Spain

Nat Geo Day Tour: From Plate to Palate - A Culinary Discovery of Spanish Delights

Enjoy a tapas cooking class in Madrid and learn the art of crafting iconic small plates while savoring the flavors of Spain's culinary heritage.

Nat Geo Day Tour: A Regal Experience, Madrid's History and Cuisine

Uncover Madrid's rich history with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Madrid de los Austrias, the city's historic hub. End at Casa Botin, the world's oldest restaurant, for a tour and meal.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Homage to Miró

Unlock early access to Joan Miró Foundation with this National Geographic Day Tour. Explore before public hours led by an architect guide who will present Miró's art and Sert's innovative spaces.

Nat Geo Day Tour: A Morning at Thyssen

Experience the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza like never before with private early access, before it opens to the public. Explore the galleries with an art-historian guide, followed by a Madrilenian breakfast.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist

Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Valley of the Oranges

Picturesque hills and aromatic citrus orchards best describe Sóller. From Palma de Mallorca, travel into the Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover this eye-catching town, nicknamed the 'Valley of Oranges'. Historically, Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca due to its mountains, allowing the development of unique cultural and agricultural practices. Sóller's orange groves trace their roots back several centuries, introduced to the region by Arab settlers during the Spanish occupation. On this exclusive tour, you'll uncover the region's conservation initiatives with your National Geographic-trained guide, visiting the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences for an exclusive audio-visual experience including photos illustrating the history of the orange groves and their impact on Sóller's local economy. After this, tour Sóller's citrus-infused Botanical Gardens, where you'll study the botanical properties of different citrus varieties, enjoy an exclusive visit to the seed bank and learn more about the museum's work to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems and natural habitats. Finish with a cooking demo featuring a zesty dessert with a citrus tang. Next, discover Sóller's secrets on a guided walking tour, before stopping by Sa Fàbrica de Gelats, an ice cream Parlor featured in National Geographic España as one of the best spots for orange-flavoured gelato. Finish with some free time to explore at your leisure.

Nat Geo Day Tour: History of Wine in the Canary Islands

Designed exclusively for National Geographic, this tour gives an insight into Canarian wine and its history, and why it was an essential beverage for the European society from the 15th to the 18th century.Discover Garachico, one of the best preserved and most historic towns in Tenerife. As you stroll its cobbled streets, your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the story of its port – a bustling harbinger of wine to the rest of Europe and America, which was later devastated by a volcanic eruption.Next, you'll visit the family-run, Viñátigo Winery, that has helped save many of Tenerife's native grapes from the brink of extinction. Meet the wine expert who'll show you the sprawling vineyards and teach about the different grape varieties. They will also explain how their wine is produced without chemicals. After learning the elaboration process, sample various wines with a specialist on hand to answer any questions you may have.Conclude your day by indulging in authentic Canarian tapas amidst the picturesque vineyard backdrop, while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Teno Alto, Tenerife's Last Shepherd Stronghold

Set off on an immersive tour through Teno Alto, a bastion of rural traditions within Teno Rural Park. Your local guide will unveil the settlement's evolution during a scenic 45-minute hike. Encounter ethnological elements from prehistoric to present times and experience the profound connection of Teno Alto's inhabitants to their land, sustained by agriculture and goat herding – the region's hallmark.At the trail's end, delve into the heart of local culture with an exclusive visit to a cheese farm, where you'll meet one of Teno's last shepherds. Discover the artistry behind award-winning cheeses and the tireless efforts of generations to preserve this ancient craft. Witness a "salto del pastor" exhibition – an esteemed folk sport showcasing remarkable agility and skill.End your adventure at Rebojo, a traditional restaurant in Garachico, where the third-generation owners elevate Canarian cuisine with modern flair. Indulge in a tasting menu meticulously crafted to reflect the flavors and landscapes of Teno Alto, using km0 produce that highlights the region's culinary richness. To complete the experience, complement your meal with carefully selected wines from the region.By joining this tour, you'll not only support sustainable tourism in a protected area but also contribute to the preservation of its cultural heritage. Interact with locals, gain insights into their way of life, and savor the essence of Teno Alto through its flavors and traditions.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Echoes of Al-Andalus in Malaga

Journey through time and culture as you uncover the fascinating heritage of Al-Andalus in Malaga. Visit the Alcazaba, a formidable fortress standing as a testament to the military prowess of the Arab era. As you explore its imposing walls and strategic design, you'll be transported back to a period of grandeur. Continue the adventure at Malaga Museum, where Al-Andalus' vibrancy is showcased through a collection of ceramics and Moorish calligraphy. Marvel at exhibits merging history and art, delving into the cultural richness of the past. Next, you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy a typical tapa merging Arabic and Mediterranean flavours, washed down with local wine. Then, learn how to write your name in Arabic at a calligraphy workshop, crafted exclusively for National Geographic travellers. Discover the characteristic streets of the historic centre, revealing the urban heritage shaped by Al-Andalus. Admire the decorative tiles and intricate details that bear witness to the fusion of cultures, creating a unique landscape. Wrap up your experience at the colourful Atarazanas Market, its Moorish entrance beckoning you into the sensory overload of colours and aromas. Engage with vendors as you meander through stalls filled with fruits and herbs. To fully immerse yourself in the local experience, take a sip from an Andalusian-style wineskin.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour

Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.

Nat Geo Day Tour: La Geria, Vineyards that Sprouted from Fire

When Timanfaya's six long years of eruptions ceased in 1736, the farmers of La Geria believed their fertile lands were lost forever under a thick layer of ash. But the local families needed to make the land productive again, and through sheer hard work and determination, they succeeded in creating the vineyards of La Geria. You'll start off with a scenic walk, following trails through private vineyards belonging to the family-owned bodega of Nacho Romero, opened exclusively for National Geographic travellers. As you soak up the unique character of these landscapes where vineyards are surrounded by volcanoes, the owner will explain how the layer of volcanic ash, known locally as ‘picón,' has shaped their cultivation methods, which are unique in the world. If you are lucky enough to find them ripe, you might even get to pick grapes straight from the vine as you hear Nacho or his wife Luisa, both winemakers, talk about the characteristics of volcanic wine. Back at the bodega after the walk, you'll be able to sample one of the artisanal wines that Nacho and Luisa make in their home winery. Next, you'll head to Bodega La Geria – another important component of the ecological wine making movement. The winemaker himself will show you around the bodega. Find out the secrets of the hollows, called ‘zocos' which shelter the vines from the wind, and discover the different varieties of grapes that thrive in Lanzarote's volcanic terroir. To finish, savour a tasting of one of the estate's renowned wines with local cheese and crackers.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Mallorca's Flor de Sal, Unearthing an Island Treasure

Behind the white sand beach of Es Trenc stretches the Protected Area of the Levante Salt Flats. For millennia, precious salt has been harvested here, and today it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and home to over 160 different species of birds. With luck you will be able to spot avocets, stilts, and pink flamingos among many others. Spanning an expansive 150 hectares, the Levante Salt Flats have been designated as a Natural Area of Special Interest. Three conditions are essential for the purest salt to form – hot sun, sea breeze and low humidity. You will witness the ancient process of salt harvesting as you explore the salt pans on a gentle walking tour, your National Geographic-traned guide providing you with local insight and explaining the history of this ancient Balearic occupation. Watch the expert Salineros using age-old techniques to gather the finest, Flor de Sal salt crystals, and then have a go at harvesting some yourself. The tour also spotlights the sustainable nature of the sea salt industry. The production is in total harmony with the ecosystem, in fact many migratory birds rely on the mineral-rich wetlands to restore balance after long flights from overseas. The delicate nature of salt crystals means hand harvesting is the only workable method, so there is no need for mechanisation. Enjoy landscapes and artisan processes that have remained unchanged for centuries as you soak up the peace and nature of this special place.