Barcelona,Valencia, Alicante & Madrid Small Group Tour - 10 Days/9 Nights

Today, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and travel to the city center for a three-night stay in a boutique hotel, which boasts an excellent location close to the city’s architectural treasures. After getting settled, you’ll enjoy a tour of the Sagrada Familia and the most famous works of Antoni Gaudi, the celebrated architect who designed this basilica. Although the basilica is still incomplete, it is truly one of the most inspiring church buildings in the world. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant that offers typical regional cuisine and wine.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodation: Overnight in Barcelona

With the help of a locally grown expert, we’ll explore Barcelona and enjoy the idyllic weather Spain has to offer. We’ll begin with a tour that highlights Barcelona’s vibrant culture and cosmopolitan appeal, hitting all the popular districts. Pay a visit to popular sites like the historic Gothic Quarter, the Roman Cistern, the Roman walls, The Viceroy’s Palace, the Royal Palace, and the temple of Augustus. Afterward, we’ll also visit the Quarter of the Born, which was the economic center of the city during the Middle Ages. We’ll visit a local tapas bar for some authentic Spanish tapas before visiting one of the most beautiful churches in Barcelona, the Santa Maria del Mar, which inspired Antoni Gaudi to design La Sagrada Familia. End our morning experience with a panoramic tour viewing Plaza España, Montjuic, Paseo de Gracia, Casa Milà, and the houses of la Manzana de la Discordia in Paseo de Gracia. This evening, you’re in for a real treat! Enjoy an energetic and passionate Flamenco performance that is sure to delight and intrigue you. You’ll have the rest of the evening at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere of this stunning city.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Barcelona

Today, we will enjoy a day trip from Barcelona in the Catalonian countryside, visiting the splendid natural park of Montserrat Mountain and its 12th-century Benedictine Monastery. This monastery is home to the revered Black Madonna, a statue of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be carved in Jerusalem near the dawn of Christianity itself. In the church, you will hear the wonderful celestial tones of one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs. Afterward, we’ll continue driving to the lush green vineyards in the Catalonian wine town of Penedes to visit a historic family-run winery that has been cultivating grapes since 1385. Sip decadent red and vibrant white wine while you enjoy stunning views of the vineyards and the Montserrat Mountains. We will head back to Barcelona, where you can enjoy a lively night in the town or a quiet evening to yourself.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Barcelona

After breakfast, will board Spain’s famous and scenic high-speed train and head towards Valencia, Spain‘s third-largest city. Upon arrival, we will transfer to a central boutique hotel for your next two nights stay. In the early afternoon, you’ll meet your English-speaking city guide for a 3-hour walking tour, which begins in the historic center. Valencia has one of the largest historic centers in Spain, where you can see examples of everyday Valencian life, like the local markets. During the tour, you’ll get the chance to visit La Lonja de la Seda, or the Silk Exchange, a 15th-century Renaissance trading hall and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit the striking church of San Nicolas, known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. You’ll have the rest of the evening on your own; we recommend trying a local restaurant that serves traditional Valencia, like Fideuà, Esgarraet, or Clóchinas.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Valencia

Today’s trip takes you to enjoy one of the most wonderful experiences you can have in Spain, a hands-on cooking class led by a private chef. Watch as the chef teaches you how to source, clean, and prepare the ingredients to make the traditional Spanish dish, Paella Valenciana. Learn the ins and outs of Spanish cooking methods as well as the secrets to making all your dishes taste authentic! Feel free to take notes and videos, as this experience is the best take-home souvenir to show your family and friends. Afterward, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor together as a light lunch. After the experience, you will have the rest of the day on your own to discover the beautiful city of Valencia in more depth. We highly recommend checking out the Mercat Central de Valencia, with aisles of bright and delicious fruits and vegetables, or visiting the Fine Art Museum of Valencia.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Valencia

Today, we’ll begin our tour by taking a scenic drive to discover the Valencian coastline and the stunning seaside town of Altea. This spectacular town boasts a marvelous hilltop and sweeping views of the town and the Balearic Sea. After our visit, we’ll continue on to the coastal town of Villajoyosa for some time on our own to enjoy a delicious local lunch. You’ll be blown away by the colorful fishing houses that stretch down the sandy beach, perfect for a post-lunch stroll or a swim in the inviting blue waters. Finally, we’ll head to your hotel in the beautiful city of Alicante, to settle in and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Alicante

This morning, you’ll meet your local guide for an in-depth exploration of Alicante. This town is well known for its amazing beaches, historical museum, and bustling restaurant scene. Our tour will start at the Castle of Santa Barbara, one of Spain’s most well-preserved castles. You’ll have one of the most picturesque views of the azure coast and town from here. Afterward, we’ll visit the historic old town to see the archeological museum. Here, you’ll learn all about the different cultures that conquered and ruled these lands over the years. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this dynamic city for yourself. We’ll gather again in the evening for dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Alicante

Today, we will depart Alicante and head to the railway station for our high-speed train journey to Madrid. We’ll transfer you to your hotel upon arrival for our last two-night stay. In the afternoon, after getting settled, you’ll meet your local guide for a walking tour to discover the sights and sounds of Madrid. You’ll start by visiting Barrio de Las Letras, the home of renowned authors from Spain’s Golden Age. Afterward, you’ll visit the Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, which was a mediaeval marketplace. We’ll conclude the tour in Hapsburg Madrid, where Felipe II moved the court in the 16th century, making it the Capital of the vast Spanish Empire.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Madrid

After breakfast this morning, you’ll meet your driver and head to the Palacio Real, the seat of royal power in Spain for centuries. You’ll find this building to be one of the most architecturally ornate buildings in all of Madrid. Wander the halls of the palace, admiring the stunning ceiling frescoes and marble details throughout. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own to explore Madrid. We recommend visiting the Mercado de San Miguel or El Retiro Park. In the evening, we will celebrate your Spanish adventure with a shared dinner to share our travel memories and toast to new friends.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Madrid

We’ll arrange for your transfers to the Madrid airport or train station this morning. We hope you have fallen in love with the unique culture that makes up Spain and have many wonderful memories to share for years to come. If you wish to extent your trip to Portugal, please view the following link Our Portugal Small Group Tour

Meals: Breakfast included