in the Museum of Altamira, and the Santander area. All are well worth visiting.