The more things change in the 21st century... the more southern

Spain's ancient Andalucia remains the same. It still boasts those gnarly

olive trees, friendly locals and Mediterranean light that inspired Picasso.

Those castles and hill  towns are still medieval and the tapas cuisine &

flamenco dancers are still passionate......So what's new in Andalucia?

TOP SECRET: This tour is run as a PRIVATE trip or join a 2008 SEMI-PRIVATE trip with just

10 persons, possibly the smallest group tour in Europe. Either way, forget planning stress

and travel dissapointment as we set the stage!... ex: if you are with the winemaker himself in

his private winery, the silky Spanish wine taste even better!

For 2008 - 2009 availabilty +  itinerary => CONTACT US 

June14- 21, 2008 is the next semi-private trip    +  2007 prices this week.

Here are a few free videos done by MagicalSpain guru Dan O'Beirne

   http://www.youtube.com/user/SpainVIPtravel

2008 Highlights You Won't Find Alone:

Secrets of Andalucia 2008: Spain Cultural Trip Background

  After seven centuries of battles, Granada was conquered by King Fernando and Queen Isabel in 1492 from the Moors which led to the financing of Columbus' New World exploration. Discover the legends of the Alhambra Palace, walking ancient passageways, mighty towers and exotic gardens where harems were kept, on an exclusive VIP tour with local expert Diego in Granada.The Alhambra is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.Tonight we dine on fine local fare, with a unforgettable vista of the Alhambra. With typical deep blue skies south of Granada, we enjoy relaxed country walking and fertile valleys, olive grove-covered hills, almond & fruit trees, farms, and vineyards. Learn about the ancient art of curing meats with just salt and mountain air. Later a fun festive feast of paella beckons!

Whitewashed medieval villages and country walking and rustic dining invigorate uas the citadel of Ronda beckons. The sunsets makes the ancient stones come alive in the charming old town with panoramic Tuscanny-like vistas, fun dining, pre Roman origins. A passionate flamenco guitar and dance performance finishes the day. Enjoy a private wine tasting with the winemaker, in perhaps Europe's highest altitude vineyards!

Michelin-starred chef Sergio López will prepare a unforgettable meal for us 450 feet up, in postcard-pretty Ronda, a medieval village still protected by fortified walls. Walk ancient footpaths surrounded by olive groves to a mysterious religious shrine with pagan and Christian elements! Meet

Don Leocaldio to taste perhaps the world's best gourmet ham (sorry Italy). These Iberian acorn-fed free ranged hams and cheeses are big hit with most of our guest! Craft shopping for lacework, pottery, leatherwork, medieval doors and wrought-iron products is good here. Sevilla & Cordoba, both with 2000+ years of history hide many charms.....

For 2008  availabilty + itinerary    =>   CONTACT US

PREFER A PRIVATE TRIP WITH YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR DATES, YOUR WAY?

.....As Americans with 20+ years experience in Iberia, we offer you the luxury best of Spain and Portugal + experiences that you won't find alone. How about walking ancient trails to picnics in a olive grove, cooking classes or Spanish langauge classes? Discover the art of Picasso or Goya, make wine or cycle in sunny Andalucia. Contact us about your personalized >>> Private Luxury Spain Adventure Tour ...made-to-fit your dates, interest and pace with your family, friends or colleages.

Or join our small group >>> 7 DAY BARCELONA & MEDIEVAL VILLAGE SMALL GROUP TRIP in NE SPAIN with the insight and leadership of top tour leaders, walking, cooking demos, wine tasting with the winemeker, friendly local guides, medieval villages, Sevilla, Granada, and Cordoba.

Our deluxe Spain cycling tours (see below) are available for your private group of 8+ persons with our experienced bike tour leaders from start to finish.

Private Spain Tours ... Just for Your Group!

Sample Itinerary: Andalusia Spain Cycling Tour        

Day 1    Cordoba - Andalucia, Spain

We meet & tour the medieval quarter of Cordoba which was in the 9th and 10th centuries, Europe's largest metropolis (500,000 inhabitants) and the rich capital of Spanish Arabian Al-Andalus and before capital of Roman Spain!

After a memorable "Welcome to Spain" lunch in an Andalusia restaurant, time to tour more on your own walking cobbled streets too narrow for cars, wrought iron balconies, flower-filled patios and silver, leather and ceramic artisans' workshops.

The day ends with a stirring Flamenco dance & music show.

Hotel: A select 4-star hotel. Very convenient for exploring the old town.

Dinner:Tapas and wine in a very popular local restaurant

Day 2    Carmona -Andalucia, Spain

After an Andalucia buffet breakfast, we will shuttle to the natural reserve of the Sierra de Hornachuelos, from where we will start our bicycle touring. Surrounded by oaks, carob, cork and wild olive trees, we will bicycle in this protected area of 166,000 acres of Mediterranean forest. This is home to 30 species of mammals, some, like the Iberian lynx, almost extinct. We reach the ancient town of Carmona, in an area inhabited for more than half a million years and considered to be one of the oldest settlements in Europe.

Hotel: The 10th c. Parador de Carmona stands in the old Alcazar of Pedro the Cruel. This wasthe King's romantic love nest;

Today, the Parador is frequented by famous bullfighters whose ranches of brave bulls are located nearby. From an elevation of 813 feet, it commands magnificent views of the town and the valley below. The Parador stands on what was the earliest settlement of Carmona.

Dinner: A selection of the delicious cuisine at the Parador.

Day 3    Sevilla - Andalucia, Spain

Today we tour on foot Sevilla, in the company of a historian. We begin with huge Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Christendom at the end of the 14th c. We climb a 300 foot tower and  visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus!

Tour the narrow alleys, leafy patios, palaces and hidden plazas of the old Jewish quarter and the setting for Don Juan. Later tour romantic fortress & palaces of the medieval Alcázar.

Hotel: Parador de Carmona

Dinner: Tapas in the old town of Carmona.

Day 4    Ronda - Andalucia, Spain

The first part of today's bicycle tour takes us along an old railway line converted to a bike route. Its 21 tunnels and bridges will open for us wilderness areas of Mediterranean forests. Olvera, awaits us, with its castle overlooking a vast landscape. This was the frontier town between Christian and MoorishSpain for over 200 years.

After an exhilarating descent, Later arrive to a unknown cave town on the way to Ronda, sitting on a huge rocky outcropping split in two by a deep gorge.

Many have fallen in love with this indescribable town, including Orson Welles, who chose to be buried here.

Hotel: Parador Nacional de Ronda or hotel Acinipo, both situated near the stone bridge that rises dramatically from the gorge to join the two parts of the old town.

Dinner- our friend Cristobal will host us in his fine local restaurant in Ronda

Day 5    Medieval Village - Andalucia, Spain

Leaving Ronda we will cycle tour on a scenic country road past farms and pastures of grazing cows. Later, the road crosses a stone desert featuring rock formations of strange shapes. As we climb the Puerto del Viento (Windy Pass) the views become more and more spectacular. This is a land rich in stories of banditos and outlaws who used its isolation as a natural refuge; today it shelters many varieties of wildlife.

Antequera, today's destination, fascinated the Romans, who called it Antikaria for its ancient monuments that share the culture of the builders of Stonehenge.

Hotel: Parador Nacional de Antequera, with views to the legendary Peñon de los Enamorados,or Lovers' Rock. The hotel is situated very conveniently for exploring this fascinating city. Nearby is the bullring, with bullfighting museum, tapas bar and restaurant.

Dinner: Free evening on your own. We can arrange reservation in a unique restaurante built into the local bullring!

Day 6    Antequera to Granada- Andalucia, Spain

Leaving Antequera, we will bicycle tour in vast olive groves. Sparkling whitewashed villages and haciendas appear in the distance to be islands in the immense sea of dusky green olive trees. 19th century archaeologists discovered that Monte Testaccio in Rome, is in fact composed of millions of ancient amphorae used to import olive oil from Spain especially this area!

After lunch, we shuttle across the "Vega de Granada", Spain's most fertile agricultural valley to

exotic Granada. With the the dramatic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, the Alhambra fortress and palace presides over its lush green hill and the white Arabic houses that cascade with their colorful gardens down its slopes.

Hotel: A memorable and comfirtable Neo-Moorish hotel situated near the Alhambra, it features splendid views of the Sierra Nevada with Granada at its feet and magnificent sunsets.

Dinner: In El Albaicín, the romantic and captivatingly beautiful old Arab quarter. The setting for our farewell dinner is a centuries-old Moorish residence turned restaurant, featuring terraced gardens with views to the Alhambra. Our fare will be a selection of local and old Jewish and Arab Andalusian recipes.

Day 7     Granada -Alhambra Private Guided Tour & Adios! - Andalucia, Spain

Discover beauty and mystery of the Alhambra fortress, palace and Gardens of the Generalife. The magnificence and splendor of the last period of Arabian domination in Spain ended in 1492!A private guided tour conducted by a local art historian will take us through what is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World and Spain's most famous monument. We then say farewell before 12 noon so that flight or train connections can be made.

contact us to consult availability!

  Magical Spain Guided Bike Tour Includes:

• leadership of experienced tour manager from start to finish

• accommodations in deluxe hotels.

• ground transportation during the tour.

• Luggage delivered to your room every night.

• Private guided visits lead by a local Art Historian Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada.

• Entrance fees to museums and monuments included in private guided visits

• All breakfasts, usually buffet.

• A welcome lunch in Cordoba in a popular restaurant.

• All dinners except for one free night on your own.

• Selected Spanish wines in every dinner and welcome lunch.

• All tips and gratuities, except for tour leaders.

• A bicycle equipped to deliver a comfortable ride.

• water bottles.

• The use of a bike map holder and detachable bicycle bag.

• Air pump and basic bicycle equipment.

• The use of a bicycle helmet.

• Optional suspension seat post.

• Optional gel seat.

• Route map and written instructions.

• Daily tour orientation by tour guides.

• A support vehicle to assist you during rides with bicycle parts and tools, water, soft drinks, snacks and fruit. You can also use it if you want to shorten the ride.

Group size: Your private group of 8 to 16 participants

Rating: Moderate to intermediate fitness needed with optional longer bicycle rides. The support vehicle lets you program the level of exercise you want.

Accommodations: A selection of the best accommodation available in the areas we visit, Paradors, luxury hotels and outstanding environments.

Meals: A careful selection of restaurants and country inns. Excellent Spanish wines included in every dinner. Lunches include gourmet picnics and eating at local inns.

Typical Tour duration: 7 Days,  6 nights

Sample Tour starts: Cordoba   Tour ends: Granada

We can modify itinerary to suit your group!

contact us!

Spain & Portugal Active Vacations & Travel Deals:
Guided Walking, Biking and Private Tours

Traveling the back roads of Europe by bike makes it possible to experience the culture, lifestyle and cuisine of a country by getting to know the people and regions up close. These biking trips are well suited to American travelers and allows for immersion into the local culture and region, as well as meeting fellow travelers and making new friends. Some say this is the only way to experience Europe - the pace is yours to set - allowing you to savor the region. Take time to slow down, soak in the surroundings and enjoy yourself on a biking or walking holiday.

At MagicalSpain.com, our goal is give you a unforgettable touring and travel experience in Spain or Portugal from our base here in Spain. That is why we have a range of travel products, experience, services and contacts that is unequaled by many tour operators and travel agencies who often resell travel from 1000s of miles away.

It is no surprise that millions of people visit Spain each year and feel such a strong attraction and affection for Spain. Centuries of history, art, architecture, customs and traditions keep company with a pulsating and sophisticated, modern Spain. It is a country that knows how to celebrate its past, present and its future, and does it very well.

An alternating role of conqueror and conquered shaped by much of Spain's legacy. At least 10 distinct regions of Spain each have their own distinctive landscape, history, traditions, festivals, climates and cuisine. With a dazzling natural environment - you will find bustling cities, enchanting hilltop towns and fishing villages, primeval forests, desert, plains and lush meadows, snow-capped mountains and tropical islands, sandy beaches, prehistoric caves, vineyards and citrus groves.

The cultural scene in Spain's major cities emits an incredible sense of energy, confidence, and attitude. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Cordoba and Bilbao are home to some of the most innovative and daring architecture, world-class art collections, plays, concerts, exhibitions, upscale and trendy shops, a wealth of restaurants and a nightlife that extends into the early morning hours. Yet these cities, and even some of the smallest towns in Spain, can boast a rich monumental heritage of Romanesque architecture, medieval towns and Renaissance castles, Moorish palaces and mosques and Gothic cathedrals - making Spain one of the premier cultural centers of Europe.

As a vacation destination, Spain offers endless possibilities for discovery and its beauty, architecture, history, culture, and people will have you coming back time after time.

Walking and Biking Tours: Traveling the back roads of Europe by bike makes it possible to experience the culture, lifestyle and cuisine of a country by getting to know the people and regions up close. These biking trips are well suited to American travelers and allows for immersion into the local culture and region, as well as meeting fellow travelers and making new friends. Some say this is the only way to experience Europe - the pace is yours to set - allowing you to savor the region. Take time to slow down, soak in the surroundings and enjoy yourself on a biking or walking holiday.

A Typical Day on a MagicalSpain.com Walking or Biking Vacation

A typical day on a guided trip begins with a hearty breakfast in preparation for an exciting day of biking or walking. At breakfast the guides will outline the day's route and tell you which museums, castles, wine tasting's, quaint villages and historic sights are a "must see"! You choose whether it is the peaceful countryside, picturesque villages, ancient cathedrals or local museums that spark your interest. Your small group will wind its way through lovely vineyards, medieval villages and shady forests, each person traveling at their own pace. You are free to rest, get a closer look at an intriguing ruin off in the distance, or converse with an enthusiastic wine grower in his vineyard, yet you will always have the security of knowing that your guides are close! Soon it will be time for lunch. Some days you will relax at a lavishly arranged picnic in the middle of a shady garden or ruined castle. On other days, you will get the opportunity to taste the local specialties in a village inn, outdoor cafe, or choose to buy fresh fruit and cheese at a lively open market. The guides will provide numerous recommendations for each day. In the afternoon you may stroll through the cobbled back streets of a sleepy village, or nap in an open meadow . Upon arrival at the hotel you can either relax, read a book in the garden, walk through the nearest village or get in a few extra biking or walking miles before sunset. In the evening enjoy a superb dinner...a definite highlight of the day! After dinner, stroll through the village or hotel gardens, or try a digestif before turning in for the night.

Spain Travel Products

In addition to the great selection of guided and self guided walking and biking tours, MagicalSpain.com also has a comprehensive range of travel services. We offer a choice of the top deluxe , historic castle or unique boutique hotels and private transport rental cars or transfer options. In addition to all of this we can also organize sightseeing tours and evening entertainment, including theater tickets and much more.

First Rate Services in English
From prompt service to a friendly approach, we strive to make planning your vacation as pleasant as possible. We also boast offices based in Europe, to ensure your peace of mind. Experience From the moment we answer your call, you can look forward to personalized attention from capable travel specialists. We will guide you through the booking process so your travel plans will run smoothly and efficiently.

Spain Vacation Tour & Trip Pricing

We offer a wide range of package tours. At go-today.com, we pride ourselves in having a range of vacations for all budgets. Whether you choose from one of the budget options or first class trips, we will provide you with unmatched value and excellent service.

Who Are Our Spain Walking and Biking Guides?

The majority of our guides are European, while others have made Europe their home! All love to share their local knowledge and passion for travel with you, bringing a blend of energy and enthusiasm to every trip. They are fluent in English, and ready to assist you throughout your trip, whether you need a lift, help with your bike, or additional information.

Spain Walking and Biking Vacation Accommodations

We have carefully selected unique and memorable accommodations with a special emphasis placed on atmosphere and personal service. The chance to experience the contrast between the luxurious and the intimate is a wonderful pleasure savored best in our mixture of refurbished castles, elegant chateaux, historic pousadas and paradors, estate manor homes and quaint country inns and family run auberges. Each property provides a friendly and helpful staff, all the modern amenities, and best of all...the warmth and comfort you deserve after an active day of biking or walking!

Spain Walking and Biking Vacation Meals

From tapas, to great salads, seafood, wine, fruit and dessert, Spain loves to eat, and the meals on our trips are made up of regional delights! On most tours, breakfasts, dinners and an occasional picnic are included for you to sample authentic food. We may taste the local wines produced from the neatly harvested vineyards you pass through while biking or walking. On trips where dinners are not included, we offer suggestions allowing you the freedom to enjoy culinary adventures in the local bistros, cafes and restaurants. We will do our best to accommodate special dietary preferences, as long as advised prior to your departure.

Spain Walking and Biking Traveling Companions

Meeting fellow travelers and making new friends is one of the many joys of our biking or walking trips. We attract people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds who share common interest in active travel, are culturally curious and enjoy experiencing a region's sights, sounds and flavors up close. Our guided tours are kept small with an average of 2 - 12 participants. These trips achieve a comfortable balance of singles, couples, friends and families .

International Tours in Spain

Some of our are comprised of a mixture of American and international travelers. We feel that a multi-cultural gathering adds a diverse spirit to the group experience while enhancing the authenticity of the trip.

Typical Guided Spain Walking and Biking Trips.

Self Guided Walking and Biking Trips
The days are yours to explore with the comfort of knowing that a local representative is one phone call away! In the afternoon you will arrive at the next hotel, be welcomed by the friendly staff and shown to your room where your bags will be waiting. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing in the hotel, strolling through the village or adding extra biking or walking miles. Dinner will either be at the hotel or we will provide suggestions of local restaurants for you to experience the regional cuisine on your own.

Guided Walking and Biking Trips
The best way to select the right Guided Walking and Biking Trips in Spain or Portugal is to give us a call and tell us about yourself and the way you prefer to travel. We know the regions well, and are happy to help you decide which route might work best for you. If you enjoy the security and companionship that traveling in a group provides, we recommend a guided trip. If you are an independent traveler, prefer utter freedom and seek out your own spontaneous explorations, then a self guided tour is right for you!

BIKING TRIPS IN SPAIN

The Bikes and Gear
We usually provide 7-21 speed hybrid touring bikes, equipped with a handlebar bag or rear pannier for personal belongings. The bikes are well suited for biking along the smaller country roads and bike paths you will enjoy on your trip. We strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet for protection and a water bottle, unless specifically indicated in the tour inclusions.

Pace and Distance
On both guided and self guided trips the pace is yours to set, allowing you to savor the region. Take time to slow down, soak in the surroundings and enjoy yourself. The average daily biking distance ranges from 25-35 miles or approximately 4-6 hours depending on pace and added exploration.

Come and join us on a Guided Biking or Walking Vacation!

Vacation time is essential and activity in the fresh air will enhance those precious days of the year. Rejuvenate on your own, or in the company of like-minded travelers, and discover authentic experiences by getting to know the people and regions up close. In response to your requests, we have added new, exciting tours designed to offer more alternatives for exploration in your favorite country. So escape to the leisurely pace of Spain and enjoy the unique tour opportunities we offer. Europe is a rewarding travel experience for any traveler when you work with an experienced company committed to meeting your needs. I am confident we can find the right walking or biking adventure for you!

WALKING TRIPS IN SPAIN

Spain Walking Tour Gear
Make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots that have been broken in prior to your departure. You will also need a water bottle and day pack to carry your personal belongings for the day's walk.

Spain Walking Tour Pace and Distance
The daily distances on all guided and self guided walking trips allow enough time to enjoy the surroundings. The daily routes range from 2.5 - 5 miles at a relaxed pace: More miles are possible.

Terrain for Spain Walking Tours
Our tours range from EASY to CHALLENGING. There is ample time in the day to cover the distance, longer or more challenging options are sometimes available.

Easy: Mostly flat
Moderate: Mostly flat with some hills
Challenging: Varied terrain with rolling hills, steeper inclines, or rocky conditions.

Spain Walking Trip Luggage Transfer
On all trips, your luggage will be transferred from hotel to hotel each time there is a change of accommodation. On the guided trips this is done by your guide, while on the self guided trips the transfer is carried out by our local outfitters and the hotel staff. You need only carry the few articles that you will use throughout the day, allowing free and easy walking or biking.

Spain Walking Tour Support Vehicle
The support vehicle provided on our guided trips is there primarily to handle the luggage transfers. On some select tours it also sweeps the route to offer an occasional lift and rejuvenating refreshments!

Spain Active Vacation Deals: Biking and Walking Roads
The roads vary from tiny country lanes to bike paths, old mule tracks, shady alleys through the forest, canal-tow paths and former railways. The routes offer a quiet peacefulness, as we try to keep you from biking or walking in traffic. Please note that it is sometimes necessary to bike or walk in some traffic to reach the hotels situated in the center of town.