Introduction
Deservedly popular among our clients and specialists, Spain is a country of diverse allures. Its exuberant present is informed by a rich past, locals-only tapas bars serve world-renown Spanish wines and artists’ cities look out over the gold-and-green beauty of its pretty landscapes.
Epic self-drives & idyllic beach escapes
It’s all best explored on a self-drive, linking historic cities, world-class wine regions and those always-enticing stretches of sun-kissed coast. Let our specialists tailor a trip to take in the very best of it, perhaps linking stays in the country’s historic parador hotels. This network of converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents and monasteries offers the chance to experience the very best of Spain's architectural heritage.
Parador de Siguenza
Alternatively, take the chance to relax and unwind with a week, or more, on one of Spain’s island idylls, showcased in the far-flung Canaries and the Balearics’ Mediterranean delights. Call us, or browse these pages, for the latest special offers. And, there’s something for train enthusiasts, too, with the superb El Transcantábrico taking in the country’s great northern wonders in consummate style.
Spectacular landscapes at every turn
It’s not uncommon for Spaniards to refer to Las Españas – the Spains. It’s a concept evidenced by geography, with such great mountain ranges as the Pyrenees to the north and the Sierra Nevada in the south separated by miles upon miles of sweeping plains, itself interspersed with golden-beach coastlines and verdant wine regions.There’s also the enticing proposition of an island retreat to the Canaries or Mediterranean.
Rioja wine region
And, dotted across these landscapes, you'll find villages unaffected by time’s passing, whether it’s idyllic whitewash towns perched on Andalucian hilltops or the Basque Country’s medieval settlements wrapped in crumbling fortifications.
Spain’s city greats
From their architecture to their culinary delights, Spain’s cities rival any in the world with Valencia’s up-to-the-minute architecture rivalling Barcelona’s twisting masterpieces and Madrid’s 18th-century repose. However, it’s in Al Andalus – Islamic Spain – that you’ll find the truly unique. Here, the lost Moorish civilisation lives on in great castles, grand palaces and mosques that rank among the Islamic world’s finest.
Barcelona from above
Wherever you choose to visit, expect an enticing array of locals-favourite tapas bars mixed in with some of Europe’s very best gourmet dining, all influenced by the country’s rich mix of cultures and bounty of produce, from the freshest seafood to those famous stews and paellas and delicious cured meats.
A wealth of cultural wonders
There’s much to unite Spain’s autonomies. There’s a shared appreciation of the arts, with such modern greats as Gaudí and Picasso owing much of their inspiration to the country’s religious architecture. The sky-piercing cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, for example, has been inspiring pilgrimages for almost a thousand years. But there’s also a certain passion for life – termed duende – that courses throughout Spain. It’s felt everywhere from flamenco shows to those ever-controversial bullfights.
Flamenco dancer in Valencia
