About Magical Private Travel
What is Magical Private Travel?
Magical Private Travel (MPT) is an American-owned luxury tour operator and travel agency specializing in expertly planned private journeys across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco since 2002. See independent reviews from Trustpilot, Google Business Profile, and video testimonials.
MPT is registered as a U.S. LLC and operating from Madrid, Spain, we combine more than 24 years of on-the-ground destination expertise, deep local relationships, and more than 15,000 American travelers served to craft tailor-made journeys for discerning travelers with a commitment to human designed tailored itineraries, authentic experiences and positive local impact. We have appeared in USA Today and have received international awards.
True Human Expert Planning, Your Way: Imagine if your attorney had to see dozens of clients every morning, you might wonder how much time they really had to think about each case… We’ve felt the same way about our designing our clients’ private luxury trips since 2002. Quality takes time. We’ll ask questions, listen to understand your desires, offer different options and small details that can make a big difference. That’s why we deliberately limit the number of trips we handle to 5 per country, per week. Fewer trips means more time, attention to detail, and judgement for your tailor-made journey.
Is Magical Private Travel the same company as Magical Spain?
Yes. Magical Private Travel is the same company formerly known as Magical Spain. The name evolved to reflect a broader geographic scope, while the company and its philosophy, being a bridge American Travelers to experience the best of our destinations with tailor-made itineraries and private guides, remain unchanged since 2002. What has not changed is the philosophy of personally understanding our customers and their travel style.
While many agencies will sell a generic Ai private luxury tour because it’s faster and easier for them. We prefer to take time to get to know our customers and create a seamless tailor-made trip built by human experts around your interest and style. Contact us to discuss your trip with no-obligation.
How long have you been operating?
Founded in 2002, Magical Private Travel (MPT) previously known as Magical Spain, has designed private journeys across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for more than 15,000 travelers. MPT a member of the ASTA American Society of travel advisors, as well as the Travel Leaders Network. We have appeared in USA Today and have received international awards.
Why are you specialists in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco?
Our American founder moved to Spain in 1998. Our agency began in 2002 from Madrid and our team has lived and worked on the ground in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, building real local relationships rather than coordinating remotely. Our customers appreciate the following advantages: True resident expertise + American understanding + local relationships + over 24 years of success + completely personalized design + 24-7 trip support on the ground in clear English. See details of the Magical Trip Method explained here
How are your journeys different from standard tours?
We work with travelers who want more than a generic luxury cookie-cutter trip, they want truly personalized expert planning. Every journey is designed around who you are and how you travel by a human expert on our team. No templates, no tourist traps, no pre-set programs. Because our team lives and works on the ground in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, we can offer access that no catalog can replicate: private experiences, trusted local partners, and itineraries built entirely around you. See independent reviews here from Trustpilot, Google Business Profile, and YouTube video testimonials
What kind of travelers do you work with?
Our clients are private affinity groups, couples, families, solo and multi-generational travelers who prefer destination specialists over global agencies coordinating generic trips from a distance.
Planning Your Journey & On the Ground
How does the planning process work?
We like to start with a relaxed, no obligation conversation. We see ourselves as expert consultants, not sales people. So to start, not everything is wonderful in Spain, Portugal, Morocco or anywhere else. Not every hotel is charming. Not every guide is exceptional. Not every restaurant is worth your time. We believe you deserve the truth, not a sales pitch. If a beautiful hotel has a great location but thin walls and indifferent service, we’ll tell you. If a celebrated restaurant has become more interested in its reputation than its cooking, we’ll steer you elsewhere. If a famous sight is likely to feel over-crowded, or disappointing at a particular time of day, we’ll suggest a better approach. Our local knowledge—and our willingness to be candid—means your journey is shaped by what’s genuinely worth your time, not what simply looks good on paper.
Our planning process, sometimes called the Magical Method, is relaxed and conversational. We listen carefully to understand how you like to travel and what interests you, then design and refine the journey through focused dialogue. If you don’t want a generic itinerary, You need true experts who knows what is worth doing, what isn’t, when to go, how long to stay, where to stay, who to trust, and how to make the pieces work together. That, in a nutshell, is the Magical Method explained here
How far in advance should we contact you?
For best results, we would suggest at least 4 to 6 months of lead time. That said there is value in planning even further ahead because you get to anticipate the trip even more and we are available to tweak the itinerary after it is confirmed or simply to further fine-tune it with the restaurant you might want or perhaps some activity change. The earlier you contact us, the better. We work with the best local guides and partners, and early planning helps secure availability and design the journey properly. That said, we may be able to accommodate shorter-notice requests in the off season January and February.
What kind of support do you provide during the journey?
We provide 24/7 support in clear English throughout your trip with us across Spain or Portugal or Morocco. This means you just fly in and enjoy your trip, knowing that we have done the heavy lifting of planning your tailor-made trip to meet your needs. In a nutshell, we set the stage. You enjoy the moments.
.See independent reviews from Trustpilot, Google Business Profile, and YouTube video testimonials
Who will guide us during the journey?
We work exclusively with official licensed local guides in each destination. However, we don’t work with just any “certified guide”. We look for A-team talent. We look for personality and communication skills, passion for their areas, deep knowledge, language skills, and desire to be a great host so your tours and visits are remarkable and you feel well taken care of. For any questions or special requests, let us know.
Pricing, Inclusions & Payments
How much does a private tailored trip cost?
Price depends on what you want to experience. Private tailored journeys start from $884 per person per day, based on double occupancy, excluding flights. That includes personalized custom planning, private touring, local suggestions, a vetted deluxe four-star hotel, dinner reservations and 24/7 support. Your planner prices your itinerary around the experiences you choose.
Please be aware that some of our proposals come from top local suppliers who offer bundled pricing without itemizing every component. This approach safeguards our trusted partners’ confidential rates and provides a comprehensive view of your travel package. It’s somewhat like when you go to an excellent restaurant. You’re paying for more than the raw material of the food. You’re actually investing in time savings and access to the experience and peace of mind that you wouldn’t have alone if you’d shopped, prepped, cooked, served and ate the same food on your own. See independent reviews here from Trustpilot, Google Business Profile, and YouTube video testimonials
What is included in your service?
Every journey is different, and the confirmed itinerary is the definitive reference for exactly what is included in your trip. As a general guide, our service typically includes the following:
Full journey design and personalized itinerary planning; hotel bookings, private guided tours and experiences with official, English-speaking local guides; admission fees during private guided tours; train tickets and domestic flights within the countries visited as specified in your itinerary; private airport, train station, and port transfers as specified; private ground transportation throughout as per itinerary; coordination handled directly by our team before and during the journey; and 24/7 support for the duration of your trip. Your confirmed itinerary is the authoritative reference for all inclusions specific to your journey. See more details here https://magicalspain.com/booking-terms/.
Itemized cost breakdowns are not available: As a package tour provider, our rates are contracted as part of a bundled program with our local partners and cannot be broken down or disclosed individually due to strict contractual terms. Magical operates in the private travel space and while we do apply a margin, it reflects the full scope of services provided — including expert itinerary design, product research and vetting, preferred access to top guides and partners, fair partner compensation, and 24/7 in-country support.
What is not included in your service?
The following services are not generally included in our personalized tailor-made travel packages: international flights to and from the destination; airport departure taxes; travel insurance; gratuities for guides, drivers, waiters or hotel staff; laundry; alcoholic beverages and minibar charges; excess baggage charges; visa fees for visas obtained on arrival; meals not specified in the itinerary; optional experiences not listed in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; and any service not specifically confirmed as included.
Any additional services outside the agreed itinerary are discussed and confirmed separately before being arranged.
When are payments made and how is payment data handled securely?
Your journey is confirmed with a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost. The balance of 75% is due 30 days before your first service date. If you are booking within 30 days of your first service date, the full cost is due at confirmation.
Once you approve your itinerary, we email a secure invoice from our Boston-based payment partner. Click the payment button, and an encrypted payment form opens on your computer, tablet or phone. We accept all major American credit cards and bank wire transfers in USD or euro, and we add no percentage fee. Never send card details by email, to us or to anyone. On request, a payment can be split into two invoices to fit a card limit.
For full payment and cancellation terms, see our Booking Terms.
Please be aware that some of our proposals come from top local suppliers who offer bundled pricing without itemizing every component. This approach safeguards our trusted partners’ confidential rates and provides a comprehensive view of your travel package. It’s somewhat like when you go to an excellent restaurant. You’re paying for more than the raw material of the food. You’re actually investing in time savings and access to the experience and peace of mind that you wouldn’t have alone if you’d shopped, prepped, cooked, served and ate the same food on your own.
Is there a charge for the initial itinerary?
No. There is no planning fee for your initial itinerary. Share your dates, interests and budget, and your planner designs a first draft of your private journey at no charge. You refine it together until it fits. Payment starts only when you approve the plan and confirm with a 25% deposit.
How much should we tip our guides and drivers?
Tipping is optional and depends on how happy you are with the service. MPT’s guides are paid top wages, so a tip is a thank-you, never an obligation. Our travel advisors are happy to give you personalized advice on tipping for your trip.
The simplest way to tip is cash in an envelope with the guide’s name, left at hotel reception. Tips paid through MPT carry taxes on our books, so cash reaches the guide in full.
Before You Travel
What is your cancellation policy?
Magical Private Travel has never canceled a journey. In the rare event we ever did, clients would receive a refund of amounts paid for undelivered services, less any non-recoverable costs already committed to suppliers.
If you need to cancel, terms are based on how far in advance we receive your written notice — ranging from deposit only for cancellations well in advance, to the full trip cost inside 30 days. Cancellation must always be made in writing by email. Verbal requests cannot be honored.
For the complete cancellation schedule, deposit credit option, and special circumstances, see our Booking Terms.
What happens if someone in our group drops out?
Journey pricing is calculated based on the number of travelers. Fixed costs — private drivers, guide fees, reserved experiences — are divided across the group, and variable costs such as hotel rooms, train tickets, and entrance fees are adjusted per person.
If a traveler withdraws before any deposit has been paid, we will recalculate the proposal for the remaining group at no penalty. If a deposit is already in place, our standard cancellation terms apply to the withdrawing traveler’s share. The journey continues as planned for the remaining group. In the rare case where a specific experience is tied to group size, we will work with you to find an equivalent alternative.
Please note that the remaining travelers may be responsible for any repricing resulting from the reduced group size, including changes to rooming arrangements, transport configurations, or loss of group rates.
Full details are in our Booking Terms.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
For all trips with a total cost of $5,000 or more, comprehensive travel insurance — including trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation — is required. For trips below $5,000, we strongly recommend equivalent coverage.
A private journey involves dozens of supplier commitments made on your behalf well in advance — guides, hotels, transfers, and experiences that cannot always be unwound. Insurance protects your investment if something changes on your end.
For established, well-regarded providers, we suggest researching Allianz Travel, Travelex Insurance, and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Each has a long track record with international travel. The right policy depends on your specific trip, travel dates, and personal circumstances, so we encourage you to compare carefully and consult the insurer directly before purchasing.
What travel documents do we need?
A valid U.S. or Canadian passport with at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates is standard. Traveler names on all bookings must match passports exactly — please double-check spelling when providing your details. We recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport separately from the original, and keeping the original in your hotel safe when possible.
An important update for travel from late 2026 onward: The European Union is in the process of launching ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — a pre-travel online authorization required for American travelers entering Spain, Portugal, and other Schengen Area countries. It is similar in concept to the U.S. ESTA system used for visitors entering the United States.
ETIAS has been delayed multiple times since it was first announced, and details including the launch date, fee, and transitional grace period have changed along the way. For that reason, we recommend checking the official EU ETIAS page directly for the most current information: travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
As of now, no action is required. The EU has stated it will give travelers several months’ notice before the system goes live. We monitor this closely and will flag any updates to clients with upcoming travel.
Morocco operates under a separate system. A valid U.S. passport currently grants visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days.
For the legal implications of travel authorization and document requirements, see our Booking Terms.
When is the best time to travel?
Spain is a year-round destination with considerable regional variation, and it travels best from late March to early June and from September through November. Spring brings mild temperatures, almond and orange blossom, and manageable crowds. Autumn brings the wine harvest in Rioja and Ribera del Duero and some of the best weeks for Andalusia. July and August are busy and hot in the interior, while the Atlantic coast and northern Spain remain comfortable. For those who prefer fewer visitors, February and early March are worth considering.
Portugal follows a similar rhythm. The Douro Valley in September and October — terraced vineyards turning gold, harvest activity in the quintas — is one of the most rewarding times to visit. Lisbon and the Alentejo are pleasant from March through June and again in the fall. The Algarve peaks in summer; shoulder season offers the same coastline with a fraction of the visitors.
For a trip combining Spain and Portugal, the sweet spot for weather is the last week of September through the first half of October. The quietest months are January to early March, when hotels and some premium services, such as helicopter transfers and private boat days, cost less. Guides, drivers, planning and 24/7 support cost about the same in every month.
Morocco is best visited between mid-October and mid-May. Summer temperatures in Marrakech and the pre-Sahara regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) and are difficult in the interior. The Sahara desert camps are at their finest from November through February — cold nights, extraordinary star visibility, and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Should we take the train or a private driver between cities?
For most routes, a private driver is the easier choice. Spain’s high-speed trains are fast, but the time saved on the rails goes into a transfer to the station, arriving about an hour before departure, and carrying your own luggage on and off with no staff to help. A licensed driver takes you and your bags from hotel door to hotel door.
Where the train wins on time, such as Madrid to Córdoba in 1 hour 44 minutes against about four hours by road, your planner books it and has a driver waiting at each end. In Portugal’s Douro Valley, a licensed driver-guide shows you viewpoints the train passes by.
What time should we book dinner in Spain and Portugal?
Book dinner for 8 pm or later in Portugal and 9 pm or later in Spain. Those times leave room after a day of touring for the ride back and a quick shower. Private tours usually start around 9 am. A half-day tour runs up to four hours and a full day up to eight.
In Spain, lunch often runs from 2 to 3:30 pm, and many traditional kitchens start cooking around 9 pm. Spain keeps Central European Time, so summer daylight lasts until around 10 pm and evenings start late. Your planner books dinners around your daily schedule.
How do we find authentic local restaurants?
Eat your main meal outside the historic old town. In popular cities such as Barcelona, Seville and Madrid, restaurants in the historic center often cater mainly to visitors. A few streets into the residential neighborhoods, you find the places where local families eat.
A restaurant with some visitors is not a tourist trap: in cities this popular, almost every good table sees a few. Your guide shares insider suggestions in each city, and your planner books dinners on the days you choose. Some sought-after restaurants open reservations only a month or two ahead, so your planner books as soon as the window opens.
Do we need to speak Spanish or Portuguese?
No. All communication — planning, on-the-ground coordination, and 24/7 support throughout your journey — is handled in clear English by our team.
That said, it is worth knowing that English is not widely spoken in Spain beyond luxury hotels and the major cities. Outside Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, language barriers are a real feature of daily life. In Portugal the situation is somewhat better; in Morocco it varies considerably by region. This is one of the practical reasons our clients find genuine value in having a local team managing every interaction on their behalf.
What types of hotels do you work with?
We select hotels for location, quality, and character — with a strong preference for properties within or adjacent to the historic center, so that your private touring and free time are on foot rather than by transfer.
Depending on your preferences, we can recommend contemporary five-star hotels in the major cities, Spain’s Paradores — a celebrated collection of castles, monasteries, and historic properties managed as hotels by the Spanish government — and Portugal’s equivalent Pousadas, boutique properties in restored palaces, and ultra-luxury options including the Four Seasons in Madrid, the Royal Mansour in Marrakech, and the Six Senses in the Douro Valley. We know these properties and their teams personally, which matters when it comes to room selection, special requests, and handling anything that needs attention during your stay.
Please note that hotel classifications and room standards vary by country and may differ from U.S. expectations, particularly in historic properties and more remote areas.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major American credit cards, processed through our U.S.-based merchant account, and bank wire transfers in USD or euro. We do not currently accept cryptocurrency.
For details on deposit and final payment timing, see our Booking Terms.
What level of mobility is required?
Private touring is designed around your pace, not ours. Most itineraries involve some walking on uneven or cobblestone surfaces — the historic centers of cities like Toledo, Fez, and Lisbon are not fully flat — but the pace is yours to set, and guide commentary is built into the rhythm of the walk rather than rushed.
If you or a member of your group has specific mobility considerations, let us know in writing as early as possible — ideally at the time of booking. We will make every reasonable effort to restructure routing, increase motorized transport, and select hotels with appropriate access, though not all requests can be guaranteed. Please raise this early — it affects logistics across the entire journey.
Ready to start planning?
For more details on payment and cancellation terms, see our Booking Terms.
