Madrid & Barcelona Highlights
When
April - October
Price
From $5,061 pp excl. flights
How long
7 nights ideal length
Ideal For
Art & Culture
Overview
Immerse yourself in Spain’s rich heritage on a 7-day journey through the iconic cities of Madrid and Barcelona. From tapas tastings in the capital’s hidden corners to Gothic cathedrals and Gaudí’s masterpieces in Catalonia, this itinerary is your gateway to Spain’s soul. Walk the royal halls of Madrid, stroll through medieval lanes in Toledo, and ride the high-speed train to Barcelona. Round off your experience with a visit to Montserrat’s hilltop monastery and a sparkling Cava tasting in the Penedès region. With expert guides, seamless travel, and curated cultural experiences, this tour is tailored for travelers who seek the perfect balance of insight, flavor, and style.
Highlights
- Savor Madrid’s culinary scene with a private tapas walking tour led by a local expert
- Visit the Prado Museum and Royal Palace on a private cultural immersion
- Explore the historic city of Toledo with a guided walking tour and round-trip train travel -
- Discover Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia with a private guide
- Enjoy a full-day excursion to Montserrat Monastery and a Cava tasting experience in Penedès
- Ask your Destination Expert to add a flamenco show for an authentic cultural evening
- Note: Pricing is in USD per person, based on double occupancy. Custom-designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
Itinerary Summary
Get Settled
- Private airport transfer
- Meet & Greet with assistant
- Spain Welcome Package
- Private tapas walking tour (3 hrs.)
Explore with an Expert
- Half-day private tour of Prado Museum and Royal Palace (4 hrs.)
A Town Frozen in Time
- Round-trip train between Madrid and Toledo (30 minutes each way)
- Private walking tour of Toledo (3 hrs.)
The Journey Continues
- Private transfer to Madrid train station
- High-speed train to Barcelona (2.5 hrs.)
- Private transfer from Barcelona train station
Strolling the Magical Streets
- Private walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar & Sagrada Familia (5 hrs)
Breathe the Mountain Air
- Full-day tour of Montserrat Monastery and Cava winery
Bon Voyage
- Private airport transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Madrid
Get Settled
Arrive in Madrid and be greeted by your local assistant for a warm welcome and private transfer to your accommodation. You’ll receive a Spain Welcome Package with your itinerary, train tickets, and tips to enhance your stay. In the evening, dive into Spanish cuisine with a private tapas walking tour. Follow your local guide through charming neighborhoods, tasting regional specialties paired with local wines and stories.
Day 2
Madrid
Explore with an Expert
This morning, explore two of Madrid’s most iconic sites with your expert guide. Begin at the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Then continue to the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s most opulent royal residences. Discover the art, architecture, and history that shaped Spain’s capital in this engaging half-day experience.
Day 3
Madrid, Toledo
A Town Frozen in Time
Travel by high-speed train to the medieval city of Toledo, Spain’s former capital and a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. On your private walking tour, wind through narrow cobbled streets, admire its Gothic cathedral, and take in views of the Tagus River. After exploring this UNESCO-listed gem, return to Madrid by train in the afternoon.
Day 4
Madrid, Barcelona
The Journey Continues
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Madrid’s train station before boarding the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona (approx. 2.5 hrs.). On arrival, your private driver will take you to your accommodation, where you’ll have the evening at leisure to begin exploring Spain’s vibrant coastal city.
Day 5
Barcelona
Strolling the Magical Streets
Set out on a captivating 5-hour private tour with your expert guide through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Stroll through hidden plazas and historic alleys before visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a jewel of Catalan Gothic architecture. Then, marvel at the iconic Sagrada Familia - Gaudí’s still-unfinished masterpiece - where architectural genius meets spiritual grandeur.
Day 6
Barcelona
Breathe the Mountain Air
Venture beyond the city to the sacred peaks of Montserrat. Visit the monastery, nestled in dramatic rock formations, and explore its cultural and spiritual heritage. Afterward, head into the rolling vineyards of Penedès for a tour and tasting at a family-owned Cava winery. Enjoy a light lunch as you sip on Spain’s sparkling answer to Champagne.
Day 7
Barcelona
Bon Voyage
Your journey concludes with a private transfer to the airport. Depart with vibrant memories of Spanish flavors, artistry, and culture echoing in your heart.
More Information
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see’s to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you’re celebrating one of life’s big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we’re creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What’s Included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s not Included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel.