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Walking Key
Light = Two to four miles of mostly level walking.
Moderate = Four to six miles and/or up and down hills and/or some stairs.
Strenuous = Six to ten miles, lots of stairs, uneven terrain.
Best of Barcelona & Madrid in 8 Days
$2,195 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Barcelona and ends in Madrid
We've combined Spain's top two cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. In Barcelona you'll be immersed in the pride and energy of today's Catalunya — rambling on the Ramblas, marveling at Gaudí's architecture, getting personal with Picasso, and digging into the region's freshest seafood. Then, aboard one of Europe's premier high-speed trains, we'll whisk you to majestic Madrid in time for lunch, and more of Spain's artistic treasure trove and festive lifestyle. Your guide is an expert at managing your time — and giving you the freedom to make your own special discoveries — so you'll come home with more memories than you ever thought possible in an eight-day getaway.
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Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalunya, may be the most festive city on the Mediterranean. Meet your guide and group at 5 p.m. at our centrally-located hotel for an orientation meeting — then we'll join the party with a colorful stroll along the surprise-filled, people-packed Ramblas boulevard. We'll end our evening with dinner together. Sleep in Barcelona (4 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Gaudí Day
Caution, curves ahead! Today is devoted to the swirling, Modernista architecture of Antoni Gaudí. We'll tour the greatest works of Barcelona's master builder, beginning with his most famous: the towering, dizzying Sagrada Família church. Then we'll visit Gaudí's Modernista masterpiece for mere mortals: his Casa Milà apartment building. The remainder of the day is free to explore more Gaudí delights throughout the city. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: Barri Gòtic and Picasso
Today we explore Barcelona's maze-like Gothic Quarter, from its Roman foundations to the spires of its candle-, geese-, and relic-strewn cathedral. Then we'll tour the best collection of Picasso paintings anywhere in Europe. We'll trace the story of this hometown boy genius' art as he evolved from a kid who painted like an adult…to an adult who painted like a kid. The afternoon and evening are on your own. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 4: Montjuïc and Museums
This morning we'll take in the grandest views of Barcelona from atop the historic Montjuïc Hill — also home to two of the city's best museums. First, a local guide will take us on a trip to the stars and back as we explore the colorful, playful world of Joan Miró at a museum dedicated to his work. Then we'll be introduced to Spain's best Romanesque art (salvaged from village churches high in the Pyrénées) at the Museum of Catalan Art. This evening we'll toast to our last night in Barcelona with a dinner together. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 5: High Speed Train to Madrid
All aboard! We'll take Europe's newest high speed train (the AVE) to Madrid. Upon arrival we'll meet our bus for a panoramic tour of Madrid's major monuments and classy boulevards. After checking into the hotel, we'll take a historical walking tour from Madrid's Puerta del Sol to — and through — the Royal Palace. With arguably the most sumptuous original interior anywhere, this is truly one of Europe's greatest palaces. Tonight we'll get your taste buds ready for dinner (on your own) with a wine and cheese tasting. Sleep in Madrid (3 nights). Train: 3 hrs. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: Masterpieces of Madrid
We'll devote our morning to one of Europe's premier art museums, the masterpiece-packed Prado. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free to spend more time in the Prado, stroll through the majestic Retiro Gardens (Madrid's most popular park), explore Madrid's lively tapas scene or possibly catch a performance of zarzuela, Spain's delightfully light opera. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Modern Madrid
This morning we’ll visit the Reina Sofía, Spain's greatest modern art museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica. Your last afternoon is free to explore more sights with your guidebook or do a little shopping. We'll have our final dinner together before saying adios to these two exciting cities. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).
Day 8: Tour over after breakfast
Madrid's airport is an easy bus or taxi ride away — or you may want to continue your Iberian adventures on your own. Hasta luego!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
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