Day 1. (Tuesday) MADRID

Hola! Welcome to Europe! Welcome to Spain! Upon your arrival at Madrid-Barajas International Airport, our team will be waiting to provide assistance and a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once settled, you are free to begin exploring this magnificent cosmopolitan capital at your own pace. In the afternoon, please consult the information boards at the reception for details regarding the welcome meeting with your expert guide and fellow travellers. To kick off your journey, we’ll enjoy an evening transfer to the iconic Plaza Mayor. Located in the heart of old Madrid, this vibrant square is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and choose from a wide array of traditional restaurants for your first Spanish dinner. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 2. (Wednesday) MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel. Escorted by a local guide, we’ll start a guided tour of Madrid discovering the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the world-renowned Paseo del Prado (the Art Triangle), the majestic Cibeles Square, the most emblematic square in Madrid with the fountain of the Greek goddess Cibeles, place where Real Madrid and Spain national team fans celebrate their victories, the Neptuno Square, and the triumphant Puerta de Alcala. We will also admire the lush greenery of Retiro Park and the historic Plaza de Colón, soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere of the Spanish court. From imperial history to sporting glory, our next stop is the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. We have included your entry to this world-famous arena, the home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the chance to explore the state-of-the-art museum, see the record-breaking collection of European Cups, and feel the atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic football cathedrals. The remainder of the day is yours to discover Madrid’s soul at your own pace. The city centre is perfectly walkable and full of surprises. Here are some recommendations for your free time in Madrid. You can visit Puerta del Sol, the Kilometre Zero of the country, and lose yourself in the nearby medieval streets of Madrid de los Austrias Neighbourhood. Walk along the Gran Vía, Madrid’s answer to Broadway, famous for its grand architecture and flagship stores. Stroll towards the Royal Palace and the adjacent Almudena Cathedral for some of the city’s finest sunset views. Return to hotel and accommodation.

Day 3. (Thursday) MADRID – ZARAGOZA – POBLET – BARCELONA

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Madrid and journey east towards the historic Region of Aragon. As we traverse the high plateau of Castilla-La Mancha, the scenery transforms into the dramatic, rugged landscapes of the Iberian System. You’ll admire the striking contrast between vast ochre plains, deep river canyons, and the distant, mist-covered peaks that define this majestic part of inland Spain. Our first major stop is Zaragoza, a city with over two thousand years of history perched on the banks of the Ebro River. You will have free time to visit its most iconic landmark: Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Patroness of Hispanity. We also recommend a stroll into the old town, to discover its impressive monumental legacy, as Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians left their mark on this place, or a visit to the Aljafería Palace, a stunning 11th-century Islamic fortress. For lunch, do not miss the chance to explore the El Tubo district, famous for its vibrant tapas scene. We suggest trying the local Ternasco de Aragón (succulent roast lamb) or the Migas, a traditional shepherd’s dish flavoured with garlic and chorizo. In the afternoon, we continue our route into Catalonia to reach the Monastery of Poblet, a Cistercian abbey UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world. We’ll walk through the austere yet elegant Cloister, visit the grand Refectory, and stand before the magnificent Royal Tombs, where the alabaster sepulchres of the Kings of Aragon rest in silent majesty. The monastery remains an active community of monks, and its atmosphere of peace and spiritual devotion is truly palpable. We then complete our route to Barcelona, the vibrant Mediterranean capital. Arrival at the hotel late in the day and accommodation in this cosmopolitan city, famous for its avant-garde spirit and its unique Modernist architecture.

Day 4. (Friday) BARCELONA

We wake up in Barcelona. After breakfast, we begin our discovery of the city with a comprehensive panoramic tour of Barcelona. Sit back and enjoy the views as we drive past the historic Columbus Monument and the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. We’ll cruise along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, home to modernist architectural gems, and cross the city via the grand Diagonal avenue. A major highlight is our stop at the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. We’ll also ascend Montjuïc Hill to see the 1992 Olympic facilities and enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, before passing through the monumental Plaça d’Espanya. Our tour concludes at Las Ramblas, the city’s most famous pedestrian boulevard. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the atmospheric Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This labyrinth of medieval streets is the historic soul of Barcelona. We recommend to visit the Barcelona Cathedral with its palm-tree-filled cloister, and find the hidden columns of the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus. For a truly local experience, head to Santa Caterina Market or find a traditional Xarcuteria to sample Jamón Ibérico and Catalan cheeses. Don’t miss trying pan con tomate (bread with tomato and olive oil) or a portion of patatas bravas in a hidden plaza. As an optional experience, you may join our expert guide for an exclusive interior tour of the Sagrada Família. This option includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia, allowing you to marvel at the forest of stone columns and the spectacular play of light through the stained-glass windows. In the late afternoon, we head to the Maremagnum area at the Port Vell. This modern waterfront district offers a wide variety of restaurants and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. You’ll have free time for dinner, the perfect setting to enjoy fresh seafood or a classic Paella, before returning to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 5. (Saturday) BARCELONA

Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services. If you still have some time to spend in Barcelona, here we give you several ideas to organize your time. Barcelona is an open-air museum so you may want to discover some of Gaudí’s Masterpieces… Visit the Park Güell to admire its whimsical mosaics, or visit the Casa Batlló on the elegant Passeig de Gràcia. For the best panoramic views in the city, head to Tibidabo Mountain. Here you’ll find the Sacred Heart Basilica and a charming vintage amusement park. Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the visit to Camp Nou Stadium, the legendary home of FC Barcelona. If you wish to explore further afield, you can book through our website a day trip to Girona and Figueres, or discover the rugged beauty of the catalonian coast on this daytrip to Costa Brava from Barcelona. In the late afternoon, you will receive all the essential details for the start of your tour via our information boards at reception or directly from your tour representative. Overnight stay in Barcelona.