Tailor-made journey · Spain

Luxury Spanish Food and Culture Journey: Barcelona to Madrid

Duration: 12 days
From: $7,195 pp

Plan this journey

Tailor-made, always

Every itinerary shaped around your dates, pace and preferences.

One dedicated expert

The same person from the first conversation until you return.

Decades of experience

Over 35 years shaping bespoke journeys for discerning travelers.

This journey travels through Barcelona, San Sebastián, Bilbao and Madrid, linking Spain’s most expressive cities through architecture, food and regional culture.

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At a glance...

Discover Catalan modernism, Basque cuisine and Castilian art collections on this extraordinary journey, where each stop offers a distinct sense of place, explored at a considered pace with expert guidance.

High-speed trains and short transfers keep travel seamless, while private tours and carefully chosen local experiences provide depth without excess. It’s a well-balanced journey for travellers who want to understand Spain through its cities, landscapes and tables.

Plan Your Trip

In detail

Days 1–3

Barcelona

Begin in Barcelona, a city defined by creativity and contrast. Your first day is left open to settle in and get a feel for the surrounding neighbourhood.

Over the following days, discover the city through the work of Antoni Gaudí, exploring Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Sagrada Família, before walking through the Gothic Quarter and ending at Parc Güell with panoramic city views.

Barcelona’s food culture comes into focus with a market-led cooking experience, starting at La Boqueria and finishing with a meal you’ve prepared yourself with the guidance of a professional chef. Time is also left free to explore the city at your own pace.

Days 4–6

San Sebastián & the Basque Countryside

Travel north to San Sebastián, a compact coastal city known for its relaxed rhythm and world-class food scene. Time at leisure allows you to explore the old town, beachfront promenades and viewpoints over La Concha Bay.

A guided culinary walk introduces the city’s pintxos culture, moving between traditional bars while learning how food shapes Basque identity. Beyond the city, a day in the surrounding countryside focuses on regional wine and cider traditions, visiting a txakoli winery and enjoying a classic cider-house lunch paired with local produce.

Days 7–9

Bilbao & La Rioja

Continue to Bilbao, where historic streets and contemporary architecture sit side by side. A guided walk through the old quarter introduces the city’s past and present, paired with pintxos tastings along the way.

The following day is dedicated to Bilbao’s cultural transformation, including a visit to the Guggenheim Museum and time exploring the riverside and historic centre. A full-day excursion to La Rioja offers insight into one of Spain’s most important wine regions, with winery visits, tastings and lunch among the vineyards.

Days 10–12

Madrid

The journey concludes in Madrid, Spain’s political and cultural capital. An evening tapas walk focuses on the city’s evolving food scene, highlighting modern interpretations of classic dishes.

A guided day explores Madrid’s two great landmarks – the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace – offering context to Spain’s artistic and royal history. Your final day is left unstructured before a private transfer to the airport.

Plan Your Trip

Add your Do Not Disturb moment

Gaudí Behind Closed Doors: Palau Güell Discover Gaudí’s Palau Güell in Barcelona on a private tour. Explore his early masterpiece with expert insight, timed entry, and crowd-free access.

Prado Museum Before Opening Explore Madrid’s Prado Museum before it opens to the public. Enjoy masterpieces like Las Meninas on a private early-access tour led by an expert guide.

Sagrada Família – First Light in Barcelona Discover Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona with a private early-access tour. Enter at first light, skip the crowds, and explore in peaceful clarity.

Guggenheim in Focus Experience the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao on a private tour. Explore its iconic architecture and contemporary art collection with expert insight and no crowds.

Barcelona at First Light Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter at dawn on a private tour. Discover medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and Catalan history before the crowds arrive.

Reina Sofía After Hours Explore the Reina Sofía on a private tour with exclusive access to key galleries, including Picasso’s Guernica. The perfect way to experience Madrid’s modern art landmark.

Private Dawn Access to the Alhambra Experience the Alhambra on a private tour with expert guiding and skip the line access to the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife gardens. A calm, tailored way to explore Granada’s most celebrated landmark.

Alcázar of Seville in Private Explore Seville’s Alcázar on a private tour with exclusive morning access. See its palaces and gardens with expert guidance and no crowds.

Sailing the Costa Brava Sail the Costa Brava with a private local skipper, discovering hidden coves, historic coastal towns, and calm swimming spots on a relaxed family-friendly journey by sea.

After-Hours Mezquita Visit in Córdoba Each evening the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba opens to a small group for El Alma de Córdoba, an after-hours experience that reveals the mosque-cathedral through light, sound, and rare quiet. Do Not Disturb arranges access.

Vineyard Dinner in a Private Cellar, Mallorca A private cellar dinner on a historic Mallorcan estate, with a dedicated chef, estate wines, and a table reserved exclusively for your group. Do Not Disturb arranges access to the island's finest vineyard dining experiences.

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