With the relatively long distances between Spain's main attractions, the most efficient form of transport is high-speed train. Private transfers or car rental are also an option but taking the train is both more cost-effective and environmentally sound. It takes just two and a half hours to travel from Barcelona to Madrid. Between the most distant destinations, for example if traveling from somewhere on the north coast to the south, internal flights are also an option.

Due to its size and unique geography, wth coasts on three sides, there are several different climate zones in Spain. Generally in summer it is hot everywhere. In winter (November to February) the coasts are mild and rainy, with a Mediterranean climate, though the southern coast is usually warmer than the north and east. The vast central area, with its continental climate, has cold and frosty winters. All this leads us to say that the best time to visit Spain depends on the purpose of your trip. If your interests are cultural or culinary, then spring (March-May) and fall (September and October) are ideal. For a sun-drenched beach vacation then it has to be summer (June-August). If you prefer outdoor activities such as biking, hiking or surfing then much of the year (March-October) is ideal, with coastal and mountain locations. Don't discount visiting Spain at Christmas-time too. Germany may steal the show with its Christmas markets but Spanish cities are beautifully illuminated and have markets and festivities enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

There are regular direct flights from many cities in the US to Spain, specifically to Barcelona and Madrid.

Spain is a large country with many fascinating places to visit. If you've never been to Spain before you'll want to visit at least Barcelona, Madrid and somewhere in Andalusia, such as Seville, Malaga or Granada, for which at least a week and ideally ten days is needed. This will give a good introduction to Spain but consider it just an appetizer of what this wonderful country holds in store, with gems like San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela in the north, Palma on the island Mallorca, and Valencia on the east coast all worthy of your time.

The components of a short vacation in Spain depend on your interest. We would encourage you to visit the capitals of multifaceted Spain. Start in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, where Gaudí's architectural heritage overwhelms the city and La Boqueria market provides delights for all the senses. Madrid, the capital of the whole country, should not be missed either. Seville, the main city of the autonomous region of Andalusia, will take you to another different world.

Spain is second only to Italy in Europe when comparing the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spain has a total of 48 sites listed, including those you'll undoubtedly have heard of such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granda, and another 27 on the Tentative List. We will happily craft a UNESCO-themed tour of Spain for you.

The remedy called the Mediterranean Diet derives from Spanish gastronomy. Of course, every nation has its siren-call dishes, which you should consume in moderation (such as churros, but who can resist churros?!), but Spanish cuisine is healthy, rich in fresh vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, rice, fish, seafood, meat, with much variety among them. It has an Arabian touch, a little bit of a Jewish flair, with typical dishes of the different and autonomous regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country, or Andalusia. Splendid, delightful, all that's left is to decide to accompany your meal with a light, local beer or well-bodied Spanish wine. You'll almost certainly have heard of the tradition of tapas, and this style of grazing from sharing plates is a big part of Spanish culture. We suggest learning all about Spanish food by taking some cooking classes and food tours.

Spain has a well-developed network of intercity train and bus lines. Trains and buses are modern and comfortable. However, there are some huge distances or routes that are not so practical. For example, traveling from Seville to Santiago de Compostela would be a 10-14 hour challenge on land. For some journeys, abundant and affordable internal flights may be a better alternative. All of Spain's city airports are well connected, with the downtown reachable in under an hour.

Apart from France, Spain is the only European country that has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Beneath Santiago de Compostela, four estuaries slash the coastline, taming the waves of the Atlantic Sea into the happy tears of a laughing child. The region enjoys natural protection and is worth visiting on a day trip. On the edge of the Bay of Biscay, at Donostia-San Sebastian, surfers and sunbathers will find their paradise. A culinary day trip to a more urbanized part of the Basque Country in France, Biarritz, with a seaside dinner is another highlight. In the coastal cities on the Mediterranean, more specifically, the Balearic Sea, you will both find sandy and rocky beaches. Infrastructure at beaches all around Spain is well-developed and you will not lack anything.

Beyond the basics of a good (phone) camera and a phrasebook in case your high school Spanish is a bit rusty, it's important to consider the parts of the country you're visiting and the season of your trip. Winters can be wet and rainy on the coast and frosty in Madrid. Layers are the answer for spring and fall. In summer, dress for heat, with a hat. Women should carry a light scarf for entering places of worship. Comfortable shoes are a must. Spanish cities invite you to explore on foot!

Spain is among the ten safest countries in Europe. It is enough to exercise the same caution that you would anywhere else, especially in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. But, as everywhere, there are some scams which are better to bear in mind, like 'trileros' (the shell game) or the Rosemary gift. These are little risks, and nothing to keep you away from a trouble-free vacation in Spain.

Please note that the siesta, the midday break, is taken very seriously in Spain. Many institutes operate with opening hours in accordance with the siesta time, which is usually between 3 PM and 5 PM. Restaurants, museums, bars or even public toilets in parks and gardens shut down for the time of the siesta. There are always exceptions and places to go and things to do however, as long as you plan accordingly. Our team in Spain will help you with this.

Absolutely. It's your vacation after all. Not every day has to be packed with a full-day guided tour. Enjoying the opportunity to spend the day privately wandering on your own or relaxing on the beach is a big part of what makes a trip to Spain so special.

In many locations, we offer both options; either with a private guide just for you and your party or small group tours. Although your overall Spain tour will be a private one, based on your dates and preferences, you can enjoy the social aspects of a group tour by opting to take some group excursions. We emphasize small group sizes wherever possible on the group excursions we offer. A bike tour is often more enjoyable in a small group.