Meet Spain Expert Adriane Anderson
I’m Adriane Anderson, born in the charming seaside town of El Puerto de Santa María in southern Spain to two American parents who had relocated to Spain for work. Eager to immerse me in the local culture, my parents made a conscious decision to integrate me into Spanish life from the very beginning. I attended Spanish schools as a young child and participated in a variety of cultural activities, from sports to flamenco—if it was quintessentially Spanish, I was part of it.
At 13, my family relocated to Stuttgart, Germany, where I transitioned to an American high school. This introduced me to an intercultural mix of American and German influences that shaped much of my adolescence. For years, this blended upbringing felt entirely normal to me, but it wasn’t until a visit to Idaho—where my family is originally from—that I realized just how different my life had been from the one my parents grew up knowing. That realization became the spark for my interest in cultural differences and ultimately led me to study Social Studies and International Politics at university, deepening my appreciation for the richness of diverse traditions and perspectives.
During and after my university years, I had the privilege of traveling extensively through Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. These experiences broadened my understanding of global identities, cuisines, and ways of life, solidifying my lifelong passion for cultural exploration. Yet, after years abroad, I made the surprising decision to return to a world I barely knew: the United States. I spent several years working and traveling across the U.S., gaining a new perspective on American culture. However, my heart longed for the laid-back lifestyle, refined Mediterranean cuisine, and warm, close-knit communities of southern Spain.
Returning to Andalusia and my hometown of El Puerto de Santa María, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I wanted to start a business but wasn’t yet sure of the direction. Like many English speakers in Spain, I began teaching English to secure a work visa and establish myself. This gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my community, support the local economy, and rekindle my passion for discovering and celebrating Andalusian culture.
Over time, it became clear to me what I wanted to do: I wanted to share the magic of Spain with others. I envisioned creating meaningful, authentic experiences for travelers by focusing on the small but significant details that make this region so unique. I wanted to go beyond the typical “European whirlwind tours” or mass-market travel packages, offering visitors a genuine taste of local life.
Today, I’m proud to run successful, curated private tours led by locals, showcasing the beauty and authenticity of Andalusia and other regions of Spain, like the Basque country! Each tour is a celebration of that region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible way of life—an experience that travelers remember long after they leave.
Adriane Anderson - Spain Expert
Adriane (“Adri” to her amigos) is an American born and raised in Cadiz, Spain. She is passionate about showing our travelers the best of her adopted home country. She’ll be your on-the- ground expert as you are in the travel planning stages and while you are in-country.
My Favorite Things About Spain
- Exploring Andalusia’s contrasts, from bustling tapas bars in vibrant cities like Seville to the timeless beauty of whitewashed hill towns and tranquil olive groves.
- Savoring the flavors of the region, from hearty stews and freshly grilled seafood to delicate, slow-aged sherry and world-class jamón ibérico.
- Connecting with the people, who are warm, welcoming, and always ready to share a story, a laugh, or a round of drinks during a lively feria or a quiet evening in the plaza.
- Experiencing Andalusia’s rich traditions, from the passion of flamenco and the reverence of Semana Santa to the exuberance of festivals like Feria de Abril and El Rocío.
- Admiring the region’s awe-inspiring history and architecture, from the Moorish majesty of the Alhambra and Mezquita to the Gothic grandeur of Seville’s cathedral and the charm of centuries-old patios.
- Relishing Andalusia’s relaxed pace of life, where long, sun-soaked siestas and leisurely meals are cherished as an art form.
- Embracing the natural beauty, from the golden beaches of the Costa de la Luz to the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush wetlands of Doñana National Park.
- Appreciating Andalusia’s craftsmanship and artistry, from intricate tilework and leather goods to the masterful production of olive oil and handwoven textiles.
Some of our Favorite Spain Tours
As always, our tours are customizable, but here are a few of our “tried and true” sort of itineraries that you can use to build your own Spanish dream of a tour depending on your energy, time, interests, and more!
The Best of Andalusia
A plunge into the heart of Andalusia, the southern coast of Spain, where you’ll see all of the highlights and experience the quintessential moments, places, and people.
Eclectic Andalusian Explorer
Thsi is a journey fit for a true explorer, straddling two continents, two religions, two cultures, and a plethra of hidden moments from Sevilla to Tangier
Testimonials
We love creating exceptional experiences and exceeding expectations. It’s how we get our kicks but don’t take our word for it, read what people who travel with us have to say!
“Our Spain journey with JBT was even better than we imagined, the perfect complement to our Morocco adventure. From seamless planning in Madrid to Andalusia’s beauty, every detail was cared for. We adored our city guides, and our driver Jebril welcomed us into his home for a delicious couscous meal — a memory we’ll treasure forever. The special touches from Amina and Lucas, from homemade gifts to sharing lunch together, made us feel like family. Truly, it was one of the best trips of our lives, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world with JBT!”
The Durants
“Our Italy trip with JBT was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment Alexei crafted our detailed, personalized itinerary — even pulling off a last-minute hot air balloon ride for my niece — we knew we were in the best hands. Each day was filled with extraordinary experiences, from private tours of Rome and Florence’s greatest treasures to a pasta-making class and a Chianti winery lunch. Our guides were exceptional, our hotels perfectly located and welcoming, and every driver and detail seamless. JBT once again exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn’t hesitate to turn to them for future adventures anywhere in the world!”
Judy F.
“Our Japan adventure with JBT was nothing short of epic! The itinerary Jon crafted was so thoughtfully designed — from a serene start in Hakone to the journey through ancient traditions and modern wonders — and the variety of lodging, from ryokans to a Kyoto townhouse to a glamping tent, made it truly unforgettable. The train instructions were flawless, and having Yuka as our guide and new friend was a gift. After two incredible journeys with JBT, we can honestly say you are the best!”
Kelley and Steve
