Spanish Luxury Tour: Best of Madrid & Barcelona

Plaza de la Cibeles in Madrid, Spain

What to expect on this itinerary

The spirit of Spain is lively and intoxicating, ready to be experienced and enjoyed. Indulge in the effervescent life of Madrid and Barcelona on this custom tailored luxury tour that will make your heart beat to a passionate rhythm. The medieval cities are romantic, set along cobblestone streets and tree lined boulevards. The lush flavors of the food are only surpassed by the tastes of decadent boutique vineyards. There is no end to the bountiful beauty of the countryside and the glistening water of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain’s zeal will wrap itself around you with a romantic embrace.

Countries Visited

Spain

Places Visited

Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, Gerona, Penedes Wine Country

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Madrid - The Luxurious Beginning

Madrid is a modern city set within the guidelines of its past. The heart of the city continues to overflow with the spirit of Spain, filled with pockets of medieval buildings and narrow alleyways that create a passionate ambiance, spotted with old restaurants and oddity shops. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your fabulous accommodations. The hotel is situated within a baroque palace central to the vibrant culture of the city. The rooms are as lavish and comfortable as the lobby. Your private guide meets you at the hotel. Your experience in Spain has already been incredible, from the opulent comforts of the hotel to the customized service between the airport and your tour.

Follow your guide through the streets of the city and arrive at the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the world, especially in reference to Spanish art. The building was constructed in the 18th century and was once used for the cavalry by Napoleonic troops. Your guide is knowledgeable not just about Madrid’s historic architecture but also about the art contained within the celebrated museum. The halls are glossy and polished. The lofty ceilings bring a harmonious echo to people’s footsteps. The art hangs on the walls in quiet reflection and you listen to your guide’s informative and mesmerizing conclusions about the colors, brushstrokes, and history of certain pieces, including The Three Graces by Rubens.

What's Included:

Transfer
Tour
Accommodation
Day 2

Madrid - In Time

Day 3

Madrid - The View of Toledo

Day 4

Madrid - The Art of Feeling

Day 5

Madrid - Indulge in the Day

Day 6

Barcelona - Golden Sands and the Architecture

Day 7

Barcelona - Captivating Discord

Day 8

Barcelona - In a Fairytale

Day 9

Barcelona - A Catalan Dream

Day 10

Barcelona - The Seclusion of Taste

Day 11

Barcelona - The Luxurious Open

Day 12

Barcelona - Depart Barcelona

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the Prado Museum on a private tour with a guide specializing in art history
  • Savor the diverse flavors of Spain, from Madrid’s traditional cuisine to Barcelona’s local market
  • Enjoy two separate and unique cooking courses that display the variety of Spanish cooking techniques and tastes
  • Learn the steps and history of the passionate art of Flamenco
  • View the celebrated architecture of Barcelona on a private tour of the city
  • Witness the exceptional culture and preserved medieval architecture of Toledo
  • Indulge in the most luxurious hotels around the Madrid and Barcelona
  • Discover the beauty of the Penedes wine region on a fabulous bike tour 

Detailed Description

Spain is a country known for its architecture and art, history, culture, passion, and romance. On this 12-day journey through Madrid and Barcelona you will experience the depths from which the country’s desire grows. Your getaway begins with your arrival in Madrid. The old quarter is surrounded by the modern city and has a pulse that beats like a desiring heart. Settle into your opulent hotel and enjoy a tour of the city’s finest art collection at the Prado Museum. The following morning you will begin your exploration of the Old Quarter.

The historic buildings are charming and the streets are romantic. The afternoon is filled with the luscious flavors of traditional tapas. Indulge in a food tour that would turn a seasoned chef’s head. In Toledo you will stroll through the historic reaches of the medieval city. The buildings rise from the hillside resembling a stony outcrop from a distance. Back in Madrid you will meet your private Flamenco expert who will not only instruct you on the history of the art form, but also its delicate, passionate steps. A day in Madrid at your leisure allows you to explore the streets in and around the city at your own pace.

Transfer to Barcelona and find yourself in another elegant hotel. After lunch you will tour the Gothic Quarter and Montcada Street. The next morning your private guide will meet you at your hotel and tour you through the modernist architecture of the city, from the Block of Discord to the famous Church of the Sagrada Familia. Journey to Gerona to explore the towering walls and quiet quarters of the medieval city. In the afternoon you will make your way to Figueres to visit the hometown of artist Salvador Dali and the unique Dali Theater-Museum.

Back in Barcelona you will visit the largest central market in Europe, at La Boqueria, before indulging in a private cooking course that will teach you the delicate flavors of Catalonia. Enjoy a private bike tour through the Penedes Wine Country and taste the exceptional flavors of the valley. Luxuriate in a free day in Barcelona, whether at the beach or strolling through Guadi Guell Park. On your final day a private transfer will take you to the airport for your return journey home.  

Starting Price

$10,800 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

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

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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.

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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!).

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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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