Exploring The Hidden Gems of Spain with Madrid & Beyond
January 18, 2022 by Perrie Hartz
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Founded in 1999 by former history professor Nigel Hack, Madrid & Beyond is one of the most highly-regarded travel agencies in Spain and Portugal. Specializing in authentic and immersive experiences, this full-service DMC uses its extensive network of expert guides, local tastemakers and luxury hospitality connections to craft exceptional bespoke itineraries for the most discerning travelers who are looking to discover the true spirit of Spain and Portugal.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Exploring Spain
To create a personalized trip itinerary, Madrid & Beyond draws inspiration from all aspects of Spain’s incredibly vibrant culture and rich history, all depending on what each traveler is interested in experiencing. Clients are taken deep inside the worlds of local gastronomy, music, history, art, wine, architecture, adventure, and much more.
Their itineraries include some of Spain’s most well-known cities and regions, as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands. Fashionistas, art buffs and amateur historians will love exploring Spain’s grand, historic capital of Madrid, where sample activities include graffiti walking tours, meeting with an expert art restorer, private half-day museum tours of the Prado, the Reina Sofia (home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica painting), el Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and many others, a private shopping excursion and studio visit with a local fashion designer, and a romantic spin around the city at dusk in a vintage mini-cooper, where every grand building, charming cobble-stoned street and lush greenery-filled park is bathed in that unforgettable golden hour glow.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
In ever-vibrant, buzzy Barcelona, an international hub where art, culture, food, and architecture combine, Madrid & Beyond offers a private “Gaudí and Modernist” architectural tour of the most exceptional buildings and parks of the city. A well-reputed food journalist will also be on-call for a private gastronomy tour, drawing back the curtain on the secrets and subtleties of Catalan cuisine and his ‘’locals only’’ culinary temples.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Food lovers will also have an unforgettable gastronomic experience in San Sebastian, a charming seaside town in Basque Country renown for its stunning beaches and picturesque bay-front promenade. Here, you not only will experience some world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurants, or a fascinating ‘’pitxos’’ food tour, but you’ll also have the chance to be welcomed as a guest in one of the Gastronomy Societies of the city, a privilege accessible by invitation only.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Travelers looking to explore off the beaten path will love visiting the stunning Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia, historic whitewashed villages dotting the countryside, built into hillsides, and /or overlooking the ocean. In Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most beautiful of the towns, Madrid & Beyond offers a very special tasting experience at an olive oil mill dating back to the 17th century.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Adventure lovers have many incredible bespoke itineraries to choose from. On the Costa Brava in the quaint Medieval village of Palamos, you can board a traditional “Goleta” and enjoy a private day sail of the rugged coastline and all its secret coves and inlets, then enjoy a late lunch of traditional paella. Hiking enthusiasts will have the chance to explore the incredible terrain in the national parks of the Pyrenees mountains. Also in the Pyrenees, adrenaline junkies can choose from multiple activities including rafting down the Noguera Pallaresa river, and an incredible mountain bike descent through the stunning alpine pass of Banaigua. To introduce a local flavor, Madrid & Beyond can also arrange an afternoon with a local mountain shepherd and a tasting of his cheeses.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
Spain has so much more to discover beyond its mainland, and those adventurers looking to experience the stunning beauty of the Balearic islands will love exploring Mallorca and Menorca, known for their festive summer seasons, stunning beaches, sheltered coves, limestone cliffs and historic villages. On Menorca the itineraries can include exploring the island terrain by jeep, a private boat charter of the surrounding aquamarine waters, a kayak excursion of the coastline, mountain-biking on the circular coastal route, horse-riding, and a private cheese and wine tasting at a local farm to experience true Menorcan hospitality.
Photo Courtesy of Belmond La Residencia Hotel
On Mallorca, guests will discover the beauty of the world-renown Belmond La Residencia hotel, an incredible luxury boutique property on the island’s north-west coast, or enjoy Madrid & Beyond’s incredibly immersive culinary experience called “A Moveable Feast” with a local “Mallorquina” named Magdalena, who leads guests on a culinary journey that truly connects them with the island and its cultural traditions through local cuisine. This experience is perfect for those who yearn to fully immerse themselves in local culture. From visiting markets and shopping for fresh produce to meeting local restaurant owners, olive oil producers, farmers, and even a beekeeper, this intriguing “moveable feast” is an unforgettable and unmissable experience.
Madrid & Beyond’s incredibly bespoke itineraries create truly personal and unforgettable travel experiences that serve to connect visitors with local culture and discover the true heart and soul of Spain, and all it has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Madrid & Beyond
About Madrid & Beyond’s Expertise and Services
Along with each fully customized itinerary, the company also offers outstanding luxury transportation services, VIP meet & greet upon arrival, departure assistance, a dedicated tour manager and concierge service, and VIP English-speaking 24/7 support. After 22 years in the luxury travel industry, Madrid & Beyond has collected an impressive network of multilingual guides, collaborators, and local tastemakers, as well as an expertly curated choice of premium accommodations throughout the region. While Madrid & Beyond caters to a variety of interests and preferences for discerning travelers, they have made a reputation for being experts, above all, in family travel and multi-generational trips.
Contact:
Madrid & Beyond
Email: info@madridandbeyond.com
Website: https://www.madridandbeyond.com/
