For a true taste of Spain in just a week, look no further. This Barcelona and Madrid itinerary is your ticket to the urban wonders of the two most exciting cities in Spain. From the architectural masterpieces of Gaudi and the authentic ambiance around La Rambla in Barcelona to world-class art, Europe's largest palace complex, and more mouthwatering churros than you can count in Madrid, this one-week itinerary shows you around the best of Barcelona and Madrid, leaving enough time to take a couple of day trips in-between for a chance to see more of Spain in less time.
One of our team members in Spain will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best this country has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
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What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Barcelona
Madrid
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.4 Nights in Barcelona
4 Nights in Barcelona



4 Nights 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!
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!
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Barcelona
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.

Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Barcelona

Barcelona and Gaudi Group Walking Tour
This group tour of Barcelona is tailored for those with a deep passion for architecture as it explores significant landmarks while you receive insights from an expert guide. Guided by an expert, you will embark on the Modernist Route and explore Barcelona's significant buildings from the perspective of a devoted architect. You will follow Antoni Gaudí's intricate journey from social concerns to a profound connection with the divine, ultimately becoming the "last great cathedral builder". This tour delves deeply into the master's architectural essence and explores his profound visual impact, which inspired surrealists and earned him the title of the most renowned Spanish architect.

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.
Day 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.
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.

Day 4
Day 4 - Your Third Full Day in Barcelona

Premium Montserrat Monastery Visit and Lunch at a Farmhouse Group Experience
This premium experience allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and enjoy a memorable day out in Montserrat, including a 2-course meal with breathtaking views. After visiting the monastery atop the mountain with a private guide, you will be taken by bus to a local farmhouse for a unique experience of farm-to-table food and drinks. You will be returned to the original meeting point in Barcelona at the end of the day.
Day 5
Day 5 - Traveling to Madrid by Train
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
3 Nights in Madrid
3 Nights in Madrid



3 Nights in Madrid
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.
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.
Day 5
Day 5 - Arrival in Madrid
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.

Day 6
Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Madrid

Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace, Churros Tasting and Prado Museum Group Tour
Do you desire a guided tour of Madrid's major attractions, full of essential information and historical details, all without the hassle of waiting in lines and wasting your valuable time? This tour is tailored just for you.

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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Madrid

Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

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.
Day 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.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations

JayWay took all of the stress out of planning our special girls trip. I highly recommend JayWay for the personalized service and attention to detail that made the trip so memorable.
– Michele, Elisabeth, Channa & Katherine, Illinois
Visited : Spain
Itinerary : Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Madrid
Rating :

This was such a well planned trip and everything was absolutely seamless. Our travel consultants and local representative were all so helpful. I will highly recommend Jayway to friends and family!!
– Patricia & Robert, Michigan
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Algarve Resorts, Porto, Lisbon
Rating :

We used Jayway to plan both our trip to Croatia and then to Spain and Portugal. Both trips were customized to our desires. They attended to every detail making the trip a wonderful experience. Accommodations were excellent, recommended tours were special, and the logistics of the trip were perfectly executed. Jayway makes your trip one of life's memorable experiences. In a word, they are the BEST.
– James & Ellen, Texas
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon
Rating :