Barcelona + Madrid

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to your choice of first class or deluxe hotel. The balance of this day is free to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.

Barcelona offers so much to see and do, from strolling along the always-lively Las Ramblas to exploring architectural masterpieces like the works of Antoni Gaudí and the 14th century Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Personalize your exploration today with your choice of included, privately-guided sightseeing.  Meals B Half-Day Walking Tour of Barcelona: From Plaça de Catalunya in the heart of the city, set out with your personal guide to stroll along Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s historic promenade, lined with inviting cafes, flower stalls, street performers and boutiques. See La Boqueria, the city’s bustling market, before venturing into the Gothic Quarter where narrow medieval streets are now home to some of Barcelona’s most popular bars, clubs and restaurants. Enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral including the beautiful cloisters, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. An elevator will take you to the rooftop for wonderful views. Tour Duration: 4 Hours   Half-Day Gaudí Walking Tour: Showcasing the treasured landmarks #WHS# of the world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, this privately guided tour is highlighted by his most-famous work, the still unfinished La Sagrada Familia. Learn about the background of this ongoing basilica project and marvel at its design and engineering. Enhanced by the historical knowledge and keen cultural insights of your guide, you will also discover Casa Milà, a masterwork of the Modernista style, and Casa Batlló, a private residence commissioned by a wealthy businessman. Tour Duration: 4 Hours   Epicurean Gastronomic Tour: Discover Barcelona’s vibrant, ever-evolving culinary scene with one of our finest guides, a true foodie who prides themself on staying up to date on the latest trends and newest places. Without a preset itinerary, you’ll be able to visit some of their favorite old haunts and latest discoveries—perhaps a generations-old bakery or a newly-opened artisanal cheese shop. Learn about Barcelona’s Catalan culinary traditions and finish your tour with a lunch or dinner at one of your guide’s favorite tapas bars. Tour Duration: 3 Hours You can also purchase any of these tours in advance for additional sightseeing to enhance your time in Barcelona. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/c4523751-0b93-4155-8c70-0d270f7a3880/Europe-Spain-Barcelona-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our Privately Guided Sightseeing Tours.  

With the prime, city-center locations of our hotels, you’ll find it easy to get out and enjoy more of Barcelona’s myriad sites and charms at your own pace. If you prefer additional guided sightseeing, we offer a wide variety of excursion in and around the city. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/c4523751-0b93-4155-8c70-0d270f7a3880/Europe-Spain-Barcelona-Optional-Tours052024.pdf.aspx] to see a complete list of our available privately-guided tours in Barcelona.  Meals B  

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the rail station for your included high-speed rail journey to Madrid. Upon arrival in the capital, your car and driver awaits you to bring you to your hotel. Meals B

Today you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your own personal interests and to tailor your stay in this captivating city. Just choose one of these included tours and delight in the intimacy and thoughtful engagement of touring with your own personal guide! Meals B   Half-Day Walking Tour of Madrid: Built during the reign of the Habsburg Dynasty that ruled much of modern-day Europe from their capital in Vienna, El Madrid de los Austrias is the name used for the capital’s historic city center. With insight and information from your engaging guide, you’ll explore its charming squares and cobblestone streets, including the handsome Plaza de la Villa and impressive Plaza Mayor. Then visit the Royal Palace, official residence for the King of Spain until 1931. Filled with great works of art by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and other master painters, this 18th century landmark is now used mainly for official state functions.  Tour Duration:   Half-Day Tour of Madrid’s Museums: Begin this privately guided tour at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Formerly in private hands, its vast collection spans centuries of art history, including works by medieval Italian painters, Dutch masters, French Impressionists, and important 20th-century avant-garde painters like Kandinsky, Dali, and Lichtenstein. Then continue to the world-famous Prado Museum, one of the first public art galleries in the world. Among its enormous collection are important masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian, and other giants of European art.  Tour Duration: 4 Hours   Tapas Walking Tour: With tapas restaurants now found in cities across America, many travelers are familiar with this wonderful Spanish tradition. But here in Madrid, tapas is more than just small-plate dining; it’s a cultural tradition that is as much about the people and the conversation as it is about the food. Choosing lunch or dinner time, you’ll join our engaging foodie guide to stroll along the charming streets of Madrid’s historic city center, stopping along the way in some of your guide’s favorite haunts to savor a variety of traditional tapas dishes paired with fine Spanish wine.  Tour Duration: 3 Hours   Dinner to the Sound of Flamenco: With Andalusian roots in southern Spain, authentic flamenco is a complex art form incorporating poetry, singing, guitar playing, polyrhythmic hand-clapping and, of course, dancing. Known as Tablao Flamenco, there are many places in Madrid where you can enjoy a flamenco show. This evening, we’ll take you to the best Tablao Flamenco in the city, recipient of numerous accolades including the prestigious City of Madrid Award. Enjoy fine Spanish cuisine and an unforgettable evening of Flamenco dance and music. You can also purchase any of these tours in advance for additional sightseeing to enhance your time in Madrid. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/dbebf7cf-64aa-48a3-a335-7614852b9d68/Europe-Spain-Madrid-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] for a complete list of our Privately Guided Sightseeing Tours.  

This entire day is free to relax, shop and explore at your own pace. If you prefer the engaging company of one of our expert guides, you can join them on a variety of carefully planned excursions. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/dbebf7cf-64aa-48a3-a335-7614852b9d68/Europe-Spain-Madrid-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see a complete list of our available, privately-guided sightseeing tours in and around Madrid.  Meals B  

We include your chauffeured transfer to the airport or rail station today.  Meals B