Spain
Discover Madrid & Barcelona: Royal Palaces & Gothic Quarters
Sample Itinerary - 9 Days & 8 Nights
This Customizable Journey is Available Year-Round
Best Travel Seasons: March - June & September - October
Tour is led by a Licensed English Speaking Local Guide
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
Spain, a vibrant country in southwestern Europe, boasts diverse coastlines along the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean, framed by the Pyrenees Mountains and high plateaus. With a rich historical identity, Madrid dazzles with historical attractions in Madrid city center, including the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor Madrid, and iconic statues. Art lovers will adore the Prado Museum Madrid with Velázquez and Goya masterpieces, Reina Sofía Museum Picasso featuring Picasso and Miró, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Madrid. Join our Spain cultural tour to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain, enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine, and uncover stunning landscapes of southwestern Europe.
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to Spain’s vibrant capital city! Upon arrival at Madrid-Barajas Airport, navigate through passport control, collect your luggage, and clear customs. Proceed to the arrivals lounge, where our professional representative will greet you and assist with a private transfer to a centrally located 4-star hotel in Madrid Mayoral or similar. Check into your luxurious Madrid hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the serene Retiro Park in Madrid, perfect for a leisurely stroll to soak in the city’s welcoming atmosphere.
Note: Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM on Day 1.
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Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then embark on a guided walking tour of Madrid’s historic landmarks. Visit the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece with over 3,000 rooms, alongside Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real, and Almudena Cathedral. Continue to the iconic Plaza Mayor in Madrid, a historic square with a complex past tied to the Spanish Inquisition. Stroll through the lively Puerta del Sol and the elegant Paseo del Prado, home to the world-famous Prado Museum in Madrid. Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring local tapas bars. Overnight at a 4-star Madrid Mayoral hotel or similar.
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After breakfast, meet your expert guide for a deep dive into Madrid’s art scene. Visit the Prado National Museum in Madrid, showcasing masterpieces by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Murillo, followed by the Reina Sofía National Museum, home to modern art by Picasso and Dalí, including the iconic Guernica. Spend ample time admiring these world-class collections. Afterward, explore the vibrant San Miguel Market in Madrid for local delicacies or wander through the tranquil Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight at a 4-star Madrid Mayoral hotel or similar.
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Post-breakfast, meet your local guide for a scenic drive to Toledo’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval charm and cobblestone streets (wear comfortable shoes!). Once Spain’s capital, Toledo boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Visit the awe-inspiring Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic architectural gem, the El Greco House & Museum in the Jewish Quarter, the historic Synagogue del Tránsito, and El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, at Santo Tomé Chapel. Savor lunch in Toledo before returning to Madrid for a relaxed evening. Overnight at a 4-star Madrid Mayoral hotel or similar.
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Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide for a full-day trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent El Escorial Monastery, a pinnacle of Renaissance architecture, and reflect at the controversial Valley of the Fallen, a Spanish Civil War monument. After a delightful lunch in El Escorial, return to Madrid for free time to explore local cafés or shops. Overnight at a 4-star Madrid Mayoral hotel or similar.
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After breakfast, travel with your guide to Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its 11th-century medieval walls and Romanesque churches. Explore the birthplace of Saint Teresa and its historic cathedral. Continue to Segovia, another UNESCO gem, where you’ll marvel at the remarkably preserved Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, the fairy-tale Alcazar of Segovia, and the stunning Segovia Cathedral. Return to Madrid in the afternoon for leisure time. Overnight at a 4-star Madrid Mayoral hotel or similar.
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Following breakfast, check out of your Madrid hotel and transfer to the train station for a comfortable high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. Arrive in Barcelona late morning, store luggage at your hotel, and begin a guided tour of the Eixample District in Barcelona, known for its modernist architecture. Visit Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia (interior tour), and admire the exteriors of Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check into your 4-star Espana hotel or similar and enjoy a free evening.
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After breakfast, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Barcelona’s diverse neighborhoods. Start in the upscale Pedralbes, visiting the historic Monestir de Pedralbes, a 14th-century Gothic monastery. Continue to Parc Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece and UNESCO site, with its whimsical designs and lush gardens. End in the charming Gracia neighborhood in Barcelona, known for its village-like ambiance and vibrant squares. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Gracia or return to your hotel. Overnight at a 4-star Espana hotel or similar.
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Repeat the enriching Day 8 itinerary, revisiting Pedralbes, Parc Güell, and Gracia for a deeper exploration or to enjoy missed attractions. This repeat day ensures flexibility for travelers wanting to linger in Barcelona’s iconic sites. Spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping in Gracia’s boutique-lined streets. Overnight at a 4-star Espana hotel or similar.
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Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to Barcelona-El Prat Airport for your international flight home. Bid farewell to Spain with memories of an unforgettable journey.
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We offer Tailor-Made Itineraries & Custom Quotes for Your Journey to Spain
All itineraries can be tailored to match your interests and budget for a truly personalized experience. Pricing is based on solo or double occupancy. The pricing listed below is for 2025 travel dates and may vary depending on your preferred itinerary and seasonality. Contact our travel consultant today to receive a personalized quote and begin designing your ideal Spain journey!
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Two Travelers: From $3,750 per person (Double Room Occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $650 per person (Applies to all nights of the tour for those opting for a single room.)
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing prior the tour.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants arriving & departing with the group.
Nine (9) nights of accommodation at 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Madrid - Barcelona economy class highspeed train ticket.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International air.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Departure/Arrival transfers between home city - USA Airport.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Porterage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Stay in cozy lodges and hotels with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. While the services may be more straightforward, you’ll still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, with essential amenities and on-site facilities that provide a comfortable, hassle-free experience, all meeting international standards.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. citizens don’t require a Schengen visa to enter France. Further details related to the visa will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This immersive exploration of Spain highlights the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and deep history of Madrid, Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Segovia, and Barcelona. Traveling by private vehicle and high-speed train, you’ll experience Spain’s timeless elegance while enjoying a comfortable, well-paced itinerary.
Travelers should anticipate moderate walking on sightseeing days, averaging two to three miles per day, often over cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, bridges, and gently sloping terrain. Historic city centers like Toledo, Segovia, and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter feature uneven surfaces and occasional stairs, particularly during interior visits to major monuments such as cathedrals, palaces, and heritage museums. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are essential for navigating Spain’s historic towns and landmarks. Transportation throughout the tour includes a combination of air-conditioned private vehicles and Spain’s efficient high-speed AVE trains. All group transfers between hotels, train stations, and sightseeing locations are provided for your convenience. In Barcelona, sightseeing also includes leisurely walking tours through pedestrian-friendly districts.
This journey blends expertly guided tours with ample leisure time, allowing you to explore iconic sites such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, the Toledo Cathedral, the House and Museum of El Greco, the Synagogue del Transito, the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, the medieval Walls of Avila, the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, the Alcazar of Segovia, the Cathedral of Segovia, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the Boqueria Market, the Monastery of Pedralbes, and Park Güell.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Spain, offering mild temperatures and pleasant sightseeing conditions. However, occasional warm days or sudden weather changes are possible; we recommend layered, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and staying hydrated. Participants should be comfortable managing their own luggage during hotel check-ins and train station transfers.
By registering for this tour, travelers confirm that they are in good physical and emotional health to fully participate in all scheduled activities. A spirit of flexibility, curiosity, and cultural openness will enhance your experience as you explore Spain’s spirited cities, historic landscapes, and legendary artistic heritage. Undiscovered Frontiers strives to deliver a seamless travel experience, but minor adjustments to the itinerary or activity order may occasionally be necessary to accommodate local conditions or unforeseen events.
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