Highlights
- Taste the best of Madrid with a tapas tour and jamón Ibérico workshop
- Explore the whimsical works of Gaudí during a private architecture walk
- Shop for cooking class ingredients at Barcelona's famous "La Boquería"
- Hike, kayak, and snorkel among the hidden bays coves of the Costa Brava
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Madrid, Flamenco & Tapas Night | Madrid |
| Day 2 | See the City by Electric Tuk-Tuk, Explore Madrid's Local Markets | Madrid |
| Day 3 | Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour, Jamón Ibérico Workshop | Madrid |
| Day 4 | Train to Barcelona, Dark History Night Walk | Barcelona |
| Day 5 | Local Market Visit & Cooking Class, Gaudí Architecture Walk | Barcelona |
| Day 6 | Self-Guided Gothic Quarter Tour, Ancient Bath Experience | Barcelona |
| Day 7 | Drive to the Costa Brava, Explore Begur | Costa Brava |
| Day 8 | Coastal Cruising, Hiking & Kayaking Adventure | Costa Brava |
| Day 9 | Day Trip to Cadaqués, Figueres & Palafrugell | Costa Brava |
| Day 10 | Drive to Barcelona, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Flamenco & Tapas Night
Hola! Welcome to Spain, where endless rounds of tapas and fun await. You've landed in Madrid, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and refresh before setting out for your first taste of the nation's capital. Madrileños love to eat traditional dishes, and this evening's walking tour will combine history, tapas, and flamenco.
This evening, your local foodie guide will lead you through three historic neighborhoods: Los Austrias, the Literary Quarter, and La Latina. Starting at the Mercado de San Miguel, you'll pause in each barrio for a drink with matching local tapas, completing what the locals call a tapear or tapeo. After feasting, switch courses from cuisine to culture and sit down to witness the power, passion, and drama of an authentic flamenco show. Now that's a memorable first night in Spain!
Day 2: See the City by Electric Tuk-Tuk, Explore Madrid's Local Markets
Although Madrid's historic core is relatively compact, it can take a lot of time to visit all the top landmarks on foot— that's why you'll hop in an electric tuk-tuk this morning to zip between the city's most iconic sites on a private, two-hour tour. As you cruise the streets, your driver and guide will explain Madrid's fascinating history, pausing outside famous landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, and the Templo de Debod. After, you'll thoroughly understand Madrid's history, from the Golden Age, through the Spanish Civil War, and up to the present day.
Once you've worked up an appetite, set off on a self-guided gastronomic adventure through a handful of mercados this afternoon, seeing where people come to buy and sell fish, bread, and seasonal produce. Mercado de San Miguel is Madrid's most popular market-turned-gourmet food hall; Mercado Ildefonso has both market goods and tapas, plus a beautiful roof terrace; and Mercado San Antón is a creative food market offering three levels. Some of these markets have served the city since medieval times!
Day 3: Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour, Jamón Ibérico Workshop
Set your own pace on a self-guided walking tour this morning, exploring the landmarks that interest you most. Start in the Madrid de los Austrias area, the old 16th-century city center. Take your time in Plaza Mayor and pause at Chocolatería San Ginés for churros con chocolate. Then, enter the 3,418-room Royal Palace, or explore the free Sabatini Gardens. After, visit the grand Cathedral de la Almudena, then seek lunch in the hip Malasaña neighborhood, where you can stick around afterward to browse the cool vintage shops and boutiques.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Make sure to save some room after lunch—this afternoon is devoted to jamón Ibérico, considered one of the world's top delicacies and a culinary symbol of Spain. Join a master carver for a special workshop where you'll learn about the origins of jamón Ibérico, how farmers raise the pigs, and the curing process. You'll also learn how to carve these prized ham legs using a special long and narrow knife. Of course, in the end, you'll sit down to enjoy traditional tapas of Ibérico charcuterie and Spanish cheese paired with a glass or two of wine.
Day 4: Train to Barcelona, Dark History Night Walk
This morning, you'll swap the capital for the Mediterranean coast when you travel to Barcelona on a high-speed train. A private driver will drop you at the station for the 2.5-hour journey east to the vibrant capital of Catalonia, home to city beaches and a thriving culinary scene. On arrival, another driver will take you to your new hotel. Rest, refresh, and use the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.
When evening begins to fall, you'll explore the dark side of Barcelona with a chilling historical tour. Journey through the shadows of medieval punishments and delve into the dark past of the Spanish Inquisition as you discover tales of trials, interrogations, and public executions that once were common in this city. Along with a guide, you'll explore forgotten cemeteries and medieval legends that have shaped Barcelona's development over the centuries. The tour ends with a glimpse into the life of the city's most infamous executioner, with memorable stories of tragedy and triumph.Day 5: Local Market Visit & Cooking Class, Gaudí Architecture Walk
Discover the secrets and techniques behind traditional Spanish cuisine with this morning's cooking class. Meet your professional chef at Barcelona's largest and most important market: "La Boquería." They'll guide you through the stalls where you can try a few items, learn about culinary traditions, and select seasonal and local ingredients before heading to the kitchen. There you'll roll up your sleeves and help prepare four Spanish dishes, step by step, including a classic paella dish. Finally, you'll sit down to enjoy your feast with Rioja and Galician wines.
Walk off your feast this afternoon on a private guided walk through the neighborhoods influenced by architect Antoni Gaudí's impressive works. Start at Casa Batlló, where you can learn how Gaudí mixed colors and shapes to craft his distinct masterpieces. Stroll down the famous Passeig de Grácia, home to the "Block of Discord," stopping to view the exterior and interior of Casa Milà. Finish the tour at the architect's most renowned project, La Sagrada Família, where your guide will lead you through this still-unfinished yet jaw-dropping masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6: Self-Guided Gothic Quarter Tour, Ancient Bath Experience
After breakfast, lace up your sneakers and take yourself on a self-guided walk through Barcelona's oldest district—the Gothic Quarter. This hip neighborhood is filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and small boutique shops, offering a taste of where the historic and modern Catalan capital collide. Stroll narrow cobblestone streets, passing medieval architecture, hidden plazas, and the 13th-century Catedral de Barcelona.
This afternoon, take it down a notch when you enter the Aire Ancient Baths, a relaxing spa experience inspired by Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing traditions. Here, you'll truly embrace vacation mode with a special experience that includes relaxing in various hot baths, cold pools, and steam rooms, a rejuvenating massage, and a glass of cava or fresh orange juice.Day 7: Drive to the Costa Brava, Explore Begur
The Costa Brava is the perfect extension for any trip to Barcelona, as this scenic stretch of coastline sits just north of the city. This morning, you'll rent a car and hit the highway north, taking the fast one-hour coastal route along the C-32 and A2, which offers glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nestled on the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava is the charming hilltop village of Begur. While small in size, you'll find plenty of history to explore this afternoon with a self-guided walk along its cobbled streets. Its strategic coastal position made it a sought-after territory by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Moors, and more recently, it became a summer retreat for artists and intellectuals. You can choose to explore medieval structures, hike to incredible viewpoints, or simply relax at the beach and soak up the sunshine.
Day 8: Coastal Cruising, Hiking & Kayaking Adventure
Today you'll set off for an epic guided adventure that combines culture, leisure, and fun in the seaside town of Tossa de Mar. The big day begins at the historic Recinto Amurallado, where you'll meet your guide and visit the picturesque Plaza de Ava Gardner, historic Cañones, ancient Iglesia Antigua, and the mysterious Forat del Dimoni. Then, board a glass-bottomed boat for a scenic, 45-minute cruise up the coast to the secluded beach at Cala Pola, where you'll disembark to enjoy a small breakfast in the picturesque cove.
From here, you'll set off on a gentle 10-minute hike along the Camí de Ronda, watching for native flora and fauna and enjoying more Mediterranean views as you follow the ancient coastal trail once used by smugglers. When you reach the sands of Cala Bona, it's time for the final leg of your adventure, when you hop into a kayak and paddle back to Tossa de Mar, stopping in a secluded cove for some snorkeling and swimming en route.
Day 9: Day Trip to Cadaqués, Figueres & Palafrugell
Renowned for its picturesque medieval villages and rugged coastline with numerous idyllic coves, ports, and beaches, the Costa Brava runs from the Spanish and French Mediterranean border down to just north of Barcelona. Since you have a rental car at your disposal, make a day of exploring some of Costa Brava's most charming villages and discover what makes this region so special.
Today's self-guided adventure focuses on three special towns. Your first stop is the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués, where narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses transport you back in time. Next, explore Palafrugell, a charming beach town known for its pristine shores and vibrant atmosphere. Finally, venture to Figueres, a town steeped in the artistic legacy of Salvador Dalí. Here you can also visit the renowned Dalí Theatre-Museum, a surreal journey into the mind of one of the 20th century's most eccentric and influential artists.
Day 10: Drive to Barcelona, Depart
It's your final day in Spain, which means it's time to return to Barcelona and head to the airport. If your departing flight isn't until the evening, make the most of today and explore one of the Costa Brava's many beaches or inland towns and villages, such as Pals or Calella de Palafrugell. You could also visit Girona and explore the Old Quarter, full of Roman, Greek, Moorish, Medieval, and Gothic architecture.
Just leave with enough time to make the 90-minute return journey, and be sure to arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight, as Barcelona's airport can get busy during the peak travel season, and you'll need to return the car. Safe travels!
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