Genuine Andalusia

Amazing trip to Spain with Genuine Andalusia! We recently returned from a 2 week trip to the Andalusia region of Spain in October and it was a fantastic trip and experience. Iván did an excellent job of arranging an itinerary that met our interests of seeing architectural and cultural highlights as well as experiencing great food, beverages, and getting to know locals. This was our first trip to Spain and we absolutely loved it. The landscape is varied and beautiful, the architecture is amazing (Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, Cordoba Mezquita), the history is complex and interesting, the food/wine/sherry is delicious, and the people are lovely. We stayed in Granada, Ronda, Cadiz and Seville, with a final night in Madrid. We also had day trips to the Costa Tropical, the Genal Valley, Antequera, Grazalema, Jerez, Trebujena and Cordoba. It was invaluable to have someone with local knowledge put together an itinerary that really highlights great local experiences. We would not have found or had access to many of these experiences on our own, and those interactions really enriched our trip. There were hidden gems throughout! The local guides also greatly enhanced our experience, they were all very knowledgeable in their areas and they were also delightful people to spend time with. We had many good conversations with our guides, both on the itinerary subject of the day as well as general life experiences. It’s clear Iván focuses on selecting guides who are really interested in engaging with guests and sharing the experiences of their country. And what a treat to have all of logistics taken care of, that helped us be able to just sink in and enjoy the experience. All of the hotels were spot on to what we were looking for and the drivers and their cars were professional, friendly and comfortable. It was also really nice to have restaurant recommendations for each location. We tried several and all were very good and offered a more local experience than the typical tourist area restaurant. We also had the pleasure of being able to meet Iván in person and it is clear he has a passion for giving people a genuine experience of Spain and the local communities. When (not if!) we go back to Spain, or Portugal, we will definitely work with Iván and Genuine Andalusia. Susan

We just finished a bespoke two-week trip through Andalusia arranged by Iván Ricoy of Genuine Andalusia, and it was truly outstanding! From the very first planning call, Iván took the time to understand how we like to travel and crafted an itinerary that fit us perfectly. Our journey included Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Ronda, and Marbella, with each destination enriched by unique, local experiences. Even the travel days between cities became highlights, as Iván included visits to smaller Andalusian towns like Antequera, Baeza, Benalauría, and Setenil de las Bodegas—each with its own charm and story. We visited a local winery, toured an olive oil mill, enjoyed home-cooked meals with talented local chefs, and were guided by some of the warmest, most knowledgeable local people we’ve met anywhere. Every guide and driver was exceptional—friendly, professional, and clearly proud of their region. When we needed to make last-minute changes, Iván was incredibly responsive and went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. One change of accommodation (booked on our own) near Ronda was not ideal and could have been stressful, but thanks to his help, it turned out perfectly. This was a first-class travel experience from start to finish—personalized, authentic, and flawlessly executed. Several guides told us how much they enjoy working with Iván’s travelers because they were “always so happy with everything”—a sentiment we now completely understand. If he could arrange trips all over the world, we’d use Genuine Andalusia every time!

Ivan creates tours that match your needs. We had 2 fabulous tours, one to Jerez and one to Seville. Will use this service the next time we come to Andalusia!

Amazing guides and tours. We will book again. Thanks

My husband and I had an amazing experience with Genuine Andalusia on a private wine and olive oil tour. We explored beautiful countryside villages, tasted incredible local products, and learned so much about the region’s culture. Our guide was warm, knowledgeable, and made the day unforgettable. Highly recommended!

We worked with Ivan for a trip to Basque Country and he was an absolute pleasure. He listened to our requests, made great suggestions, and planned a great trip. Everything was well organized, timely, and the right balance of activities. He arranged a visit to a local sheep farm to try their cheese, lunches at spots where we were the only outsiders, vineyard tours with the vineyard manager, and even an evening sail in the bay/ocean. Every guide was knowledgeable and fun. While the weather largely cooperated, our guide readily adapted our plans when it didn’t. I can’t recommend Ivan highly enough.

My husband and I just returned from a week long trip to Southern Spain organized by Ivan Ricoy at Genuine Andalusia. We met with Ivan over Facetime to plan the trip and told him that we like to learn about about culture through food, art, crafts, architecture and stories. Our itinerary included Seville, Cordoba, Grenada and a day trip to the coast. Highlights included a visit to a fruit plantation, a visit to a premium producer of Olive Oil and a cooking lesson with a chef where we chose ingredients and he prepared an Andalusian lunch for us including paella, fish prepared two ways and a berry dessert- all while sampling local wines and sherries. We even got to spend a half day with Ivan himself where he brought us to visit very special artisans involved in creating works for the Easter Processions. This included gold embroidery and gold leaf. These were true artisans who would not have been available without Ivan’s connections. Meeting with them we learned how important the Easter Processions are to the fabric of Seville and we got to see first hand these masters at work. We capped this off with a visit to a modern day pottery and tile studio. We enjoyed and learned a lot from every guide Ivan arranged for us. To visit the Alhambra, the Alcazar, The Grand Mosque Cathedral with an expert made the experience so much more meaningful than just walking through. In addition to all of our fabulous tours and stops, it’s worth mentioning that Ivan’s hotel choices for us were spot on. We stayed at a hotel in Seville and a hotel in Grenada. Both were lovely, central 4 star hotels which had local charm, stellar breakfasts and helpful staff. We also had a bit of a transportation snafu (train delays) and Ivan’s team was on top of this from start to finish. The even monitored the train system while we were there to make sure delays would not affect our return home. The Southern Spain itinerary Ivan created for us and his making the trip a reality went way beyond our expectations. We look forward to exploring more of Spain in the exceedingly capable and creative hands of Ivan.

Fantastic seven-day immersive experience in Andalusía, skillfully planned by Iván Recoy and executed under his expert direction! We learned so much from Iván and his team in this wide-ranging adventure! Olé!

My wife and I just returned from a two-week trip in Spain curated by Ivan Ricoy of Genuine Andalusia that was truly spectacular in both scope of planning and every thoughtful detail in its execution. It was a consummate journey that let us blissfully appreciate the absolute paradises of Cordoba, Baeza, Ubeda, Granada, Ronda, Seville, Herez, Cadiz, Madrid, Toledo & Segovia; we enjoyed excellent hotel selections and seamless transfers throughout, as well as valuable insight and recommendations for restaurants as well as additional sights/things-to-do at leisure. From an initial interview of our travel goals, past experiences and preferences, Ivan crafted a perfectly paced itinerary of must-see gems vs emerging sights, punctuated with immersive experiences tailored to our expressed interests/requests. This super attentive care was evident in every aspect of our itinerary from Ivan's personal communications on a daily basis to his carefully selected team of professional guides/drivers looking after us throughout the journey. All our expert guides had interesting backgrounds, who were also most accommodating besides being exceptionally well versed and passionate in the historical and cultural heritages of their homeland in Andalusia. As a result, we enjoyed every one of our 15 days in beautiful Spain: seemingly endless tapas & gastronomic discovery with local foodies, a most illuminating tour with an olive oil manufacturer in the world's largest olive producing region of Ubeda, Mother's Day lunch with a unique winemaker in Ronda, exclusive workshops with ceramics and fan-painting artists in Seville & Baeza, leather and damasquinado artisans of Cordoba and Toledo, steeped in the multifaceted Mujedar of the Iberian peninsula. Kudos to Ivan as well for making some of our requested experiences more special and memorable such as front row seats at the Triana flamenco performance and even the royal box with the founder for our show at the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera. Having travelled much in both self-guided and premier group tours, we highly recommend Ivan's Genuine Anadalusia - the gold standard for crafting bespoke travel that's both exclusive in its specificity and uncompromising in value provided.

My wife and I had a wonderful 2+ week trip to southern Spain at the end of April and first week of May, organized by Iván. It was a good time to visit, immediately after Easter and the busy Holy Week processions, but before it got too hot. It also coincided with the “red” (bluefin) tuna fishing season, so we ate some excellent tuna. We visited Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda, Jerez, Seville, Cadiz, and Marbella, staying 3-4 nights in some locations while others were just daytrips. We were very satisfied with the service, itinerary, experiences, guides and drivers that Iván provided. The drivers were professional, nice, and drove safely & smoothly. The guides were deeply knowledgeable about history, art, architecture, and religion, and went out of their way to accommodate us. And Iván was outstanding to work with and checked in with us daily to ensure things were going well. The entire trip was great! Here are some unique aspects and highlights: Our terrific guides taught us a lot about the history of Spain, especially the long Muslim (Moors) reign and the lasting impact it had on Spanish culture and architecture, followed by the Catholic conquest and monarchy. The Alhambra is amazing—its beauty, size, gardens, water, and palaces. It’s a must-visit and our guide was indispensable in educating us about the history and architecture of the site. He even knew enough Arabic to tell us about some of the poems on the walls. Ronda: Many visitors go just for the day to see the town and its impressive bridge and park. But Iván encouraged us to spend a few days to explore outside the city and meet some locals, and it was worth it. It was a respite from the busier cities and introduced us to a more rural Spanish lifestyle. The surrounding area is mountainous and naturally beautiful. The views from our hotel and just about everywhere were great. We visited multiple “white villages” and interacted with some of the locals, facilitated by our guide’s outgoing nature and social skills, and the friendliness of the Spanish people. Iván arranged a wonderful private lunch prepared by a local former chef and small winemaker in one of the white villages. And we met with a friendly goat shepherd and his goats, as well as a local cheesemaker who makes very good cheese. Sherry tasting with the owner of an excellent boutique sherry producer in Jerez. This was unique because we knew so little about the fascinating way that sherry is made. The owner was warm, generous, and entertaining. Flamenco in Seville. We attended a highly enjoyable flamenco performance in a small theater. Our guide was steeped in flamenco and educated us about it beforehand, enabling us to appreciate the show even more. At the end of our trip, we chose to stay at the Marbella Club Hotel for 3 days. It was close to our departure airport in Malaga, and we wanted to rest along the Mediterranean Sea before returning home. The Marbella Club is special. It has beautiful gardens, which expanded in 2024 when the hotel acquired a large adjacent property. On multiple occasions we meandered along the paths through the gardens filled with flowers, fruits and vegetables. The hotel has a rich history and retains an old-school chic elegance and service that takes you back in time. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend the city of Marbella as a place to visit (Iván didn’t, and we barely spent any time in the city itself), but if you fly in or out of Malaga, a stop at Marbella Club is worth considering.

I booked a 12 day bespoke trip via Genuine Andalusia to Madrid, Seville, Ronda, Granada and Cordoba, and Ivan helped me plan a great itinerary which transitioned smoothly between places. The drivers chosen were great, safe and professional. All the private guides were excellent, with very insightful knowledge about the places they were guiding. Ivan did a great job hand picking the guides most suitable for each place. Ivan also was very responsive throughout the trip, and was quick to answer my multiple questions during the trip. There was a discussion over Zoom with Ivan about our personal preferences, and the resulting itinerary was well arranged with visits to some special experiences that would normally be harder to access, for example, a private meal in a villagers house that was delicious with great hospitality. Hotels chosen was also comfortable 5 star boutique hotels with great value for money. If you are looking to plan a bespoke trip for Spain, use this great company for a one stop convenience and excellent service.

April 2025 We recently had the pleasure of traveling to Spain, and thanks to Ivàn; Genuine Andalusia, our trip was nothing short of spectacular! Each guide was exceptional- knowledgeable, friendly and truly passionate about sharing Spain's history, culture and hidden gems. The itineraries were well-planned and perfectly balanced, giving us a mix of must-see sights and off the beaten path experiences. Each tour was engaging and tailored to our interests. Our family couldn't have asked for a better way to play in Spain. I highly recommend Ivàn and his fabulous guides; we will be back!

We utilized Genuine Andalusia and Ivan Ricoy for a trip with a number of stops in Portugal and Spain. Ivan listened to our concerns and things we wanted to do and was very responsive with answering questions during the planning phase. As for our actual trip, Ivan’s suggestions for hotels, restaurants and transportation were excellent. We got caught up in a major power outage affecting Spain and Portugal. Ivan was concerned and responsive even sending and receiving messages late at night as we tried to scramble for a solution to get to Madrid. All details were handled expertly and Ivan’s itinerary was flawless. Thanks to Ivan and his team for a memorable vacation.

An Unforgettable Journey Through Andalusia! We just returned from the most magical, enchanting trip through Southern Spain, beautifully curated by Ivan with Genuine Andalusia, and we’re still floating from the experience. From Seville to Jerez, Cádiz, Córdoba, and Granada, every moment was thoughtful, seamless, and full of heart. Ivan is a true gem—knowledgeable, passionate, kind, and incredibly intuitive. He doesn’t just book tours; he opens the door to the soul of Andalusia. His deep connection to the region and its culture along with his choice of personable and knowledgeable guides made every stop feel personal and meaningful. Seville came alive with stories of its layered history and vibrant traditions. Our guides, Cristina & Mila knew just how to guide us through the city's highlights while also introducing us to hidden gems we’d never have found on our own. Our cooking class with Amelia and Carmen in Triana was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Spain! Nestled in the heart of this vibrant and historic neighborhood in Seville, the experience was more than just a lesson—it was a warm, joyful, and truly authentic slice of Andalusian life. Jerez was a revelation—an unforgettable blend of sherry, flamenco, and authenticity. Maria, our spectacular guide, introduced to local artisans and small, family-run bodegas, giving us a glimpse of real Andalusian life that was both humbling and inspiring. Cádiz stole our hearts with its breezy charm and coastal beauty. We’ll never forget our strolls along the seaside, the incredible food, and the stories that made the ancient city come alive. Córdoba was another favorite—the stunning Mezquita, the quiet beauty of the patios, and the way our guide, Inma, wove together its Roman, Moorish, and Christian histories so effortlessly made us fall in love with the city. Granada, of course, was the grand finale. Touring the Alhambra with Edu felt like stepping into a dream. He had a way of guiding us through the palaces and gardens that was both relaxed and rich in insight. The private tour of a local collector, Rafael, was one of the most unique and enlightening things I have ever experienced - what a delight he is to share his home with us. Traveling with Genuine Andalusia didn’t feel like being led by a guide—it felt like being welcomed by family who deeply loves their home and genuinely want to share it. Every detail was perfect: the boutique accommodations, delicious local meals and thoughtful, personalized touches throughout. If you're looking for a trip that goes beyond the typical tourist path—a journey filled with beauty, connection, and authenticity—Genuine Andalusia with Ivan is it. 10/10. Magical. Unforgettable. We can't wait to return.

My husband, 17-year-old son and I had the most amazing trip to Spain! During the planning stages we had an hour-long zoom meeting with Ivan where we discussed what we’ve done, seen and experienced on some of our favorite travels in the past. We wanted to have a vacation where we interacted with locals while also experiencing the culture of Spain. Ivan came up with the perfect itinerary that immersed us in Spanish and Andalusian culture. Everything was turnkey where all we needed to know was what time to meet our driver and guide in the lobby. Ivan checked in by email every night and immediately answered our phone call when we went to the wrong platform to meet our driver at the Madrid train station. All of our guides and drivers were excellent and it never took long for us to feel like we were hanging out with friends. We had so many amazing experiences and tours that it’s not possible to pick just one or two favorites. Spending a half day at a bull farm where we learned about the history and tradition of breeding bulls and going out into the fields in a 4×4 to see them up close was so exciting. Attending a Betis FC vs Real Madrid soccer match was epic. The flamenco show and sailing across the Bay of Cádiz was exhilarating. The food we ate was all exceptional! The tapas tour was informational and delicious. Stopping at a cheese-making workshop was interesting and tasty. Baking bread with a local family in Benalauria and then enjoying it with our lunch that was prepared by a local winemaker and Chef was phenomenal. The market tour and cooking class was exceptional and we’ve already tried making one of the recipes back home! Our favorite souvenirs are the tiles that we painted in a ceramics and pottery workshop in Triana, the Sherry we purchased in a Sherry bodega where we learned about the aging process and sampled the different types with the owner, and the Olive Oil we shipped home from the Olive Oil mill we toured. The only thing we wished was that we could have stayed longer. We will definitely return to Spain and will contact Ivan to plan our itinerary!!!

My wife and I just returned from a bespoke trip to Andalusia curated by Ivan Rincoy of Genuine Andalusia. It began as a wonderful trip, but unfortunately it didn't end as planned. Our first stop in Cordoba was perfect. We spent three days exploring the city related to its medieval history and saw a spectacular horse show at the Royal Stables. Our next stop in Sevilla started well. We toured the Alcazar and the Cathedral. A flamenco show, a visit to an Iberico jamon operation, a day touring classic artisan workshops (meeting the makers), a day visiting Mudejar architecture (a personal interest) and a day birdwatching in Donana national park all went well. Our guides for all these experiences were fabulous! I can't say enough about their professionalism and what a pleasure it was to tour with them. They enhanced our visits with their local knowledge, perspective and experience! Unfortunately, one evening, on our way to dinner, my wife tripped on a loose paving stone, fell and broke her hip. She ultimately ended up in the hospital and had a total hip replacement. Ivan and his team did an unbelievable job facilitating her hospital stay. Ivan visited us every day and mediated for us with the hospital staff. He was also available for translation 24/7 which was invaluable! Without his help my wife would not have received the care she needed because of the language barrier. He intervened with the surgeon, the nursing staff and administration. He and his team facilitated the discharge process, including assisted transfer to the Seville train station, assistance on and off the train, transfer to our hotel in Madrid and transfer to the airport. The entire process worked flawlessly, all with my wife two days post-op and unable to walk! In what could have been an incredibly stressful and dangerous situation, we felt completely supported at all times by Ivan and his team. My wife and I highly recommend Genuine Andalusia! Their caring, empathy and attention to detail is beyond question! Thank you Ivan and team!

A genuinely fabulous trip with Genuine Andalusia Some great reviews online made us write to Ivan Ricoy of Genuine Andalusia when we were planning our trip. And we are glad we did. Because Andalusia genuinely came alive for us. After our initial video meet-up, Ivan put together a great itinerary for us, which incorporated our likes – art, history, culture, gastronomy – all into one exceptional trip. He also suggested one more destination – Toledo – which wasn’t there in our original plan. What makes a trip with him stand out are the guides. Besides being guides, they are working professionals in their own respective fields – and that reflects in their knowledge and way of looking at things. For example, our guide in Granada - Manu, was an architect – who, while explaining the Alhambra also brought into it valuable architectural nuances, tile design, etc. Angela in Cordoba was our personal favourite – being an art historian, she brought alive the history and overall experience of the Grand Mosque and Jewish quarters there. Manuel and Mila in Seville, Celia in Ronda, Maria in Malaga, Julio at the Prado museum in Madrid and our Toledo guide were very good too. Besides the usual sightseeing and soaking in of culture, there were interesting things like wine-pairing and lunch at a prominent Ronda winery, a lively tapas tour in Seville (who knew potato salad could taste so good?!)and a gorgeous flamenco performance (front row seats in a fully packed theatre frequented by locals – certainly not the usual commercial fare). The choice of hotels was superb – incorporating our need for space as well as newer establishments with the correct balance of uniqueness and luxury. Ivan’s restaurant recommendations were also excellent – each destination on our itinerary came with suggestions for local eateries – one of them in Seville, in my opinion, easily surpassed a 2 Michelin star experience later in Madrid. Truly, truly a memorable experience and we plan to travel again with Ivan for sure.

Excelente Experiencia. Senderismo en un paraje único: Bolonia (Cádiz). Guía excepcional. Muy recomendable. Para acabar, experiencia culinaria de primer nivel.

Bonnie and I couldn’t be happier! Ivan designed a two-week trip in Spain I couldn’t have imagined. We spent several nights in Madrid, San Sebastian and Barcelona with day trips to surrounding towns. Every day was a new adventure in castles, cathedrals, art, architecture and cuisine. Without exception, each guide was wonderful. All were knowledgeable, personable and fun. Their differing personalities added to the fun. Thank you Julio, Enrique, Javier, Rosalia, Susana, Juan, Noemi, and Nestor! Our experience wouldn’t have been the same without you, one and all. And a big shout out to our drivers! They got us where we wanted to go in comfort. Our itinerary was busy and we were happy to rest in the Mercedes vehicle. The Prado was amazing. We knew about Goya, El Greco and others, but not much at all about any of them. Their works were marvelous to see in person. Goya especially. The same evening we attended a flamenco show and were introduced to several tapas bars. The cathedral in Toledo is stunning and a photographer’s delight. In Segovia we overcame our fear of embarrassment and ordered lunch on our own in a tapas bar. Good food and nice people. The Guggenheim in Bilbao is the exact opposite of old Spain, Walking through one of the huge modern installations made me dizzy, literally. We joined our daughter and her boyfriend in San Sebastian for a tour of the city and more tapas and pintxos. Never having liked anchovies, I discovered they are really delicious in San Sebastian. Visiting Basque country I purchased a nice sweater in San Jean de Luz. Bonnie shopped throughout the trip. While in Barcelona our hotel had a rooftop view of a Gaudi-designed building. Everyone recognizes the Sagrada Familia exterior, but the inside is magnificent and moving too. We visited the Dali museum in Figueres. Dali is much more than limp clocks. His work in other styles surprised us. Our last day we visited the Monastery of Montserrat. It was reached by a short ride in a cable car. The views are spectacular. We toured the basilica and the room where the Black Madonna is kept. To get there we had to navigate narrow hallways and stairs. We flew home the next day. It was a real WOW trip!

I am grateful to have discovered Genuine Andalusia! Their manager, Ivan, interviewed me by Zoom and designed a thoughtful 15-day trip through the history and culture of southern Spain, which included flamenco performances, sherry tastings, tapas tours, coastal and mountainous hiking and biking--all to a backdrop of stunning landscapes and historical architecture. I made real connections with the people and places I encountered--in Granada, Ronda, Jerez, Cadiz, Seville, and Segovia--and this was invaluable to me as a solo traveler. The personal guides meeting me at each destination were professional, knowledgeable, and gracious, and they brought Andalusia to life by answering my endless questions and sharing memories and family stories that gave me an authentic glimpse into their lives in this part of the world. The staff of Genuine Andalusia provided meticulous planning, constant support throughout my trip (for when I missed a connecting train, needed an extra admission ticket at the last minute, or took a minor spill from my bike) and personal follow-up that made my trip memorable and meaningful. Highly recommend!

Our group (3 couples) had an incredible 19 day trip to Spain - all of it planned perfectly and expertly by Ivan Ricoy of Genuine Andalusia. After our initial face time meeting, Ivan put a sensational itinerary together which catered to our interests in culture, history, architecture and food. Through his knowledge, dedication and carefully cultivated contacts and friends throughout Spain, every detail was handled. All of our drivers were prompt, courteous & efficient. Every single one of our guides were bright, friendly, well-versed and quick-witted. We enjoyed getting to know them & came away from each tour or experience with increased knowledge of the history and culture of Spain. In addition to city walking tours and seeing the historic sights in Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Ronda, Vejer de la Frontera, Granada, Nerja, Frigiliana, Barcelona, Toledo & Madrid, we hiked in the natural park of the straits of Gibraltar, the valley of the Genal River visiting Benadalid & Benalauria, and in the nature reserve of el Torcal de Antequera along with a visit to the dolmens. Our favorite days were when we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves into the lives of farmers of brave bulls, Spanish horses, and tropical fruits - along with owners of vineyards and family owned restaurants. We enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals, wonderful sherry and wine, and had our “best days” learning about their lives and their work. Ivan was in contact with us daily - making sure we enjoyed our day & the hotel in which we were staying, as well as providing details for the following day He and his office staff handled every question promptly. We loved visiting Spain. Not only is it a beautiful country with so much history and tradition, the people are welcoming and kind. This was one of those trips you hope to experience when you travel. And thanks to Ivan, his team and all the wonderful people we met along the way, our trip far exceeded our dreams!

Thank you for suggesting Ivan for our trip to Andalusia. From our first conversation it was clear Ivan understood our needs and vision for this trip. Our hotels were well-located and comfortable and the drivers were prompt, kind, and excellent drivers. He matched us with guides who were able to make each city come alive. We were able to visit the highlights of Malaga, Granada/Alhambra, Seville, Jerez de Frontera, Cadiz, and Cordoba all in 5 days. And while it was an ambitious pace, we know we will return to the area to spend more time in some cities and visit others. Some of our highlights were our private Sherry tasting in Jerez de Frontera with the owner as he poured us tastings straight out of the barrel. A tapas tour of Sevilla trying snails on the first day of the season and other local delicacies paired with local beers and wine. Wandering the amazing gardens of Alhambra and Generlife. Learning about the cathedral built inside of one of the largest mosques in Cordoba and visiting an old synagogue where our guide shared an online virtual simulation her friend had created of what it might have looked like back in the day. Additionally, Ivan helped us secure some amazing dinner reservations. One of the most impressive aspects was each evening we received an email from Ivan inquiring about our day and providing us with information about the next day. Clearly, he cares deeply for his clients and wants them to share in his passion for Spain and specifically Andalusia.

In late April after our boat trip on the Sea Cloud Spirit, we did a 7-day tour of southern Spain that was put together by Ivan Ricoy. Ivan is definitely in my top five of travel planners I have ever worked with and there are several reasons I say that: —He put together a masterful itinerary that had us always stopping in one city or village for a day exploration on the way to our next location, so we saw twice as much as our amount of time suggested without getting tired out. —He hand picked our tour guides and each one was well informed and had the kind of personality we jelled with. I found myself hugging them goodbye at the end of the day instead of a handshake—there is nothing quite like a talented and personable private guide. —He checked in with us by email literally every day—just to confirm that all went well and to let us know who our guides and drivers would be the next day. —Every arrangement was flawless. Every driver was there on time—every guide as well. All gracious and well informed about our itinerary. —Our itinerary had some really fun things including our WOW Moment in Granada—there is an area where people have carved homes and businesses out of caves and Ivan sent us to Pablo (Spanish) and Hedvik (Norwegian)—a married couple who are bringing back the art of metal tintype photography. In their cave, we had a portrait sitting, and as we were waiting for it to age in chemicals, we went with them and our guide to a bar close by which was fascinating as well. A few hours later, we had made some lovely friends and have a terrific portrait to show for it. One of our other favorite moments was in the small village of Benelauria. We had hiked a few miles to get to this village of about 400 and the star was Pepe, a chef and winemaker with a small restaurant and winery who prepared lunch for us that went on for two hours. He was such a fun character in this tiny village we never would have seen otherwise. I truly give 5 stars out of 5 to Ivan. It was all flawless but I also know that if we had a problem, he would have resolved it pronto.

Our three weeks in Andalusia were impeccably planned by Ivan. He developed a personalized trip, after talking with us and finding out our interests. We desired an in depth experience with the culture, landscape and history of Andalusia, where we had never been. Every town and city were wonderful, and the guides were all amazing in their backgrounds and knowledgable about their subjects, from archeology to art history to historic sites to the tapas bars. They were personable and willing to speak in depth on their tours and we enjoyed being with each of them. We started in Madrid for 4 days, experienced world class museums, amazing food, and a new culture. In the south, we experienced the local culture with olive oil producers, sherry wine, Iberian ham, wine growers. We went on absolutely lovely hikes and bike rides, in the green countryside, full of wildflowers and birdsong. Each evening, Ivan would check in with us by email to find out how our day went, and would accommodate any last minute requests for the next day. We felt that we had an intense and interesting trip to Spain, with so much more in depth understanding about the history and culture than we ever expected. On our way home, we were already talking about our return trip and where we wanted to to. We would absolutely use Ivan Ricoy of Genuine Andalusia to organize another trip for us. He created an amazing experience for us.

My family had a wonderful 17-day trip to Spain planned by Genuine Andalusia. I expected that Ivan would be experienced and knowledgeable, but it is his true passion for his country and his genuine desire for all of his guests to have a wonderful experience that sets him apart. During the planning phase Ivan listened closely to my goals for the trip and provided a number of relevant activities that would suit us. Perhaps the most memorable experience we had was a hike between two mountain villages in the Genal Valley. We walked along a path used by local villagers to tend their vegetable gardens and olive groves and ended at the home of a charismatic local chef where we enjoyed a lunch that might have been the best meal on our trip. It was gorgeous scenery and we didn’t encounter a single other tourist. Another highlight was viewing Seville’s legendary Semana Santa processions from a private balcony. When rain caused delays we enjoyed drinking wine and practicing our Spanish with our gracious hosts. Ivan does much to ensure that trips run smoothly. On the couple of occasions where we hit inevitable hiccups Ivan had them fixed before I had time to worry about them. If you are considering a trip to Spain, and especially to Andalusia, you can’t go wrong with Ivan. I hope to have reason to use his services again soon.

Semana Santa in Andalusia My husband had been to Holy Week in Seville thirty years ago and wanted to share this unique experience; our 18 year old son's bucket list includes seeing the Barbary macaques of Gibraltar. With those directives, Ivan curated a fantastic trip for us with many special experiences. We spent three nights in Seville at the spectacular Alfonso XIII. Ivan was able to secure us a private balcony just across from City Hall to view the Santa Semana processions. It was incredible. We had the best views from the comfort of a gorgeous apartment with a guide (a penitent herself) to explain everything. It is difficult to fully convey the spectacle of tens of thousands of robed penitents, the enormous gilded and flower bedecked shoulder borne palanquins. We then spent two nights in Jerez at Hotel Maria Luisa (awesome hotel), with day trips to Cadiz and Gibraltar. Again, Ivan secured us incredible private experiences: a sherry tasting with a producer in his bodega and then lunch with local aristocracy. We were especially appreciative of all his arrangements for Gibraltar -- our driver walked us across the land border and handed us over to our local driver/guide. Gibraltar was most definitely only on our son's list, not ours, but it turned out to be the most fascinating day and would highly recommend. We finished the trip in Ronda, where we spent a day with a local winemaker in his tiny village. The weather on our last day in Ronda was frightful -- hail, lightening, torrential downpour -- which was the day we had a guided hike planned. Ivan was patient and reassuring and our guide immediately pivoted to what proved to be my husband's favorite experience. Thanks to Ivan, we feel that we made our our own personal procession through Andalusia this semana santa: from the epic and grandiose crowds of Sevilla with all the pomp and circumstance and ceremony to the smaller celebrations of Jerez and then culminating with the most intimate procession of children in Benalauria carrying the passos and making the stations of the cross. Ivan is one of the best travel specialists we have worked with, he was constantly checking in, all of the arrangements were top-notch. We look forward to returning to Spain with Ivan.

I came across Ivan after working with a honeymoon company that left me and my husband concerned we would not be able to put together our dream trip. I found Ivan through his blog and realized I have found someone who could help make our dream trip a reality. I cannot express to you how amazing our trip was. He set us up with amazing guides in several cities and also set up an amazing cooking experience with Amelia from Travel & Cuisine. Not only did he set up our activities, but he made sure we stayed at wonderful hotels and ate at the best restaurants. During our trip he checked in with us throughout, making sure everything went exactly how we hoped it would. I know when we go back to Spain we are doing our entire trip with him!

We had an outstanding 19 day tour around Andalusia organized with fine detail by 'Genuine Andalusia' The planning and communication was meticulous. The advice on locations to visit and experiences to arrange turned out to be perfect. The organization and interaction with guides, drivers and 'behind the scenes' organizers was wonderful Nothing was too much trouble. Nothing was left to chance If you are planning a high quality, bespoke Spanish experience we would highly recommend Ivan and the team from Genuine Andalusia

I have nothing but good things to say about Genuine Andulasia. I'd booked 3 trips with them, a day trip to Granada and Ronda plus a walking tour of Malaga. My experience over 3 days was wonderful. David picked me up promptly from my hotel in Malaga and drove me where I needed to be in a clean car. My tour guides (Edu in Granada, Manuel in Ronda and Isabel in Malaga) were all amazing and knowledgeable. Dealing with Ivan was easy and seamless - a big thank you to Ivan for organising everything on my behalf. Doing these tours was a great way to see different parts of Andulasia. Highly recommend to use this trustworthy service.

Amazing week in the Basque country and an excursion to Biarritz France and St Jean de Luz. Ivan arranged superb guides and drivers. Juan, our guide in San Sebastián, was a chef and Susana in Bilbao was an art historian. Both are from their regions and steeped in knowledge and passion. That made all the difference to the tour. It was a bespoke experience which we will long cherish.

Well, I just got off the phone with my 27 year old daughter who this moment landed in LAX from her travels through beautiful Europe for a month and the first thing she said? "Mom, the week with you in Spain was the best part of the whole trip." Why? Genuine Andalusia! After I somewhat arbitrarily chose Seville as the destination for my two daughters and me to travel this July, we discovered that July in Seville is very hot. We became a little concerned. The heat never bothered us for a minute and I give Ivan and his staff most of the credit. Beyond the heat, I give Ivan/Genuine Andalusia all the credit for one of our all-time favorite vacations! The personal touch begins with a zoom meeting with Ivan. Ivan is knowledgeable, professional, honest, caring, kind, and friendly. My excitement about the Andalusia region began during that zoom meeting because of Ivan's vast knowledge and passion for the places we wanted to visit! It was very important to Ivan that my girls and I had the perfect-to-us itinerary. Ivan provided drivers for us from and to the airport, to Cordoba, and to Cadiz. They were all very professional, and we felt safe and secure with them. Our guides, Manuel, Ángela, Lily, and Ivan, were all personable, extremely knowledgeable and interesting - and fun! They brought the locations to life for us. This area of the world is rich in history and culture and the people are lovely. We stayed first in Seville where Manuel graced us through the world heritage sites, led us to our fabulous chef Amelia for a cooking class, and then, another day, to local tapas and Flamenco. He educated and entertained us through the heat of beautiful Seville. We met Ángela, art historian extraordinaire, in Cordoba with its fascinating history, and tour through the Jewish quarter and incredible Great Mosque. My daughters are 27 and 25. History and tours are not my 27 year old's vibe and we fully expected her to do her own thing that day. She met Angela and we were ALL glued to her side listening with fascination as she brought the characters of history to "present day" life in her stories. Ivan met us in Jerez and introduced us to Jaime and his family's sherry business. We knew virtually nothing about sherry but now genuinely understand and enjoy it. Ivan knows so much about all of Spain and has a great love for travel and people so he was the catalyst for us falling in love with this region. From there we went to the lovely coastal city of Cádiz where we met Lily. Lily is a well-versed and worldly local who is as loved by the locals as her love is for Cádiz and it's very deep and rich history. This is the first trip in a very long time that I was sad to leave and most definitely plan to return. It is a lovely area on its own, but to truly understand the history, culture, foods, lifestyle, monuments etc from knowledgeable, friendly and passionate locals is the real game changer here. I will recommend Ivan and his crew to all my traveling friends, and I will only use him when I return to Spain – anywhere in Spain! WORTH EVERY DIME!

Great tour of the white villages! First of all, Ivan was extremely communicative and helpful in setting up just the right tour for us with the time we had available. On the day of the tour our driver and guide were waiting for us and ready to go. Lilly was a wonderful guide, personable and knowledgeable and in love with her homeland. We had such a fun and unique time exploring the villages. Felt like it was just us in the villages the whole time!

If you want to visit Andalusia, you need to contact Ivan with Genuine Andalusia! I just got back from the most superbly planned trip with my husband. From my initial Zoom call with Ivan, he worked tirelessly to plan a fully customized10 day trip integrating our interest in becoming immersed in the culture along with outdoor activities and still have time for ourselves. We stayed in Seville, Granada and Cordoba and Ivan scheduled knowledgeable, friendly and professional tour guides in each city. We did day trips on travel days with private drivers to explore the some of the beautiful white villages throughout southern Spain. There's too much to mention in this review but the highlights were Alcazar and an incredible flamenco show at the Teatro Flamenco in Seville, a 36 k bike ride on a quiet path in the countryside, Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba. Throughout the trip, Ivan was available and checking in to make sure things ran smoothly every step of the way. If it wasn't so hot, I'd say it was one of our very bet travel experiences! Big thank to Ivan and his whole team!

Ivan is truly a genuine person and his attention to detail is second to none. He put together a trip of a life time in Southern Spain that was beyond our expectation. We would highly recommend him to anyone. His reviews sold us and they were spot on! Loved everything about our trip.

Ivan Ricoy promises a memorable private trip to Spain and he delivered just that to help us explore Andalusia. We met Ivan via Zoom and immediately felt that we were in good hands. He got to know us and learned what our interests are. Taking that information, he crafted the perfect 14 day itinerary for us. Each day touched on at least one of the elements that are important to us when we travel - food, wine, history, culture. We learned about the production of Iberico ham, olive oil, cheese, bread and salt. Our education on sherry included a visit to a vineyard with a tasting in the private bodega of the owner and a multi-course traditional lunch. We were fascinated with the culture surrounding the brave bulls. We were immersed in the history of each of the towns we visited. What tied all of this together was the interaction we had with everyone we met from our hosts to our guides to our driver. We were warmly welcomed by everyone, saw Andalusia through their eyes and came away with a better understanding of this region and its people. Thanks to Ivan and his planning this was one of the best trips we’ve taken. His attention to detail, his care in making sure that everything went well during our stay, his love for his country was a winning combination. We are so happy that we had the chance to meet and work with Ivan and give him our highest recommendation.

We traveled to Spain from 4/28/23 and returned home on 5/6/23. This was our first trip with Wendy so we didn’t know what to expect. Wendy hooked us up with Ivan, specializing in Southern Spain. Ivan was terrific, from the moment we met on a one-hour meet-and-greet Zoom call. Ivan listened to what our wishes were—to see cultural, historical, and architectural highlights as well as obscure places, enjoy nature, walk a lot, meander, and eat well. As a result of several subsequent correspondences, Ivan crafted a terrific itinerary that nailed our wishes. We ought say by way of an overall description, we have A LOT of energy and love packing a lot into a day, and also don’t mind covering a lot of territory staying in several hotels. (Packing cubes were a must; basically never unpacked and it was just fine.) We visited Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, Figueres, Besalu, and Gerona. It sounds ambitious, but Ivan seamlessly arranged transportation, including drivers, high-speed train tickets, and an airline flight. All drivers arrived early. The guides were all just plain terrific. They were professional, knowledgeable, warm, responsive and easy to be with. All were exceptionally educated, with specialties ranging from history and architecture to landscaping and cuisine. All were raised in the city or town in which they offered tours. Just wonderful. Easy to be with. We had a terrific variety of experiences—from a sherry bar in Madrid, numerous extraordinary cathedrals and mosques, a flamenco show, tapas bars, Gaudi’s blend of nature and architecture, Dali’s whimsy, and finally, to a medieval village, to offer just some of what we saw. We loved every moment. We should also mention Ivan checked in with us each and every evening for feedback on the drivers, guides and experiences. We felt very taken care of. If you can’t tell by now, let us say straight out, we would unequivocally recommend Ivan as a trip planner. This trip was arranged by a WOW List candidate. Here’s what that means.

Everything went seamlessly. Ivan’s recommendations based on our preferences were perfect. Prior to our travel to Andalusia, he also set us up with a guide in Barcelona who was wonderful, and gave us a great feel for the city and surroundings. And after we headed to Andalusia we came away with a good understanding of the great beauty and remarkable history of this part of the world. Our guide was a bright, personable and very knowledgeable young man who helped us see both Granada, as well as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical. We enjoyed him so much that we asked him to join us for a couple of our lunches, which added nicely to the overall experience. He was able to paint a cultural and historical picture of the significant history of this part of Spain, and we walked away with a greater understanding of the complexities of this culture through the ages. Overall, Ivan made our experience very rich and enjoyable

We recently came back from a trip to the Basque Country organized by Ivan. It was our second trip with Genuine Andalusia and it was again perfect from day one. Ivan built a fantastic itinerary corresponding exactly to our interests and wishes. The execution was flawless and helped us discover a beautiful part of Spain. Ivan went above and beyond by visiting himself all the sites and hotels that we were going to patron and also meeting with all the local guides that were hired. That speaks to his professionalism and integrity. He also stayed in touch every day during the trip to ensure that everything was to our satisfaction. We would highly recommend him for any future travels.

After a few years, we are returning to Spain again! This time the focus is the north of Spain, and the big cities including Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The north of Spain has a very different landscape, culture, people, food. On the way to the north we visited Toledo, Segovia, Avlia, and Salamanca including Seville and Santiago de Compostela in the later part of the trip, we have seen many important gothic cathedrals, these cities are charming, bright, interesting, with many to offer, time is simply not enough. The rich history for Moors, Jews, Catholic, layers of layers of monuments, the oldest synagogue in Europe to El Greco paintings, to stories about pilgrimage, just much to take in and digest. While culture is abundant, food is also amazing in all cities, with the right guidance, despite much tourists around, there are still authentic restaurants around for both modern and traditional. The Basque country is so different vs the south of Spain, and any big cities there. Villages around the coast are quiet and charming; the north is very very green when it rains, the freshness in the air and sharpness of the scenes are amazing. While we did our share of Michelin stars restaurants there, Arzak in San Sebastián stood out, services were impeccable, food is a blend of traditional with a modern twist, not over but just right, Chef Elena greets everyone and is very engaging. While Michelin stars restaurants could be a hit or miss but produces in Basque never disappoints; we had our best grill hake and squid in black ink in Piper’ en Txokoa, a small town Mutriku, their taste I will I can remember for a very long, black lobsters, local beef are exceptional to say the least. Visiting one of the oldest Jamon shop in Barcelona, learning Roman, Jewish history in the old quarters, simply meant the city still has much more to offer even after many visits. Visiting Prado with our amazing and knowledgable guide Pablo, who (and team) also recently did a deco of Prado main facade, means that Prado, Thyssen Museum have more charming treasures to be discovered, and always something new to learn. While we did visit Andalusia a while ago, Carmona was a city we visit for the first time, Ecija is another gem; quiet and with 11 towers, as they have many churches and convents in this small town, simply means it is currently undiscovered. Recaredo Copinnat puts a new meaning for us for Cava and biodynamic wine! Copinnat is not something you find easily outside Spain but the wine will give a new and distinctive experience for bubbles, especially when you taste it at their vineyard! Ivan from Geunine Andalusia took us around the the south a few years ago, we reconnected him with hope that he will take us around the north too, but he did better, he planned the whole trip for us, the north as well as the major cities, we only wish he will start branching out to other European cities too, that way travelling means zero problems and most important of all, the best guides to take you around to see what you desire. The only thing I will add is that Ivan might to rethink about his company name, as he is capable to plan the whole of Spain not only Andalusia. Thanks again Ivan 👏👏👏👏👏.

Beyond our Expectations! My husband, I and our two boys (ages 11 and 14) just returned from 10 days in Spain, planned by Genuine Andalusia. I cannot begin to explain what a wonderful trip Ivan planned for us and the level of detail, attention and care he provided. We've travelled a great deal and the service I received from Ivan was the best I've ever received. I will be recommending to everyone I know who is travelling to Spain. From the beginning, when we spoke via Zoom about what we were looking for, to his email to ensure we arrived home safely, he was on top of every detail and ensuring our trip was perfect. Every driver and tour guide was fantastic and prompt and knowledgeable. Every tour and activity was planned with our family in mind and we had an amazing time! We did private tours of many historical sites (Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, etc.), a tapas tour where we were introduced to small local tapas bars with such amazing atmosphere, as well as a 4 mile hike between tiny villages culminating in a magnificent dinner at a local winery, a 20 mile bike ride through the Spanish countryside, and a cooking class that was the highlight of my kids' trip (and mine, since I got to sit back with a glass of wine and watch them cook!) Ivan planned everything to perfection, based on my family's likes and dislikes. It was truly a custom made itinerary for us and it was a dream. Our hotels were wonderful and in fantastic locations and we simply could not have been happier. As much children said, "Ivan is the GOAT ('greatest of all time.') If you're travelling to Spain, I cannot recommend Ivan more highly. If you work with him- I guarantee you will have the trip of a lifetime!

This was our second time to utilize the amazing services of Ivan. He was our guide in 2017. We went on a behind the scenes tour in Seville and it was a fabulous experience of offbeat places, fascinating history and wonderful food and wine. We were fans for life! We scheduled a trip for 2019 to tour the white villages with Ivan. Sadly, covid delayed our trip twice, but Ivan told us that he would hold our deposit for as long as it took for us to feel safe in rescheduling. For 4 long years, the vision of the white villages and Ivan's wonderful tour suggestions kept us focused on the future. In February 2023, we arrived in Malaga, the first part of a multi-city, multi- tour trip that Ivan developed for us based on our input. Malaga was in-depth tour of the Picasso Museum, the food market with several tastings of food and sherry, the Roman theater and a wonderful lunch of tapas. Lourdes was very knowledgeable and guided us through the tapas menu allowing us to be more confident in our future ordering choices. The next day, we took the train to Cadiz where we were met by Ivan. We spent the day learning the fascinating history, walking the old city, enjoying some more sherry and tapas and ending up at a great neighborhood restaurant before we took the train back to Jerez. Day 3 we were met by Ivan at our hotel, where the front desk had already let us know that we had absolutely the best guide in Jerez (!), and off we went to walk in the inner city and then spend the day with Ivan's friends, literally, we felt like we had been adopted by Ivan's friends for the day. The first was the owner of a 3 generation family owned bodega where we had a private tasting of many different sherries and learned so much about how they are made and how many years they are in barrels and the history of how the family had gotten into the sherry business. And yes, we found some we really liked, to our surprise. Then off to a couple who grow the grapes just outside the city in a wonderful rural area. They welcomed us into their home and we enjoyed more tasting, walking in the vineyards, and a wonderful home-cooked meal...enough for an army! What a fabulous day...goodbye to Ivan, but we will see him again, there is no doubt. Last trip that was arranged was to the white villages. We were picked up by Lily and a driver. Lily actually lives in one of the white villages. She was a wonderful guide and took us to 3 of the villages, we walked the narrow streets, she explained so much of the history, took us to her favorite viewpoints, and, of course, a fabulous lunch. A great day and after 4 years, we finally got to realize my 4 year dream of visiting the white villages. Once again, Ivan had gone above and beyond to make our trip truly memorable and wonderfully personalized. Can't wait to figure out what part of Andalusia still remains to be explored through another wonderful trip. Highly recommend!

Iván es un encanto de persona, de verdad. No creo que vaya a encontrar un mejor profesional, de los pies a la cabeza.

A trip of a lifetime! We spent two extra-ordinary days in Jerez and Cadiz with Ivan. This trip was so carefully designed with an itinerary tailored to our specific interests. The experiences Ivan developed for us were so unique we would never have been able to access them without his help. Ivan is deeply knowledgeable about the history and culture of Southern Spain which really adds to joy of travel. Our highest recommendation! And this, our second travel adventure with Ivan!!

Wow! Spent 10 days with Ivan and his team! The trip he planned was thoughtfully planned and well executed. Every detail was taken care of from meeting us upon arrival, escorting us throughout our stay with great drivers and super friendly knowledgeable guides and making sure all along the way that we were happy. We visited many historical sites as well as cultural venues. Tapas tours, bike tours, bread making, home cooked dinners, local small wineries, best flamenco ever! Visited all the best southern cities, great accommodations, top notch all the way! Highly recommend! ! !

Genuine = authentic and so Ivan's business is aptly named not only for a genuine Andalusian experience but for the authenticity of Ivan himself (and his wonderful team of guides/locals). I don't think we have ever felt so welcomed to a country - welcomed with a genuine sense of curiosity, kindness, fun and excitement. My only regret is we didn't have longer to explore. We only had 6 days but they were jam-packed with a brilliant blend of history, amazing food, culture, nature, hiking, sherry and gorgeous people. From the first contact, Ivan was very responsive and took great care to curate a trip tailored specifically to our interests. To the drivers and to each and every guide/local (Pilar, Manuel, Ivan himself, Domingo, Nico, Peppe and Damien) - THANK YOU - we have had extraordinary, off-the-beaten-track experiences we will treasure forever. Now - come to Australia so we can reciprocate! Annie & James <3

I am not Ivan’s spouse, parent or child. I’m not his childhood/high school/college best friend. I’m an incredibly satisfied customer who recommends him whole-heartedly! To start with, he listened to us: what we were interested in and what we were not interested in. He then built our trip to Andalusia around our skeleton ideas, adding so many personal touches that, while it did make our trip longer (we’re retired so it didn’t matter) made it SO, SO much better. What did he add? A sail on the Bay of Cadiz. A cooking class, where we had a fabulous lunch eating what was cooked. A tour of a tiny sherry maker in the countryside including lunch with him and his wife. A visit to a vintner in a tiny (and I mean tiny) village - and he prepared lunch for us. A tapas tour with him - OMG, we ate SO much and it was all delicious! Flamenco dancing in a very small venue, as opposed to the big ones - so much better! HIs goal is to let you learn about Andalusia and its people. He arranged for guides (including himself in some cities) in most of the places we visited. We toured other, smaller places on our own. The guides were all delightful, charming, friendly and spoke English very well. They each loved their country, region, city but did recognize short-comings - there was no white-washing of reality. The highlight for us was the opportuinty to meet “real people” with different opinions. We not only talked about where we were, the history, art, architecture, etc., but about economics, wedding plans, politics, clothes, even bitcoin. Another thing Ivan arranged for us was providing drivers to get us from place to place. We did not have to worry about narrow streets, where to turn left or right (which meant no fights in our car!) or finding a place to park the car. It made for a very relaxing trip. The drivers were all professional and pleasant, with some speaking English and some not. They were all fully informed as to where we were going that day and there were no hiccups. Finally, he gave us hotel and restaurant recommendations in each city, all of which were much appreciated. - we liked every place we stayed. We booked the hotels ourselves, but it gave us an excellent place to start figuring it out. Ivan himself: I would like to become his best friend. He was charming, fun to be with, very knowledgeable, and creative. You can’t go wrong hiring him.

Ivan made sure we had an amazing two weeks in Spain. He listened to our requests and crafted the perfect vacation for us. He thought through extra details (like where to eat in each city, what to do on down time) that really helped. He found great tour guides in each city for us and fantastic hotels. He is so organized and on top of every detail, we are very impressed. We were a party of seven traveling with teenagers and my mother and everyone was happy. I highly recommend Ivan. Ivan even came to meet us during our trip!

We have just spent a wonderful 2 weeks in unspoilt Andalusia. Having wanted to explore the Sherry triangle for sometime, we decided to opt for an organised tour to ensure we experienced the authentic Spain. Following an email to Ivan at Genuine Andalusia we had a very helpful video conference call where he asked many questions to understand us and what we wanted from the holiday. We formed an immediate bond with Ivan – who has the ability to remain incredibly professional but is friendly and welcoming. His knowledge of the region around Jerez, combined with his sherry expertise was really helpful in us finalising a seven day personalised experience to taste sherry, eat beautiful food, explore Jerez and spend 3 days in Seville. The planning and organisation of the whole Sherry triangle trip was meticulous; from transport to high quality hotels to the sherry tasing and restaurants. Ivan seamlessly and effortlessly managed the whole thing. He accompanied us on all the visits to growers and producers of sherry and food pairing restaurants, acting as guide and interpreter (when needed). We had the opportunity to see smaller producers of sherry rather than the big corporate brands which gave us the opportunity to spend more time with them, taste more and understand their lives and culture. The real bonus for us was that we learnt more about sherry production and tasting, whilst having an amazing, fun time. The food pairing with sherries is something we are practicing now we are home in the UK! To offset the eating and drinking we incorporated a cultural tour of Jerez and also a 36km cycle ride on a disused railway in the foot of the mountains – it was wonderful. Seville is beautiful. The tour guides Ivan provided were informative, friendly and enthusiastic about their heritage and culture. A visit to an intimate flamenco evening was a new experience for us, the four talented artists produced a mesmerising performance. The tapas tour afterwards with our guide concluded a really good evening. The cycle tour around Seville with our guide was a great way to see more of the city, and it felt very safe with cycle lanes in abundance. We had high expectations of this holiday before we started the trip and can honestly say the whole experience exceeded our expectations. Thank you Ivan, for your thoughtfulness, incredible organisation and friendship.

The perfect honeymoon Are you looking for an adventurous yet laid back trip enjoying culture, food, wine and nature, but have zero time and energy to plan it? Ivan is your guy. Every detail was meticulously planned and coordinated with our interests in mind. It was such a relief to leave for Spain after the wedding with full confidence that we could arrive, relax and simply enjoy being together. With the burden of logistics lifted, we could be fully present in each moment, enjoying a cooking class, a horseback ride through the countryside, a mountain hike, stopping in a mountain town for handmade bread cooked in a woodfire oven and lunch at a micro winery and much more. Interlaced in all of our favorite memories of the trip are Ivan and his team. We had many long lunches, enjoying conversations with intelligent, thoughtful, and passionate people whom we now count as friends. Ivan takes the time to get to know you, your interests and priorities and builds the perfect trip. All you have to do is show up, be present and enjoy the many delights of Andalusia. We have only the highest praise for the Genuine Andalusia team!

Andalusia is a unique place with lots of history, charming towns and cities, and lots of food and wine. Getting the most of a trip to this fascinating region is difficult without detailed local knowledge. Ivan of Genuine Andalusia had all of that knowledge and more! Ivan developed a wonderful tour for me, my husband and teenage daughter, balancing very varied needs and delivered all that we hoped for as well as what we didn't know we wanted. As well as organising the tour, Ivan was a great contact during the tour, troubleshooting the (very few) times we needed help. I can't praise Ivan and the Genuine Andalusia team of tour guides/drivers enough. You would be foolish to consider a trip to this region and not use Genuine Andalusia to ensure a stress-free visit to this beautiful and interesting part of Spain.

Ivan helped plan a private 9 day trip to Andalusia for our family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids ages 9 and 13) over spring break in March, 2022. We spent 1 night in Nerja, 2 nights in Granada, 2 nights in Ronda, and 3 nights in Seville. We would highly recommend Ivan for trip planning and we enjoyed all of the experiences that he offered to us. He did a great job of planning an itinerary that offered a good blend of cultural and outdoor activities based on our family's needs. Throughout the entire planning process and while in the country traveling he had excellent responsiveness and communication. There were several times we had to communicate regarding alternative plans and questions while traveling and he responded very quickly. We also appreciated the daily check in to ensure our time with the drivers and guides were satisfactory. All of the guides (Julio, Nico, Penelope and Amelia) he recommended were amazing and very personable and we were fortunate to have Ivan has our guide for a day in Sevilla as well! We left Andalusia with great memories of our time there and the personal attention provided by Ivan and our guides were instrumental in our positive experience!

Iván was referred by a renowned travel expert, award-winning travel author as the trusted travel specialist with exceptional knowledge and being a well-connected trip planner for the Andalusia region. Iván did not disappoint. He planned a 16-day exploration trip to the Andalusia region together with Barcelona and Madrid. With changing restrictions and guidelines, this trip came together quickly during uncertain times and he made many adjustments and planned the itinerary based on our preferences while providing invaluable suggestions and alternatives. He also had to work around two consecutive Spanish and community holidays to ensure that we were able to cover the major sights. The focus of the trip was the Andalusia area due to the season and trip length. The entire trip was fully guided with luxurious private transfers and accommodations — we experienced wonderful guides who provided us with curated experiences at the museums, palaces and parks while also enriching us with different knowledge and perspective. We were fortunate to have him guide us in Seville and Jerez. Throughout the entire trip as we traversed through Spain, he would check-in consistently for feedback and make any recommendations and adjustments where necessary. He arranged for many one of a kind and intimate engagements with boutique traditional family-owned artisans from Jamón Ibérico producers, flamenco dancing to female-owned bull farm. Of course, no tour is completed without delicious cuisine - and Iván delivered for us there too. Reservations were done at 7 Michelin-starred restaurants as well as local restaurants, the gastronomy blew us away. We had absolutely no bad meals and enjoyed great weather the entire trip. Iván was able to curate and plan a private luxurious trip showcasing Andalusia’s tradition, diverse culture from different Moorish, Christian and Jewish influences that persists in its architecture, art, food and people. He truly cares that you have a genuine, amazing, and memorable trip - you cannot go wrong with Genuine Andalusia and Iván.

Our one day tour of the White Hill Towns with our tour guide/owner Ivan Ricoy was the highlight of our 3 week trip thru Spain. Ivan was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. It was a day my wife and I will long remember. I highly recommend this tour company. You cannot do better. Thank you Ivan!

Este verano fuimos un grupo de amigos a una visita organizada por Genuine Andalusia a una viña en Jerez de la Frontera. De las mejores experiencias que he tenido en torno al mundo del vino y sin duda la más autentica, porque cuando se pone corazón en las cosas, se nota, y no puede haber más entrega que la de Domingo con su Viña y la de Iván acercándonos a descubrir su mundo. Acompañados de un precioso atardecer, paseamos por la viña de Domingo mientras nos explicaba con detalle todo lo que rodea a la tierra de Jerez y sus vinos, profundizando en todos los procesos antes de que la uva llegue a la bodega, muchas veces tan desconocidos. Y eso es lo que hizo la experiencia maravillosa, poder ver, respirar, palpar un situ, dónde empieza todo. Para finalizar una cata recorriendo todos los vinos de Jerez, los gordos y los finos, todos elaborados por Domingo y maridandolos a la perfección con todas sus explicaciones. En definitiva, una experiencia única y muy recomendable que ningún amante del vino se debería perder.

La pasada semana hicimos con Genuine Andalusia una visita a las raíces de Jerez: la viña y el vino. Ivan nos preparó un tour precioso, visitando una pequeña viña familiar donde vimos, aprendimos, degustamos y sentimos el arte de hacer el vino de Jerez. Paseamos por la viña al atardecer, caminando entre preciosos viñedos antiguos y albariza seca, mientas el poniente suave acompañaba al atardecer, una tarde preciosa. Siempre es interesante aprender cosas nuevas, pero cuando te las enseñan alguien que siente, quiere y respeta tanto un oficio se convierte en una experiencia realmente enriquecedora. Domingo, el paisano de la viña que allí mismo hace sus propios vinos, es un romántico del buen vino, e Ivan un anfitrión estupendo que nos supo explicar y transmitir con todo detalle, no ya las características de todos los vinos de jerez, sino la cultura que hay detrás de ellos, el gran trabajo que hacen los mayetos y lo bonito de estos pequeños productores que pasan de vender la uva a hacer su vino con un cariño y una pasión que solo puedes entender si te la cuentan. Fino, amontillado, palo cortao, oloroso (que bueno estaba!), una increíble degustación que te hará descubrir que no todos los vinos saben igual. Matices y sabores que cuando te lo explican con tanta pasión te enamoran. Una experiencia increíble y realmente recomendable.

A wonderful way to enjoy the treasures of Andalusia! The guides are extra friendly and very knowledgeable about the history and the arts of Andalusia. I had several tours with Genuine Andalusia and I can only say:Thank you for sharing the beautiful Andalusia with me.

He veraneado en el Puerto de Santa María durante años y no conocía Cádiz, y gracias a Genuine Andalusia no me arrepiento de haber tardado tanto en conocerlo. La visita fue magnífica, divertida, interesante, estuvimos tan agusto como con un amigo. Nos enamoramos de la ciudad gracias a el dinamismo de Iván, su pasión y la naturalidad con la que nos adentró en la historia, el arte y la gastronomía de "La Tacita de Plata". No tenemos otra cosa que agradecer infinitamente el tiempo que pasamos con él y lo que disfrutamos. ¡Gracias!

Muy amables y eficaz barato comparando otros

We cannot say enough great things about Genuine Andalusia! Ivan helped us with several tours throughout the Andalusia region this past May. He and I shared several emails discussing our 3 week trip to Spain and what we would like to experience. The tours Ivan setup for us more than exceeded our expectations! Every one of our tour hosts was exceptional. We received a wonderful blend of history and local culture with each guide. Through Ivan's wonderful company, warm and friendly guidance as our host on several of the tours, and the other tour hosts he paired us with, we fell in love with Andalusia. We were able to go beyond all the usual tourist sights and met with local people and families, which was a unique and awesome experience. If you are visiting Spain, definitely contact Ivan and Genuine Andalusia for an amazing visit.

Arranged a tour with Ivan and it was an absolutely incredible trip touring Andalusia and exploring all that the region had to offer. We were able to see the best of a number of magnificent cities and get a true flavor for the region, it's culture, history, food, and people. It was an absolute delight and an unforgettable trip! Highly recommend Genuine Andalusia if you are looking to visit the area.

I cannot praise Ivan enough for the tours he designs and the experiences he creates that remain with you for life. Immediately book a tour with Ivan if you are in Andalusia. My mother and I started a 5 week tour of Spain in Seville. She wanted to see the White Villages of Spain so I found Genuine Andalusia to be the best match for the experience she wanted. I also found Ivan's correspondence thorough and helpful in making my decision. We proceeded to fall in love with Ivan's Spain! We took a day tour and visited these beautiful villages with their own unique history, experienced sherry for the first time, had the most amazing local lunch, all with a guide (Ivan) who knows the history, food and culture of his homeland through and through. Ivan made such an impression we booked 2 more tours with him during our stay in Seville. When my best friend joined us, we said, "Wait until you meet, Ivan!" On day tour #2, he took the three of us to a biodynamic, organic winery for tasting in Ronda then a delicious lunch in the main village. He also made an impromptu stop to sunflower fields and fortress ruins. On day tour #3, we learned about the rich history of sherry. We went to the heart of sherry making, Jerez, where we strolled the farmers market, ate churros and headed to a bodega to sample a range of sherry, from dry to sweet, straight from the barrel. The day and tour culminated with a walk and lesson among sherry vineyards and a mind blowing, massive, home cooked lunch prepared by the sherry makers. We ended our time together with a sherry cocktail on the porch, overlooking the vines. We were heading to Portugal the next day so they packed up much of the food for our road trip. Off we went with bottles of wine, sherry, olive oil, vermouth and home cooked Spanish cuisine. It was bliss and one of my best European experiences. I can't encourage travelers enough to contact Ivan and let him lead the way. I'm already planning my return to Andalusia and Ivan. Thank you always, Ivan. I wish I could rate you higher and promote you stronger.

Iván is a treasure. I reached out to him for assistance with a day-trip to Jerez from Seville and could tell from our earliest correspondence that I was in very capable hands. He was so proactive and articulate, graciously accommodating several schedule changes and a number of special requests. But nothing could have prepared me for the caliber of the experience Iván skillfully knit together (private tours of pioneering sherry houses, meetings with owners and enologists, lunch at a buzzy local taberna). He listened thoughtfully to my particular interests and delivered a custom introduction to regional viticulture that exceeded every one of my expectations. His knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm, and charming personality—he's not only a local insider and a wine expert but delightful company, too—made this one of the best travel days I can remember. I couldn't have asked for a better host—and Jerez couldn't have a more winning ambassador. ¡Gracias por todo, Iván!

Wow. Just an absolutely fantastic tour. I learned so much about sherry, it's different varietals, how best to pair it with food and explored bars I would never have found on my own. The wine was incredible, the food delicious and Ivan was a knowledgeable and interesting guide. Most of all, it was so much fun! f you like food, wine, history, expertise or just good conversation, then Ivan is the right tour guide for you.

I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening than the sherry tour we took in Sevilla with Ivan. Besides sampling and enjoying multiple varieties of sherry in authentic, charming and sometimes almost hidden local spots, we got fascinating insights into the process and history of sherry making in a genuinely relaxed and social way. On top of that, add some of the best tapas I can ever remember tasting and you have an experience not to be missed!

Servicio de primera para clientes que quieran conocer de primera mano lo genuino de Andalucia