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

Our travel specialist and his team were superb in every aspect of the trip planning and execution. First, our specialist is exceptionally knowledgeable. He knows Barcelona and the surrounding areas, and was able to make recommendations for the trip that allowed us to really experience the area as fully as possible within the eight days we were there.

Second, he responds quickly to communications, and always provides helpful information or suggestions. He makes it a policy to be available by text, email, or phone when he has clients on his trips. And indeed, since the Pope came to visit during our trip, and we were uncertain how it would affect our plans, we appreciated being able to reach him so easily.

Third, he really listened to our interests and needs, and customized the trip accordingly. We had some special requests and needs, and he incorporated those issues into the trip planning. He communicated with us throughout the planning process to discuss those requests and needs and how they fit into the plan for the trip.

Fourth, our specialist is a very kind and compassionate person. We needed to reschedule our trip at the last minute due to the serious illness of a family member. Our second attempt also led to a rescheduling due to my travel partner's back problems. Our specialist was patient and understanding. Fortunately, we made it to Barcelona on the third try! We are very grateful to him for his kindness throughout the process.

Fifth, the partners our specialist hired to serve as tour guides and so on were all excellent. He also timed things very well, such as on the day when we took trains to travel to Girona and Figueres. Everything proceeded perfectly, without a glitch. I cannot remember another trip that I took in which everything proceeded so perfectly. While things like the weather and lack of issues with the airlines were not under our specialist's control, everything that was under his control was also perfect. Thank you!

A month later and we are still reminiscing over the amazing family vacation we had to Barcelona and Costa Brava. The unique sights, tour experts, delicious foods, cozy accommodations... none of this would have happened (quite literally) without Zicasso’s travel specialist.

Our vacation started with multiple flight delays and interruptions that delayed the start of our trip by nearly three days. Our travel specialist was in constant communication with us as she simultaneously helped reschedule our tour details and accommodations. All the while, she was always optimistic and genuinely happy to help us. I cannot express my appreciation for our travel specialist's help managing our schedule in Spain so I did not have to worry about those details while we worked to get our family's stressful travel situation resolved.

Our accommodations for myself, my husband, and our two teenagers were wonderful. Our travel specialist managed to find us a boutique hotel experience that fit well for our teenagers and ourselves. Every detail was turnkey and if we had questions, our travel specialist was quick to respond.

A few highlights of the trip:

Sagrada Família: We booked these tickets months in advance and missed our tour due to the flight delays. Our travel specialist managed against all odds to get us tickets and book us with the most incredible guide. If you are traveling to Barcelona, this is an absolute must-see. Stunningly beautiful. See as many Gaudí attractions as you can. There is nothing like his work and artistry.

Cadaqués day trip: If we return, I would definitely spend more time in this beautiful coastal town. Our guide grew up in the area and was very knowledgeable. We had a driver as well, which worked great, so we could relax and take in the scenic views. Salvador Dalí's home is also worth the visit! On our return, we stopped in Figueres to peruse the Dalí Museum which, all four of us greatly enjoyed.

On our last day, we went sailing, which was a first for us. Our captain was friendly and knowledgeable of the area. Our travel specialist organized a picnic for us, which was delicious. I'm still thinking about the gazpacho! We stopped at multiple locations to snorkel and use the paddle board.

Although our travels started out a bit rough, I am so glad we went and had the unforgettable experiences that we did. Thank you to the travel company and specifically our travel specialist! We are truly grateful for all the time and effort you put into making our family vacation so special.

My travel specialist planned an absolutely wonderful trip for my daughter and myself. I had already planned an eclipse viewing on my own two years ago so I consulted with Zicasso which led me to a specialist to help plan the rest of our trip. She picked up right after the eclipse for us.

We had a few days in Madrid where we had a great guide to the Prado. The parks in Madrid are beautiful and we had plenty of time to explore. Our day trip to Segovia was so interesting. An easy excursion by train and another great guided tour. Finally, we spent five days in Barcelona with a day trip to Montserrat.

She completely understood the pace I wanted for the trip. She found absolutely delightful guides, all private tours. The hotels she chose were beautiful, clean, and had wonderful breakfasts. She directed us to great restaurants and also provided info on many other churches, markets, and parks to explore.

My daughter and I will definitely be heading back to Spain. We would love to explore more and we enjoyed the friendly people so much. Without a doubt, we will ask for her expertise in guiding our next trip to Spain!

Zicasso's tour company was wonderful! The tour company was always on top of everything, providing outstanding guides and drivers. Everything worked seamlessly, even when our visit to La Sagrada Familia was canceled due to Barcelona closing all monuments because of flood danger. The tour company rearranged our tour quickly to Montserrat. I could not recommend a company more strongly.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Spain, planned by Zicasso’s tour company. The accommodations were fine, the drivers were on time and professional, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Of particular note was our guide in Girona, who truly made the history come alive. We would definitely use this travel company again.

Our trip was fantastic. The guides were excellent. The Madrid wine tour guide was excellent, our guide for the walking tour of Barcelona was excellent, our guide for the walking tour of Madrid city was excellent, and our guide for Tarragona and Sitges was excellent. We were so pleased with all the tours that I will not change anything for our next trip with you guys. I appreciate your company and the way you handle things. Zicasso’s travel specialist was so helpful. Thank you so much. I can't wait to do this all over again.