Explore the art, food, and soul of southern Spain on a small-group cultural and culinary tour through Madrid, Seville, Málaga, and Granada.

Wander historic plazas and colorful markets, taste tapas, wine, and paella, join hands-on cooking classes and artisan workshops, and experience flamenco, Moorish architecture, and the magic of the Alhambra.

It’s an experiential, heart-led Spain trip designed for travelers who want culture, connection, and unforgettable flavors!

Trip Highlights

  • Savor the flavors of Andalusia with every bite—from chilled sangria and perfectly crisp tapas to fragrant paella and regional specialties that tell the story of the land.
  • Feel the passion of flamenco in its birthplace, Sevilla, where you’ll not only watch a soul-stirring performance but also step into the rhythm yourself during a hands-on lesson.
  • Explore the charm of the White Villages, from the dramatic clifftop streets of Ronda to the sunwashed, bougainvillea-lined alleys of Frigiliana—each offering a perfect blend of history, elegance, and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Restore body and mind in a traditional Arab bath, where warm waters, fragrant steam, and a soothing massage create a serene moment of renewal in the heart of Andalusia.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

  • Arrive in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital where grand boulevards, elegant plazas, and centuries of history set the stage for your journey. You’ll be greeted at the airport and whisked away to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city—a stylish haven where comfort meets understated luxury.
  • Take the afternoon at your own pace, whether that means wandering Madrid’s sunlit streets, pausing for a café con leche at a charming sidewalk café, or simply relaxing in your room after your travels.
  • As evening falls, we’ll gather for our first dinner together at Diurno, where creative Spanish cuisine meets warm, convivial atmosphere. Over shared plates and local wines, we’ll connect as a group, share stories, and toast to the unforgettable days ahead.

Day 2: Through Madrid's Streets

  • Begin the morning with a guided exploration of Madrid’s most iconic sites, from grand plazas and majestic boulevards to the hidden corners where the city’s history whispers through cobblestones. Along the way, uncover stories of royalty, revolution, and resilience that have shaped the Spanish capital.
  • Pause midday for a leisurely lunch at a local favorite, where regional flavors and seasonal ingredients take center stage. Afterward, enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel, sip a café con leche at a nearby terrace, or browse one of Madrid’s elegant boutiques.
  • As evening falls, set out on a Tapas & History pub crawl that blends food, culture, and storytelling. Move from one atmospheric spot to another, savoring everything from silky jamón ibérico to sizzling gambas al ajillo, while learning the fascinating tales behind these culinary traditions. Between bites, raise a glass of local wine or vermouth and toast to a perfect day in Spain’s vibrant capital.

Day 3: Flavors of Madrid

  • Begin the day by stepping off the beaten path to uncover some of Madrid’s most charming and tucked-away cafés, each with its own personality, history, and irresistible confections. From delicate pastries to rich hot chocolate, this morning is a sweet exploration of the city’s quieter corners.
  • Continue the journey through Madrid’s culinary soul with a guided tour of its most beloved local markets. Stroll past stalls piled high with vibrant produce, aromatic spices, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked breads, meeting the vendors whose skill and dedication keep these community hubs alive. Listen to their stories, sample their specialties, and feel the heartbeat of daily life in the capital.
  • End the day with another satisfying group dinner, gathering around the table to share flavors and conversation. It’s a perfect chance to reflect on the experiences so far, savor the connections made, and look ahead to the adventures waiting in Andalusia.

Annie, Spain's Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to locally run workshops, every detail is designed to connect you with the soul of Andalusia and reflect our commitment to community and purposeful travel.

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Meet Annie

Spain's Regional Director

Annie co-designed the Exploring Andalusian Art, Culture & Flavors to reveal the incredible depth and spice that can be found in Andalusia, from its impressive monuments and enthralling art to flavors that are to die for!

Some of her favorite highlights include:

  • Accompanying our friend Nuria in a workshop where she imparts the recipes for some classical Arab-inspired treats and desserts. Later, savor your creations together!
  • Being amazed by a Flamenco spectacular in a palatial theater in the dance’s homeland of Seville.
  • Visiting the caves where gitano communities lived, and taking in the life and soul that these magical caves still possess!
  • Taking a tour of different markets in Madrid and connecting with the proprietors who share not only insights on their products but stories about their lives.

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Rocío

Rocío

Granada Authorized Guide

We are proud to have been working with Rocio for years, introducing travelers to some of the most impressive sites in Granada. Passionate for her work and a delightful human being, Rocio is guaranteed to brighten your day along with imparting truly fascinating information and insights about her city. 

Zoraida

Zoraida

Seville Authorized Guide

Zoraida is our expert on all things Seville. Prepare to be submerged in the intriguing sights and stories of this gorgeous city as you accompany Zoraida to some of the most beautiful and revealing sites in Seville. In every tour, she brings a bright energy and you are sure to leave Seville feeling as though you have made a new friend.

White Houses Tours

White Houses Tours

Andalusian Cultural Experts

The team at White Houses Tours, led by our friend Rodrigo, have been working in Tourism in the region of Málaga for years. They are experts at guiding visitors through Spain’s iconic White Villages, and helping guide them off the beaten path for truly unique and incredible experiences in the region of Andalusia. Whether you want to visit a farm that specializes in cultivating Iberian Ham or sit back and enjoy a delicious dinner on the beach, Rodrigo has the experience for you. White Houses Tours prioritizes collaborating with local providers and highlighting Andalusian culture in every activity that they organize. 

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

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Pay in Full & Save

Enjoy 5% off when you pay in full up to 180+ before departure.

Starting at

Standard Plan

Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.

Starting at

Interest-Free Plan

Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.

Starting at

Add Peace of Mind with Heart of Travel Trip Protection

Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible. 

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What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure! 

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants. 

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

Trip Protection Available

Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

  • Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 


Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

Do I need to bring cash?

Almost every establishment accepts debit and credit card in Spain’s large cities. There are also ATM’s readily available if you would like to withdraw cash. Credit card charges may be subject to additional charges, depending on the amount of the transaction. If you would like to bring cash prior to your arrival, you can consult with your bank to withdraw cash in Euros, but it is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash for your trip. 

We do recommend having cash on hand in the case that you would like to give tips to local guides and collaborators.

What should I pack?

Andalusia has a generally warm and arid climate. In the spring, weather should be variable, so it is helpful to have a layer or two that can serve in the case that it is chilly or rainy. But we recommend mostly comfortable, light clothing for mild to warm weather. We will be doing various classes and workshops, so bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting a little sweaty or dirty! And comfortable shoes to do some walking! 

Besides clothing, please bring all medications and personal items you will need for the duration of your trip, and don’t forget ample sun protection AND a reusable water bottle!

Do I need to tip in Spain?

Tipping is not seen as an obligation in the same way as in the United States. Service workers’ salaries are not adjusted with the expectation of tips, so they will not expect a tip nor be offended if you do not leave one. If you would like, a tip of up to 2 Euros is considered appropriate for most services. 

We do encourage tipping your local guides if you feel moved by their service. A tip of 10-20 Euros would be very appreciated.

Do I need a visa to visit Spain?

US and Canadian citizens currently do not need any visa or authorization for visits to Spain for under 90 days. HOWEVER there is currently an electronic travel authorization (ETA) required to enter the United Kingdom, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A LAYOVER! If your flight involves a stop or layover in the United Kingdom, you must acquire the ETA. The price for a United Kingdom ETA is £16 British Pounds, and you can apply online. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, and we will be happy to work with you through this process. 

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

No question is too small!

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