Totally Spain & Portugal Reviews

Dear David,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience—and I’m especially pleased to hear you appreciated the attention to detail and the value delivered across the board. It was a real pleasure putting together this three-week journey through Madrid and Andalucía, and I’m glad the logistics and pacing worked so smoothly for you.

Knowing that each element—from the hotels and guides to the punctual transfers—met your expectations is the best feedback we could hope for. Should you consider returning to Spain or Portugal in the future, I’d be delighted to assist again.

Warm wishes,
Belen
Your Travel Advisor
Totally Spain

Trip Summary:

David’s 21-day journey through Spain was designed to provide an immersive yet unhurried exploration of the country’s most iconic cities and cultural landmarks. Starting in Madrid, he enjoyed a full week in the capital, combining privately guided tours of the historic centre and Royal Palace with small-group gastronomic walks and time to explore the city’s three renowned art museums at leisure. Day trips to Toledo and Segovia by high-speed train added depth and variety.

From Madrid, the journey moved south to Granada, where private guides brought the Albayzín, Realejo, and the Alhambra to life. A flamenco show and a multi-day monument pass rounded out the experience. En route to Ronda, a stop at a traditional olive oil mill added a memorable local touch.

In Ronda, David’s centrally located junior suite provided a scenic base for exploring the town’s dramatic clifftop views and historic centre. From there, he continued to Málaga, with a guided walk, tapas, and museum visits, before travelling by train to Seville for a rich three-day stay. The visit included the Reales Alcázares, a group cooking class, and a train trip to Cádiz for a coastal day out.

The final chapters of the trip were spent in Córdoba, where the ancient Mezquita and Jewish Quarter offered a powerful close to the cultural circuit, before returning to Madrid for a final night. Throughout the trip, seamless private transfers, high-speed trains, thoughtfully chosen boutique hotels, and expert local guides made the journey both effortless and enriching—a classic Totally Spain experience, curated for quality and comfort

Dear Paula,

What a joy to read your review—thank you so much for taking the time! It was a true pleasure to plan this Portugal journey for you and David. I'm especially glad to hear how much you enjoyed the experience. Portugal really is a gem, and I’m thrilled we could help make it so memorable for you both.

Sending warm wishes and looking forward to working together again for your next European escape!

Muito obrigada,
Belén


Trip Summary

Paula and David’s 20-day journey through Portugal was a beautifully balanced mix of nature, culture, gastronomy, and coastal relaxation—crafted to showcase the country’s remarkable diversity at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.

Their adventure began on the lush island of São Miguel in the Azores, where they explored volcanic calderas, thermal springs, tea plantations, and botanical gardens with a private guide—immersing themselves in the raw, natural beauty of the Atlantic. From there, they flew to the mainland to experience the atmospheric streets of Porto and the vineyard-clad landscapes of the Douro Valley, enjoying wine tastings, a river cruise, and the charm of Portugal’s northern heart.

They then travelled inland to the remote Schist Villages of central Portugal, staying in the creative haven of Cerdeira and venturing out on scenic hikes and 4x4 adventures through the Serra da Lousã mountains. A restful break followed in the quiet seaside village of São Pedro de Moel—perfectly placed between exploration and relaxation.

In the Algarve, the couple based themselves in Tavira, a lesser-known gem known for its calm waters, whitewashed architecture, and local charm. Finally, the trip concluded in Lisbon with guided tours of the capital’s historic quarters, a food-focused evening walk, and a day trip to the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra and the elegant coastal town of Cascais.

With boutique hotels throughout, seamless logistics, and carefully curated local experiences, this tailor-made journey offered Paula and David a deeply personal and memorable way to experience the best of Portugal.

Dear Janice, Thank you for the 5-star review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your journey with Totally Spain. It was wonderful working with your group, and we loved reading the comments your travel companions shared as well. If your travels bring you back to Spain or Portugal, we’d be delighted to plan another memorable experience for you. Best wishes Ken

Dear Steven,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It was a pleasure to assist you and your group with this journey through Southern Spain, and I’m so pleased to hear that the itinerary came together so well and delivered such a rich experience.

We always aim to keep the logistics running smoothly, and I appreciate your understanding regarding the train hiccups—it’s great to know these small disruptions didn’t take away from the overall trip. Your kind words about the guides and drivers are much appreciated, and I’ll be sure to pass them along.

If your travels bring you back to Spain or Portugal again, I’d be delighted to work with you on another adventure.

Warm regards,
Ken

Trip Summary:

Steven joined a 13-day cultural journey across Southern Spain, designed to reveal the heart of Andalucía’s historic cities and vibrant traditions. Beginning in Córdoba, the group explored the city’s impressive Mezquita and winding old quarter before continuing on to Granada, where the Alhambra’s palatial beauty and sweeping views left a lasting impression.

In Ronda, the dramatic cliffs and iconic bridge framed a memorable stop, while Seville delivered a feast of experiences—from its magnificent cathedral and Alcázar to intimate tapas moments in the Barrio Santa Cruz. The final days unfolded in Madrid, where the city’s grandeur and energy offered a dynamic finale, complemented by an insightful guided visit to the Royal Palace and a day trip to historic Toledo.

The itinerary blended private tours, well-located boutique hotels, reliable transfers, and expert local guides to create an enriching and seamless travel experience—proof that detailed planning makes all the difference in discovering the soul of Spain.

Dear Vicki,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It was a real pleasure working with you and your group throughout the planning process—and even more rewarding to hear that everything went so well on the ground.

I especially appreciated the collaborative spirit you all brought to shaping the itinerary. It made my job that much more enjoyable. I'm delighted that the hotels, guides, and overall logistics enhanced your experience—and thank you for your kind comments about our communication during the trip. I’m always happy to be just a message away.

Warmest regards,
Ken
Totally Spain

Trip Summary
Vicki and her six travel companions embarked on a richly layered 13-day journey through Southern Spain, blending history, culture, and culinary discovery across five of the country’s most iconic destinations.

The group began in Córdoba, where a stay in the heart of the city offered easy access to the Mezquita and Jewish Quarter, with a private guide bringing the area’s diverse heritage to life. From there, they continued to Granada, where a highlight was the guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife, combined with free time to wander the Albaicín and enjoy the city’s lively tapas culture.

Ronda, nestled in the hills of Andalucía, provided a scenic contrast—with time to explore its dramatic gorge, ancient streets, nearby white villages and an olive oil producer. The trip continued to Seville, where private tours of the Alcázar, Cathedral, and Santa Cruz quarter offered insight into the city’s Moorish and Christian past, complemented by a flamenco performance and culinary highlights.

The final stop was Madrid, reached via high-speed AVE train. There, the group enjoyed a panoramic city tour, an afternoon exploring the Royal Palace, and a memorable day trip to Toledo, capping off the adventure with views over the Tagus and a deep dive into Spain’s layered past.

With nine guided tours, multiple rail and private transfers, and centrally located hotels throughout, this journey was not only logistically smooth but deeply enriching—a reflection of careful planning, shared enthusiasm, and a love of discovery .

Dear Nancy,

Thank you so much for your generous feedback—I really appreciate you taking the time to share it.

I'm so pleased to hear the trip went smoothly and that the guides, transport, and hotels all came together as planned. With multiple cities, trains, and transfers, it was a complex itinerary—but working with you and the group to get every detail just right made it a true pleasure.

It was great to be able to assist while you were on the ground too, especially when the train to Madrid was delayed. Thank you again for choosing Totally Spain, and I’d be delighted to help with any future travels.

Warm regards,
Ken

Trip Summary:
Nancy’s 13-day journey through southern Spain was a seamless blend of discovery, comfort, and cultural immersion—tailored to a group of seven friends exploring some of the country’s most iconic cities. Starting in Córdoba, the group stepped into the historic heart of Al-Andalus with a private tour of the Mezquita and its surrounding Jewish Quarter. In Granada, a guided visit to the Alhambra brought the city’s Moorish past vividly to life, while a visit to a tea house and city walks enriched the experience.

The trip continued to Ronda, where breathtaking views of the Tajo gorge and a relaxed pace offered a moment of calm. In Seville, the group explored the Alcázar, Cathedral, and lively neighbourhoods with an expert local guide, before rounding off their adventure in Madrid—home to grand boulevards, world-class museums, and a taste of tapas culture. All along the way, comfortable hotels, expert guides, first-class train travel, and punctual drivers ensured the journey unfolded smoothly.

A well-balanced and enriching itinerary—carefully crafted and effortlessly delivered.

Dear Duncan,
I was delighted to read your kind words—thank you so much for taking the time to share them. It was an absolute pleasure working with you and your wife to design your custom tour through Spain, and I’m thrilled to hear everything went smoothly and lived up to your expectations.

From Barcelona to Seville, it sounds like you embraced every element of the trip, and I’m especially pleased that the guides made such a great impression. We’re always here when you’re ready for your next Iberian adventure!

Warm wishes,
Ken

Trip Summary

Duncan and Sally’s 10-day custom journey through Spain in May 2025 offered an expertly curated blend of art, gastronomy, architecture, and cultural depth, made seamless through Totally Spain’s coordination of premium train tickets, private transfers, small-group tours, and boutique accommodation.

Their trip began in Barcelona, where a gastronomic walking tour, private visits to Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and an independent visit to Casa Milà offered an inspiring introduction to the city. A small-group day trip to Montserrat and a local winery added a scenic and flavourful dimension to their stay.

In Madrid, a private walking tour of the Hapsburg Quarter and the Royal Palace, paired with a group tapas and wine tour, brought the city’s culinary and historic core to life. A day trip to Toledo—complete with panoramic views and guided visits to key monuments—provided rich insight into Spain’s multicultural past.

The journey continued south to Seville, where they explored the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Alcázar, and the Cathedral, alongside a tapas tour and flamenco show. A final day trip to Córdoba allowed them to experience the architectural splendour of the Mezquita.

With handpicked 4-star hotels, well-paced logistics, and a mix of private and small-group experiences, the McCollums enjoyed a carefree and immersive holiday, the kind of travel experience Totally Spain is known for crafting

Dear Stephen,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly delighted to hear that each day of your trip felt unique and fulfilling—that’s exactly the experience we aim to create.
It was a pleasure arranging this journey for your group, and your feedback means a great deal to us. Should your travels bring you back to Spain or Portugal, we’d love to assist again.
Warm wishes from all of us at Totally Spain,
Ken

Trip Summary

Stephen’s October trip to Portugal—with fellow travellers —was a 10-day journey combining curated and activity-filled stays on the Algarve and in Lisbon.
Starting with private transfers from Seville, Lisbon, and Faro to their villa in Luz, the group enjoyed a tailored Algarve itinerary that included a guided visit to Lagos, a kayaking and coastal hiking experience in Benagil, and a cultural excursion inland to explore wine production and cork craftsmanship.
The second half of the journey unfolded in Lisbon, with a stay at an elegant hotel on the emblematic Avenida Liberdade. Highlights here included a private food and wine walking tour, city sightseeing with transportation, and a full-day trip to Sintra and Cascais, including entry to Palácio da Pena.
Across both phases of the itinerary, Totally Spain coordinated seamless private transfers, expert local guides, and well-located accommodation, ensuring a smooth, enriching, experience from start to finish. (8147)

Dear Miriam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review. I’m really pleased to hear that everything went so smoothly—and I’m especially glad we could assist quickly when the twin bed issue and train delay cropped up. Those are the kinds of situations we always try to resolve swiftly and discreetly so you can keep enjoying your trip without interruption. I appreciate your patience and understanding when these situations arose.

It was a genuine pleasure to plan this journey for you all. Your clarity and attention to detail helped us tailor the experience precisely—and I’m delighted that it all came together so well.

Warmest regards,
Ken Baldwin
Your travel advisor
Totally Spain

Trip Summary:

Miriam and her companions enjoyed a 14-night custom journey through Spain, blending rich cultural heritage with the ease and comfort of expertly arranged travel. Starting in Barcelona, they explored Gaudí’s masterpieces and local cuisine with the help of knowledgeable guides and a hands-on cooking experience.

From there, they travelled south to Granada for a private tour of the Alhambra, followed by a scenic stay in Ronda, with a wine tasting at a local bodega tucked into the countryside. In Seville, they took in the rhythms of flamenco and the elegance of an Andalusian horse show, alongside meaningful explorations of the city’s Jewish quarter.

The journey continued to Córdoba and Madrid, where walking tours, premium museum entries, and a curated gastronomic experience highlighted the local culture. A guided day trip to Toledo, Spain’s city of three cultures, capped off the itinerary.

With centrally located boutique hotels, private transfers, first-class rail, and thoughtful extras like Hammam visits and restaurant suggestions, every element was designed for comfort, enrichment, and peace of mind. A beautifully paced and fully supported trip—crafted to bring Spain’s history, flavours, and scenery vividly to life.

Dear Maureen,
Thank you so much for your kind words—and for trusting Totally Spain to plan this special journey. I’m truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary and felt the activities and private tours hit the mark!

It was a pleasure working with your group and tailoring the experience around your preferences and travel style. Your positive feedback means the world to us, and we’d be absolutely thrilled to help plan your next adventure—whenever that may be.

Warm regards,
Ken Baldwin
Your Travel Advisor at Totally Spain


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Trip Summary: Maureen Goldrath & Friends | Oct 10–24, 2025 (15 Days)

Maureen and her three friends enjoyed a carefully curated two-week journey through Spain’s most iconic destinations—from the art and architecture of Barcelona, to the palatial majesty of Granada and the Alhambra, the scenic beauty and wine tasting in Ronda, and the rich history of Seville, Córdoba, Toledo, and Madrid.

Highlights included:

Centrally located 4-star hotels with breakfast

A mix of private and small group tours, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and flamenco shows

Seamless transportation including flights, trains, and private drivers

Handpicked guides who provided deep insights into each region’s history, culture, and cuisine

Special touches such as Arab baths, VIP train lounge access, and panoramic sightseeing detours


Every detail was planned to ensure a smooth, enriching, and memory-filled holiday for four discerning travellers.

Dear Scott,

Thank you so much for your generous review—and for allowing us to be part of your journey through Spain once again. It’s always a pleasure working with you and your family, and I’m so pleased to hear that everything came together smoothly.

Warmest regards,
Belén Encinas
Your Travel Advisor
Totally Spain




Trip Summary:

Scott and his travel companions returned to Spain for a 12-day road trip exploring the northern coast and cultural heartland, blending nature, history, gastronomy, and relaxed discovery. Beginning in Bilbao, they made their way along the coast to San Sebastián, where pintxos tours and a visit to a traditional cider house introduced them to Basque culinary traditions.

The journey continued to Cantabria, with a private guided visit to El Castillo Cave, offering a glimpse into some of Europe’s most important prehistoric art. The group then ventured west into Asturias, basing themselves in Oviedo while independently exploring scenic towns such as Gijón, Cudillero, and San Martín de Luina.

The final leg of their trip brought them to Madrid, with a private tour of the Royal Palace, a lively gourmet walking tour, and ample time to enjoy the capital’s cultural offerings. With comfortable centrally located hotels, pre-booked entrances, smooth transfers, and a balance of guided and independent experiences, the trip was another successful chapter in their ongoing exploration of Spain.

Dear Laurie,

Thank you so much for your kind words—I’m delighted to hear your custom Spain trip exceeded expectations! It was a real pleasure working with you to bring it all together, and I’m especially glad to know you felt well looked after throughout.

Spain really does have so much more to offer, and I’d be thrilled to help whenever the next chapter calls.

Warmest regards,
Ken
Your Travel Advisor
Totally Spain

Dear Felice,

Thank you so much for the review — short but very sweet - and the photo taken inside the Royal Alcazar in Sevilla I believe. I’m thrilled to hear everything went so well with your private custom Spain tour, and it was truly a pleasure helping to arrange your time in Spain.

Wishing you and your friends all the best, and I’d love to assist with future travels whenever the time is right.

Warmest regards,
Ken
Your travel advisor
Totally Spain

Dear Adrienne,

Thank you so much for your kind review—it was a real pleasure to read, and I’m so pleased the last-minute planning came together so smoothly. October is indeed a popular month in Andalucía, but I’m delighted we were able to secure everything for you and make it work seamlessly.

I’m especially glad to hear you enjoyed the guides and drivers—they are a passionate and dedicated bunch, and your appreciation will certainly mean a lot to them. It was a joy working with you, and I’d be thrilled to assist with any future travel plans.

Warmest regards,
Belén Encinas
Your Travel Advisor

Trip Summary

10 nights / 5 locations – Private tour through southern Spain with a finale in the capital.

Adrienne’s Andalusian journey began in Córdoba, arriving by high-speed train and staying in a charming hotel just steps from the old Jewish quarter. There, a private guided tour brought the city’s layered history to life with visits to the Mezquita and Synagogue.

From Córdoba, she travelled to Seville, where she explored the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the atmospheric Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, while enjoying seamless transport between cities.

In Ronda, a cliffside retreat offered a quieter pace, with a walking tour of the town’s dramatic landscape and historic bullring. The next stop was Granada, with a private tour of the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, perfectly timed for the afternoon light.

The trip concluded in Madrid, where Adrienne stayed near the city’s historic heart and enjoyed a guided tour of the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the elegant corners of Habsburg Madrid.

Across five destinations, this itinerary combined first-class trains, reliable private drivers, knowledgeable guides, and well-located boutique hotels—a last-minute trip that never felt rushed, thanks to careful planning and dedicated coordination.

Dear Juliette,

Thank you so much for your kind review—I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fabulous first trip to Spain! It was a real pleasure working with you, and I’m so pleased the itinerary, guides, and hotels all came together so well.

I particularly loved reading your comments about the guides—they are deeply passionate about their hometowns, and your words will mean a great deal to them. It’s wonderful to know the experience left you with such meaningful cultural memories.

I’d be thrilled to help with your next adventure, whenever Spain (or Portugal!) calls again.

Warmest regards,
Belén

Trip Summary

Juliette’s 10-night journey through Seville, Ronda, Granada, Madrid, and Toledo was a cultural deep dive into southern and central Spain, designed to highlight the architecture, cuisine, and character of each city.

The trip began in Seville, with private walking tours of the Santa Cruz quarter, the Royal Alcázar, and a panoramic e-bike tour along the river and through historic neighbourhoods. A hands-on cooking class rounded out the experience with flavour and flair.

From Seville, Juliette travelled by private car to Ronda for a scenic walking tour through its dramatic landscapes and historic landmarks, then continued to Granada, where guided tours of the Albayzín, Realejo, and Alhambra immersed her in the city’s Moorish legacy.

The final stop was Madrid, where Juliette explored the Royal Palace, elegant squares, and hidden corners of the Austrias Quarter, followed by a full-day excursion to Toledo, complete with panoramic viewpoints and a rich walking tour of the old town.

With first-class trains, expert private guides, centrally located boutique hotels, and every ticket pre-arranged, this was a first visit to Spain marked by ease, insight, and connection—crafted for depth, comfort, and discovery.

Dear Nicholas,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review—and what a joy it was to read! I'm thrilled that everything ran smoothly and that the trip felt so seamless and enriching for you both.

It’s particularly lovely to hear how your driver went above and beyond—those freshly picked mangos must have been a delightful and very personal surprise. We’re lucky to work with such kind and thoughtful people who truly care about the guests they meet.

Thank you again for entrusting us with your journey through Spain. If your travels bring you back this way again, it would be an absolute pleasure to assist you.

Warmest wishes,
Belén Encinas
Your Travel Advisor
Totally Spain



Trip Summary:

Nicholas’ custom itinerary was a perfectly paced 10-night exploration of Southern Spain, blending iconic highlights with personal touches and local charm.

The journey began in Madrid, where a centrally located hotel and private guided tour—including the Royal Palace—set the tone for a culturally rich experience. From there, the family travelled south to Granada, Córdoba, Ronda, Nerja, and finally Seville, with each leg offering seamless transfers, top-notch accommodations, and expert local guides.

Standout experiences included a private walking tour of the Alhambra, tapas tastings, and a full-day cultural experience in Seville. Despite rainy weather in Málaga that interrupted a planned beach day, their private driver turned things around with an impromptu scenic drive to Frigiliana, which became a highlight—capped off by a thoughtful gift of freshly picked mangos the next day.

From start to finish, this tailor-made adventure balanced comfort, cultural immersion, and personal connection, proving that when expertly planned, even the unexpected can turn into something unforgettable.

Dear Keith,
Thank you very much for your kind review — it was a pleasure to read! I’m delighted to hear that your trip went so smoothly and that you enjoyed the hotels, guides, and travel arrangements.
It was a joy for us to plan this itinerary, and we truly appreciate your comments about the seamless coordination and the quality of the experiences. Looking forward to the next chapter of your Spanish adventures whenever the time is right!
Warm regards,
Ken
Totally Spain

Trip Summary
Keith’s 13-night journey through Spain was a thoughtfully paced private tour combining cultural highlights, regional contrasts, and smooth logistics throughout.
They began in Madrid, where private guided visits to the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, along with a high-speed rail excursion to Toledo, provided a regal and historical start. From there, they travelled south to Seville, where they explored the Santa Cruz quarter, the Alcázar, and the Cathedral, complemented by a spirited flamenco performance and a guided day trip to Córdoba.
A scenic private transfer brought them through the Andalusian countryside to Ronda, where dramatic views and a local walking tour offered a slower, more intimate pace. In Granada, their experience included a private tour of the Albaicín quarter and a deep dive into Moorish heritage with a guided visit to the Alhambra.
The trip concluded in Barcelona, where they stayed in a centrally located hotel and enjoyed a vibrant tapas tour, a private visit to the Sagrada Familia, entrance to Casa Batlló, and a full-day excursion to Montserrat and a local winery.
Throughout the itinerary, a combination of first-class train travel, well-located 4-star hotels, private transfers, and engaging guides ensured a seamless and enriching experience—elegantly curated and expertly delivered.