Imagine a journey with sun-drenched plazas, bustling tapas bars, and the melodic strumming of flamenco guitars. Come along as we retrace the steps of Ron and Gwen, a dynamic Canadian couple who embarked on a fantastic 24-day trip around Spain. With the help of TourTailors, they customized a Spain from tip to toe tour combining self-driving, train travel, sightseeing and moderate hikes. From the artistic avenues of Barcelona to the 'salero' of Andalusia, and from the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol to the rugged beauty of the Basque Country, they embraced the spirit of wanderlust with open arms and eager hearts.
It was a journey through passionate dances, rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and countless moments of joy. Let’s dive into their story, filled with captivating photos, and insider tips that will make you want to book the next flight to España!
Strolling through Las Ramblas: the vibrant start to an epic journey
With dreams of exploring Spain, Ron and Gwen sought an itinerary showcasing the best cities and countryside. The TourTailors travel consultant crafted a personalized tour, blending cultural highlights with natural beauty. Their adventure began in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the captivating capital of Catalonia, which offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity.
The exploration began with an incredible guided tour through the historic center, unveiling tales of Barcelona’s rich history and traditions that brought the city's vibrant past to life. Antoni Gaudí, the genius Catalan architect, inspired the visit to one of his great works: the Parc Güell. The park's colorful mosaics, whimsical architecture and breathtaking views over Barcelona left them in awe. But a visit to Barcelona is only complete when appreciating the Sagrada Familia - Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an icon of the city.
Pintxos in San Sebastián: a culinary and cultural journey
Ron and Gwen embarked on a scenic train journey from Barcelona to the picturesque coastal city of San Sebastián, in Basque Country. A high-speed train ride kicked off their adventure, whisking them away in under six hours. As they traveled comfortably, they were treated to breathtaking views of northeastern Spain's dramatic landscapes.
Upon arriving in San Sebastián, they eagerly anticipated immersing themselves in the city's renowned Basque cuisine. The vibrant culture of pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, is integral to the city's culinary identity. Embracing this tradition, the couple embarked on a Pintxos Tour, starting with a leisurely stroll through the Old Town Center, allowing them to learn San Sebastián's rich history, secrets, and highlights from knowledgeable guides.
A visit to San Sebastián should include the Catedral de Buen Pastor and the Museo Municipal de San Telmo, which beautifully chronicles the evolution of Basque society. After soaking in the city's historical and cultural highlights, was time for a visit to the lush gardens of the 19th-century Palacio Miramar.
A scenic drive to Bilbao with a stopover in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Renting a car is an excellent way to explore Spain's charming locales between its major cities, and Ron and Gwen embraced this idea wholeheartedly. Their 13-day self-drive adventure began in San Sebastián, with a detour to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a rocky outcrop in the sea connected to the mainland by a narrow stone bridge.
Upon arriving in Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum was their first stop, renowned as an iconic architectural masterpiece and a world-renowned cultural landmark. In contrast to Bilbao's modern allure, the city's Old Town is a charming historic district featuring narrow streets, vibrant plazas, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
Continuing their journey southward, Ron and Gwen ventured to the historic city of Burgos, celebrated for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's well-preserved medieval old town further captivated them, making Burgos an unforgettable destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Segovia’s historic charm on the road to Madrid
Ron and Gwen embarked then on a journey to Spain’s capital, Madrid, with an enchanting stop in Segovia. At the heart of this historic city stands a Roman engineering masterpiece, the iconic Aqueduct of Segovia. Nearby, the fairy-tale Alcázar, with its distinctive turrets and stunning hilltop location, offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
While in Madrid, the couple enjoyed a walking tour of the city's historical center, uncovering hidden secrets and gaining insights into the cherished regional culinary traditions by visiting four different eateries. This delightful tour was just the beginning of their Madrid adventure and strolling to the bustling Plaza Mayor, they soaked the vibrant atmosphere and historic charm.
Visiting Prado Museum was, of course, mandatory. It is one of the world's premier art museums, renowned for its extensive collection of European art. The museum houses masterpieces by iconic artists such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Titian.
Exploring the majestic sites of Córdoba and Granada
Ron and Gwen left Madrid for a day trip to Toledo. Known as the “City of three cultures”, Toledo showcases a harmonious blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchanted them with its cobblestone streets lined with ancient churches, synagogues, and mosques.
Córdoba marked their entry into Andalusia. Once a prominent Roman city and later a thriving Islamic center, Córdoba impresses with its rich architectural heritage, notably the stunning Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral). Córdoba's historic Jewish Quarter, or Judería, captivated them with its labyrinthine streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque courtyards.
En route to Granada, Ron and Gwen stopped in Jaén, celebrated as the "World Capital of Olive Oil" due to its expansive olive groves. Arriving in Granada, they woke up to the breathtaking Alhambra and embarked on a guided tour to Spain's most remarkable Moorish monument. Granada's vibrant atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and the mesmerizing flamenco performance, enriched their experience of this culturally rich city.
From Málaga to Marbella: breathtaking views and coastal charms
On their starry-eyed Andalusian adventure, Ron and Gwen arrived in Málaga. Nestled on Spain's Costa del Sol, the birthplace city of Pablo Picasso unfolds its rich history through landmarks like the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress overlooking the city. They began their city tour at Gibralfaro Castle, and visited La Maquita, the affectionate nickname for the Renaissance-style Cathedral of Málaga.
The couple’s next destination was the sun-soaked Marbella! This luxurious resort city with pristine beaches features a charming old town (Casco Antiguo) with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and picturesque plazas.
Their next stop was Cádiz, where they immersed themselves in cultural and coastal delights.
Seville is the next highlight city
Ron and Gwen continued their Andalusian journey to Seville, with a stop in Jerez de la Frontera, celebrated for its sherry wine production, flamenco heritage, and equestrian traditions, where they watched an enchanting Andalusian horse show. Arcos de la Frontera, perched dramatically on a limestone cliff and famous for its charming old town, was another charming detour.
Their last days on this incredible adventure throughout Spain were dedicated to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. The couple did a complete guided monumental tour, visiting the Real Alcázar, a royal palace with exquisite Mudéjar architecture and lush gardens, and the majestic Cathedral and its stunning Giralda tower.
Finally, they head back to where their journey began – Barcelona, before returning home with their hearts filled with beautiful memories of their Spanish adventure!
Make your visit to Spain a memorable trip!
Ron and Gwen's adventure in Spain turned out to be an unforgettable journey, filled with culinary delights and exceptional accommodations. They raved about the amazing restaurants they visited, their lodgings perfectly located and the tours provided in-depth knowledge, making their explorations smooth and enriching. And we must thank them for being so kind allowing us to share their photos and experiences with you!
If you enjoyed learning about all the incredible cities Ron and Gwen visited, you can create your own tailor-made experience in Spain with us! So, pack your bags, but leave some room for the memories and the tapas you will undoubtedly collect along the way.
