Journey Through Spain
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.
Sep 23 – 25, 2024: Madrid (2 nights)
Sep 25 – 26, 2024: Córdoba (1 night)
Sep 26 – 28, 2024: Granada (2 nights)
Sep 28 – 29, 2024: Madrid (1 night)
In September, Southern Spain typically experiences warm and sunny weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. However, occasional rainfall can occur, particularly towards the end of the month as the region transitions into autumn.
U.S. passport holders traveling to Spain do not need any special visa to visit for tourism purposes. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your trip date.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
- And more!
Madrid is famous around the world as a destination for LGBTQ+ visitors and residents. The annual Pride festival is a massive event and the gayborhood Chueca is a destination in itself—however, there is so much more to the city.
Click here for a full LGBTQ+ Guide to Madrid with local recommendations.
The appeal of Spain’s capital city is how laidback it is. Visitors don’t come for the big-name attractions, but for the local lifestyle. Wander labyrinthine streets through colorful neighborhoods, stumbling in and out of tapas bars along the way. Meals are served late in the evening and last for hours since the locals would never rush good food, wine, and company. Of course, there are some sights you can’t miss, including a glitzy royal palace and cherished art museums.
Meet your driver upon exiting baggage claim for a private transfer to your hotel in the city center.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Spain's capital city has been at the forefront of queer rights, starting with the Movida Madrileña movement in the 1980s after the end of the dictatorship, through the rise of trans icon La Veneno in the 90s, to its present-day status as an LGBTQ+ mecca. Learn about the city's place in history on this tour with your local guide.
Pick-Up Time: Early evening
Pick-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
End Time: Early evening
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by Scenset
Here are some great spots for getting a bite in Madrid, from casual tapas bars to finer diner restaurants. If you'd like a reservation at any of them, just send a message in the chat.
- Bodegas La Ardosa: This classic Madrileño tavern dates back to 1892, and it’s the ideal place for sitting, chatting, and drinking while getting a dose of Spanish history. Definitely try the tortilla de patatas and the artichokes!
- Casa Dani: One of the most famous stalls at Madrid’s Mercado de la Paz is Casa Dani, a spot that serves up generous portions of croquetas, oxtail, and their famous tortilla de patata.
- Juana la Loca: Juana La Loca is a stylish, popular restaurant with glass cases sitting on the bar filled with tapas and pintxos.
- Saddle: The dishes, like the garlic-topped Mediterranean red prawns, Caspian pearl caviar with blinis and crème fraîche, spider crab marinated in sherry, and aged beef shank always deliver, and you’ll probably be talking about every course on this tasting menu back home.
- Charrua: The speciality here is the parrilla, meaning grilled pieces of meat. Enjoy some of the best steak filets you can find in the Spanish capital at this elegant restaurant.
Why we love it for you: The nondescript cement facade of the Madrid Edition offers no clues as to what’s inside, and as you’re ushered through the front door all you see is a white spiral staircase. You’re always left eagerly awaiting what’s to come, and the results never disappoint. It has mastered the niche of urban luxury, where classy decor of white tones and mahogany mesh with the tropical colors of the awarded Peruvian restaurant. The real treat is the rooftop infinity pool, which is unparalleled in Madrid’s center.
Enjoy a credit to use at the Edition Hotel on food, beverages, or at the spa as a special gift for using Scenset!
The Madrid EDITION
1x Superior with Terrace
- Breakfast included
On your first morning in Madrid, we invite you to explore the city independently.
For your one day in Madrid, here are some recommendations of what to see and eat!
- Plaza Mayor is the historic center of Madrid with over four centuries of history.
- Right next to Plaza Mayor is Mercado San Miguel. It's Madrid's most iconic market and a great place to grab a snack (it's a little touristy, but still worth seeing while you're there!).
- Walk over to Parque de Retiro, Madrid's "Central Park," for a lovely stroll through the gardens.
- For a more authentic market experience, try Mercado de la Paz. There are many great stalls to eat in there, but seek out Casa Dani for one of the most famous tortilla españolas in the capital!
- If you want to check out museums, the Prado and Reina Sofia are within walking distance of each other. The Prado is known for its classic Spanish artists, and the Reina Sofia for more contemporary artists.
The meeting point for your bike tour is about a 25-minute walk from your hotel or a 15-minute taxi ride.
Scenset Recommendation: After breakfast and exploring, head out to visit the Prado Museum in the early afternoon. You can explore this iconic museum for a couple of hours; afterward, the museum is just a couple of minutes away from the bike rental pick-up.
Explore the Spanish capital on bike, visiting iconic parts of the city such as Retiro Park, the Royal Palace, the Gran Via, and the Paseo del Prado. Along the way, discover hidden gems like the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass pavilion, and the playful statues that dot the landscape. With each turn of the pedal, you'll uncover the park's rich history and natural beauty. This biking tour is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering a unique perspective on one of Madrid's most beloved treasures.
Start Time: Afternoon
Meeting Location: Rent & Roll Bike Shop
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
During this tour, make stops at three traditional taverns where you'll taste several different local tapas. The tapas are all typical of the Spanish gastronomy such as Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, ham croquettes or tortilla de patatas.
Your tapas tours will begin right after your bike tour with your same guide, and end around 9 p.m.
The Madrid EDITION
1x Superior with Terrace
- Breakfast included
Head south to the folkloric heart of Spain, where the influence of its Moorish past can not only be seen across the architectural landscape but also felt within the reverberating sound of the Spanish guitar or the stomping of a fervent flamenco dancer. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba come alive in the evenings once the midday sun has set, oftentimes with boisterous outdoor festivals. The bars in Andalucia are known for their generous tapas, and a couple of drinks can easily turn into dinner.
You'll be picked up from your hotel for the ride to Atocha train station in time for your train to Cordoba.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Pick-Up Location: In front of hotel
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Upon arrival at Atocha station, you can board the train directly with your luggage using the ticket.
Click here for your train tickets.
Reference Number: SM92K4
Car: 2
Seats: will be provided
Upon arrival at Cordoba train station, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
For any issues locating your driver, please contact your local host will be provided for immediate assistance.
Booked By Scenset
After checking in to your hotel, we recommend enjoying a late lunch in the city center at Regadera. After lunch, it's just a 5-minute walk to the Mezquita entrance where you'll meet your guide.
This is a recommendation by Scenset—if you'd like a reservation, please let us know.
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. Visit this cultural and architectural treasure with your expert guide to learn about its fascinating history.
Meeting Time: In the afternoon
Meeting Location: Meet at the fountain inside the main patio in front of the entrance to the Mezquita
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Why we love it for you: This evocative five-star hotel is both a luxe urban retreat and a slice of Córdoba history, set within a thoughtfully restored centuries-old mansion built on the ruins of a Roman villa, with a soothing pool, an elegant restaurant and a candle-lit spa.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
1x Junior Suite Historic
- Breakfast included
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.
After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and bring your luggage with you to the car. After your olive oil tasting, you'll head straight off to Granada.
Before leaving Cordoba, experience an olive oil tasting session with traditional salmorejo and learn about the intricate process of making this oil, known as “liquid gold” in Spain.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Guide: A guide will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by Scenset
Meet your driver after your olive oil experience for a private transfer to your hotel in Granada.
Travel Time: about 2 hours
For any issues locating your driver, please contact your local host for immediate assistance.
Booked By Scenset
Experience authentic Andalusian culture by attending a private flamenco show in a cave in the Sacromonte neighborhood. This intimate setting provides an up-close and personal encounter with the passionate art of flamenco, accompanied by snacks and drinks.
Pick-Up Time: Early evening
Pick-Up Location: In front of hotel
Show Time: Evening
Round-trip transportation is included.
For any issues locating your driver, please contact will be provided for immediate assistance.
Booked By Scenset
Here are some vetted and delicious places to eat in Granada, ranging from casual tapas bars to sit-down restaurants.
- Le Bistro by El Conjuro is a brand new restaurant in Granada that provides a tasty menu of homemade Andalucian dishes and traditional tapas.
- Puerta del Carmen: An all-time favorite tapas restaurant with a cool ambiance and delicious food—try the milhojas with mango and goat cheese!
- Mirador de Morayma: Have lunch in this traditional restaurant with a huge terrace overlooking the Alhambra.
- Más Que Vinos: Another tapas bar that has become an institution in Granada. It's where you'll find a lot of locals who comes for the good food and even better sherry.
- La Puerta de Syria: The Arab influence in Granada is undeniable, and you'll see that in local restaurants too. Take a break from Spanish food and eat at this Arab restaurant with inspiration from Morocco to Syria.
Why we love it for you: A sensitively converted 16th-century ‘palacete’ hosts this elegant 25-room boutique hotel styled with lashings of historical charm, on the slopes of Granada’s ancient Albayzín. Terracotta corridors lead to swish golden-hued rooms, a peaceful Andalucian patio and hidden corners filled with scenset features.
Casa 1800 Granada
1x Junior Suite
- Breakfast included
Enjoy your morning at leisure in Granada. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Albayzín Mirador de San Nicolás: Instead of the more famous Mirador de San Nicolás, head to one of the lesser-known viewpoints in the Albayzín neighborhood. These viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's a perfect spot for a tranquil and less crowded experience of this iconic vista.
- Alcaicería Market: Located in the heart of the city, the Alcaicería Market is a bustling, narrow labyrinth of winding streets reminiscent of the old Moorish bazaars. Originally a silk market during the Nasrid dynasty, today you'll find souvenirs, textiles, ceramics, spices, and traditional Andalusian goods. The market is a feast for the senses with its vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and intricate handicrafts.
- San Agustín Market: This market is a paradise for food enthusiasts. It features a wide array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, olives, and regional specialties. The atmosphere is lively, and you can find both locals and tourists exploring the stalls, sampling tapas, and picking up ingredients for a delicious meal.
- Plaza Bib-Rambla Market: This central square often hosts various street markets and events, from artisanal craft fairs to flower markets. The plaza is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a pleasant spot to explore and relax.
These are recommendations only - no bookings have been made.
Before you leave for the Alhambra, be sure to have your identification with you. You need it to enter the Alhambra.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra complex with an expert guide. This one-time palace and fortress is one of the greatest living examples of Islamic architecture in the world, and its sheer beauty is enough to bring visitors to tears.
Bring your passport with you!
Pick-Up Time: Afternoon
Pick-Up Location: In front of hotel
End Time: Evening
Guide: An expert guide will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Casa 1800 Granada
1x Junior Suite
- Breakfast included
Your driver will pick you up for the short ride to the Granada train station.
Pick-Up Time: In the afternoon
For any issues locating your driver, please contact your local host will be provided for immediate assistance.
Booked By Scenset
Upon arrival at Granada train station, you can board the train directly with your luggage using the ticket.
Click here for your train tickets.
Reference Number: HV2XDW
Car: 3
Seats: will be provided
You'll be picked up from the train station and taken back to your hotel in the city center for one final night in Madrid.
Driver: Contact information will be available 24 hours before your transfer
Booked By Scenset
Why we love it for you: The nondescript cement facade of the Madrid Edition offers no clues as to what’s inside, and as you’re ushered through the front door all you see is a white spiral staircase. You’re always left eagerly awaiting what’s to come, and the results never disappoint. It has mastered the niche of urban luxury, where classy decor of white tones and mahogany mesh with the tropical colors of the awarded Peruvian restaurant. The real treat is the rooftop infinity pool, which is unparalleled in Madrid’s center.
Enjoy a credit to use at the Edition Hotel on food, beverages, or at the spa as a special gift for using Scenset!
The Madrid EDITION
1x Superior with Terrace
- Breakfast included
It's time to head home but, thankfully, in Spain we don't say adiós, but rather hasta luego, or until next time!
You'll be picked up from your hotel this morning and taken to the airport for your flight home.
Pick-Up Time: This morning
Driver: Driver contact will be available 24 hours before your transfer
Booked by Scenset
