Barcelona's sunny weather and light ocean breeze warrant a refreshing glass of sweet, fruity sangria. Just beyond the hustle and bustle of city life, idyllic vineyards stretch for miles and offer a picturesque wine tasting oasis. In the vivacious city of Valencia, renowned chefs cook up traditional saffron-induced paella in massive iron skillets for entire families to enjoy. En route to Madrid, the city of Toledo tucks itself along the Tagus River and boasts some of the world's most potent...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Barcelona – Touchdown and Lively Dinner at Las Ramblas
Ocean waves will crash against the sandy shoreline while towering palm trees sway in the breeze. Hurried cars will round corners of the Placa de Catalunya while pedestrians stroll along cobbled streets and shimmering shorelines.
Your plane will land in Barcelona at the El Prat Airport to begin the first day of your Spanish gastronomy adventure. After collecting your belongings, your private transport will whisk you to the city's bustling downtown. As you glance out the window, you will spot the whimsical architecture and picturesque ocean views for which the region is most revered. Street buskers will entertain the masses with their soothing acoustic melodies, and momentarily, you will arrive at your luxurious accommodation in the Gothic District.
You can enjoy a leisurely early afternoon as you settle into your hotel. Then, as your appetite builds, you will venture along the effervescent boulevard of Las Ramblas for an enchanting introduction to the city's culinary delights. First, you will pass by beautiful paintings that were created by local artists before stepping inside charming shops that sell books, jewelry, and souvenirs. Then, as dusk begins to fall, the street lights will illuminate vibrant restaurant patios along the cobbled streets. You and your group can choose from a myriad of dining options along the boulevard, where finally, you can toast with a glass of sweet sangria as you indulge in the city's iconic paella or opt for a variety of meat and cheese tapas delicacies.
What's Included: airport transfer, accommodation, tour
What's Included:
Day 2
Barcelona – Tour of Gothic Quarter and Visit to Local Winery
Day 3
Barcelona – Gaudi Architectural Tour and Lunch at La Barceloneta
Day 4
Valencia – Visit to City of Arts and Sciences and Paella Cooking Class
Day 5
Toledo – Tour of the Alcazar and Saffron Sampling Event
Day 6
Madrid – Tour of City Highlights and Tapas Bar Crawl
Day 7
Madrid – Lively Dinner in the Eclectic Neighborhood of Lavapies
Day 8
Madrid – International Connecting Flights Home
Trip Highlights
- Tour Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and dine along the scenic boulevard of Las Ramblas
- Admire the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudi and partake in a locally-sourced lunch along La Barceloneta's romantic oceanfront
- Bike along Valencia's winding public parks and marvel at the futuristic architecture of Santiago Calatrava in Valencia
- Stroll through the halls of Toledo's opulent Alcazar fortress and learn about Spain's indigenous saffron spice during a captivating demonstration
- Traverse through Madrid's eclectic downtown plazas and indulge in an immersive tapas tour of tantalizing variety
- Experience Madrid's vivacious neighborhoods of Malasana and Lavapies, and immerse yourself in the trendy bar and live music scene
- Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on paella cooking class and enjoy your masterpiece against a moonlit city backdrop
- Relax in the distinguished Parque El Retiro and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or paddle boat tour at the park's center
Detailed Description
Jagged mountain peaks, shimmering coastlines, and scenic flatlands broadcast Spain's abundant beauty. In addition, ornate cathedrals and stoic fortresses unfold as you discover each city's charm. At every turn, friendly locals will welcome you, but to reach the heart of Spain's, you must also immerse yourself in the delectable cuisine of this magical country. Over the next eight days, you will sink your teeth into some of Spain's best bites from Barcelona to Madrid as you fall in love with each city along the way.
You will begin your gastronomic tour of Spain in the picturesque city of Barcelona. Sparkling shorelines will greet you as you begin your adventure. First, you will tour the beautiful Gothic Quarter, where intricate stonework and idyllic European cafes are the norm. Later that day, you will venture beyond the city limits to visit a renowned winery in Catalonia's scenic countryside. An expert sommelier will teach you about local wine production and lead you through a delectable wine tasting experience. In the days to come, you will marvel at the whimsical aesthetic of Antoni Gaudi and visit some of his most acclaimed architectural artwork, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.
As your taste buds yearn for new flavors, you will indulge in visits to the charming cities of Valencia and Toledo, where you will take part in an authentic paella cooking class. You can keep pace with your renowned private chef as you practice the infusion of rice, vegetables, chicken, seafood, and saffron. The final leg of your journey will bring you to central Spain to explore the nation's bustling capital of Madrid. After settling into your luxurious hotel, you will amble along the cobbled streets of the city's downtown and visit local highlights such as the Royal Palace, Gran Via, and Parque El Retiro. Of course, an expedition to Madrid would be incomplete without a dive into local culinary delights.
Throughout your culinary excursion, you will get to know the city best as you sample tantalizing tapas and visit several esteemed local eateries. On your final day in the city, you will venture beyond the buzzing downtown to experience the eclectic neighborhoods of Malasana and Lavapies, which are beloved for their bustling arts and music scene. You can unwind on your final night as you enjoy a variety of tapas and the acoustic melodies of lively bands.
Read more here about the other exceptional experiences our travelers have appreciated in their travel reviews of Spain.
Starting Price
$3,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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