Spanish Cities & Countryside

Arrive at Madrid Barajas International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Spain's vibrant capital, including the impressive Plaza Mayor, Madrid's main square since the 16th century, and the bustling Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Spanish cuisine and tapas. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, full day discovering Madrid's highlights. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, featuring lavishly decorated rooms and impressive art collections. Continue to the nearby Almudena Cathedral, a blend of neoclassical, neo-Gothic, and neo-Romanesque styles. After lunch, explore the world-famous Prado Museum, housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and many others. Evening at leisure to enjoy Madrid's vibrant nightlife and excellent dining scene. Option to attend a traditional flamenco show (extra charge). Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Barcelona with an overnight stop in Zaragoza. En route, visit the medieval town of Sigüenza, known for its impressive castle (now a Parador hotel) and Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Enjoy lunch in this charming historic setting. Continue to Zaragoza, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk through the historic center, including the magnificent Plaza del Pilar. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of Spain's most important religious buildings, housing the venerated image of the Virgin on a pillar. Evening at leisure to explore Zaragoza's lively tapas scene. Overnight in Zaragoza.

 After breakfast, morning exploration of Zaragoza's highlights, including the impressive Aljafería Palace, a medieval Islamic palace and one of the most important monuments of Spanish Islamic architecture. Visit La Seo Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. After lunch, continue your journey toward Barcelona, stopping at the spectacular mountain sanctuary of Montserrat. Take the scenic rack railway up the mountain to visit this breathtaking monastery, home to the famous Black Madonna statue and offering stunning panoramic views. Continue to Barcelona, arriving in the evening. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a brief orientation walk along Las Ramblas, Barcelona's famous promenade. Overnight in Barcelona.

 Full day exploring Barcelona's highlights. Morning visit to Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Basilica, with its stunning facades and unique architectural style. Continue to Park Güell, another Gaudí creation with whimsical designs and beautiful mosaic work (exterior visit). After lunch, explore the Gothic Quarter with its narrow medieval streets, the impressive Cathedral, and Plaza del Rey. Visit another Gaudí masterpiece, either Casa Batlló or Casa Milà (La Pedrera), showcasing his distinctive architectural vision. Evening farewell dinner featuring Catalan specialties at a local restaurant. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, morning at leisure for personal exploration or last-minute shopping. Options include visiting the Picasso Museum, relaxing at Barceloneta Beach, or exploring the charming neighborhood of El Born. Depending on your flight time, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Barcelona El Prat Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of Spain's diverse cities and countryside.