Welcome to Madrid! Home to many of the world's greatest artworks, this pulsating metropolis has a welcoming, cosmopolitan vibe. Upon arrival, meet your driver at the airport and take the private transfer to the hotel. Check-in and then explore the city center on your own.
The magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid awaits you today. Its grandeur will take your breath away: massive stone walls embrace a sumptuous interior with luxurious tapestries, priceless artworks, and gilded furniture. Captivating in both beauty and history. Afterward, set off on an indulgent food walking tour unveiling the authentic flavors of Madrid. Explore the bustling San Miguel Market, sampling succulent oysters and tasty tapas as you weave through the lively crowds. Make your way to Plaza Mayor, sitting under the arcades to enjoy sautéed Stuffed Mushrooms paired with a chilled glass of beer. Head to La Latina, where you'll savor a melt-in-your-mouth Iberic ham croquet with a glass of wine.
Today, you will explore Toledo by car. Perched atop the hill, Mirador del Valle unveils a sea of houses and historic monuments of Toledo, stretching as far as the eye can see. Cross the San Martin Bridge and admire its bridge arches that have stood for centuries while enjoying panoramic river vistas.
Discover the well-preserved Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, an architectural gem providing insight into Toledo's Jewish history. Visit the Church of Santo Tome, housing El Greco's masterpiece. Gaze in awe at the renowned painting, "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," then explore the church's Mudejar architectural details. End at Toledo Cathedral, which has witnessed centuries of Spanish religious history. Marvel at the main facade features intricate carvings and sculptures, and the lavish interior is filled with gilded altars, choir stalls, and sacred artworks.
Find your way to the railway station for high-speed trains to Seville. On arrival, be transferred by private car to your hotel and meet your private guide.
After checking in, an enchanting journey awaits as your guide whisks you away to the Real Alcazar of Seville, a royal palace complex of architectural magnificence. Arabic décor, opulent stuccos, and colonnaded patios unfold in wondrous glory. Then explore Seville Cathedral, a monument to the city's Golden Age. Enter beneath its colossal tower to find Christopher Columbus's final resting place and priceless artworks.
Round off your day with a traditional flamenco in a private dance lesson. Forget the fatigue of the day in the rhythmic tapping of feet and graceful dance moves.
In the afternoon, be transferred to the airport of Seville for a flight to Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city famed for its art and architecture. On arrival, be picked up and transferred to your downtown hotel by private car.
Barcelona's architecture dazzles the world. A walking tour with a guide unveils its essence. In the Palace of Catalan Music, art abounds - sculptures dance, mosaics shimmer, and paintings stir. Soul-stirring concerts fill this Art Nouveau gem where music and architecture harmonize. Next, explore the Cathedral of Barcelona. The ultra-high space, together with the rib vaults of the Gothic style, renders its grandeur. Stroll on La Rambla to enjoy the performances of various street entertainers and discover delicious food at the nearby Mercat de La Boqueria. In the afternoon, make a pilgrimage to Gaudi's masterwork: Sagrada Familia. Notice nature-inspired sculptures above the entrance. Inside, 56 strange columns evoke an enchanted wood. Stained glass canvases the church with dancing light and shadows, shifting with the sun's glow.
Today, a winding road will lead you to Montserrat, a jagged mountain an hour from Barcelona. Meet your guide and ascend to dizzying heights, rewarded with panoramas of the countryside. The 11th-century Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey clings dramatically to the cliffs, its stone arches and spires rising like natural rock formations. Inside the basilica, gaze at the Black Madonna, Catalonia's patron saint. Robed choir boys filed in and raised their voices in Gregorian chant, their echoing psalmody resonating within the vaulted chambers.
Take a private car to Costa Brava. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel and the time in Costa Brava is at your leisure.
A leisurely day free to wander Costa Brava at your own pace. If you are interested in medieval history, Tossa de Mar Castle is worth visiting. Within its ramparts, a museum reveals Catalonia's treasured past. If striking landscapes and outdoor adventures appeal to you, Cap de Creus National Park should not be missed. A paradise with sea and mountain landscapes that will stun you. Miles of trails lead to vistas of the Pyrenees and sea. Bursting with life, the Jardines de Santa Clotilde is a horticultural wonderland with over 1,000 plant species arranged artfully around ponds and waterfalls. Annual flower shows are a pilgrimage for enthusiasts.
Bid a fond farewell to the rugged beauty and floral enchantment of Costa Brava. Enjoy some free time until your driver picks you up and transfers you to Barcelona airport for your departure flight.
