Sanja DeGarmo
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Barcelona
Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Alma Barcelona.
Barcelona does not need much introduction. With a unique art and food scene and fabulous architecture and fashion, it is one of the most influential cities in Europe.
The Catalonian capital has world-class attractions and an exciting cultural scene. Visit Gaudi’s modernist architecture, the Roman walls, the old Jewish and Gothic quarters, the beaches, and contemporary art museums. You’ll also sample some mind-blowing, avant-garde food
with extraordinary local wines.
Check into the Alma Barcelona, and enjoy the evening at leisure. In the vibrant city of Barcelona, Alma Barcelona is located within a unique early-twentieth-century building that has been thoughtfully renovated to blend classicism with contemporary elements, creating a harmonious space that effortlessly transitions between both styles.
Overnight Alma Barcelona
Day 2
Barcelona
This morning, enjoy a tour of Catalan Modernism, also known as Modernisme in Catalan, a cultural movement that emerged during the late 19th century, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution. While sharing similarities with other movements of the period, such as Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism has a unique connection to the specific context of Catalonia and Barcelona during that time.
The Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló, and Park Güell are just some of the jewels of Antoni Gaudí — the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism and father of a unique architectural language. Our local expert will guide you through the city’s most famous Modernist buildings and some off-the-beaten-track ones. Enjoy an excellent overview of Barcelona’s iconic architectural gems by Gaudí and others alike, including the world-famous Sagrada Familia.
Overnight Alma Barcelona
Day 3
Barcelona
Spend the morning exploring Barcelona's art and design scene. In the city that nurtured Picasso, Miró, and Tàpies, it’s hardly surprising that Barcelona supports a dynamic arts scene.
Art and design are more intertwined than ever before, and you’ll see both in Barcelona’s design and art galleries. The Old Town districts such as El Born and El Raval showcase emerging talent, with owner-run spaces displaying the latest in photography, wearable art, jewelry, fashion, sculpture, and painting. This creative juxtaposition of new and old creates a rich creative scene unique to Barcelona.
See the best local creativity through the shops and showrooms of its most well-known designers. Learn about the design boom of the early 1990s that radically changed the city and made Barcelona world-renowned in contemporary design. See what direction new designers are taking, and understand the who, where, and how of the city’s unique style.
Your tour concludes around lunchtime. The afternoon is yours to explore Barcelona’s shops and cafes.
Overnight Alma Barcelona
Day 4
Andalucía
Following breakfast, your private transfer will be waiting to take you to the station for your train to Seville.
A driver will meet you at the train station in Sevilla for a private transfer to your hotel in Cádiz.
En route to Finca la Donaira, stop at two of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucía — Arcos de la Frontera and Zahara de la Sierra. Stroll through their charming cobblestoned streets surrounded by century-old whitewashed houses, characteristic of Moorish architecture.
Finca la Donaira is an organic farm set in Andalucía — a luxury eco-retreat and equestrian center where they breed Lusitano horses. The nine-room cortijo is designed and decorated with refined simplicity, respect for tradition, and balanced use of new technologies. It features state-of-the-art facilities, such as a natural spring pool, spa and an infinite list of tailored activities, ranging from horse riding to concerts and weddings.
La Donaira is a home away from home. It is a place of relaxation where the five senses are developed, cared for, and delighted. At 3,200 feet, the estate maintains pleasant temperatures throughout all four seasons.
Overnight Finca la Donaira
Day 5
La Donaira
Spend this day at your beautiful hotel, a destination in itself. Finca La Donaira deserves a whole day to enjoy the property and discover its magnificent outdoor spaces and special activities. After an organic, healthy breakfast, spend the morning experiencing Shinrin Yoku (forest meditation, based on activation of all the senses), doing yoga, or meditating.
Continue your morning with a magical walk with one of their donkeys (at La Donaira, they are committed to the breed's welfare and making this wonderful animal better known). Enter into the world of the Serranía de Ronda, where a delicious picnic will be prepared for you to enjoy.
After lunch, enjoy a good siesta under ancient oak and a fascinating journey into sherry wines. Taste the sherries from small wineries and those selected from very old and special casks. Harvest your own meal in their biodynamic garden for a perfect end of your day.
Overnight Finca la Donaira
Day 6
Alhambra
After a hearty breakfast prepared with fresh and organic local products, your private car will take you to Granada. The ride is approximately two hours and 30 minutes.
Once in this gorgeous city, visit the magnificent Alhambra — the world’s most spectacular Arab citadel — on a fascinating tour led by a local specialist guide. As you get lost in the Moorish legacy left in Spain, you’ll make your way through its delightful courtyards, passing carefully-designed, elegant gardens and eye-capturing tiled domes.
Spend the rest of the day meandering the maze-like streets of the Albaycin — the old Arab Quarter — full of history and rich heritage. While exploring the narrow alleys of the Albaycín, your guide will take you to our favorite spots to taste some local delicacies.
Overnight Finca la Donaira
Day 7
Sevilla
This morning, after one last breakfast on the farm, a private driver will transfer you to Seville. The ride is approximately one hour and 40 minutes.
Settle into your hotel before meeting your guide for a walking tour of Seville later this afternoon. Walk through the old Jewish quarter and the Barrio de Santa Cruz — an incredible labyrinth of narrow streets where you will discover the urban evolution of the city.
Following the historical thread of the tour, visit two iconic buildings: the Cathedral of Seville and the Reales Alcázares. The Cathedral of Seville is the largest Gothic temple in the world and the third-largest temple of Christendom. Its interior is majestic. Don’t miss the greater altarpiece and the tomb where the remains of Christopher Columbus rest. The Giralda of Seville, the old minaret of the mosque and once the world’s tallest tower, and its ablutions patio are still preserved.
The Reales Alcázares is the oldest inhabitable royal palace in Europe and was recently home to the Kingdom of Dorne in the famous series Game of Thrones. The Alcázares Gardens boast one of the best botanical collections in Europe.
In the heart of Seville’s historic center, in the El Arenal district, near Nueva Square and next to the iconic Real Maestranza bullring, stands the Mercer Sevilla boutique hotel.
Housed in the former Casa Palacio Castelar, an elegant late-19th-century mansion, it has only 11 rooms and dreamlike suites. The hotel is designed for guests who appreciate a luxury experience in an exclusive setting.
Overnight Mercer Hotel Sevilla
Day 8
Sierra de Aracena
Following breakfast at the hotel, you'll be collected by your driver for a day of hiking through Sierra de Aracena.
The Dehesa, the Mediterranean forest that stretches from the south of Andalucia to the north of Extremadura along the border with Portugal, is the land of jamón ibérico, among many other delicious traditional products. The best Iberian hams in the world are produced here.
Sierra de Aracena is one of the most impressive landscapes in Andalucía, with peaks that reach 3,200 feet high. The trek will take you through some of the most beautiful ancient paths in the Sierra de Aracena, ending with the pretty village of Alájar. From there, visit another beautiful town full of history and rich Moorish heritage.
Afterward, head to one of our favorite local restaurants, where the chef specializes in the star of the region — black Iberian pork. Expect the most delicious jamón ibérico and a menu that is an homage to this unique animal.
Return to your hotel later this afternoon to prepare for tonight’s flamenco show. Experience the passion and soul of an authentic flamenco performance in a cozy venue. We’ll secure front-row seats, so you can truly experience the performance. See and feel exactly what this Spanish art form is like, and enjoy the power and expression of dance and music.
Overnight Mercer Hotel Sevilla
Day 9
Jerez
Following breakfast at the hotel, be ready mid-morning for an adventure to Jerez.
Only an hour away from Seville, Jerez is the birthplace of Sherry wines. Here you’ll visit a century-old winery for a session of Sherry wine tasting, where you’ll also be lucky enough to see some of the works of Goya, Velázquez, Dalí, and Zurbarán.
Then you’ll move on to one of the local tabancos (old traditional bars), where you can watch an authentic flamenco show filled with passion and soul. Continue your food-tasting experience by devouring some of the best local tapas in town. This is one of our favorite experiences in the whole of Andalucía.
After lunch, continue your journey through the sherry world, tasting some of the best manzanillas — another type of sherry wine unique to Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Overnight Mercer Hotel Sevilla
Day 10
Madrid
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel for your transfer by private car to the station to catch your train to Madrid.
You will be met at the train station and transferred to Hotel Urso.
A neo-classical palace with contemporary interior design in Madrid, Urso Hotel and Spa is a superb blend of imperial Spanish architecture and inspired modern interiors. Set between the Chamberi and the lively Chueca districts. The hotel lies away from the crowds yet is within easy reach of all the action. Expect a stunning lounge bar, restaurant, and spa with a lap pool and fitness center.
Overnight Hotel Urso
Day 11
Madrid
Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the city of Madrid. There are endless cultural, historical, and artistic treasures to be found in the Spanish capital. Stroll down the bustling streets, admire the architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Overnight Hotel Urso
Day 12
Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the morning at leisure before your transfer to the Madrid Barajas airport for your international flight home.
