Best of Barcelona and Madrid

Your week in Spain begins with arrival into the capital city of Madrid. After landing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel with the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. Some of the highlights you’re likely to witness include Madrid de Los Austrias, the name given to the city’s oldest area under the reign of the Habsburg. It’s home to Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace with its over 3,400 rooms.

Your private driver/guide will pick you up this morning for a day trip to Avila and Segovia. Historic Avila features ancient walls and towers along with epic views – you’ll get to stroll the medieval streets and alleyways while marvelling at the incredibly well-intact walls and learning about their history from your knowledgeable guide. Next, visiting Segovia, witness the remarkable ruins of the famous Roman aqueduct with its iconic arches. Other sights here include the Alcazar of Segovia, the Segovia Cathedral, and Jewish Quarter. After your day of exploring, you’ll return to Madrid where you can enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Madrid today or embark on an optional private tour venturing outside of Madrid, heading to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Nestled in the Guadarrama Mountains, it’s dominated by the monastery palace of El Escorial. The monastery is filled with impressive works of art and is the spot where almost all of Spain’s monarchs were buried. Along the way you’ll make a quick stop at Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen), a Civil War memorial.

Your next destination in beautiful Barcelona which you’ll reach by high-speed train. The architecture here is spectacular, with many buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore some of the cities famous sights. The Sagrada Familia fuses art nouveau and gothic styles in unprecedented ways, with some considering it to be the greatest achievement of Catalan building with vibrant colours, hyperboloids, and unconventional animal representations such as turtles, chameleons and pelicans, epitomizing Gaudi’s belief that the divine and nature are inextricably linked.

It’s time to see what’s on offer in the rest of the city on a half-day walking tour. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, renowned for its rich historic sites with everything from the 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral to Roman ruins. Las Ramblas is the city’s most animated artery, a wide and shady boulevard that runs through its heart from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. The promenade is jam-packed with action, including street performances and plenty of interesting characters that make it idea for people watching.

Spain produces some fabulous wines and the Penedes region, just outside of Barcelona, is renowned for its signature sparkling wine, cava. This morning your private driver/guide will bring you to a cava producer where you’ll enjoy touring and tasting followed by lunch. Afterward, head to Montserrat Mountain, home to a Benedictine monastery, with thousands arriving daily to pray to the Virgin of Montserrat. This is one of the most picturesque natural areas in Catalonia, and especially tranquil spot where you’ll enjoy plenty of outstanding photo-ops before making your return to Barcelona.

Today we have kept free as a day of leisure for you to further explore Barcelona at your own pace. Enjoy a trip to the beach or take in the sights of Barcelona, including a possible trip to the famous Nou Camp the famous home of Barcelona football.

After a week of enjoying the impressive historic, cultural, and natural sights in Barcelona, Madrid and beyond, it’s time to begin your return journey home. After checking out of your accommodation, your private driver will pick you up for transfer to the airport to catch your flight.