ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Madrid
Welcome to Spain, a country filled with Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals, Roman Aqueducts, modern artwork, delicious food and wine, fertile planes, crystal clear seas, and soaring mountains. Upon arrival at the Madrid airport, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring the beauty of this monumental city. Ask your travel consultant for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars.
DAY 2
Madrid – Madrid Old Quarter and Royal Palace Walking Tour
Enjoy a private guided walking tour that will take you through Madrid's oldest quarters to trace the legacy of the Hapsburg and Bourbon dynasties. You will see churches, convents, inns, palaces, theaters, narrow medieval streets, and traditional shops, all places steeped in history no visitor should miss. Discover the city´s key sights like Puerta del Sol which has been the bustling heart of Madrid since the 17th century, Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor, a porticoed square that will take you back to the times of swashbuckling swordsmen and medieval rogues, Arco and Calle Cuchilleros where you will find centuries-old taverns dug into caves under the square, Plaza de la Villa with excellent examples of Spanish architecture, the impressive Royal Palace which is Western Europe´s largest palace and the elegant Plaza de Oriente, lined by gardens and grand statues of Spain´s early rulers.
DAY 3
Madrid – Toledo half-day
After a short drive to Toledo, 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.
Optionally, you can enrich your Madrid experience with an evening food tour with a local food expert.
DAY 4
Madrid, Barcelona
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station and take the high-speed train to Barcelona. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
DAY 5
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 6
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.
Optionally, you can add a wine-tasting experience to your Monserrat tour to fully immerse yourself in the area.
DAY 7
Barcelona
Enjoy a day of leisure soaking up the rich culture of Barcelona's vibrant streets or taste the local flavors on a Gourmet Tapas Discover tour. Visit the city's best landmarks such as the Gothic Quarter and Picasso Museum. Ask your leisure consultant for ideas filled with their favorite sites and activities in the city.
Optionally you can add an authentic evening Flamenco dance performance you your itinerary, you can select performance-only venues or venues that include food and wine.
DAY 8
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Barcelona International Airport, to catch your departure flight.
