Spectacular Spain: Barcelona and the South
DATES TBD
From the sun-kissed beaches of the southern coast to the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain is a country that pulses with life at every corner. Whether you're wandering through the maze-like alleys of ancient cities or savoring tapas in a bustling square, our small group tour invites you to immerse yourself in a unique blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Its regions, each with its own distinct personality, offer a fascinating tapestry of experiences. The north boasts rugged coastlines and the modernist allure of Barcelona, while the south entices with the mesmerizing beauty of Andalusia, where Moorish architecture and flamenco rhythms reign supreme. Castles, cathedrals, and historical sites dot the country, each telling a story of centuries gone by. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or an adventurer, Spain has something to offer—and always with that signature touch of warmth and flair. With an included domestic flight, numerous included meals (including breakfast daily), comfortable accommodations, and privately guided tours, it will be a memorable adventure!
Barcelona (3 Nights)
Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, is a cultural masterpiece of a city. With world-class museums, a gorgeous waterfront, delicious food and wine, and vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone here. A photo enthusiast's dream comes alive with an iconic mix of ancient and modern architecture, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant colors everywhere you look. Barcelona is considered by many as one of the best cities in the world to visit and Spain's second-largest.
- Enjoy our charming, boutique hotel steps from the Gothic Quarter. 
- Food market exploration: Stroll through one the famous food markets brimming colorful foods - perfect for photos and a bite! Enjoy tastings of Catalan cheese, charcuterie, pastries, olives, and chocolates.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter: Our local expert takes us through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter; we'll see a 13th-century cathedral, learn about the Roman and medieval history of Barcelona, and stop by other notable sites along the walking tour.
- Tapas lunch: a fun way to try a lot of Spanish delights at one time.
- Walk through modernist district: Passing through the area known as Eixample, see the outside of iconic structures brought to life by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. This district contains the highest concentration of modernista dwellings.
- Guided tour of Sagrada Familia: The towering masterpiece is near completion and is one of the most impressive buildings ever envisioned. After 140 years of near continuous work, this church is an architectural wonder which blends different forms, organic shapes, connections to the natural world, and detail work not found anywhere else in the world.
Optional - Day Trip Adventure to Montserrat & Costa Brava
Crossing picturesque villages, we´ll arrive at the one-of-kind Montserrat Mountain. With paths, stairs, caves, and hermitages scattered over the mountain, this massive rock is almost 4,000 feet high and its unique formations make it worthy of its own national park. Truly a wonderful landscape ripe for photos. A picturesque cable car ride to the top will take us to a historic monastery.
- The Royal Basilica at Montserrat: Nearly 1,000 years old and perched halfway up the mountain, the Royal Basilica in the Benedictine monastery holds a holy relic of the Virgin Mary, a Romanesque sculpture from the XII Century. The Basilica serves as her sanctuary, popularly called the Moreneta because she is black due to accumulated smoke from centuries of candlelight.
- The Costa Brava: This means "wild coast" in Spanish, we follow the coastal route to admire the breath-taking sea cliffs, coves, and quaint fishing villages with a stop in Calella de Palafrugell. There is a fantastic walk along the rocky coastline with steps down to the sand. Delicious sunshine, a vibrant blue ocean, and dramatic rock formations will be within your sight at all times. Depending on the time, we can stop for a refreshment (Aperol spritz recommended) overlooking the ocean and stop into a Medieval village for a walk and photos.
Andalucía - Wonders of the South
Andalucia, a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, embodies much of what the world thinks of as Spanish: flamenco, tapas, matadors, and bullfights. Yet it was under Moorish rule from the 8th - 15th centuries that created a legacy of architecture, including such landmarks as the Alcázar castle in Seville, the capital city, as well as Granada’s Alhambra Palace. The region's natural beauty is not to be missed with unique and picturesque national parks we'll explore throughout.
- The Best Southern Spain: Enjoy overnights in Granada, Ronda, Seville, and Tarifa. Though in the same region, each place has its own distinct character, feel, and energy.
- Unique and gorgeous mountains: This part of the country is full of natural beauty. In addition to flourishing agriculture, there are enormous birch forests, snow-capped peaks, mighty rivers, and fertile plains.
Granada (2 Nights)
Granada, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, has many important examples of Medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation of Spain. It’s best known for the Alhambra, a grand, sprawling hilltop fortress encompassing royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty. Also not to be missed are the fountains and orchards of the Generalife Gardens at the foot of Spain's highest mountain range overlooking the city below, and the fertile plains of Granada.
- Alhambra Palace: Explore the most important halls and courtyards of the Alhambra. Originally built as a fortress and then expanded into a palace in 13th century, the grounds are breathtaking.
- Stops include the main alcazaba (fortress), the royal baths, the palace of Charles the Fifth, and the Hall of the Ambassadors where royalty held court. On the privately guided tour, you'll learn an enormous amount of history.
- Generalife Gardens: Wander and photograph the magnificent gardens with row of flowers and fountains. The Islamic garden design is a harmonious blend of nature, water, and architecture.
- Guided through Granada: Inside the central part of the city, we'll visit the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel - the ceremonial burial place of Spanish monarchs.
National Park of Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras
The region of mountain villages known as Las Alpujarras clings to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, cut by deep, sheltered valleys & gorges
that run towards the Mediterranean. The Alpujarra, as it is popularly known, is famous throughout Spain because of its unique micro-climate, landscapes, flora, and fauna. Terraced farmlands are constantly watered by the melting snow from above, making up a high-altitude oasis of greenery which stands in dramatic contrast to the arid foothills below. This is ideal hiking terrain for amazing photographs throughout. around 4,000 feet above sea level.
- Drive with photo stops: Gaze at the beautiful scenic route with great views of the Sierra Nevada National Park. When possible and safe, we'll pull over to take photos of the expanses.
- Village hike: Perched on one hillside are the villages of Pampaneira, Bubion, and Capileira. After lunch here, our shuttle will take us to the top for an easygoing walk down to the bottom. Bustling with crafts, shops, restaurants, and a massive square church tower standing on a plaza of rough cobblestones. Capileira will be the best place to photograph and take in the authenticity of this region with rocky streets, overhanging passageways, and sagging stone houses as they were hundreds of years ago.
El Caminito del Rey
Once known as "the most dangerous path in the world" (don't worry, not anymore!), El Caminito del Rey is one of the most epic experiences in Spain. The incredible views, its fascinating history, and its undeniable spectacularity have made the excursion a must when near Malaga. A newly repaired and refortified footbridge nearly 2 miles long built on the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, this geological wonder is one of the most beautiful natural enclaves in the country. -Paraphrased from Lonely Planet
- Guided walk: We’ll enjoy a guided walk along walkways pinned to the side of the gorge. See the flowing river below as we go through this incredible narrow canyon where the cliffs tower above.
Ronda (1 Night)
The millennial city of Ronda possesses one of the most beautiful historical centers of Spain. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1966 and contains a rich and diverse historic heritage. Perched on an inland plateau divided by a 300 foot fissure of El Tajo gorge, Ronda is Málaga province’s most spectacular town. It has a superbly dramatic location, and owes its name to the encircling Serranía de Ronda mountains.
- Privately guided walking tour: (You'll see and learn about the Puente Nuevo bridge, the vast river Ggrge, one of the last stone bullrings in the country, a wealthy lords mansion called La Casa de San Juan Bosco, and beautiful town squares.
Seville (2 Nights)
Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville has a rich Moorish heritage and used to be a prosperous port that carried out trade with the Americas. The streets and squares in the
historic quarter of the capital of Andalusia are lively and busy. Many buildings have World Heritage designation and many districts are full of traditional culture. Numerous terraces, inns, and bars are the perfect spots to practice one of the most deeply-rooted and tasty traditions in the city: going out for tapas!
- Privately guided walking tour: beginning in the area just outside the door of our hotel, our local guide will share the deep history of this important city. Some of the planned stops are below.
- Visit Seville Cathedral: This massive building dating from the 15th century is the largest Gothic place of worship in the world! Besides the incredible artistry and dedication to build this masterpiece, it also houses the remains of Christopher Columbus.
- The Alcazar - Europe's oldest royal palace: 
The Alcazar, built more than a thousand years ago, is a World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved examples of Mudéjar architecture.
- Venture through the enchanting Hispanic-Jewish neighborhood of Santa Cruz: The cozy lanes known for flowered streets and quaint courtyards are a lovely break from other parts of this energetic city. After a little bit of walking, we'll be dropped off at El Rinconcillo - a restaurant that has been here since the 17th century!
Tarifa (1 Night)
"The pristine white beaches of Tarifa are just as majestic as the 800-year-old castle that stands proudly in this southern Spanish town...The sea sparkles with the promise of bustling marine life..(and) at night, Tarifa itself sparkles with bars, nightclubs, and tapas bars galore." - TripAdvisor
- Winery visit: Stop into a winery run by the same family for five generations; learn about their process, enjoy the cultivated grounds, sample their products, and enjoy a lunch onsite.
- Costa de la Luz Cliff Walk (Andalusia Coastline): This easy coastal walk takes us along the dramatic sea cliffs and down into stunning fine sand beaches one after another.
- Arrive to Tarifa: The southernmost point of Spain shines as Tarifa proudly flaunts her beauty while ships pass through the iconic Strait of Gibraltar. Our final night and day in Spain could not be better with amazing food, beaches, and beauty in every direction!
Price: $4,249
Single Supplement: $695
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days or more prior to the trip departure date (June 23rd, 2025) are fully refundable except for the 3100 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days prior to the trip departure date (June 24th, 2025) will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). Hotels subject to change based on availability.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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