Welcome to the nation’s capital: a cosmopolitan city steeped in culture, with world-class art galleries, abundant leafy parks and Europe’s largest palace. Touching down at the airport, a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your boutique hotel. There’ll be time to freshen up and meet your group before tonight’s welcome activity: an experiential tapas tour through the buzzing city centre. Trace the evening ritual of your typical Madrileno as you hop from tavern to bar, seeking out local snacks and drinks while soaking up some Spanish history. A tasty start to your trip. 

Start your first full day with a cycling tour of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and lively Plaza Mayor. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll be ready for a feast at Sobrino de Botín – officially the world’s oldest restaurant. Founded in 1725, you’ll be transported back to a time when kings and merchants, writers and artisans, priests and assassins wined and dined in the city. Explore the dusty 16th-century wine cellar, witness the original cast-iron wood-fired oven and sit down to a slap-up lunch of house specialties such as ochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and cordero asado (roast lamb). 

Today, you’ll board a private minibus for your five-hour drive to Seville. Travelling south through the Spanish steppes, you’ll break the journey in the historic city of Mérida, home to Spain’s most impressive Roman ruins. A short walk through the streets reveals relics of the ancient empire, with an amphitheatre, circus (used for chariot racing), thermal baths, aqueducts and arches dotted amongst the modern buildings. Check out the 2,000-year-old Roman theatre – still in use today – and linger over lunch before continuing your journey to Andalucía’s charismatic capital. Conjuring up images of flamenco dancing and street parades, stylish shops and crowded bars, Seville encompasses all the romance and passion of this hot, hedonistic region. 

Your introduction to Seville will be an SUP tour, paddling your way past the city sights from an alternative viewpoint of the Guadalquivir River. Back on dry land, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore. Admire the cathedral and its landmark Giralda bell tower, once a great mosque and 12th-century minaret. Pause to admire the exotic royal palace, Real Alcázar, and explore the maze of citrus-scented backstreets in the historic centre. Tonight, you’ll have a chance to sample the city’s legendary nightlife, from lively bars and clubs to flamenco shows and tapas bars. The wealth of culture here is remarkable, so spend the evening getting lost in its beauty.  

Goodbye Seville, hello Granada. Today, you’ll be visiting one of Spain’s most iconic sights: the opulent Alhambra Palace. This 13th-century fortress is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe, its walls adorned with intricate tiles and calligraphy. Spend the afternoon exploring its courtyards and hallways, seeing how the Moors achieved their vision of paradise through the principles of beauty and symmetry. Later, you’ll explore the evocative Albaicín – the city’s medieval Arab Quarter – which also happens to be the home of flamenco. Here, within the walls of one of the city’s most historic schools, you’ll embark on a private flamenco lesson, feeling the passion of the dance as you learn some signature steps. An essential life skill, we think.

Fuel up at breakfast, as today you’re headed for the foothills of the lofty Sierra Nevada mountains – a tranquil region of fertile valleys dotted with wild flowers, almond orchards and olive groves on the range’s southern flanks. From the sleepy riverside village of Monachil, an easy but adventurous trail runs through a dramatic gorge. Negotiating suspension bridges and rocky overhangs, past waterfalls and narrow caves, the path opens up to an amazing viewpoint over the Andalucían countryside. From here, you’re headed to the coast for a kayaking excursion along the dramatic cliffs, coves and beaches of La Herradura. Marvel at the change of scenery in just one hour: from soaring peaks to glistening Mediterranean Sea. 

There’s another road trip in store today, so download a playlist or settle in with a good book as you travel cross-country to Valencia. En route, you’ll stop at the beautiful Huerto Ribera orange grove estate to enjoy a fascinating Vermouth workshop. Learn about the origin of this Valencian liqueur, dating back to 1904, with tastings and a chance to try your hand at making your own artisanal aperitif. Arriving in Valencia, your taste buds are in for another treat this afternoon with a traditional paella-making class. You’ll head to the local market to pick up fresh ingredients, before returning to the kitchen to prepare the delicious dish. Sit down with your group for a three-course dinner washed down with wine and sangria. Salud!

Spend the morning exploring Spain’s third largest city, with its charming old town juxtaposed next to futuristic buildings. You’ll visit the awe-inspiring City of Arts and Sciences to marvel at the majestic opera house, the celebrated science museum and Europe’s largest aquarium. Then, it’s back on the minibus to the trendy seaside city of Barcelona. Famous for its Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture, the city is a hub of culture, fashion and cuisine. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the evening free to explore. Take a wander down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street, take in the sunset from bohemian Gràcia or see the edgy street art in Raval. 

The best way to experience Barcelona’s many sights? An eco-tour of the city in a fleet of electric tuk tuks. Together with your group, you’ll cruise through the eclectic neighbourhoods, taking in masterpieces by influential architect Antoni Gaudí. Starting at the majestic Arch of Triumph, you’ll pass the Art Nouveau bullring (now a concert venue), before stopping at the unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica – a mind-blowing project of immense proportions. Admire the fantastical facade of La Pedrera and the fairytale Casa Batllo, before making your way via the Gothic Quarter and Old Port area to Ciudadela Park, an oasis of green within the city. The rest of the day is yours to spend exactly as you please. Cocktails overlooking Barceloneta Beach, anyone? 

It’s your final full day and what better way to spend it than on a private wine tour of the Penedès region: the cradle of sparkling Cava. Less than an hour outside the city, you’ll discover a rural landscape scattered with quaint villages, solitary churches and mile upon mile of vineyards. Together with a local expert, you’ll visit a family-owned winery, exploring the cellars and tasting premium cavas, red, whites, roses or the ancestral – a natural single-fermentation sparkling wine. After a traditional lunch, you’ll make your way back to Barcelona for a farewell dinner with your group. It might have only been a week, but you’ve made memories to last a lifetime. 

After eleven fun-packed days, your Spanish adventure has come to an end. It’s now over to you to make your way to the airport – your guide can help you arrange a transfer. If you’re interested in extending your European adventure, why not take a look at our adventures to Portugal, Italy or Greece?