Espíritu Travel came about from the union of cultures, values and experiences and is a company that believes travelers want to experience authentic trips in a way that makes a positive impact to local communities and the places that they visit.
Espíritu Travel’s Immersive Spain 15-day trip will take you to explore all of Spain’s hidden gems. The perfect mix of culture, gastronomy, nature, and history this trip will take you beyond Madrid and Barcelona for a truly authentic experience.
Welcome to Spain!
Upon arrival at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, a private driver will take you into the city where you can check into your hotel and unwind. You’ll then have the afternoon and evening to explore the cuisine of Barcelona with the help of an expert guide.
The adventure kicks off at an old bodega turned tapas bar, where things have hardly changed since the 1930s. With a glass of the city’s favorite aperitif—sweet vermouth—in hand, you’ll enjoy a tasting of locally cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other Spanish delicacies.
Your foodie excursion continues with a stroll through Barcelona’s stunning Gothic Quarter, during which your guide will point out sights of interest on the narrow medieval streets as they lead the way to the next eatery. This second tapas bar is a staple of Barcelona and a true local haunt. Although it only has a few dishes on the menu, they’re all spectacular.
And it wouldn’t be dinner in Barcelona without something sweet to cap the meal. Be sure to save room for a traditional Spanish dessert, like crema Catalona. This sweet custard is made with oranges and cinnamon and is Spain’s answer to the classic creme brûlée.
After breakfast, you will meet your expert guide for a guided visit of the beautiful city of Barcelona. You will start the visit in the famous hill of Montjüic, which offers excellent views over the city and was the site of the 1992 Olympic games.
After a brief stop at the Catalunya National Art Museum (MNAC) we will make our way down to Plaça Espanya and on past the Modernist buildings of the Eixample area. You will continue this visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia (visit inside included).
You then head to the oldest part of Barcelona, the Barrio Gótico, which, as late, the mid 19th century was still surrounded by the Mediaeval walls. At the start of the short walk through the historic streets of Barcelona, you stop for a brief visit to one of Barcelona’s most traditional indoor food markets: Mercat de Santa Caterina.
The final part of the morning takes in part of the Born district, where the local guide points out a variety of restaurants and tapas bars suitable for a meal before ending at the magnificent Santa Maria del Mar church – one of the most beautiful in Barcelona.
The rest of the afternoon to explore Barcelona.
Optional activities:
Today you explore Barcelona on your own, visiting one of the many museums or opt for one of the several day trips (not included in the price).
For a taste of Catalan life beyond the metropolis – you can choose between mountains, beaches and pretty little towns, all just a short ride away. Some ideas below (this is not an exhaustive list).
This morning take the train to Bilbao.
Welcome to Bilbao! Staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene, and stunning landscapes just outside the city center: Bilbao is one of the great treasures of the Basque Country.
In the afternoon, you will be met by a local guide to get to know Bilbao. Staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene, and stunning landscapes just outside the city center. Basque culture takes on many forms in this thriving waterfront city. Evocative museums like the Euskal Museoa and the Arkeologi Museo provide a glimpse into centuries past, with their collections of ancient Basque carvings, Middle Age treasures, and everyday implements of the mariners, artisans, and landowners of this age-old people.
After your city tour, the evening is on your own to enjoy. We can do the reservations at one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.
Today you visit the icon of Bilbao, shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao. It is one of modern architecture’s most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of its post-industrial depression and into the 21st century – and with sensation. It sparked the city’s inspired regeneration, stimulated further development and placed Bilbao firmly in the international art and tourism spotlight.
In the afternoon, you will head north to Plentzia, where you will visit the world’s first undersea winery. You will tour the laboratory, learn all about the innovative project, and taste some of their products along with local pintxos.
In the evening, you receive a route to follow for enjoying the best tapas in Bilbao.
Today you travel to San Sebasitan. You are met by our local guide to explore San Sebastian by electric bike. Go all around San Sebastian in this awesome experience and enjoy riding the bike while traversing both the Old Quarter and the more modern parts of the city, learning all about its history and local culture as well the off the beaten path parts of the town!
In the afternoon, wander the city or head to the beautiful conch shaped beach.
Return to Bilbao in the evening.
Today, take the train to Madrid
In the late afternoon, this 3 hour walk is an in-depth experience to understand how the city works as we explore its cultural highlights. The guide traces the history of Madrid and its development from its medieval roots to the modern times, when it became the thriving capital of Spain, and you are filled in with the latest news, shows and exhibitions.
This is effectively a briefing on what’s on in Madrid, what to do and see (and what to avoid) while you are here as you get a sense of social and cultural events. This orientation walk will also provide you with the essential historical background you need to understand what is happening in 21st century Madrid.
A day to explore Madrid. Visit the world-famous Prado museum or head to the historic La Latina neighborhood.
Today choose your day trip.
Today you are picked up at your accommodations for the journey to Granada in the heart of Andalucía. In the late afternoon, you will have a city tour of Granada by bike (or walking if you prefer). You will visit Plaza Nueva, the Albaicín (the historic center), Realejo, the Cathedral area, as well as lots of little hidden away places along the way! You will end the experience at a tapas bar to enjoy the fantastic food or refreshment.
Today, you head out to see the Alhambra, a mystical fortress and palace that many called the
eighth wonder of the world. With countless rooms and the charming Generalife gardens filled with lush, colorful flowers and serene fountains, this fortress perched on a mountaintop makes for an unforgettable visit. You can opt for a private visit or with a group.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring on your own.
In the evening, dinner and flamenco show.
Las Alpujarras de Granada is a mountainous district in Southern Spain, which stretches south from the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Granada. You will do a 3-hour hike (there are various options depending on fitness level) then you will cross through white villages with only a few hundred inhabitants that have conserved their urban structure since the Middle Ages. You will be in a region that is known for its geographical isolation, gastronomic traditions based on self-sufficiency (farming, crops, curing of illnesses etc. ) and a way of life that is rich in tradition and history.
Today you are picked up for the private transfer to to Seville.
After leaving Granada, your first stop will be in Ronda, a 2-hour drive.. Ronda is the most famous of the white villages for obvious reasons, it’s famous bridge. Perched 750 meters above sea level, the city is divided in two by the river Guadalevin, which weaves its way through the El Tajo gorge. The rolling hills of Sierra de Grazalema provide a dramatic backdrop to the city whose history stretches back over 2,000 years and is considered the oldest settlement in Spain.
After leaving Ronda you will continue your journey driving through the Sevillian countryside, heading towards National Park Sierra Grazalema. Then continue through the mountains stopping at the picturesque white village of Grazalema. You will enjoy a range of amazing landscapes and views over the provinces of Cádiz, Málaga, and Seville, from Puerto de las Palomas which is 1157 meters above sea level. You will also get the chance to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. These mountains are home to the largest colony of Griffon vultures in Spain. Once in Grazalema, there will be time to have a nice meal, surrounded by the picturesque white houses decorated with colorful flowers.
After lunch, you will leave Grazalema, you can stop in another picturesque white village, of Zahara de Sierra, located at the top of a steep hill Zahara is famous for its views and history. If you stop you can walk around the town, have a coffee, and even visit a small olive oil factory which makes one of the best olive oil in Andalusia.
Leaving Zahara, you will continue to Seville.
Today you meet with our local guide to show you the highlights of Seville, a lively, likable city. You view the Cathedral, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus, then visit the Giralda tower, the Alcazar Palace and its majestic gardens and the hidden Santa Cruz quarter, discovering local haunts along the way. You also visit a workshop of local artisans.
Afterward, explore Seville on your own.
In the evening, enjoy one of the live music venues after dining on Andalucían cuisine.
Optional activities:
Today choose your day trip.
Today take the fast train to Madrid for your departure flight.
