Spain in September: Quintessential 8-Day Spanish Tour

September is the most underappreciated time of year to visit the country of Spain. This is a time when the weather is beginning to cool down but is still pleasantly warm, and the swarm of tourists that flock to Spain during the summer has already started to quell. You will arrive in the shining city of Barcelona, where you will be met at the international airport by your private driver. From there, you will be transferred to your accommodation, which will be located in the heart of the city. In the evening, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a transfer to a phenomenal Flamenco show that will be accompanied by a gourmet dinner of Spanish tapas and a delightful wine pairing.

You will have arrived in Spain just in time for the annual Rioja Wine Harvest Festival, which is one of the most well-loved festivals in the country. It takes place in the town of Logrono, and will be transferred here in a private transfer. You will spend the day delighting in the wonderful activities of the festival. Soon, you will be provided with the exclusive opportunity to participate in the age-old tradition of stomping grapes before enjoying the rest of the festivities, which include traditional bullfighting and dancing.

Today, you will have the unique opportunity to experience Barcelona’s biggest and most wild festival: La Merce. Honoring the city’s patron saint, La Merce, this festival is full of exciting events and Catalan traditions. You will be immersed in the celebration alongside the entire city of Barcelona as you attend concerts, outdoor theatre shows, circus performances, parades, and dances. In the evening, you will enjoy a magnificent fireworks display, furthering the excitement of an already fantastic experience.

Upon your arrival to Spain’s stunning Basque Country, you will be met at baggage claim by your private driver and transferred to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of San Sebastian. After you have had ample time to get settled and freshen up, you will meet your expert guide in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the world-renowned San Sebastian Film Festival. Since 1953, the San Sebastian Film Festival has been one of the most iconic film festivals in the world, and, here, you will be provided with the exclusive opportunity to view some of the top, new international films as they premiere.

This morning, you will begin your day with a peaceful trek to the nearby town of Pasajes de San Juan. From the village, you will be privately transferred back to the heart of San Sebastian, where you will spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring at your leisure. In the evening, you will be provided with the unique opportunity to dine at one of the world’s most exquisite restaurants that serves traditional Basque cuisine. After your marvelous dining experience, you will return to your hotel, where you will have the remainder of the evening to spend at your leisure.

After a short flight, you will arrive in the Spanish capital, where you will be met by your driver for your transfer to your accommodation. Once you have settled in properly, you will meet your expert guide in the lobby, where you will be guided to the lovely Parque del Retiro. During your visit, you will witness the Crystal Palace, where your guide will offer intriguing insight into the history of the palace and the park itself. After you have had your fill of the park, you will delight in an exclusive tour of one of Spain’s most highly-acclaimed museums: either the Prado, the Reina Sofia, or the Thyssen.

After enjoying a Spanish breakfast at your hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the best of Madrid’s fall fashions. You will be guided through the city on a guided tour, where you will visit the most illustrious sites in Madrid. During your tour, you can stop at the infamous Puerta del Sol, which is the true heartbeat of this bustling city, before strolling to Plaza Mayor. In the evening, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin a tapas crawl through the city. During your tour, you can sample Spanish treats, such as churros with chocolate, and learn about the history of tapas in Spain.

Today, you will enjoy your final breakfast in Spain before spending your last morning in Madrid at your leisure. You can stroll through the picturesque streets and stop into a cafe to enjoy a cafe con leche. As you sit down and look out over the lovely cafe-lined streets, you will begin to reminisce on your incredible journey thus far. Once you have done your fair share of reminiscing, you will return to your hotel to gather your things. Once you are ready, you will meet your private driver in the lobby for the final time and transfer to the airport for your flight home.