ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Barcelona
Welcome to Spain, a country that will captivate you with its palaces, grand cathedrals, famous architecture, and, of course, memorable wine and food experiences. Upon arrival at the Barcelona airport, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or discover the delicious local cuisine. Ask your travel consultant for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars.
DAY 2
Barcelona – Barcelona Modernism Walking Tour
Discover the Quadrat d'Or on your private guided tour through the Eixample district. This exceptional area was once the focus of Barcelona's Modernism, Art Nouveau style, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Take a stroll through this beautiful neighborhood, admiring the Catalan Modernism-style buildings by architects, such as Antonio Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadafalch. The highlights of the tour include visits to the Martí, the Palacio de la Musica, Gaudi's world-famous Sagrada Familia, and modernist houses including the Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Casa Lleo i Morera, and Casa Terrades.
DAY 3
Barcelona - Montserrat half-day Tour
Your tour will start with a scenic drive through picturesque villages before arriving at the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters). During this excursion, you will have the chance to visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. As it is of course a site of religious importance guests are advised to be dressed appropriately. At the end of your tour, you will have free time at your disposal to continue exploring at your own pace.
DAY 4
Barcelona – Madrid
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station and take a high-speed train to Madrid. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
DAY 5
Madrid – Madrid Old Quarter and Royal Palace Walking Tour
Embark on a memorable exploration of the vibrant city of Madrid! With the help of your English-speaking private guide, you will stroll through the oldest districts of the city and discover the legacy of centuries of history. The tour will begin from the Arab wall of the tenth century, where you will pass through the monuments bequeathed by the dynasties of the Austrians and the Bourbons, which include former hospitals, palaces, theaters, narrow medieval streets, and traditional shops. You will also visit the street of Puerta del and Plaza Mayor, with 400 years of history, the Royal Palace and the elegant Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Opera, which recently turned 200 years old, and Madrid's Cathedral, La Almudena. You will continue your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace. Royal or Eastern Palace is the largest in all of Western Europe! The construction began in 1738 by order of Felipe V, the first king of the dynasty of the Bourbons. You can admire the official reception rooms, the museum area, the Royal Chapel, the Throne Room, and the private rooms of King Carlos III and Queen Isabel II.
DAY 6
Madrid – Toledo half-day
With the help of your professional guide, you will start exploring this monumental city, the first capital of the Spanish Empire. Discover the impressive Cathedral, the old Palace of Justice, the Town Hall, the old Jewish quarter, and much more. You will be overwhelmed by the spectacular views of the city over the Tagus River and start with a nice walk-through of Toledo with your expert local guide continuing through the old Jewish quarter, with its narrow streets. Toledo has been the cradle of steel workshops for centuries, not only in Spain. His high-quality swords were praised throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and you can still witness local craftsmen working steel to transform it into impressive swords, helmets, and more by visiting some work centers where they are still manufactured. The Cathedral of Toledo is considered the best expression of Gothic art in Spain. Starting in 1226, it was not until 1493 that the Catholic Kings completed their construction. The visit to its interior proves the richness of centuries of history and art of the Spanish Empire. The Church of San Tomé houses El Greco's famous painting "The Burial of the Count Orgaz", the masterpiece of the Greek genius who settled in Toledo and created a school in Spain with his unique art. The old Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca remains a symbol of the coexistence of the "Three Cultures": Architects of the Muslim religion carried out its construction, the most experienced of their time.
DAY 7
Madrid – Lisbon
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Madrid Airport, to catch your flight to Lisbon.
Upon your arrival at Lisbon Airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your selected hotel in Lisbon.
DAY 8
Lisbon – Lisbon half-day City Tour
Explore the iconic sites within the city center with a private local guide. Experience Baixa – the old downtown district of the city – tasting the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) along the way. Explore the amazing Rossio, Figueira, and Comércio Squares. Get to know Chiado, the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops. Finally, travel back through time as you discover the secrets of Alfama, a hauntingly beautiful Moorish neighborhood of Lisbon.
DAY 9
Lisbon – Sintra half-day Tour
Located right on the central-western Portuguese coast, just a short drive from Lisbon. Sintra, UNESCO World Heritage since 1995, is steeped in history and offers some of the most exquisite natural and architectural sites in the country. Here, at the northernmost extent of the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, history, archaeology, architecture, and natural beauty combine to create a compelling and enduring centerpiece that has enjoyed centuries of popularity. Some time at leisure will be given during the tour for exploring the beautiful village with its narrow streets and beautiful parks, and to do some shopping! Do not forget to taste the typical regional pastries, the Travesseiros de Sintra or the famous Queijadas.
DAY 10
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Lisbon Airport, to catch your departure flight.
