Private Family Tour of Spain: Madrid, Seville & Barcelona

Madrid is the embodiment of energy, filled with vigor and class. Baroque buildings encompass the large space of Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square. An archway colonnade wraps around the base of the buildings. The aromas of rich coffee and sweet fresh pastries drift from the cafes. Your transfer will meet the family at the airport. The kids may stare wide-eyed at the prevalent history etched into every façade that you pass before you settle into comfortable accommodations near the heart of the beating city.

Every child has imagined living in a castle and sitting on an elaborate throne. After breakfast, your family will experience the continuing grandeur of the Palacio Real and its exuberant décor. The palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and encompasses 1,450,000 square feet of area with over 2,800 rooms. When you enter the throne room, you may hear the family’s mouths drop. Crimson velvet covers the walls and the ceiling is painted in a dramatic baroque scene shining with vibrant color. The visit will offer a glimpse into the lives of the historic kings and queens.

Toledo is a city untouched by contemporary buildings and filled with narrow, winding cobbled streets. The hillsides have provided natural protection with steep gradients. The ancient walls added to the city’s power and surrounded the streets with tall and forceful ramparts. After breakfast, the family makes its way to Toledo for the day to discover the essence of Spain. Cathedral spires and the fortress create the skyline along the Tagus River. Muslim, Jewish, and Christian peoples populated the city until the 15th century. The alleyways continue to captivate visitors with the tallest cathedral tower rising 146 feet tall.

Segovia is a city built on legend. A towering Roman aqueduct continues to divide the city. The medieval walls wind around the old streets. When you arrive in Segovia you explore the history of Western Civilization. The cathedral’s tower is the sole high rise in the city and draws attention to the sweeping mountains on the horizon. The aqueduct stretches over 2,933 feet long with a height of over 91 feet. The aroma of melted chocolate and marzipan often lingers in the ancient streets. The amount of palpable history in this one city will fascinate the family.

El Escorial is a combination of monastery and royal residence. A short train ride from Madrid brings you to the baroque-style complex that encompasses 16th-century regal power and 20th-century hindsight. The exterior embodies a powerful stronghold. The interior contains courtyards, chambers, and a network of interesting passageways. The central door leads to the Courtyard of the Kings. Red marble steps lead into the basilica. An altarpiece stands over 98 feet tall. Bronze sculptures and canvas decorate the separated compartments. In the Hall of Battles, an entire wall is painted with an image of armies setting up for war.

The green mountains around Madrid give way to golden countryside and gilded beaches of Andalusia. You venture southbound to the city of Cordoba, once the seat of the Moorish powers during their occupation of Spain. Courtyards fill with blossoming trees, foliage, and the aroma of fresh citrus blooms. Step into the Mezquita-Catedral and find a treasured piece of Islamic architecture. The great mosque has a spacious and tranquil interior. The traditional Islamic style shows vibrant geometric shapes and elegant calligraphy. The more time the family spends in the old mosque, the more enchanted they will become by the pace.

Seville is the capital of the Andalusian region and captures an endless spirit of golden hills and historic streets. It is the home of flamenco and an unruffled believer in tapas. The neighborhood of Santa Cruz is iconic for its narrow cobblestone streets and pocket-sized plazas. Wrought-iron balconies are filled with glowing flowers. The pathway eventually leads to the edge of the cathedral. 35 inclined ramps lead to the top of the tower. The structure beneath the adorning bells was originally a minaret built in the 12th century. Venture up the 341-foot tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Arrive in Barcelona to find a city that sits at the edge of the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is distinct to Catalonia and even more specific to the unique architecture and spirit that pulse through the city. The Gothic Quarter contains remnants of the city’s Roman village past. The labyrinthine streets blend the antique peaceful squares with contemporary elements. The meandering lanes will lead you onto the bustling boulevard of Las Ramblas where the true essence of the city thrives with flower stalls selling rainbow bouquets. A charming mosaic decorates the entrance to the Boqueria, one of Europe's oldest markets.

The fabled architecture of Barcelona glimmers in the morning. The gentle lull of the Mediterranean can be heard in the early hours. The specific buildings on the Block of Discord have a unique look, separated by style, décor, and contours. Casa Amatller has a pyramid top that looks pixelated. Casa Batlló resembles a gingerbread house glass framed first floor. When you arrive at Park Guell, you may notice similar design features. A mosaic lizard postures at the center of the dual stairwell. Pillars support the balcony. The panorama displays the city’s expansive streets stretching to the sea.

In the morning the Boqueria fills with locals shopping for fresh produce and the catch of the day. The restaurants that fill the marketplace start to sauté onions. The combination of scents entices passersby. After breakfast, your transfer meets that family at the hotel. Soon you will board your flight and return home. The kids have touched historic buildings and witnessed tremendous heritage. You have seen your children’s eyes light up with wonderment and treasured every moment.