The spirit of Spain is lively and intoxicating, ready to be experienced and enjoyed. Indulge in the effervescent life of Madrid and Barcelona on this custom tailored luxury tour that will make your heart beat to a passionate rhythm. The medieval cities are romantic, set along cobblestone streets and tree lined boulevards. The lush flavors of the food are only surpassed by the tastes of decadent boutique vineyards. There is no end to the bountiful beauty of the countryside and the glistening water...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Madrid - The Luxurious Beginning
Madrid is a modern city set within the guidelines of its past. The heart of the city continues to overflow with the spirit of Spain, filled with pockets of medieval buildings and narrow alleyways that create a passionate ambiance, spotted with old restaurants and oddity shops. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your fabulous accommodations. The hotel is situated within a baroque palace central to the vibrant culture of the city. The rooms are as lavish and comfortable as the lobby. Your private guide meets you at the hotel. Your experience in Spain has already been incredible, from the opulent comforts of the hotel to the customized service between the airport and your tour.
Follow your guide through the streets of the city and arrive at the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the world, especially in reference to Spanish art. The building was constructed in the 18th century and was once used for the cavalry by Napoleonic troops. Your guide is knowledgeable not just about Madrid’s historic architecture but also about the art contained within the celebrated museum. The halls are glossy and polished. The lofty ceilings bring a harmonious echo to people’s footsteps. The art hangs on the walls in quiet reflection and you listen to your guide’s informative and mesmerizing conclusions about the colors, brushstrokes, and history of certain pieces, including The Three Graces by Rubens.
What's Included:
Day 2
Madrid - In Time
Day 3
Madrid - The View of Toledo
Day 4
Madrid - The Art of Feeling
Day 5
Madrid - Indulge in the Day
Day 6
Barcelona - Golden Sands and the Architecture
Day 7
Barcelona - Captivating Discord
Day 8
Barcelona - In a Fairytale
Day 9
Barcelona - A Catalan Dream
Day 10
Barcelona - The Seclusion of Taste
Day 11
Barcelona - The Luxurious Open
Day 12
Barcelona - Depart Barcelona
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Prado Museum on a private tour with a guide specializing in art history
- Savor the diverse flavors of Spain, from Madrid’s traditional cuisine to Barcelona’s local market
- Enjoy two separate and unique cooking courses that display the variety of Spanish cooking techniques and tastes
- Learn the steps and history of the passionate art of Flamenco
- View the celebrated architecture of Barcelona on a private tour of the city
- Witness the exceptional culture and preserved medieval architecture of Toledo
- Indulge in the most luxurious hotels around the Madrid and Barcelona
- Discover the beauty of the Penedes wine region on a fabulous bike tour
Detailed Description
Spain is a country known for its architecture and art, history, culture, passion, and romance. On this 12-day journey through Madrid and Barcelona you will experience the depths from which the country’s desire grows. Your getaway begins with your arrival in Madrid. The old quarter is surrounded by the modern city and has a pulse that beats like a desiring heart. Settle into your opulent hotel and enjoy a tour of the city’s finest art collection at the Prado Museum. The following morning you will begin your exploration of the Old Quarter.
The historic buildings are charming and the streets are romantic. The afternoon is filled with the luscious flavors of traditional tapas. Indulge in a food tour that would turn a seasoned chef’s head. In Toledo you will stroll through the historic reaches of the medieval city. The buildings rise from the hillside resembling a stony outcrop from a distance. Back in Madrid you will meet your private Flamenco expert who will not only instruct you on the history of the art form, but also its delicate, passionate steps. A day in Madrid at your leisure allows you to explore the streets in and around the city at your own pace.
Transfer to Barcelona and find yourself in another elegant hotel. After lunch you will tour the Gothic Quarter and Montcada Street. The next morning your private guide will meet you at your hotel and tour you through the modernist architecture of the city, from the Block of Discord to the famous Church of the Sagrada Familia. Journey to Gerona to explore the towering walls and quiet quarters of the medieval city. In the afternoon you will make your way to Figueres to visit the hometown of artist Salvador Dali and the unique Dali Theater-Museum.
Back in Barcelona you will visit the largest central market in Europe, at La Boqueria, before indulging in a private cooking course that will teach you the delicate flavors of Catalonia. Enjoy a private bike tour through the Penedes Wine Country and taste the exceptional flavors of the valley. Luxuriate in a free day in Barcelona, whether at the beach or strolling through Guadi Guell Park. On your final day a private transfer will take you to the airport for your return journey home.
Starting Price
$10,800 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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.91 stars based on 2587 reviews.
The trip was fantastic. Everything that was scheduled was well planned, with excellent tour guides, communication with the guides, as well as travel agents live during the trip. The experience was five-star and we could tell that the way it was booked through Zicasso was better for the guides themselves versus how others in our group had booked (ie, through other agencies). There were fewer obstacles, complications, and issues with the booking. We could tell this through our tour guides, as they were more comfortable and knowledgeable about our requests and needs.
Tickets were all organized and either sent to us through PDF or to our tour guides. The off days were were well placed during the week and our requests were more than satisfied.
Reviewed By Shaheed H.
Zicasso's travel specialist did an amazing job! She planned our itinerary well, based on our interests, the cities we wanted to visit, and the experiences we requested. All of the accommodations and transportation worked out well, and we enjoyed the trip a lot!
The only downside was one night with a late-night tour scheduled, followed by an early-morning hot-air balloon ride, which was hard to get up for in time, but we managed. Despite this, we would definitely recommend our travel company to anyone traveling to Spain!
Reviewed By Evan C.
Our Zicasso travel specialist was phenomenal. She understood exactly how we travel and what we wanted to do, and planned a 12-day trip to Mallorca and San Sebastián that was better than we even imagined. She was always responsive before and throughout the trip. All of the tour guides and drivers were kind, knowledgeable, and timely. Our travel company delivers exceptional first-rate service and we would highly recommend them.
Reviewed By Lisa S.
Zicasso is an excellent platform. It curates the perfect trip based on your individual needs. We have used them before and will in the future. We have recommended the company to many friends and family members.
Reviewed By Amy J.
The logistics were managed excellently by Zicasso's travel company. The guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating.
Reviewed By Mark J.
Zicasso's travel expert was exceptional in his attentiveness and responsiveness. He helped me to design a trip for my family, a group of 10 ranging in age from 13 to 80-plus. The result fit comfortably within my budget and included activities to suit everyone. I very much appreciated his responsiveness while assisting me with questions and issues that arose during the trip. I never felt alone.
Reviewed By Leslie W.