Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon: Spain’s Historical Wonders & Beyond

The Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain

What to expect on this itinerary

History has always been a fascination of humankind as we can learn so much from those that have come and gone before us. Apart from life lessons, history also opens a remarkable window into the culture of the past. From the origins of local food to the style of homes in which inhabitants lived, so much information can be gleaned from stepping into a place’s past and perusing its treasure trove of secrets. This historically based 9-day journey whisks you away to the European gems of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon, promising one unrivaled immersion into the history of the region.

Countries Visited

Portugal, Spain

Places Visited

Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Montserrat, Girona, Figueres, Sintra

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Barcelona – Historical Tour with Tapas

When your flight lands in Barcelona and you clear customs, your private driver will meet and escort you to your luxurious accommodations in the city. After you settle in, your private guide will lead you on a historical tour of the city’s highlights with your expert guide. This in-depth exploration will lead you to the city’s most famous locales, including the Passeig de Gracia, La Peddler, and a few of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural wonders. Your final stop will be Old Town Barcelona, where you can stroll through the captivating streets of the Gothic Quarter. Your tour will include several stops at local vendors that sell authentic Spanish tapas.

What's Included:

Tour
Accommodation
Transfer
Day 2

Barcelona – Three Medieval Villages

Day 3

Barcelona – Witness Montserrat Monastery

Day 4

Barcelona – Girona and Figueres

Day 5

Madrid – Attend a Flamenco Show

Day 6

Madrid – Cultural Food Tour

Day 7

Lisbon – Historical Tour of Lisbon

Day 8

Lisbon – Sintra’s Fairytale Locale

Day 9

Lisbon - Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Witness the most iconic sites of Madrid before being treated to an incredible Flamenco performance
  • Stroll the lovely streets of Lisbon as you step back in time and hear about its fascinating history from a local and knowledgeable guide
  • Immerse yourself in a trio of medieval villages on a trip of discovery
  • Ascend to the summit of Montserrat Monastery to see where monks used to live and worship among spectacular Spanish landscapes
  • Be swept off of your feet by the whimsy and wonder of Sintra as you wander among its charming town and palaces
  • Indulge in the most delicious tapas as you are provided with a taste of Spanish history and culture in Madrid
  • Witness the Girona and visit Figueres, which is the birthplace of Salvador Dali, on a full-day tour from Barcelona

Detailed Description

When it comes to scenic beauty and options for entertainment and activities, the famed European cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon are all at the top of the list for most travelers. Oddly enough, very few travelers realize what a wealth of historical treasures each of these cosmopolitan enclaves possesses.

This incredible 9-day journey will take you back in time and introduce you to the historical wonders of these spectacular cities. This incredible journey features the most elite and exclusive activities, including ascending to the heights of Montserrat Monastery for a trip to discovering the medieval allure of three Spanish cities on a private tour from Barcelona. You will also be amazed and inspired as you write the next exciting chapter in your own history book.

Your hand-crafted getaway will begin in Barcelona, where you will spend your first evening being led on a private historical tour of the city. As you stroll through its most iconic sites, you will also be able to sample local tapas as no proper tour of Barcelona would be complete without these delicious treats. Your first full day in Europe will have you leaving Barcelona behind to discover the three medieval villages of Besalu, Rupit, and Tavertet with your private guide. The following morning will have you embarking on a journey to the Montserrat Monastery, which is perched on the Spanish mountains just outside of Barcelona. There, you will spend the day being awed and inspired as your private guide regales you with the history of the monastery.

A pair of equally intriguing locales will beckon to you on day four, which is when you will venture to the Spanish havens of Girona and Figueres. On day five, you will depart Barcelona and make your way to Madrid, where you will waste no time in jumping into your first exciting event: a private historical tour of the city’s iconic sites. Following your comprehensive and enlightening tour, you will be treated to a spectacular flamenco performance, which will provide you with a glimpse of Spanish culture that you will surely never forget.

On the morning of day six, you will embark on a unique historical tour that will be focused on the origins and ramifications of the Spanish Inquisition. Following your informative and intriguing tour, you will spend the rest of the day indulging in a tapas-centered food and cultural tour. Day seven will have you transferring to Lisbon. Here, you will spend your first afternoon and evening on a historical walking tour of the city’s streets before indulging in an al fresco feast. Your final experience in Portugal will lead you to the impressive fairytale world of Sintra, where history is joyfully intertwined with rainbow-colored castles, charming streets, and much more.

During your journey, you will stay in luxurious accommodations and have every detail handled for you, including all private transfers to and from every destination. Nearly everything about his itinerary is customizable, so you can adjust nearly anything and everything to better suit your moods and desires once you are in Europe.

Starting Price

$3,600 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

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1919 reviews

Spain Vacation Review: Exceptional Guides, 10 Days

This was one amazing trip. This was very well put together. Zicasso’s travel company was very responsive to all our needs when we planned our trip together. They also responded to all our questions when we had questions about the itinerary. The app with all of the information in one location was amazing. Guides at each of the locations were amazing, with wonderful explanations. We didn't have one bad experience during the whole trip. This was a trip that was a celebration of a milestone birthday, so I am extremely happy that this was planned so well. We strongly recommend this company and will choose to go with them for our future trips!

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Portugal Travel Review: 6 Days

Oh my goodness, everything was so well done! There was not one moment of uncertainty. From the moment we landed off the plane, our very helpful, friendly driver/guide was there to assist. We had a total of three tour guides all week and each one of them was professional, friendly and fun! They were incredibly knowledgeable as they shared their true love for their country. The tours were well planned, thought out, and executed. We never felt scattered. We felt relaxed and knew we were in very capable hands.

The accommodations were perfectly located, close to everything, but not in the middle of it. We could not be more pleased with literally everything. Well done!!!

Thank you to Zicasso’s travel agent for his patience in the beginning. Us girls had a few challenges in the planning phase, but he stayed with us with grace and patience. Your professionalism is much appreciated!

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Spain Trip Review: Churches, Mosques, Local Cuisine, 5 Nights

Zicasso’s travel agent did a fantastic job. We had so much fun. The guides for our trip were very knowledgeable. Both my son and I wanted to understand the history in-depth of what we were seeing; the guides were able to do that. Everyone who was to meet us was on time. The restaurants the travel agent recommended were outstanding. The hotels were well located. In this age of internet travel booking, I am sold again on the great value a knowledgeable and thoughtful travel agent can provide.

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Spain Tour Review: Madrid, Sevilla, Ronda, Prado, Alcazar, Pileta Caves, 2 Weeks

Our trip exceeded our expectations! Zicasso’s travel agent really listened to what we were interested in seeing and doing. He put together a great itinerary, with a balance of guided/planned activities and unscheduled time because we like to explore on our own sometimes.

All of the hotels were beautiful, ideally located, and had attentive staff.

Whenever we had a question or concern before or during the trip, our travel specialist was very responsive and helpful. It was our first visit to Spain and thanks to the travel company, it was stress-free and wonderful. We highly recommend!

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Spain Tour Review: Cooking Class, 2 Weeks

We had an excellent experience before and during the trip. Guides were informative and hotels were in great locations to the sites we wanted to see. Travel was well outlined and transfers were smooth. The cooking class was great. We would recommend Zicasso's travel company.

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Portugal Trip Review: Porto, Douro Valley, Algarve, Cooking Class, 9 Days

Zicasso’s travel company did a great job planning the trip. All of their vendors were top-notch and high-quality. We were able to do so many amazing activities and they provided us with a lot of suggestions for really cool activities we hadn't thought of.

My only feedback was that there were a couple of details they made mistakes on, including sending us to the completely wrong location for something. But overall, they did a great job and I would highly recommend working with them!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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