During this luxurious 7-day adventure through Madrid and Barcelona, you will experience some of the most exclusive experiences that these cities have to offer. Vivacious street life bursts from the central avenues and open-aired plazas of Madrid's downtown and local bands catch the attention of passersby. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, artistic whimsy emanates from every storefront and the intricate architecture amazes all its visitors.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Barcelona - Dinner in Placa Reial
You will arrive at the Barcelona airport, where you will meet your private transport who will escort you to your hotel. Soon, you will arrive at your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. You can unpack your bags as the chatter below ensues. Then, later in the afternoon, you can venture into the city for some self-guided exploration. Later, as the sky begins to warm with the red-orange hues of sunset, you can indulge in dinner at the Placa Reial. Here, children play pick-up games of soccer and street vendors sell light-up toys and other souvenirs.
What's Included:
Day 2
Barcelona - Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia
Day 3
Barcelona - Architecture Tour of Park Guell
Day 4
Valencia - Paella Cooking Class
Day 5
Madrid - City Tour Highlights
Day 6
Madrid - Reina Sofia Art Museum
Day 7
Madrid - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Dine in the moonlit Placa Reial and discover Barcelona's eclectic history when you stroll through the streets of the city's Gothic quarter
- Marvel at the kaleidoscopic hues of La Sagrada Familia before visiting other masterpieces of famed architect, Antoni Gaudi, including Park Guell
- Admire the futuristic designs of architect, Calatrava, at the City of Arts and Sciences before attending an authentic paella cooking class
- Peruse the halls of Madrid's Royal Palace and indulge in an array of local tapas in the Plaza Mayor
- Visit Picasso's masterpieces at the Reina Sofia Art Museum and stroll through the luscious public park that is known as Parque El Retiro
Detailed Description
Whimsical and fantastical architecture overflows from every alcove in the charming city of Barcelona. Ocean waves will lap against the sandy shore as gulls fly overhead. Moreover, families and couples will gather along the coastline in the moonlit Gothic Quarter for a relaxing dinner. Meanwhile, in Valencia, expert chefs mix perfectly seasoned rice, vegetables, and seafood in large cast-iron skillets. In the center of Spain, Madrid's locals and visitors meander through the Plaza del Sol, past the Royal Palace, and inside the Parque El Retiro.
When you arrive in Barcelona on your first day in Spain, you will be met by your private transportation for your exciting, 7-day expedition. You will settle into your hotel and indulge in an initial dinner at the Placa Reial. Then, the following morning, you will follow your expert guide along the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter as you learn about the city's history. Later, you will delve into the eccentric aesthetic of architect Antoni Gaudi at such famed masterpieces, such as the Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Park Guell, and La Sagrada Familia.
As you set out towards Madrid, you will make a brief stop in Valencia, which is the third-largest city in Spain. Here, you will participate in an authentic paella cooking class and visit the one-of-a-kind designs at the City of Arts and Sciences. Afterward, in Madrid, you will fall in love with the quickened pace and the leisurely attitudes of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and parks. Your expert guide will lead you to attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol, and Parque El Retiro. Then, in the evenings, you can venture to the outlying neighborhoods of Malasana and Lavapies, where you can become lost in the vibrant arts and music scene.
Starting Price
$2,800 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
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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 2509 reviews.
We have been very happy with everything Zicasso's travel agent planned for us. All of the days were good, but some were just amazing. We enjoyed all of it.
Reviewed By Lauren S.
Our family was very happy with our trip. The experiences were excellent, the local travel guides were exceptional, and all of the logistics went off without a hitch. It was great to have someone always a text away!
Reviewed By Corinna S.
From beginning to end, Zicasso's travel experts took great care in taking care of everything. We received great communication, guides, hotels, transportation, suggestions, etc, and they were reliable before and during our trip
Reviewed By Michele M.
The planning experience was wonderful overall. From the initial conversation about what my family was looking for to the final touches to the itinerary, Zicasso's travel expert was engaging, responsive, and helpful.
The accommodations he selected for us exceeded expectations; they were spacious, beautiful, and well-located. The tours/activities suggested were really fun and gave us a sense of the locale in a unique and memorable way that fit our family well. Once we were in-country, communications were easy and helpful. We felt very well cared for.
Payment to our travel company was easy and it was a real pleasure once we were in-country to have all the identified items already paid for. I would definitely book a trip with them again.
Reviewed By Olivia L.
Zicasso's travel specialists did a great job for us. They clearly listened to us and curated an experience that was made specifically for us. It checked all of the boxes and more.
Highlights were the local tour guides in each city. It was great to meet and get to know local people, learn so much history, see the architecture (Gaudí in Barcelona and the awesome palaces and cathedrals that we visited), the Montserrat hike, Caminito del Rey (which was absolutely better with a guide), and the Marbella e-bike adventure.
The hotels were wonderful; all unique and all great choices. We came home happy and tired, which is the sign of a good trip for us (since we do not ever sit on beaches or at pools and relax!).
Reviewed By William L.
My family and I loved Asturias. We considered it a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip. Zicasso's travel agent planned the perfect outings for us. Our guides were knowledgeable and helpful. Our agent also provided us with very helpful hints and suggestions for restaurants and shops. Both of the hotels he chose were located perfectly and staffed by friendly employees.
Reviewed By Junis N.
