Spain Family Vacation Tour: Madrid & Barcelona

Madrid is a city alive with a passion for every detail of life. The aromas of international cuisine pour from restaurants. Traditional dishes catch people’s eyes in outdoor cafes. Art decorates historic buildings and brings new generations in touch with their heritage. The beautiful architecture is different than that of other cities, sweeping across the old neighborhoods with prominent medieval mansions and an unimaginable Royal Palace. The family arrives at the airport and meets the private transfer arranged by one of our Spain travel agents.

There is something for everyone in Spain’s capital city, from sweet confections to stories of historic battles, delicate paintings to rambunctious pedestrian boulevards. El Retiro is a stunning 17th century European garden affixed with marble monuments, pristine landscape, and sporadic elegant buildings. A large structure watches over the graceful lake. Marble lions add to the Baroque style, and on warm afternoons people gather to enjoy the sunlight. At sunset, a crowd forms around the monument dedicated to Alfonso XII. People bring guitars, drums, horns, and tambourines. The music starts. People dance and more than 4,000 roses shine in the lingering light.

The life of Madrid flows through all hours of the day. However, the quietest moments are after sunrise. Paris has the Champs Elysees. Madrid has the Gran Vía. Buildings date back to the belle époque, giving a 19th century charm to the boulevard. The stunning building facades are the exact image your children held when thinking of the streets of Europe.

When you arrive at the Royal Palace, you see the extravagant 18th century edifice that is also the largest palace in all of Europe. The grounds cover 1,450,000 square feet of floor space. The thought of kings, queens, and castles sparks the imagination of the children. The history of Spain is more than just pictures in a history book. The tangible streets and buildings bring the past to life for the entire family. The Italianate Baroque palace contains over 2,800 rooms. The interior stairwell is lavishly decorated. Enter the throne room to find exuberant décor. The walls are covered with crimson-velvet, and the ceiling is painting with bright, Baroque images. Angels lounge on clouds and the ceiling’s gilded trim glistens in the chandeliers’ light.

Toledo’s history casts a spotlight on the quiet streets and lush hillsides that wind around the cityscape. After breakfast, you will journey through the countryside on a day tour of the remarkable, medieval provincial capital. Culture thrived in Toledo, combining the churches, mosques, and synagogues to the skyline. A rocky mound looks over the rolling hills below. The streets are paved with cobblestone, and the towers of the cathedral continue to stand tall. The cathedral was constructed in the 13th century. The towers rise above the plaza.  The mainly Gothic structure combines the artistic styles of the Mudéjar and Renaissance.

When you enter the cathedral, if feels more like a palace. The checkered tile floors and lofty symmetrical arches of the main chapel give a polished sheen. Stained glass windows decorate the upper reaches of the interior and cast colorful light. The stained glass rose window looks like a large kaleidoscope adorning the central gallery. The sacristy contains a gallery of paintings by a series of European Masters, including El Greco.

Segovia is a town outside of Madrid with roots that date back to Roman times. The kids are excited to see historic architecture with such eclectic history, including an aqueduct that was constructed by one of the most legendary empires in the world. The city is steeped in mythology, with whispers of Hercules at its origin. The town center is decorated with the soaring aqueduct. The structure was built between the 1st and 2nd centuries with 25,000 granite blocks. The numerous arches support the structure that rises to a height of 95 feet. The historic streets are scented with richly melted chocolate and marzipan.

The cathedral towers over the city against the backdrop of sweeping mountains. The kids will be inspired by the Alcazar, a storybook castle that stands on a rocky citadel. The original building of the castle was constructed in the 19th century. Towers resemble long, thin images from Rapunzel, and the Room of Kings is decorated with 52 sculpted images of celebrated kings. The walls of the city stretch almost two miles and contain five gates and eight towers. The wonders of the city are set within the people’s continued heritage, holding to their history, and presenting it to the world as art.

The memories of the Royal Palace hold strong. The aroma of fresh coffee steams from the cafes around Plaza Mayor. After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the train station for your fabulous journey to Barcelona. En route to the legendary city, you will stop in the provincial city of Zaragoza.

The medieval city sits between Madrid and Barcelona like a secret. The Ebro River passes beneath the stone arches of the celebrated bridge. The architecture spotlights the Mudejar style, filled with vibrant colors and geometric embellishments. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar stands on the riverbanks. The Central Market is lively with rich and decadent tastes of traditional cuisine. Peaches are bright in color, and strawberries glow a rich crimson. The seafood is fresh, and the cheese is divinely creamy. The Old Quarter is known as Casco Viejo.

The Aljaferia Palace is an 11th century construction, empowered by forceful walls, inspiring towers, and a delicately decorated interior. The family can parade around the castle like royalty and explore the arabesque colonnade. The city will captivate the entire family, from the cuisine to the landscape; all wrapped up in the friendly locals and relaxed ambiance. Arrive in Barcelona in the evening and your private transfer will escort you to the comforts of your hotel.

Barcelona is known for its enchanting atmosphere and limitless culture. The Mediterranean Sea brushes against the golden, sandy shore. The energy is unique and boundless. The architecture is both artistic and mystifying. The sun bounces off of the edging sea, and the boulevard of La Ramblas comes to life. Artists decorate the pathways. Musicians provide an energetic soundtrack to the exploration. Shops and stalls offer a range of goods all beneath the shading elm trees. Boqueria is one of the largest and oldest central markets it Europe. The aromas of traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine drift out of the pavilion and onto the boulevard. The entire city is intoxicating, and even the children are enjoying the morning discovery.

Park Guell is one of the many decorations of the famous architect Gaudi. The park was erected in the early 20th century. Gaudi designed the park using his unique and interesting style, filling the space with imaginative ornamental shapes and creations. Two buildings that resemble gingerbread houses guard the entry gates. A large, mosaic serpent lurches from between the entryway stairs. A decorative ceramic bench borders the main terrace where you can have a picturesque panorama of the city and the Mediterranean in the distance. The park is more of an outdoor playhouse where Gaudi used color and fairytale shapes to capture his imagination. The longer you enjoy the park and the architecture of the city, the more the family is inspired by the colorful past and its celebrated present.

Today, you shake away from the distinctive draw of Barcelona’s atmosphere and make your way by rail through the Pyrenees to the tiny principality of Andorra. The area totals 180 square miles and is known for its exceptional winter sports and breathtaking blossoming valleys. When the train departs Barcelona, the family can watch the train wind through the countryside and rise up the foothills. In the winter, the mountains are carpeted in snow. In the summer, the mountains are draped in lush grass.

The capital city of Andorra la Vella contains over 2,000 shops and the 16th century Casa de la Vall. The building was constructed for a wealthy family and has served as the center for parliament since the 18th century. The stone edifice stands in the paling shadow of the rising mountains. The interior holds the country’s only courtroom and a cozy parliament chamber. A woodworked armoire sits in the room and is known as the Cupboard of the Seven Keys. It once held important documents and could only be opened if all seven representatives of the surrounding parishes were present.

Lake Engolasters is a stunning reflective body of water located at 5,302 feet above sea level. The hillsides and the lush tree line is mirrored in the lake. Whether strolling through the shops of the capital city of Andorra la Vella or visiting the small village of Encamp located in the foothills near Lake Engolasters, the alpine air, and stunning landscape will provide an unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

The alpine sun washes the mixture of rocky outcrops and verdant prairies in light. The aroma of fern and cypress encompass the city. The shops open their doors early. After breakfast, return to the golden sands bordering the beaches of Barcelona. The remainder of the day is yours to indulge in however you please. The family may want to stroll down La Ramblas once more or sit and enjoy the diverse facades of the Block of Discord.

To the east of the city center, you can find the beaches of Nova Icaria and Bogatell. The water is sapphire and calm along the islet. The golden sand is warm on your feet. The Mediterranean Sea is refreshingly cool. The salty air flows in the breeze. Restaurants line the beachfront and the nearby Port Olimpic Marina. You have traversed mountains and hilltops over the course of your time in Spain. The kids are as happy as you are to take a moment to enjoy the sun on their shoulders and the sand beneath their feet. The entire family can relax along the pristine shoreline.

The embracing atmosphere of Barcelona is calm in the morning. There is a combination of people rising from bed, and those making their way to bed. The immaculate towers of the Sagrada Familia Church can be seen from most areas of the city. The Mediterranean laps at the comfortable shores. The kids imitate the mosaic dragon, extending their necks out in a jovial display of their unforgettable visit to Park Guell.

After breakfast, your private transfer meets you at your hotel. Soon you will board your flight and return home. The beauty of Spain was in its history and natural landscapes. You were able to have a fun and educational vacation with the ones you love, set in a treasured destination that had something for everyone.

For more itinerary options, see the Spain tours section on Zicasso.