Our journey, discovering Spain

Welcome to Sol y Sombra Tours!
As you embark on your Spanish adventure, let us be your guide to a truly unforgettable experience. At Sol y Sombra Tours, our passion for Spain resonates throughout every aspect of what we do. We specialize in curating unique and luxurious small group tours as well as transformative art retreats, designed to take you beyond the beaten path and elevate your creativity to the next level.


Our mission is to unveil the hidden gems of Spain, allowing you to discover the country's authentic charm whilst ensuring we consciously respect the environment. We believe that travel should be more than just ticking off tourist attractions; it should immerse you in the vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes that make Spain so enchanting. What sets us apart is not only our deep knowledge and expertise in all things Spain but also the personal touch we bring to each journey. We take pride in personally leading every tour, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and care throughout your experience.


With us by your side, any language barriers will be effortlessly overcome. Fluent in Spanish, Grant has not only lived in Spain but has also extensively travelled all across Europe. His profound understanding and connection to the country will enrich your experience, making every moment seamless and enjoyable.

But our expertise doesn't stop there. Both of us are practising painters, with works showcased in private collections around the world. Grant's deep understanding of art, Spanish culture, language, and history will transport you through time, allowing you to appreciate the warmth and passion of the Spanish people.


At Sol y Sombra Tours, we believe in giving you a complete experience that includes art, culture and food in Spain. Grant and Alexandra love to discover local dishes and share authentic Andalucian food with you during your tour. Every day ends with a delicious meal, good wine, and great company. Our tours are known for finding the right balance between group activities and personal exploration. We know that everyone has their own unique journey, so we give you plenty of time to explore on your own. You can wander through quaint streets or enjoy the lively atmosphere of a local market. You have the freedom to create your own memories. Join us at Sol y Sombra Tours as we uncover the hidden gems of Spain together. Let us inspire your love for art, culture, food, and adventure. So, prepare to embark on a remarkable journey, where the allure of Spain unravels before your eyes. Join us at Sol y Sombra Tours and let the enchantment begin.

Let's go! ¡Vamos!


Our personal story

We met in New Zealand at a Christmas party in an art gallery. A daring motorcyclist stole a ham, creating what was to become a memorable fiasco! leaving a lasting and hilarious impression on both of us.

Later, after a couple of years we were looking at where our next life adventure would take us as we both had a love for Europe, and Grant missed Spain. So it came as a delightful surprise when a couple offered us a chance to care for their villa in Otivar, Andalucia. It just so happened that this was exactly the region that we were thinking of. Excited, we started our adventure in the coastal town of Salobreña.

In a delightful twist of fate, the charismatic owner of Hotel Palomares in Salobreña, Jose Luis, introduced us to a friend named Philippe, whom he told us, hailed all the way from New Zealand and had made Salobreña his home for the past 25 years. Naturally, we were initially sceptical, aware of the frequent mix-ups between Kiwis and Aussies or Brits. However, with a quick phone call, a distinguished, grey-haired gentleman appeared before us, greeting us with a cheerful "Helloooo!" that carried hints of both English and New Zealand accents. Little did we know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a deep friendship and ignite our passion for Andalucia. Phillippe whisked us away on extraordinary excursions to enchanting riverbeds where the iconic film 'And God Created Woman' was shot in 1956, hidden Alpujarras villages scarcely explored by foreigners, and obscure towns that had seldom seen international visitors. Phil's unparalleled knowledge of Spain, flamenco, and the essence of Spanish culture and life was invaluable.

Immersed in these captivating experiences, we knew they were too extraordinary to keep to ourselves. And so, our love for art, our thirst for adventure, and our profound connection with Spain inspired us to share these treasures with fellow travellers.


You will discover as we have the warmth and hospitality of the Spanish people is second to none!