BARCELONA,MADRID,VALENCIA-THE PEARLS OF SPAIN TRAVEL ITINERARY
PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE FROM BARCELONA TO VALENCIA
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SPAIN & THE CITY OF BARCELONA
Welcome to Spain! Arrive at Barcelona International Airport and travel to the city center for a two nights stay in a central boutique hotel “CASA VOLVER” or similar, which enjoys an excellent location close to the city’s architecturally treasures. At 6.30 pm enjoy a welcome drink followed by a special dinner at a popular local restaurant offering typical regional cuisine and wine.Overnight in BARCELONA
DAY 2: BARCELONA’S HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s rich history, vibrant culture and cosmopolitan appeal on this guided tour through the city’s most captivating districts. You’ll see the impressive Cathedral and the charming streets of the historic Gothic Quarter. Continue to the bustling port and Olympic Village before taking in the great city views from Montjuic Hill. At Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), you’ll have a chance to see more than 100 buildings from all across Spain, typical representations of the country’s diverse regions and cultures.After an included street food experience,you’ll discover the best known works of Antoni Gaudi, the celebrated architect. You’ll visit the extraordinary SAGRADA FAMILIA, which was less than one quarter complete at the time of his death in 1926. Though the basilica is still incomplete, it is truly one of the most inspiring church buildings in the world. You’ll also drive along the elegant Paseo de Gracia boulevard to see Gaudi’s famous modernist homes including the colourful Casa Batlló and the striking Casa Mila, designed and constructed without a single straight line.Rest of the day is on your own.Overnight in BARCELONA
DAY 3: HIGHLIGHTS OF MADRID & PALACIO REAL
Transfer to the rail station for your scenic high-speed (1st class ticket) journey to MADRID, a city to savour, taste, smell and enjoy by simply exploring the streets, plazas and parks. Upon arrival, meet your English speaking driver and city guide for a discovery tour which begins in Barrio de Las Letras, the home of renowned authors from Spain’s Golden Age such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega. Continue to Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, which was once the medieval marketplace. Finish in Hapsburg Madrid which dates to the 16th century when Felipe II moved the Court to Madrid, making it the Capital of the vast Spanish Empire. Following a local street food experience at Mercado San Miguel, one of Madrid’s oldest and largest markets,you’ll visit PALACIO REAL, seat of royal power for centuries and the most emblematic building of Madrid due to its beauty, symbolic value and eventful history.Included transfer to the central hotel “PALACIO DE TEPA” or similar for the next two nights in Spain.Enjoy the evening at leisure.Overnight in MADRID
DAY 4: TOLEDO- THE CITY OF CULTURES
Today’s visit takes you to discover one of Spain’s most impressive and beautiful cities, TOLEDO picturesquely sited on a hill above the River Tagus. Behind the old walls lies much evidence of the city’s rich history. The Romans built a fortress on the site of the present-day Alcazar. In the middle Ages, Toledo was a melting pot of Christians, Muslim and Jewish cultures, and it was during this period that the city’s most outstanding monument, its cathedral, was built. In the 16th century the painter El Greco came to live in Toledo, and today the city is home to many of his works. Your local guide will shed light on the great cathedral, seat of the Spanish church, with its collection of paintings in the sacristy, the Church of Santo Tome’, which houses El Greco’s masterpiece painted exclusively for this chapel, the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, an example of the mark made by the Sephardic Jews and one of the few historic synagogues in Spain. After an included lunch in a local restaurant,we’ll also visit a bakery which specializes in MARZIPAN and learn about the importance of the Toledo handmade swords in the middle Ages. Returning we’ll enjoy a panoramic coach tour of Toledo’s outskirts with wonderful view of the city.Dinner is on your own this evening.Overnight in MADRID
DAY 5: WALKING TOUR OF VALENCIA’S HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
Transfer to the rail station for your scenic high-speed journey to VALENCIA, Spain‘s third-largest city, as well as one of its oldest.Upon arrival, meet your English speaking driver and city guide for a panoramic tour begins around the historic center, one of the largest in Spain. Here, you’ll not only witness examples of everyday Valencian life (such as a local market, where local specialties like horchata are sold), but also icons of the city’s history, like La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange).This 15th-century Renaissance trading hall has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a unique example of Gothic secular architecture.You will also visit the striking opera house and the church of San Nicolas,known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia.Transfer to your central boutique hotel “PALACIO VALLIER” or similar for your last two nights in Spain.Overnight in VALENCIA
DAY 6: MEDIEVAL REQUENA & WINE TASTING
This morning, meet your driver and tour guide for a visit to the charming pretty wine village of REQUENA,situated on two hills above the Rio Magro. Apart from the castle ruins, the church of Santa Maria with its magnificent late Gothic portal and the church of San Salvador with a beautiful portal and azulejo decoration in the interior are especially worth seeing.We end the morning visit with an introduction to the WINE MUSEUM and a tasting of some of the most popular wines region.Return to Valencia for an included lunch in one of the most popular beach restaurants.Rest of the day is on your own for more exploration.Overnight in VALENCIA
DAY 7: ALBUFERA NATURAL PARK & PAELLA COOKING LESSON
The days starts with a short drive to the stunning NATIONAL PARK OF ALBUFERA, an oasis surrounded by rice fields, forests and the place where paella was invented.Visit El Palmar and try some typical dishes, such as all-i-pebre and llisa adobada. Savour food in a new way by learning about its origins. Take a stroll along six of the possible walking routes within the nature park, discover the water birds and plants, and have a true fishing experience in the largest lake area in Spain.We end the day with an entertaining PAELLA COOKING CLASS.Rest of the day in on your own to enjoy the best of Valencia. In the evening celebrate your Spanish adventure with an “Adios dinner” sharing travel memories and toasting new friends.
DAY 8: ADEUS BEAUTIFUL SPAIN
Morning transfers to Valencia airport or train station
Spain, on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is really 17 autonomous regions, each with its own geography and culture. The capital, Madrid, is home to the Royal Palace and singular Prado museum, housing works by European masters, and Segovia to the north has a fairy-tale medieval castle and Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni