This has got to be the most perfect choice I have ever made with tours! I am always the skeptic when it comes to tours -- because the words canned, scripted and touristy come to mind. But the moment I came across Spain Day Tours' website, something in it -- call it an intuition -- made me decide they are the choice!
I did inquire from another company -- and they never responded. There always is a reason for everything, so it goes.
DORY PATRICIO deserves a medal for awesome customer service -- timely responses, full information, clear communication. Hands-down makes one feel very assured of the whole transaction.
The other members of the team -- Juana and the Operations team -- huge shoutout as well!
Whoever is your training person deserves commendation as well!
We did 2 private tours:
1) Montserrat
2) Avila and Segovia
Let's talk about the Montserrat tour. Christian Myers is THE MAN! Impeccable personality, wealth of knowledge (a ton of trivia and tidbits only he can talk about), went above and beyond for us -- most of all, we felt like he was family! Every small detail, every step, he guided us and even got us tickets to see the Black Madonna up close when we initially got refunded as we were told there were no slots for the full day. Christian did say "it had to be" -- and we know all things are made possible by God and Mother Mary -- but surely, Christian graciously asking the ticket lady if we could go up to the Black Madonna surely had a hand in it!
His energy level was just more than one can ever dream of in a guide! After the Montserrat visit, we opted for a winery tour, wine tasting, and lunch at Art Cava. We invited Christian to join us and we had the most AMAZING time! Santi, our guide, and chef was equally amazing!
We were in a Mercedes sedan and we just felt extremely safe and comfortable. Christian picked us up at our hotel lobby at the exact agreed time -- even there before we were there!
We've had many tours but this one is one of the best, if not THE best! I think all tours are the same but it's the people who make the difference. And Christian made all the difference! So much so that if we ever bring friends and relatives over to Barcelona and Montserrat, we will definitely request for Christian again!!!
The Avila and Segovia tour
This was equally amazing! Both places are just very peaceful and tranquil, much like Montserrat.
John picked us up in a Mercedes van and the drive to Avila did not even seem like an hour! It was so scenic and John gave us a history of Spain and how Avila and Segovia played very important roles in Spain's history. Extremely knowledgeable and very engaging, much like Christian! He gave us enough time to do the tours in our itinerary and we never felt rushed! We were able to complete all that we wanted to do within the timeframe.
John showed us such a deep history that we were simply awed at the rich tapestry that is Spain. He also shared the tickets we purchased for the Alcazar so that was seamless as well!
Like Christian, we also invited John to join us for dinner at Meson Candido. What a truly rare and memorable timing when Senor Candido himself did the honors of cutting the suckling pig with the plate! John himself said this rarely happens so "it had to be" (yes, a recurring theme for our entire trip!).
We had to warn John on our way back to Madrid that if we go quiet, that is because we are already dozing off -- from the feast of Meson Candido and the sheer overwhelming historical immersion of the day. He even recommended a paella place -- St. James -- for our dinner the next day! And yes, it was PERFECTION!
On our next tours, and I hope Spain Day Tours also has tours in other European cities -- this will be my ONLY CHOICE!
Excellent in all aspects!
Thank you Spain Day Tours team!!!
We won’t forget our tour with Spain Day Tours (Montserrat) or Chris. 