A Taste of Spanish Urban Life

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Barcelona

   Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Barcelona's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the transfer is about 30 minutes.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Ramble on La Rambla

   Embrace the authentic Catalan spirit with an evening stroll along La Rambla on your first night in Barcelona. Spanning nearly a mile, this historic street is the sole avenue in the old part of the city, running parallel to the historic city wall. Unlike the bustling downtown, La Rambla offers a broad and spacious expanse, serving as an ideal meeting place for both locals and visitors alike. Flanked by bars, bistros, boutiques, and galleries on either side, La Rambla stands as a distinctive microcosm of Barcelona's charm.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Barcelona Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Small Group Tour

   Explore the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town with an expert guide and uncover over 2,000 years of history, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval landmarks. Step beyond the usual tourist routes and discover hidden corners, including the Roman Forum at Plaça de Sant Jaume and the well-preserved Roman walls. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture at Plaça del Rei, the Barcelona Cathedral, and Santa Maria del Mar. Finish the tour in the vibrant Born neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere, trendy bars, and boutique shops.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Paella Group Cooking Class

   You'll start this cooking class by visiting Barcelona's vibrant La Boqueria Market (except on Sundays and public holidays). Right after your stroll through this colorful market, you're ready to start cooking with the help and guidance of an expert chef. But only after you sample some traditional Spanish sangria and delicious tapas first. Then, the chef will show you how to prepare the iconic paella. Once you're done cooking, you're ready to savor the authentic paella you helped create.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Sagrada Familia Highlights Group Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

   It's hard to find an architectural structure as striking as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece is counting over 140 years in the making and the artist's genius is omnipresent inside and out of this iconic church. La Sagrada Familia is the ultimate highlight of Barcelona. As such, it attracts hordes of visitors every day. However, this tour grants you skip-the-line access to the architectural wonder, thus saving you precious time. Once inside, an expert guide will guide you through the history, vision, and artistic genius of Antoni Gaudí, one of Barcelona's most prominent personalities.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Sagrada Familia Is Not Barcelona’s Only Church

   While Sagrada Familia finally received its consecration from Pope Benedict in 2010, Barcelona boasts more than just this iconic church. Locals often favor Santa Maria del Mar as their top place of worship. Despite enduring a significant earthquake in 1428 and a devastating 11-day fire in July 1936, evident in the lingering scorch marks, the church stands resilient. With towering columns set 43 feet apart and expansive stained glass windows, the interior creates a celestial ambiance. Barcelona Cathedral offers another unique encounter, reflecting centuries of history with Nordic-inspired elements dating back to the 11th century and recent reconstructions using the original Montserrat stone. Explore the cloister with 13 contented geese and the crypt dedicated to the 13-year-old martyr Eulàlia. For stunning views of the Old City, it's worth paying the small fee to take the lift to the cathedral's roof.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your Third Full Day in Barcelona

   

   Montserrat, Cava Winery & Lunch Group Experience

   Start your day leaving Barcelona early to arrive before the crowds at the breathtaking Montserrat Monastery. Enjoy a guided tour of the basilica and discover the story of the famous “Black Madonna.” Then, head to the rolling hills of the Penedès wine region, where a family-run winery will show you the cava-making process. Savor a hearty farm-to-table lunch in the vineyard and taste exquisite cava before returning to Barcelona in a private minibus.

   • Duration : 7 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Madrid by Train / Arrival in Madrid

   

   You're leaving Barcelona behind today and heading to Madrid. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a number of daily departures to Madrid, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 3-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Madrid by Private Transfer with a Stop in Zaragoza

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.

   When you arrive at Madrid's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.

   Start out by getting your central Madrid bearings by strolling two of the city's most impressive squares, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. Then make your way into the adjoining La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars. Explore the narrow streets and hop from one tapas bar to another, savoring a variety of local flavors and specialties.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Madrid

   

   Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace and Prado Museum Group Tour

   Experience the best of Madrid's art, architecture, and culture on a seamless half-day tour led by an expert guide. Skip the lines to explore the stunning Royal Palace and its opulent rooms, including the throne room and chapel. Stroll through historic streets, visit iconic landmarks like Plaza Mayor. End your journey at the Prado Museum, discovering masterpieces with engaging stories that bring the art to life.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Flamenco Show 1911 with Tapas Dinner Group Experience

   Witness something extraordinary during this experience while you dine on traditional tapas. You will be in a room with original flamenco dancers and feel the intensity and passion of flamenco. The Tablao Flamenco 1911 is located in the famous Plaza de Santa Ana, in the neighborhood of Las Letras in Madrid. Formerly known as the name of the historic tiled façade of its premises, this unique venue has been hosting flamenco shows since 1911 and is recognized as the oldest tablao in the world.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Madrid

   

   Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

   On this excursion, you'll first explore Avila, with its impressive 12th-century walls and medieval ambiance on a private tour. Next, you'll visit Segovia to marvel at the grand Roman aqueduct and the well-preserved Alcazar. End your tour with a visit to Segovia Cathedral, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Toledo Full Day Private Tour

   Explore the unique medieval city of Toledo, just an hour’s drive from Madrid, on a personalized tour. With a private driver and expert guide, the tour is tailored to your interests, delving into Toledo’s rich history. Learn how Christianity, Islam, and Judaism shaped the city’s cultural landscape, earning it the title "City of Three Cultures." Ideal for families, couples, and friends, this immersive experience offers a captivating journey through Spain’s past for all knowledge levels.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.