Explore some of the best highlights in Spain’s internationally acclaimed cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Streets buzz with energy as taxis and mopeds whiz down central boulevards while pedestrians chat in quaint shops and at outdoor cafes. Children play lively games of impromptu soccer in central plazas while parents sip a glass of sweet red wine one a nearby restaurant terrace. Around every cobbled alleyway is a peek into these cities’ fascinating narratives. Stroll along...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Barcelona - La Rambla and Dinner along La Barceloneta
You will begin your trip by coasting along the sunny shores of Cataluna where ocean water sparkles and the smell of fresh, citrusy paella lingers in the air. Your private transportation will meet you at the terminal and escort you to your five-star hotel in the heart of eccentric Barcelona. You will whiz down busy streets as you pass by the dreamlike facades of architect Antoni Gaudi and the ornate steeples of the city's cathedrals. Soon, you will arrive in the Gothic Quarter, which is the epicenter of the Old City that is marked by narrowed cobbled streets, ironclad balconies, and intricate brick designs. You will settle into your Baroque-style hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.
You can stroll down Barcelona's most prominent pedestrian boulevard of La Rambla. Families and couples meander down this central pathway that separates El Raval district from the Gothic Quarter and extends out towards the sea. Beautiful green trees line the sides of the charming boulevard, and street vendors set out jewelry and other souvenirs to attract passersby. Nearby, locals and travelers alike sit out on sun-kissed cafe terraces with a cup of cafe con leche.
You will continue to the beaches of Barceloneta port where the ocean breeze overwhelms the senses. As the sun begins to set, surfers will catch their last waves of the day, and seagulls will swoop down as careless munchers drop a few crumbs. When your appetite finally strikes, you will delight in an exquisite dinner along the seashore and treat yourself to the city's beloved fruity sangria as the buzz of downtown dulls to a hum.
What's Included:
Day 2
Barcelona - Guided Tour of City Highlights of the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia
Day 3
Girona - Self-Paced Visit to Jewish Quarter and History and Arab Baths
Day 4
Barcelona - Antoni Gaudi Architecture Tour and Park Guell
Day 5
Valencia - Guided Tour of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and Mercat Central
Day 6
Valencia - Leisure Morning in Gothic Quarter and Dinner at Cuenca's San Pablo Bridge
Day 7
Toledo - Guided City Tour, Visit Alcazar, and Zipline
Day 8
Madrid - Visits to Royal Palace, Gran Via, Malasana, Lavapies
Day 9
Madrid - Picnic in Parque El Retiro and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Day 10
Madrid - International Flights Home
Trip Highlights
- Stroll down the bustling boulevard of La Rambla and indulge in a sunset dinner along the coastline at La Barceloneta port
- Explore the Jewish Quarter and ornate Arab baths of Girona
- Traverse the cobbled streets of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and marvel at the fantastical Sagrada Familia cathedral
- Sample authentic paella in Valencia and visit the City of Arts and Sciences
- Snap picturesque photos at the Hanging Houses of Cuenca and uncover Valencia's Gothic Quarter
- Behold the beauty of Toledo's Alcazar palace and zipline across the Tagus River
- Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace and keep stride amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Gran Via
- Indulge in a picnic at Parque El Retiro and admire world-renowned artwork at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Detailed Description
Get lost in the culture and history of a nation that is beloved for its delectable cuisine, friendly people, and laid-back attitudes. Close your history books and hop on a plane as you uncover the exquisite gems of Spain's major cities: Barcelona and Madrid. Each urban area teems with vivacious activity as locals go about their daily business and rendezvous with friends to shop or indulge in sit-down dinners on the weekends. Moreover, stoic facades around every corner nod to a rich history that spans thousands of years. In between these two major metropolises, you will make stops at treasured cities, towns, and villages along the way, each with their own rich pasts that are ready for you to uncover.
You will begin in Barcelona, where you will tour the Gothic Quarter and marvel at the whimsical halls of the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Then, you will delve deeper into the awe-inspiring architecture of Antoni Gaudi at the expansive Parque Guell. Afterward, you will take a short detour as you venture to the town of Girona and wander through the enchanting Jewish Quarter. Later, you will have the opportunity to snap picturesque photos at the Hanging Houses in Cuenca and indulge in the savory explosion of authentic paella in Valencia.
You will round off the last two days of your trip in the center of Spain amongst the dazzling highlights of Madrid, where you will mingle with royalty at the city's Royal Palace and then relax in the tranquil Parque El Retiro. You will also venture inside authentic bars and cafes in the trendy neighborhoods of Malasana and Lavapies before admiring the lovely artwork by Picasso and other world-renowned artists at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia on your final day in the city. Consider learning more about our travelers’ favorite travel activities by reading their Spain travel reviews.
Starting Price
$3,900 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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