Spain Travel Agent Specialist

For the first time visitor, a trip spanning the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona, the centrally located Madrid, and the northern reaches of Basque country, is a rich and exciting way to experience Spain. Including all three regions, the best time to travel here is either June or September to hit optimal weather and a taste of each of the three regions. Greeting Barcelona in the late morning sun with the steady hum of scooters is a fantastic start for a memorable trip to the Catalonia. Wandering narrow streets lined with stone facades and hidden courtyards is a beautiful introduction to Spain and the treasures and spirit of the Catalonian people. Dinner with tapas and vermouth at a small bar and ordering whatever looks unfamiliar introduces you to the beginning of the Spanish night out. Barcelona is well known for the art and architecture of Gaudí and has a strong artistic vibe. La Sagrada Família (Gaudí’s famous cathedral) stands out like an architectural puzzle in progress. From there, you can continue to walk along the elegant and cosmopolitan Passeig de Gràcia for fashionable shopping and high-end boutiques, moving past the Casa Batlló (Gaudí-designed residential building) and La Pedrera (Gaudí-designed ornate building) on the way to the Gràcia neighborhood (a small town feel within the bustling city) for dinner al fresco in a tree-covered plaza. Stay late into the night and venture into conversations with local Spaniards lingering over wine with new friends. Park Güell is filled with Gaudí pieces and can be followed by a relaxed lunch near Barceloneta. If sand and salt is your preference, settle on towels for a short nap and enjoy the relaxation; otherwise, a rented bike to cruise the waterfront is called for. Sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel adds a bit of drama to the evening. Now there’s a choice for a new day. Nature lovers head to Montserrat for cable car rides and fresh air. History fans board a train to Girona to walk medieval walls and hunt for the city’s famous pastries. Everyone reunites at the Barcelona Sants train station for the night train to Madrid, pleasantly tired and sharing photos of the day’s adventures as you relax on the high-speed train trip. Madrid is filled with grand avenues and leafy parks. The Royal Palace dazzles and Retiro Park offers a break beneath the Crystal Palace’s glass roof. Art enthusiasts, choose to immerse yourself in the Prado or Reina Sofía museum, as it may be a bit overwhelming to attempt both in one go. For the non-art lovers in the group, you can shop ‘til you drop or people watch over coffee in La Latina. A dinner of tapas becomes a full tasting tour, one small plate at a time. Enjoying small plates in each of the regions visited is a must for foodies looking to experience the heart and breadth of Spanish culinary delights. From Madrid, a day trip to either Segovia or Toledo is strongly recommended. Segovia is known for the Roman aqueduct and the storybook Alcázar, Toledo for its layered religious history and hilltop views. Culinary minded travelers must sample roast suckling pig in Segovia or marzipan in Toledo. Returning to Madrid for the required flamenco show delights and provides an experience charged with energetic rhythm. Moving on to the Basque region and one of my favorite towns in Spain – San Sebastián. As you view La Concha Bay shimmering under soft light, the feel and the pace instantly slow. San Sebastian is a lovely city, calm and quiet during the day and filled with lively pintxo bars into the night. A pintxo crawl introduces you to the Basque approach to food. Small bites, bold flavors, a smorgasbord for foodies. Now that you’re enjoying a slower pace, it’s time to hit the beach to kayak or surf or just lounge on the sand in the sun. If a hike is more to your liking, there’s a climb to Monte Igeldo for views that are a reward for every step exerted. Another option is to luxuriate at a terrace bar with chilled txakoli ( a light, crisp local white wine) and watch the world move by. For dinner, it’s the time in this trip for a special occasion at one of San Sebastian’s celebrated restaurants, exploring the wine and food of the region. For the last full day visiting Spain on this adventure in the Mediterranean coast and central and northern regions, a trip to Bilbao is a must. The curves and metallic surfaces of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum is a treasured example of modern art. Taking it in before a lively lunch is a great way to enjoy the day. If modern art and architecture don’t do it for you, take a detour to Rioja Alavesa for vineyard tours and tastings among rolling hills. Enjoy the final dinner of the trip returning to San Sebastian or staying on in Bilbao. Spain is an experience with beautiful vistas, engaging culture and art, and fabulous food. Spaniards are friendly, stylish, and proud of their regional attributes. It’s a must on anyone’s bucket list!