Private Spain Tour for Couples: Madrid, Granada, Seville, Barcelona, Rock of Gibraltar & More

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city, filled with sensual art, edgy fashion, and decadent cuisine. Quaint, narrow streets stretch out of Puerta del Sol. The Real Casa de Correos is adorned with a clock tower constructed in the 18th century. The building was once the Post Office and is now the headquarters of Madrid’s President. On the eastern edge of the square, you see the statue of a bear pressing against a strawberry tree. The symbol of the city is elegant and strong, like Madrid itself. The vibrant and jovial crowds wander around the thriving restaurants and shops. Arenal Street is paved with tile and lined with cafes. Music emanates from guitars and minstrels. The beauty of Spain’s capital city sweeps you off your feet even though you have just arrived.

The city’s vibrant life surpasses time, frolicking into the early morning. The city is at its most serene after sunrise. The light sweeps over the city and spotlights the brilliant historical buildings and shimmering Royal Palace. After breakfast you will make your way by rail to the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Granada. The alleyways and plazas maintain a distinctive Moorish ambiance. The Alhambra stands watch over the city rising out of the trees atop a citadel. The old Arab neighborhood of Albayzín covers the hillside and colors the landscape with pristine whitewashed walls. The sun reflects the elegant light of the entire neighborhood. Golden grass brushes over the landscape.

The scent of arid earth, simmering tapas, and sweet sangria drifts through the city’s streets. The Cathedral was completed in the early 18th century, which accounts for the intriguing collection of styles. The baroque façade was designed in the 17th century and the interior vaulted ceilings are distinctly Gothic. Semicircular arches crown three pillars. Corinthian columns add to the interior décor surrounding delicate stained glass windows. The colors enhance the sensual aroma of myrrh. The city offers plenty of secluded niches to discover with your partner, finding privacy or a candlelit restaurant somewhere in the shadow of the Alhambra.

The sun casts its warm glow over the cityscape. The narrow streets provide shade and the open plazas emanate elm and freshly pressed coffee. After breakfast, you make your way to the Alhambra for a tour of the blissful palace complex. The wealth of history extends above the rich aromas of cypress trees. The exterior shines gold in the light. The Moorish influence is apparent immediately. The complex was originally a fortress and the first palace was constructed on the citadel in the 11th century.

The space provides a tranquil and surreal glance at both history and luxury. Mosaics create rainbows along the walls. Arched doors and latticed windows offer a cross-breeze that brings a comfortable air through the interior space. In the Courtyard of Lions you discover an 11th-century fountain. Twelve marble lions are arranged like a clock. The lions were connected to a network that caused the fountain to spout water upon the hour. The courtyard was designed with proportions consistent with geometric shapes. The columns are positioned symmetrically and the stucco weaves around the plaza like lace.

Clap your hands and stomp your feet to the rhythm of Seville. The city pulsates with passion, telling a story of its past—loss and love—that captivates locals and visitors alike. After breakfast, you travel by train to the antique city. The narrow alleys provide not only relief from the Andalusian sun but also a romantic stroll through medieval walkways. The old city sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. When the breeze blows it brings a cool mist to the air.

The city maintains its Moorish influence. The Giralda is one of the most famous bell towers in all of Spain. The tower was originally a minaret constructed in the 12th century. Today the tower contains brick trelliswork and a sequence of arched niches. The interior contains no stairs and instead has 35 inclined ramps. The tower rises to a height of over 249 feet. At the top of the tower, you can see a charming panorama of Seville.

The rooftops are colorful, the medieval gargoyles on the cathedral are powerful, and the distant mountains roll along the horizon. History fuels people’s passion. They pour that enthusiasm into their music, their laughter, and their food. With over 3,000 tapas restaurants, you can spend the evening exploring the best flavors and romantic cafes that wind alongside the treasured streets. The aromas of savory olives and rich wine, decadent croquettes, and tiny spicy peppers tempt you. Explore the city and its captivating tastes, sure to provide a treasure trove of fervent memories.

The Alcazar of Seville is said to be paradise in Andalusia. The marvelous landscape provides fragrant shade and the stunning architecture is mixed with a wealth of mosaics to craft vibrant and soft hues against the delightful courtyards. After your exploration of the Alcazar the sunlight begins to mellow. You have been entranced by the sensual rhythms of the city. The quiet whispers of flamenco have enticed you. Follow your guide and instructor to a small, cacophonous room. The wooden floorboards provide wonderful acoustics. The guitar begins to strum and your instructor claps. You follow her lead. The beat of the evening teaches you the heritage of Seville, the history of flamenco, and the desire needed to take each step. The singer cries out, an emotional call of devotion that reaches through the heritage of the dance. The origins are a mixture of Roma and Moorish past. The depths of the dance and music take you well into the night.

Costa de la Luz is an area that sweeps across the Mediterranean coast. The water is warm and sapphire. The beaches glisten with gold and white sand. Before settling into the coastal city of Tarifa you will arrive at the famous Rock of Gibraltar. The monolith stands 1,398 feet high and provides an unmatched panorama of the Southern Spain and North Moroccan coastline. The earthy scent of limestone combines with the sweet ocean aromas. The Atlantic presses against the Mediterranean along the Strait of Gibraltar. A cable car takes you up to the base of the nature reserve. The tree canopy offers desirable shade. The breeze strokes the leaves, and Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey in Europe, roam the reserve. Continue to the relaxed ambiance of Tarifa and listen to the crashing waves roll in.

The seaside city maintains a unique atmosphere, different than the rest of Andalusia. A cool breeze constantly roams through the city and the beachside. Surfers and kiteboarders from around the world come to adventure on the Atlantic’s waves. Ancient walls encircle the old town. The streets are narrow and whitewashed. The day is yours to indulge in the stunning scenery and wonderful pace, where the day could stand still, if you want it to. Soak in the sun on Playa Bolonia or take the ferry for a day trip to the renowned city across the Gibraltar Strait, Tangier, Morocco.

Castillo de Guzmán was constructed in the 10th century as a Moorish fortress. The large stones are positioned in a block formation. It looks like a medieval stronghold. The street beneath the castle’s entrance will eventually lead you to the meandering alleyways of Old Town. The Moroccan influence remains prevalent, noticed mainly in the jovial market. The local vendors’ cries echo through the winding walkways. Climb atop the castle walls and take in the view with your partner. The breeze brushes by. The scent of perfume and sweet wine drifts around the marketplace. You find a private spot with a view to a different world stretching along the seaside.

Ronda is a frontier village that brings the romance of the Spanish countryside to life. Authors, such as Hemingway, used to linger along the charming cobblestone streets and meander through whitewashed buildings. The Puente Nuevo is the new bridge constructed in the 18th century. It traverses the 328-foot gorge that separates the new town from the old. Look past the cliff and into the horizon. The valley turns into undulating hills and the mountains rise and fall against the backdrop of pristine blue sky.

Massive fortress walls surround Old Town. Two large gates that date back to the 13th and 16th centuries border the narrow maze-like walkways distinctive of medieval towns. Renaissance mansions run alongside the streets, home to powerful families and which date back to the 15th century. The city holds an earthy charm filled with imaginative history and comfortable warmth generated from the locals. The landscaped vista is picture-perfect and you can’t think of a better place to enjoy the Andalusian countryside.

A steep cliff on one side and rising mountains on the other border the city. Ronda is also filled with nearby wonders, from the glowing turquoise waters of the Cat’s Cave at Benaoján to the Roman Ruins of Acinipo which date back to the 1st century AD. Your discovery of the countryside could even take you into a private wine tasting to indulge in the precious flavors around the valley. The Cuenca Gardens are situated on the Tajo Canyon ledges. The interesting placement of the gardens means that you will have a fabulous and unique experience exploring the beautiful landscape.

From the hanging gardens you can look out on the landscape and the mountains and see extensive vineyards and classic grottoes. The paved walkway winds around the canyon walls. The scent of elm and bougainvillea are refreshing. Enjoy the view at your own pace. The nearby Arabic baths were built near the end of the 13th century and the stone structure contains arched ceilings and star-shaped vents. The baths are similar in design and usage to the Roman baths. Their location built partially underground allowed the users to control the temperature all year round.  The collection of culture and natural beauty is displayed with grace and reverence.

Cordoba has been influenced by various cultures throughout history, from Moorish to Jewish, to Catholic. The combined faiths have created unique architectural splendor and delicate cuisine. Travel by rail to the city and find a metropolis grown from Roman roots. The city overlooks the Guadalquivir River and fills with the creamy aromas of olive oil and fruity layers of wine. The streets of the old town meander around one another like your own private labyrinth. The narrow streets hide the skyline and the whitewashed walls are decorated with budding flowers. The city’s patios are lined with a rainbow of blossoms and provide a comfortable space for locals in the warm summer months.

The tempting aroma of orange citrus rises from the Plaza of Orange Trees. You find the stunning Mezquita. It was once a great mosque but turned into a church in the 13th century when the conquering army built a church inside the already marvelous mosque walls. The symmetrical design of the mosque fits into the traditions of Islamic architecture. Columns crafted from a variety of stones, such as onyx and marble, make the interior archways shimmer in the sunlight. The latticework brings a touch of accent to the main archways as you enter the prayer hall.

Valencia is a city of wonderful contrasts. The old city brims with the charm you have come to expect from medieval towns. The streets are cobbled and fountains add a refreshing mist to the sky. The old port once connected Spain to the world, which brought far-reaching cultures and a variety of flavors. The contemporary city rises over the expansive neighborhoods. The riverbed separates the modernist architecture from the classical city. You can see a glass building encompassing a total area of 139,930 square feet. It overlooks a reflective surface to create an illusion of a full, glossy circle.

The cathedral was constructed in the 13th century. A number of architectural styles decorate the church. The sensual, zesty aroma of oranges emanates from the countryside. The stained glass windows are glazed with alabaster to filter the sunlight. The octagonal tower contains 207 steps and offers tremendous panoramas of the cathedral and the blue-domed churches of the city. In the center of the lofty domed chapel, adorned with an encompassing star, you can also find what historians believe to be the Holy Chalice. Strolling through Valencia is a romantic journey through time, where the historic flavors of the spice trade compound around the old port and you get to savor the luscious flavors of the past, present, and future.

Your time in Valencia is at your leisure. You can enjoy a walk through Mercado Central, where the large and energetic market provides insight into the traditional cuisine and life of the locals. The Turia riverbed was turned into a park in the mid 20th century after a flood. The park now meanders around the streets and buildings, offering shady walkways and a romantic route through the old town. The pristine coastline provides golden sand and sapphire water. The breeze is calm and the sun is warm. You can dip your toes into the Mediterranean in complete privacy, depending on the beach you venture to. Bring a packed lunch of cheese, bread, and wine and take the afternoon to stop time, enjoy the view, delight in the company, and settle into the seaside.

Everyone always says there is no place like Barcelona. The city maintains a particular energy unique to its streets and historic neighborhoods. Travel by train and arrive in the city. La Ramblas is a boulevard that runs almost a full mile in length. Trees line the walkways and shade the elaborate and enthusiastic groups of people. Flower stands bloom and mosaics decorate the floor. The pathways of the Gothic quarter branch out from the main pedestrian street. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most recognized landmarks of the city.

The Gothic cathedral broke ground in the 19th century and remains under construction. The famous architect Antoni Gaudi designed the structure. The tallest spire rises 300 feet tall. Three separate facades decorate the church. The nativity façade is located on the eastern front. A tortoise base sits beneath a towering column. When the sun rises it casts its light on a nativity scene first. You can take an elevator to the top of two out of three facades. Through the latticed stonework and ceramic décor you can look out on Barcelona and see Montjuïc hill and the nearby sea.

The city remains vibrant until the early hours of the morning. The church bells ring in the mid-morning and the sunlight casts a charm over the city once more. Spend the day as you desire, exploring the treasures of the city with your partner. Dig your toes into the immaculate sandy beach or relax in a plaza with a rich, steaming coffee. La Boqueria is a celebrated public market that dates back to the 13th century. The pavilion encompasses an entire city block. Candied fruits are displayed like stripes on a rainbow. Fresh fruits and vegetables create an ambiance of tropical décor. The sweet aromas of kumquat and pomegranate surround you. The luscious sounds of simmering onions and garlic emanate from the local restaurants. 

The streets of the Gothic quarter are quiet and serene in the morning light. The colors of the sunrise layer the horizon. The city is caught in a transition between sleep and awake, standing still in its tranquil beauty. The sea seems to be the only movement, brushing against the shore in the distance. After breakfast your private transfer will escort you to the airport for your flight home. You have traversed the expanses of Spain, finding coastline and medieval towns. Each discovery brought you closer to the one you love, creating unforgettable memories in an unforgettable country.