Discover Spain: Custom Tour of Madrid, Toledo, Seville and Barcelona

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid! Leisure Time for Sightseeing & Afternoon Tapas Tour

Your tour begins in the beautiful city of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Upon your arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and provided a private transfer to your hotel. You’ll be staying at a luxurious five-star hotel in the center of Madrid near the Prado Museum and some of the best tapas restaurants. This afternoon you’ll begin your exploration of the city with a guided Art Walk. The guided tour allows you to discover the internationally renowned Museo del Prado. This exceptional collection includes the masterpieces of El Greco, Velazquez and Goya, among others. After your art tour, you’ll have time to stop for tapas at a stylish neighborhood bar. When ordering a glass of wine, you’ll be offered a snack such as tortilla de patata (potato omelette), cured ham, sausage or fried shrimp. Tapas help keep you going until the late-evening Spanish dinner. Live like the locals: eat dinner late and enjoy the amazing nightlife that usually unfolds spontaneously. The city is literally hopping with cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. All that you need to do is walk outside and then see where the evening takes you!

Day 2: Private Guided Visit to Madrid’s Habsburg Palace

Discover some of Madrid’s most important monuments as you tour Habsburg this morning. This private tour takes you to the Habsburg Quarter, including the royal palace. Your knowledgeable guide will show you the sights and share legends of the old city. King Felipe II of the Habsburg Dynasty brought the royal court of Spain to Madrid in 1561. You’ll discover the Habsburg Quarter’s elegant squares and characteristic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Amble down the leafy boulevards until you reach the royal palace. The palace’s most noteworthy features are the impressive staircase designed by Sabatini and the Throne Hall decorated with a Tiepolo ceiling painting. You’ll also visit the Painting Gallery that is filled with magnificent artistic treasures such as Caravaggio’s “Salome with the Head of John the Baptist” painting. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Be sure to save energy for later tonight, so that you can experience Madrid’s famous nightlife. The evenings are when Madrid buzzes with people strolling the streets.

Day 3 - Full-Day Excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Toledo

Today you’ll visit one of the most interesting cities in Spain. Transfer by train just one hour south of Madrid to Toledo, the artistic, historic and spiritual capital of the country. Full of romance and mystique, this perfectly preserved ancient city is known as the “City of Three Culture” because the Moors, Christians and Jews lived there in harmony for centuries. UNESCO has designated the entire city of Toledo as a World Heritage Site. The moment you arrive, you’ll be awestruck by the city’s artistic splendor.

Your private walking tour is led by a guide who has expertise in the fascinating history of this city. Begin your tour at Toledo’s most iconic monument, the Alcázar that sits proudly above the city on the highest hill that once protected it from invaders. Originally a medieval palace, the building was updated in Renaissance style, when it was ordered to be the royal palace for Emperor Carlos V. You’ll visit Toledo’s magnificent Gothic cathedral where you can admire the masterpieces of Goya, Raphael and Ruben. El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Disrobing of Christ,” is also displayed here. There will be time to wander the city’s charming cobblestone streets that are lined with ancient churches, monasteries, mosques and synagogues. Your knowledgable guide will make sure that you appreciate the history and sights of this incomparable place. After the tour, transfer by train back to Madrid.

Day 4 - Travel from Madrid to Seville; Leisure Afternoon & Evening Flamenco Show

Today you’ll take the high-speed train from Madrid to the magnificent city of Seville. You’ll be traveling to a new region of Spain called Andalucia, famous for Flamenco and festivals. The capital of Andalucia, Seville is a lively place that is steeped in tradition. Today after checking in to your hotel, you’ll have free time to begin exploring the city. Amidst the Moorish palaces and majestic churches, you’ll discover lovely flower-filled parks and charming medieval lanes. Tonight you’ll have a chance to experience one of Seville’s most wonderful traditions—Flamenco dance. You will visit a typical “tablao Flamenco” (small Flamenco performance venue) to enjoy a splendid evening of delicious tapas and exquisite Flamenco dancing.

Day 5 - Guided Sightseeing Tour of Seville’s Highlights

This morning you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of Seville’s wonderful sights. You’ll visit two UNESCO sites—the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede and the Reales Alcázares, the former Islamic palace. First stop is the Cathedral, where you can admire its vast gothic splendor. The site of the Cathedral was a mosque until 1248. After the Christian Reconquest of Spain, most of the original building was demolished and replaced with the breathtaking Gothic cathedral that you see today. Allow yourself to appreciate the grandeur and sheer vastness of the Cathedral’s cavernous interior. Next you’ll visit the Reales Alcázares Palace built in the 8th century for the Moorish rulers. The Palace is an example of the finest Islamic architecture and interior design. Visitors are dazzled by the exquisite detail of geometric tile patterns. The Alcázar also has a delightful garden with lovely fountains, patios and beautiful landscaping.

This afternoon, you will have free time to continue sightseeing on your own. You may want to explore the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a peaceful neighborhood that was once the Jewish quarter of medieval Seville. This charming enclave is filled with pedestrian streets, pleasant gardens, lively bars and cafes. Spend some time browsing the area’s souvenir shops. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on your way back to your hotel in this neighborhood. You’ll be staying at a luxurious five-star hotel in the Santa Cruz district.

Day 6 - Travel to Barcelona; Afternoon Tour of Gothic Quarter and Picasso Museum

Today you will take a flight to Barcelona in the Catalonia region of Spain. The cosmopolitan city Barcelona will surprise you with its striking contrasts: the dark medieval quarter that leads to the bright modern boulevard of Las Ramblas. The city itself is an open-air museum. The city’s lively Mediterranean ambience and avant-garde Modernism will inspire you. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter, the colorful food market and the trendy Borne Quarter. You’ll also begin to discover some of the colorful and fantastical works of architect Antonio Gaudí. Tonight enjoy dinner near your hotel. You’ll be staying at a boutique hotel in a wonderful central location near many stores, shops and restaurants.

Day 7 - Guided Tour of Gaudí Masterpieces throughout Barcelona

This morning, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of Antonio Gaudí’s masterpieces. Six Gaudí monuments in the city of Barcelona have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. This tour will take you to see some of the highlights including the fantastical Park Güell garden complex in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. Take in the incredible views from this location on the hill of El Carmel. You’ll also visit Gaudí’s spectacular work on the Nativity and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which is open for viewing after many years of renovation. After an afternoon of leisure, you’ll be ready to enjoy the buzzing nightlife of Barcelona. For dinner, enjoy an authentic meal to experience the regional gastronomic fare. If you like seafood, sample “Suquet de Peix” (seafood stew) that is typical of this region. If you are feeling adventurous, order the suckling pig (be forewarned that an entire baby pig will arrive on your plate)—the famous specialty of Barcelona. One of the oldest restaurants located in the Gothic Quarter, Can Culleretes is known for its suckling pig.

Day 8 - Leisure Day in Barcelona or Optional Excursion to Beaches or Wine Country

Today you will have free time to continue sightseeing in Barcelona. You may want to visit some of the city’s fine art galleries, antique shops and artisan workshops—you’ll find some of the most interesting in Europe. Those who enjoy active tours will enjoy seeing the sights of Barcelona by bike, scooter or Go Car. It’s a great way to cover more ground and get a feel for the city’s relaxed lifestyle. Other options include a visit to the nearby city of Sitges, known for its beautiful beaches, leisure activities and film festival. If you are a vinophile, you could travel less than an hour from Barcelona to the Penedes wine region. Here you’ll have a chance to taste some exceptional local wines from the region including cava, the renowned sparkling wine!

Day 9 - Tour Concludes with Departure from Barcelona

Your tour concludes today after breakfast at the hotel. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home.