Even our multi-millionaire executive clients have marveled at the insane amounts of gold from the New World and the gourmet Michelin starred cuisine. Others loved the access to invitation-only cooking lessons or meals at private gastronomic clubs of San Sebastian in the Basque Country.
Truth is it is all of that and more as friendly Spain also offers a clean and safe ambiance of culture and charm. This includes a high level of security. In fact our customers are delighted to see that with the crazy Spanish schedule, the streets are full of people into the wee hours many nights. This is not something to take lightly if you are American like us, and used to the stress and worry in certain areas of the USA.
Yes, it is fair to say that Spain is a one-of-a-kind destination for discerning world travelers seeking private luxury tours sans hurry nor worry. So where to go and what to do you might ask?
Spain is the second largest country in western Europe, just after France. it is criss crossed by mountain ranges that make travel by car slower than you´d expect despite the excellent super highways and many toll roads. Well there are 17 distinct regions in Spain (each full of politicos that live very well, see our Spain life blog for details ).
Andalucia in Southern Spain is one of our upscale customer´s favorites. Ironically, Andalusia was an advanced medieval civilization where Christians, Jews and Muslims co-existed in prosperity due to international trade around the Mediterranean. This medieval wealth lead to a degree of urban planning and architectural splendor unmatched in the middle ages.
Moorish Spain´s Andalucia included a high level of living, with UNESCO listed architecture in Córdoba, Seville, Granada and beyond. The Moors had an advanced level of libraries, art, street lights, bath houses and hygiene. This contrast with the smelly Dark Ages of the rest of Europe.
Did you see El Cid… the classic Oscar-winning Hollywood flick? Check it out for more on this unique and exotic Spanish medieval times which included intrigue, egos, war, lust, betrayal and more. This pitted the Spanish Catholics in Northern Spain who were aided by the Templar Knights against the Moors from the Arab world…. a story for another day.
Finally the Moors were defeated in 1492 which was why Colombus sailed the ocean blue. Next the Habsburg dynasty took over Spain and the Golden Age of culture, art and architecture ensued. Top artist from all over Europe flocked to Madrid and the best works are seen today in El Prado museum.
No doubt, the 16th century was the high point of the Spanish empire. The Golden Age for Spain saw the empire stretch across Europe to Asia, Africa and mostly the Americas. In fact Saint Augustine, Florida was founded by Spanish conquistadores and is the oldest city in the USA.
In the USA , the Spanish territory stretched across Florida to New Orleans, then Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and to California. Then south via Mexico all the way to the tip of South America, really an immense amount of land once ruled with out technology! This made it hard to manage also. But long story short, this is why Spanish is now the world’s second most spoken native language.
You can enjoy the rewards of the former Spanish superpower status and incredible wealth in it´s one-of-a-kind historic monuments, castles, Cathedrals, gardens and palaces. We add a healthy dose of la buena vida, the Spanish Good Life….. a deep Spanish cultural desire to enjoy all of life ´s moments.
Don´t worry, our talented team is bilingual and service-minded, so no Spanish is needed for your private Spain tours & vacations. Just be ready to enjoy access to the unique people, places and exclusive experiences that fit your interest and that make Spain so distinctive.
