Things to do in Spain
Our guided activities aim to give you a deeper insight into Spain’s rich history and culture, which in turn gets you closer to the real Spain and its people. You can cycle around Barcelona’s districts and see Gaudí's greatest works, learn to cook traditional paella, or let an expert guide you to the best works among the vast collection in the Prado.
Our carefully chosen experiences capture the essence of Spain and cover all interests, whether you’re a wine buff hoping to visit the avant-garde wineries of the Rioja, a food lover looking for a guide to Basque pintxos or an art aficionado wishing to understand more about the life of Dalí and Picasso. Sample tapas and learn about flamenco history, take tours through medieval towns or simply relax in the Alhambra gardens, just a few of the options we can arrange.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Spain specialists at 617-223-4767
Ideas for experiencing Spain
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Spain, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
Paella cooking class and market visit
Learn to cook a traditional Spanish paella in Barcelona on this half-day course, which includes a visit to a local market. You’ll find out how to choose the best ingredients before putting them together in an engaging, hands-on day of activity.
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
You can explore two very different periods in Spain’s history on this half-day tour from Madrid that takes in the monastery-palace of El Escorial as well as the poignant civil war memorial the Valley of the Fallen.
Codorníu and Montserrat
Journeying around the Penedès wine region, you’ll discover the home of cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, on this full-day guided tour. Learn about its history and production, and tour the Codorníu estate, before continuing on to Montserrat to see the basilica, one of Spain’s major pilgrimage sites.
Alhambra Palace and Granada city tour
On this private guided tour of Granada, you’ll explore Spain’s history while visiting the Moorish masterpiece of the Alhambra, the Capilla Real — final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, and the labyrinthine Albayzin district, which remains much as it was during medieval times.
Barcelona by bicycle
Take off on two wheels and explore Barcelona by bicycle with the help of a local guide. You’ll discover the waterfront area of Barceloneta, ride along the winding narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and visit some of the city’s main sights.
Basque cooking class
As part of this hands-on half-day cooking class in San Sebastián, you’ll learn about the culinary heritage of the Basque Country. You get an introduction to typical ingredients and dishes from the region, and cook a multi-course meal, paired with local wines.
Dalí, Figueres and Girona
This full-day private tour from Barcelona takes you to Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s hometown and the site of his surreal museum, as well as the historic city of Girona, with its Romanesque and Gothic buildings and Baroque cathedral.
Tapas and flamenco evening
On a private evening tour of Seville, you can explore the heart of Sevillian culture and heritage by taking in a flamenco performance and a guided tour of the city’s best tapas bars. You’ll taste typical dishes and learn about their origins, en route.
Ávila and Segovia
You’ll visit two of the historic cities of Castilla y León — UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ávila and Segovia — on this full-day tour. You’ll stroll their winding streets and see their monumental medieval fortifications, palaces and cathedrals, and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct.
Toledo visit with wine tasting
Toledo’s rich history, architectural diversity and cathedral come to life on this full-day privately guided tour to the city from Madrid. You’ll also have time to visit a local vineyard to tour the cellars and sample its wine.
Highlights of Seville walking tour
Led by an expert local guide, you’ll walk around Seville, one of Spain’s most endearing cities, visiting its highlights. You’ll take in the fortress-palace of the Alcázar, the Gothic cathedral and the narrow, winding streets of Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter.
Gaudí’s Barcelona
The architecture and influence of legendary Modernist Antoni Gaudí are revealed on this guided half-day tour of Barcelona. You’ll visit three of his most renowned projects, rippling Casa Milà, his greenspace Park Güell and the Sagrada Família.
Museo del Prado and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
You can explore the vast collections at the Prado and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid on this guided half-day tour. It offers an expert’s insight into the history of Spanish art, as well as its most prestigious museums.
Pintxos tasting tour
You’ve an opportunity to sample some of the best pintxos in the Basque Country on this half-day tour of San Sebastián. You’ll try a wide range of typical local dishes with the help of an expert guide, as you wander from bar to bar.
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Industrial hub turned cultural hothouse, Bilbao is home to Frank Gehry’s groundbreaking Guggenheim as well as a lively cultural and culinary scene. On this tour, you explore the city with a private guide for an insight into its changing fortunes and engineering marvels.