Exploring Spain
Here's a sample itinerary for you and your family to review that includes the landmarks of Spain. You will be able to explore the highlights of Barcelona and its surroundings, the stunning cities of Andalucia (southern Spain), including Granada, Cordoba and Seville. End in the paradisiacal island of Mallorca.
There’s something familiar about Spain that draws visitors, who maybe remember a few phrases of high school Spanish or harbor a vague curiosity of bullfighting or siestas. But it’s the staggering diversity—of cultures, languages, cuisines, and landscapes—that keeps travelers coming back again and again. Every barrio and pueblo offers something unique, and the Spain you thought you knew is suddenly full of surprises.
July 21-24:
- Barcelona | 3 nights | Almanac Hotel
July 24-26:
- Granada | 2 nights | Palacio de los Patos
July 26-28:
- Seville | 2 nights | Corral del Rey
July 28-31:
- Mallorca | 3 nights | Finca Serena
July 31-August 3:
- Ibiza | 3 nights | Nobu Ibiza Bay
August 3:
- Departure
July is one of the warmest months of the year in Spain but we will be taking this into account when planning your day-to-day itinerary and ensure you're indoors/shaded during peak hours of the heat!
Average Temperatures (Highs/Lows)
- Barcelona: 87°/73°F
- Granada & Seville: 102°/71°F
- Mallorca & Ibiza: 95°/74°F
There is a heatwave currently hitting Spain with temperatures reaching 108°F in southern Spain.
- You don't need a visa for Spain if you have a United States passport.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Spain.
- Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
- Plugs: The standard plug type is Type F, which has two round pins and an additional grounding pin in the middle. Type C plugs, which have two round pins without the grounding pin, are also commonly used. An adapter will be needed to plug devices into the outlets.
- Voltage: The electrical voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In the US, the voltage is 120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. Therefore, a converter or adapter will be needed to use US electrical appliances in the specified country. It's important to note that not all converters are the same, and a suitable one must be chosen for the specific appliances.
- "The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain" by Maria Rosa Menocal - This book explores the vibrant cultural and intellectual history of medieval Andalusia, focusing on the flourishing of art, literature, and science that arose from the mingling of different cultures in the region.
- "Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through a Country's Hidden Past" by Giles Tremlett - Although not specifically focused on Andalusia, this book offers a fascinating and often humorous exploration of Spain's complex and often troubled history, as seen through the lens of its many ghosts, myths, and legends. From the Inquisition to the Franco era, this book sheds light on the dark corners of Spain's past while also celebrating its vibrant culture and traditions.
- "The New Spaniards" by John Hooper - This book provides an engaging and insightful look at modern Spain, including Andalusia, and how it has changed since the death of Franco in 1975. It covers topics such as politics, culture, and daily life in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
- "The Alhambra" by Robert Irwin - This beautifully illustrated book provides an in-depth look at the famous Alhambra palace in Granada, Andalusia. It explores specifically the history, architecture, and art of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- "Art and Architecture of Andalusia" by Antonio Bonet Correa. This book provides an in-depth look at the rich artistic heritage of Andalusia, Spain, covering a wide range of art forms including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts. It explores the influences of various cultures and historical periods on Andalusian art, from the Islamic era to the present day.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés: It's not customary to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, and bars in Spain. However, if you're happy with the service received, you can tip.
Guides & Drivers: For a half-day tour, a good guideline is to tip around €10-€20 per person, and for a full-day tour, €20-€30 per person. For drivers, you can tip around €10-€20 per day. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, and it's always up to your discretion.
Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Arrivals Hall Barcelona Train Station
Driver: will be provided
- will be provided
Arrival at Barcelona Train Station from Paris where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred to your hotel.
Included by scenset.
It’s clear from the moment you step foot in Barcelona that it’s unlike any other Spanish city. The boulevards are wider, the architecture is quirkier, and, if you have an ear for languages, you may hear that the locals are speaking Catalan, not Spanish. An architect's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is just one of his architectural gems scattered about the city. With something to offer art enthusiasts, adventurous foodies, and beach loungers, it’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations.
Why we love it for you: In a city as cool as Barcelona, the Almanac Hotel injects that avant-garde vibe into every detail of the property. The art deco design harmonizes with Barcelona architecture, tapas are served on a painter’s palette in homage to Dalí, and the rooftop pool with views of the Sagrada Familia is the crown jewel. Centrally located, most of Barcelona’s landmarks are just a casual stroll away.
Almanac Hotel
1 Almanac Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
See Barcelona differently! Enjoy a unique experience in Barcelona on a GoCar tour of its famous sightseeing highlights. Wizz by the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi's Park Güell. Take a tour of the outskirts of the old town and drive by the coastline with a guide leading the way.
Included by scenset.
Return to your hotel to relax at leisure.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
Take a tour with an expert guide of the gothic neighborhood of Barcelona. Stop by the famous Cathedral de Barcelona among other famous Gothic landmarks.
Included by scenset.
Almanac Hotel
1 Almanac Room
- Breakfast included
Enjoy your day at leisure.
Stroll through El Born, a small village inside the city of Barcelona where you will find violin makers, designers, retired people playing cards, and young people alike enjoying this unique part of town. Lovers of Barcelona night-life adore El Born at night. Nowadays the area is packed with new bars. In medieval times, El Born was the site of executions and witch burnings!
Almanac Hotel
1 Almanac Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Driver: will be provided
Greeting and private transfer to the Barcelona Airport for your flight to Granada.
Included by scenset.
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Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Arrivals Terminal
Host: will be provided
- will be provided
Greeting at the arrivals terminal in Granada Airport and private transfer to your hotel located in the centre of historic Granada.
Included by scenset.
During your time in Granada, Cordoba and Seville, your host will be at your disposal and accompany you throughout your time. He will introduce you to your guides and escort you to your activities, tours and experiences.
Granada is the folkloric heart of Andalucia, where the influence of its Moorish past still thrives over five centuries later. You can feel it in the dizzying streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, guided by the sounds of Spanish guitar and the stomping of a flamenco dancer. You can see it as well, in the omnipresent Alhambra palace guarding over the city. You can even taste it in the neverending tapas plates that Granada is known for.
Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
Meet with your guide to walk through some of Granada’s main highlights, including the Jewish neighborhood of Realejo. This Realejo is known as the “Juderia” or the Jewish Quarter during Muslim rule. Stop by the Sephardic Museum of Granada and pop into the Palace of the Forgotten – a new privately-run Sephardic museum.
Included by scenset.
Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
In the evening, experience a tapas tour with your personal guide, tasting the various authentic dishes of the region. A tapas tour in Granada is a must-do experience for foodies. Start in the lively district of El Realejo and make your way to Calle Navas, where you'll find a wide selection of bars serving delicious tapas with every drink you order. Don't miss out on local specialties like tortilla de Sacromonte and jamón ibérico.
Included by scenset.
Why we love it for you: The name translates to “palace of the ducks” and, while there isn’t much waterfowl around, Palacio de Los Patos is undoubtedly palatial. The fountains in the patio garden, Doric columns around the grand staircase, and soaring ceilings aren’t just decorations but historic pieces from the scenset 19th-century owner. Capturing Granada’s magic is no easy task, but this palace seemingly does it with ease.
Palacio de los Patos
1 Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Morning at leisure.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
With your host, walk to Albayzin to have lunch at Restaurante El Balcon de San Nicolas.
Confirmed.
Reservation Time: Afternoon
Have lunch at Restaurante El Balcon de San Nicolas, facing the Alhambra. Explore the Arab neighborhood of Albayzin, with its white-washed houses and narrow streets. Trek up through the hill to the top of the neighborhood where you will reach Mirador San Nicolás. From here, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra.
Confirmed by scenset.
Afternoon at leisure.
You will need your passports to enter Alhambra. Be sure to bring them with you on this tour.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Hotel lobby
Tour Time: Afternoon
Guide: An expert guide
- will be provided
Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra complex with an expert guide. Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex built during the Nasrid dynasty in the 14th century. The architecture of Alhambra features intricate Islamic geometric patterns and ornate decorations. It is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included by scenset.
Palacio de los Patos
1 Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Host: will be provided
- will be provided
Greeting and private transfer from your hotel in Granada to Seville with a stop in Cordoba.
Included by scenset.
Meeting Time: Late morning
Meeting Place: Mezquita Main Door
Guide: A guide will be provided
- A phone number will be provided
One cannot visit Andalucia without paying tribute to the most beautiful architectural wonder of southern Spain. The style hints at a refined age when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side and enriched their city with vibrant cultures.
Included by scenset.
Meeting Time: Late morning
Meeting Place: Casa de Sefarad
Guide: A guide from Casa de Sefarad
Stroll through the famed Jewish quarter of Cordoba. Aside for its world-renowned samples of splendid Moorish buildings dating from the Islamic era, Cordoba boasts a rich Sephardic history. Visit one of the three pre-expulsion synagogues remaining in Spain built in 1315. Stop by Casa de Sefarad Casa de la Memoria, which contains items from local medieval Jewish homes and an exhibition on Sephardic tradition.
Included by scenset.
After lunch in Cordoba, continue on to Seville by private transfer.
Included by scenset.
In Sevilla, it’s easy to pretend you’re an explorer preparing to set off for the New World. The labyrinthine streets, the towering Gothic cathedral, and the tranquil gardens of the Alcázar have preserved their seductive charm through the centuries, while newer neighborhoods continuously reinvent themselves with new bars, restaurants, and art.
Why we love it for you: A tiny corridor in the hip Alfama neighborhood takes you to an almost hidden doorway, which opens up like a portal to a secret garden that seems impossibly spacious. Everything at Corral del Rey is coolly laidback, from the traditional Andaluz breakfast on the patio to sherry tastings in the evening. You’ll likely be on a first-name basis with the owners by the time you leave, who enthusiastically share their love for Seville with the best insider recommendations.
Corral del Rey
1 Junior Suite
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
Your guide will take you to explore Seville’s immense cathedral, awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty, and enjoy access to its spectacular rooftop. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what had previously been the city’s main mosque. Highlights include the Giralda, the mighty bell tower which incorporates the mosque’s original minaret, the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Capilla Mayor with an astonishing gold altarpiece.
Included by scenset.
Time: Afternoon
Guide: A guide will be provided
- Phone number will be provided
Enjoy a biking tour with your guide. Seville’s historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval alleys. Cycle by the Real Alcazar, a magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture. End your tour in at the famous Parque de Maria Luisa. A delightful oasis of green, the extensive park is a lovely place to escape the noise of the city, with duck ponds, snoozing sevillanos and shady paths snaking under the trees.
Included by scenset.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
The Alcazar of Seville is a royal palace in the city of Seville, Spain. It was built in the 14th century and features a blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. The palace is known for its intricate tilework, beautiful gardens, and historical significance as a symbol of Spain's rich cultural heritage.
Included by scenset.
A guide will escort you to Tablao de los Gallos for the flamenco show in the evening.
Show Time: Evening
Address: Here
We recommend leaving your hotel in the late afternoon and walk to Tablao de los Gallos.
Enjoy a spectacular show at the intimate Tablao de los Gallos where you can witness some of the best flamenco musicians and dancers interpret famous alegrias.
Included by scenset.
Corral del Rey
1 Junior Suite
- Breakfast included
Have your last morning in Seville at leisure.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Hotel lobby
Greeting and private transfer to the Seville Airport for your flight to Palma de Mallorca.
Included by scenset.
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Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Arrivals Terminal
Greeting by your host and private transfer to your hotel located 25 minutes from the airport, near the medieval town of Montuiri.
Included by scenset.
Mallorca is an island fit for royalty—literally—since the 14th-century palace looming over the capital is still an official residence for Spain’s king and queen. Outside of the medieval walls, the rest of the city has been updated with some of the chicest restaurants, bars, and shopping in the Mediterranean, but the turquoise water and seaside cliffs of Mallorca’s beaches are still just as heavenly as they were centuries ago.
Why we love it for you: This is the perfect countryside retreat with all the frills associated with a luxury resort. The finca or estate is located in a tranquil valley surrounded by vineyards and dotted with villages. The architecture is mediterranean, simple and pristine with fine lines and sleek amenities.
Finca Serena
1 Garden View Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Contact: will be provided
- will be provided
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Port of Marina Cala D'or.
Mallorca wouldn't be done right without a day of cruising over crystal waters, past secluded rocky coves and powder-sand beaches. Spend the morning aboard a private boat and explore the rugged coast, stop at any sandy cove you wish and forget about time and space. Snorkels are available on board for you to use!
Boating Duration: Several hours
Included by scenset.
Transfer Time: Evening
Back at the Port of Marina Cala D'or, private transfer back to your hotel.
Included by scenset.
Finca Serena
1 Garden View Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
- will be provided
Rising in honey-colored stone from the broad waters of the Badia de Palma, this enduring city dates back to the 13th-century Christian reconquest of the island, and to the Moors, Romans and Talayotic people before that. A richly studded diadem of historical sites, Palma also shelters a seemingly endless array of galleries, restaurants, craft studios and bars – it's without doubt Mallorca's greatest treasure. Wander in any direction from the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral at its geographic and historical heart and you'll find bent medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses, looming baroque churches, teeming public squares, vibrant bohemian neighborhoods and markets overflowing with all the bounty of the island.
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Included by scenset.
Transfer Time: Afternoon
After lunch in Palma, return to your hotel for some free time.
Included by scenset.
Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: A guide will be provided
- A phone number will be provided
Visit the charming towns of Valldemossa and Deia. Crowned by the spires of its Carthusian monastery, Valldemossa is one of the island's most eye-catching sights. Set on a gentle rise, the village lends itself to aimless wandering and a chance discoveries along pinched lanes, as breathtaking vistas onto the surrounding valley and hills and pockets of almost indescribable charm await. The small coastal village of Deià, on the northwest coast of Mallorca, is one of the prettiest villages on the island. Perched in a ravine at the foot of the Teix mountain, with views out to the Mediterranean below, Deià has long been a magnet for famous artists, writers and other creative people – most notably the writer Robert Graves.
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Included by scenset.
Finca Serena
1 Garden View Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Greeting by your driver at the Ibiza airport arrivals terminal and private transfer to your hotel.
Included by scenset.
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Time feels different on Ibiza, where people stay up late, sleep in, eat dinner late, and arrive at the clubs well after midnight. And while Ibiza is practically synonymous with nightlife, there’s much more to the Mediterranean island than discotecas. Balance out a night of indulgence on the dancefloor by getting rejuvenated in a countryside wellness center or hiking to one of the many hidden coves that seduced travelers long before the parties started.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Arrivals Terminal
Greeting by your host and private transfer to your hotel located 25 minutes from the airport.
Included by scenset.
Reservation Time: Evening
This neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Ibiza Town is unashamedly romantic, with tables that spill out onto the cobbled street and hearty Mediterranean plates setting the atmosphere for an authentically rustic Ibizan experience. Options include a variety of pastas, risottos and fish specials, with gluten- and meat-free alternatives available to satisfy all types of diners.
Confirmed by scenset.
Why we love it for you: The five-star Nobu Ibiza Bay brings a fresh take to the luxury hotel scenset on the island. Sleek design, a spectacular setting on tranquil Talamanca Bay, superb gastronomy in four restaurants, a Six Senses spa and a salon. The hotel is right by the Mediterranean in Talamanca in the south of the island. It is just over a mile from Ibiza Town – a short taxi ride. The narrow crescent of sand – flanked by a string of laidback bars and restaurants – is very popular with local families.
Nobu Ibiza Bay
1 Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Meeting Time: Morning
Meeting Place: Your driver will be outside of the hotel lobby
The mesmerizing coastline reveals pristine beaches with powdery white sand, lapped by inviting waves. Anchoring at secluded coves, you plunge into the refreshing waters, snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life and submerged treasures. The laid-back ambiance and stunning natural beauty create a perfect backdrop for moments of serenity and relaxation.
Included by scenset.
Reservation time: Afternoon
You will have lunch at Es Moli de Sal, a charming culinary gem on the beach, serving delectable Mediterranean dishes amidst the rustic beauty of an old salt mill setting.
Confirmed by scenset
Nobu Ibiza Bay
1 Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Enjoy your last day at leisure, winding down by the pool of your hotel.
Nobu Ibiza Bay
1 Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included by scenset.
Booking for a passenger: R4SAMP
Booking for a passenger: R6LPBT
scenset invests in making the world a better place. scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, we will offset an extra 10% to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.