17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Spain
Embark on an extraordinary 17-day odyssey through the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, where ancient history meets modern luxury. This itinerary is designed for those who seek the finer things in life—staying in historic palaces-turned-hotels, dining at world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, and traveling in the comfort of first-class high-speed trains.
From the sun-drenched plazas of Andalusia to the artistic vibrance of Catalonia and the culinary excellence of the Basque Country, you will experience Spain's diverse culture through a lens of exclusivity and sophistication. Every detail, from private museum access to bespoke vineyard visits, has been curated to ensure an unforgettable epic journey.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid, Spain - Royal Arrivals
Arrival and VIP Transfer
Touch down at Madrid-Barajas Airport and be met by a private chauffeur for your transfer to the prestigious Salamanca district. Check into your suite at a five-star hotel where a welcome bottle of Cava awaits.
Gourmet Lunch at Mercado de la Paz
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch in this historic market. Sample artisan cheeses, jamón ibérico de bellota, and fresh seafood in an upscale setting.
Stroll through Retiro Park
A private guide will lead you through the manicured gardens of Retiro Park, highlighting the Crystal Palace and the peaceful boating lake.
Dinner at a Michelin-Starred Icon
Dine at a renowned establishment like Coque or DSTAgE for a multi-sensory tasting menu featuring modern Spanish techniques.
Day 2: Madrid, Spain - Art and Antiquity
Private Tour of the Prado Museum
Avoid the crowds with an early-access private tour of Spain’s national art gallery. Focus on masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Alfresco Lunch on Paseo de la Castellana
Relax at a high-end terrace restaurant for a leisurely lunch of grilled turbot and local white wine.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Collections
Continue your art exploration at this private collection, showcasing an incredible range of Western art from the 13th to the 20th century.
Cocktails at a Rooftop Lounge
Watch the sunset over the Madrid skyline with signature cocktails and panoramic views of the Gran Vía.
Day 3: Madrid, Spain - Bourbon Splendor
The Royal Palace Exclusive Tour
Explore the largest functioning royal palace in Europe with a private guide, visiting the Royal Armory and the stunning Throne Room.
Traditional Madrileño Stew
Savor a refined 'Cocido Madrileño' at a historic tavern that has served royalty for over a century.
Shopping in the Golden Mile
Browse the flagship boutiques of Loewe and other Spanish luxury brands in the Barrio de Salamanca with a personal shopper.
Evening Flamenco Show
Experience an intimate flamenco performance at Corral de la Morería, widely considered the world's premier 'tablao'.
Day 4: Seville, Spain - Southward Bound
AVE First Class to Seville
Depart Madrid via the high-speed AVE train in Preferente class, enjoying lounge access and meal service on board. Arrival in Seville in under 3 hours.
Riverside Lunch by the Guadalquivir
Enjoy a light lunch of Andalusian gazpacho and fried fish at a stylish restaurant overlooking the river.
The Giralda and Seville Cathedral
Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda bell tower for sweeping views of the city.
Tapas Crawl in Santa Cruz
Explore the winding alleys of the old Jewish quarter, stopping at historic bars for premium sherry and gourmet tapas.
Day 5: Seville, Spain - Moorish Marvels
Real Alcázar Private Tour
Wander through the stunning Mudéjar palaces and lush gardens of the Royal Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Andalusian Horse Show
Witness the elegance of Spanish horses at a private equestrian demonstration just outside the city center.
Plaza de España Carriage Ride
Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage through María Luisa Park to the magnificent Plaza de España.
Dinner at Abades Triana
Dine on the banks of the river in Triana, enjoying modern Andalusian cuisine with a view of the Golden Tower.
Day 6: Seville, Spain - Culinary Craft
Private Cooking Masterclass
Learn the secrets of authentic paella and salmorejo from a local chef in a private kitchen overlooking the city rooftops.
Leisurely Afternoon in Triana
Explore the ceramics district of Triana and visit the local market to see where Seville's top chefs source their ingredients.
Metropol Parasol Sunset
Walk across the 'mushrooms' of Seville for a modern architectural contrast and stunning 360-degree city views.
Traditional Flamenco in Triana
Visit a small, authentic peña for a raw and passionate flamenco experience away from the tourist crowds.
Day 7: Granada, Spain - The White Villages
Luxury Private Transfer to Granada
Travel by private car through the stunning landscape of Andalusia, stopping at the historic white village of Ronda for sightseeing.
Lunch in Ronda
Enjoy a rustic but refined lunch overlooking the famous Tajo Gorge before continuing the drive to Granada.
Check-in at the Alhambra Enclave
Check into your luxury accommodation located within the historic Alhambra complex or the nearby Albaicín district.
Sunset Views at Mirador de San Nicolás
Watch the Alhambra turn red under the setting sun, followed by dinner at a garden restaurant in the Albaicín.
Day 8: Granada, Spain - The Crimson Fortress
The Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Spend the morning exploring the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife summer gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress with a private historian.
Sephardic Lunch Experience
Enjoy a meal inspired by the Jewish history of Granada in a quiet courtyard setting.
Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel
Visit the resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, in the heart of the city.
Hammam Al Ándalus
Relax in the tranquil atmosphere of an authentic Arab bathhouse with a massage and traditional tea service.
Day 9: Barcelona, Spain - The Mediterranean Pearl
Domestic Flight to Barcelona
A short domestic flight connects you from Granada to the vibrant capital of Catalonia. Private transfer to your hotel on Passeig de Gràcia.
Seafood Lunch at Barceloneta
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean catch and a glass of chilled white wine at a high-end restaurant with beach views.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
Explore the narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, and the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral with a local expert.
Contemporary Catalan Dinner
Dine at a trendy Michelin-recommended spot in the Eixample district, sampling modern interpretations of classic dishes.
Day 10: Barcelona, Spain - Gaudí's Genius
Sagrada Família Private Entry
Experience the awe-inspiring interior of Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece with an expert guide and tower access.
Park Güell VIP Exploration
Wander through the whimsical mosaics and gingerbread houses of Park Güell while learning about Gaudí’s urban planning vision.
Casa Batlló Blue Partition
Visit the most creative of Gaudí’s residential buildings, using an augmented reality guide to bring the architecture to life.
Tapas at El Nacional
Visit this spectacular multi-space culinary venue for a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, and grilled specialties.
Day 11: Barcelona, Spain - Modernist Marvels
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Explore the rooftop chimneys and unique structural design of Gaudí’s last civil work before it opens to the general public.
Lunch at a Hidden Gem
Enjoy a private dining experience in a local apartment, featuring seasonal Catalan ingredients prepared by a private chef.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Take a guided tour of this modernist concert hall, a riot of color, glass, and tile-work.
Opera Night at Liceu
Attend a performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, one of the world's most beautiful opera houses.
Day 12: Barcelona, Spain - The Sacred Mountain
Montserrat Monastery Excursion
Take a private drive to the jagged peaks of Montserrat to visit the Benedictine Abbey and the famous Black Madonna statue.
Vineyard Lunch in Penedès
On the return journey, stop at a premium Cava producer for a vineyard tour and a traditional farmhouse lunch.
Return to Barcelona & Leisure
Enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping on Avinguda Diagonal or a spa treatment at your hotel.
Farewell Barcelona Dinner
Dine at the legendary Lasarte (3 Michelin stars) for an unforgettable culinary finale to your time in Catalonia.
Day 13: San Sebastián, Spain - Culinary Capital
Flight to San Sebastián
Fly from Barcelona to the Basque Country. Transfer to the Belle Époque splendor of the city center.
Beachside Lunch at La Concha
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch of spider crab and local Txakoli wine with views over one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches.
Mount Igueldo Funicular
Ride the historic funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.
Old Town Pintxos Tour
Join a private guide for an elevated pintxos crawl through 'Parte Vieja', visiting the most exclusive bars for gourmet bites.
Day 14: San Sebastián, Spain - Coastal Charm
Visit to Getaria
A private drive to the charming fishing village of Getaria. Visit the Balenciaga Museum and see the traditional fish grills on the street.
Grilled Turbot Experience
Dine at Elkano, a Michelin-starred temple of seafood known for its legendary grilled turbot.
Coastal Walk to San Sebastián
Enjoy a gentle walk along the rugged coastline back toward the city, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air.
Cider House Tradition
Visit a traditional Basque cider house (Sagardotegia) for a rustic menu of salt cod omelet and massive ribeye steaks.
Day 15: San Sebastián, Spain - The Starry Night
San Telmo Museum
Learn about Basque culture and history in this beautifully converted Dominican convent.
Relaxed Lunch at Gros
Cross the river to the trendy Gros neighborhood for a modern lunch focused on organic, local produce.
Zurriola Beach Stroll
Watch the surfers and enjoy the youthful energy of San Sebastián’s second beach.
Michelin 3-Star Grandeur
Experience Akelarre or Arzak for a world-class tasting menu that showcases the avant-garde spirit of Basque cuisine.
Day 16: San Sebastián, Spain - Final Flavors
Basque Cheese & Wine Tasting
Enjoy a private tasting session of Idiazabal cheese and premium Basque wines in a historic cellar.
Leisurely Final Lunch
A final relaxed lunch of Basque 'pintxos' and seasonal specialties before your afternoon departure.
Travel to Madrid (AVE or Flight)
Return to Madrid for your final night. Check into a luxury hotel near the Puerta del Sol.
Farewell Dinner in Madrid
A celebratory final dinner at a historic restaurant like Botín, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.
Day 17: Madrid, Spain - Homeward Bound
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up high-quality olive oil, saffron, and Spanish leather goods at the luxury shops around the hotel.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will collect you for your transfer back to Madrid-Barajas for your international flight home.
Lounge Relaxation
Relax in the VIP lounge at the airport before boarding your flight.
Departure
Depart Spain with memories of a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to embark on a luxury journey through Spain is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasant across the country, perfect for city tours and coastal walks. Summer can be extremely hot in the south (Seville and Granada), while winter is generally mild but can be chilly in Madrid and the north.
Currency & Money
Spain uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are universally accepted in hotels, high-end restaurants, and shops. However, it is always useful to carry some small cash for traditional tapas bars or markets. Tipping is not mandatory but is customary for exceptional service in luxury settings; 5-10% of the bill is a generous gesture.
Getting Around Spain
For intercity travel, the AVE high-speed train is the most efficient and luxurious option, connecting Madrid to Seville and Barcelona in record time. Domestic flights are recommended for longer stretches, such as Granada to Barcelona or Barcelona to San Sebastián. For maximum comfort and flexibility, private chauffeur transfers are ideal for regional exploring, such as through the White Villages of Andalusia.
