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A Taste of Spanish Urban Life

8 Days / 7 Nights

Barcelona, Madrid

from$2,675 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

For a true taste of Spain in just a week, look no further. This Barcelona and Madrid itinerary is your ticket to the urban wonders of the two most exciting cities in Spain. From the architectural masterpieces of Gaudi and the authentic ambiance around La Rambla in Barcelona to world-class art, Europe's largest palace complex, and more mouthwatering churros than you can count in Madrid, this one-week itinerary shows you around the best of Barcelona and Madrid, leaving enough time to take a couple of day trips in-between for a chance to see more of Spain in less time.

One of our team members in Spain will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best this country has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

Route for Barcelona, Madrid tour

4 Nights in Barcelona

4 Nights in Barcelona

5 days in Barcelona
5 days in Barcelona

4 Nights in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

Barcelona is a city with a big historic legacy. Its origins can be traced back to the 1st-century BC when it became the Roman colony of Barciro. Today Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist architecture has become the main attraction for visitors from all over the world. Barcelona has two UNESCO listings covering nine buildings. Seven of them are by Gaudi! Despite its age, a youthful, energetic city vibe can be felt in all Barcelona’s quarters. Embrace your hidden love of Gothic aesthetics followed by Catalan cuisine with a private chef and finish your evening with a ramble on La Rambla, the heart of social Barcelona. So whether you feel like a picnic overlooking the beach-fronted La Estrella Herida, a private tapas tour throughout the city, or a stroll through the Gaudi-inspired Park Güell, there is something for everyone!

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Barcelona

We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Barcelona's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the transfer is about 30 minutes.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Ramble on La Rambla

Suggestion to explore on your own

Embrace the authentic Catalan spirit with an evening stroll along La Rambla on your first night in Barcelona. Spanning nearly a mile, this historic street is the sole avenue in the old part of the city, running parallel to the historic city wall. Unlike the bustling downtown, La Rambla offers a broad and spacious expanse, serving as an ideal meeting place for both locals and visitors alike. Flanked by bars, bistros, boutiques, and galleries on either side, La Rambla stands as a distinctive microcosm of Barcelona's charm.

Ramble on La Rambla

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Barcelona

Barcelona and Gaudi Group Walking Tour

Barcelona and Gaudi Group Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This group tour of Barcelona is tailored for those with a deep passion for architecture as it explores significant landmarks while you receive insights from an expert guide. Guided by an expert, you will embark on the Modernist Route and explore Barcelona's significant buildings from the perspective of a devoted architect. You will follow Antoni Gaudí's intricate journey from social concerns to a profound connection with the divine, ultimately becoming the "last great cathedral builder". This tour delves deeply into the master's architectural essence and explores his profound visual impact, which inspired surrealists and earned him the title of the most renowned Spanish architect.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Paella Group Cooking Class

Paella Group Cooking Class

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

You'll start this cooking class by visiting Barcelona's vibrant La Boqueria Market (except on Sundays and public holidays). Right after your stroll through this colorful market, you're ready to start cooking with the help and guidance of an expert chef. But only after you sample some traditional Spanish sangria and delicious tapas first. Then, the chef will show you how to prepare the iconic paella. Once you're done cooking, you're ready to savor the authentic paella you helped create.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia Highlights Group Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Sagrada Familia Highlights Group Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Included in your vacation package price.

It's hard to find an architectural structure as striking as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece is counting over 140 years in the making and the artist's genius is omnipresent inside and out of this iconic church. La Sagrada Familia is the ultimate highlight of Barcelona. As such, it attracts hordes of visitors every day. However, this tour grants you skip-the-line access to the architectural wonder, thus saving you precious time. Once inside, an expert guide will guide you through the history, vision, and artistic genius of Antoni Gaudí, one of Barcelona's most prominent personalities.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Sagrada Familia Is Not Barcelona’s Only Church

Suggestion to explore on your own

While Sagrada Familia finally received its consecration from Pope Benedict in 2010, Barcelona boasts more than just this iconic church. Locals often favor Santa Maria del Mar as their top place of worship. Despite enduring a significant earthquake in 1428 and a devastating 11-day fire in July 1936, evident in the lingering scorch marks, the church stands resilient. With towering columns set 43 feet apart and expansive stained glass windows, the interior creates a celestial ambiance. Barcelona Cathedral offers another unique encounter, reflecting centuries of history with Nordic-inspired elements dating back to the 11th century and recent reconstructions using the original Montserrat stone. Explore the cloister with 13 contented geese and the crypt dedicated to the 13-year-old martyr Eulàlia. For stunning views of the Old City, it's worth paying the small fee to take the lift to the cathedral's roof.

Sagrada Familia Is Not Barcelona’s Only Church

Day 4

Day 4 - Your Third Full Day in Barcelona

Premium Montserrat Monastery Visit and Lunch at a Farmhouse Group Experience

Premium Montserrat Monastery Visit and Lunch at a Farmhouse Group Experience

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This premium experience allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and enjoy a memorable day out in Montserrat, including a 2-course meal with breathtaking views. After visiting the monastery atop the mountain with a private guide, you will be taken by bus to a local farmhouse for a unique experience of farm-to-table food and drinks. You will be returned to the original meeting point in Barcelona at the end of the day.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 8 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Madrid by Train

You're leaving Barcelona behind today and heading to Madrid. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a number of daily departures to Madrid, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 3-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

Madrid by High Speed Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Madrid by Private Transfer with a Stop in Zaragoza

Madrid by Private Transfer with a Stop in Zaragoza

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Barcelona

Barcelona Old Town Walking Group Tour with Flamenco Show in the Born District
Moderate4 hours
Barcelona Private Cooking Class - Farm To Table Experience
Moderate6 hours
Barcelona Private Food Tour
Moderate4 hours
Barcelona Secret Forest - Nature Hike and Best Views Small Group Tour
Strenuous5 hours 30 minutes

3 Nights in Madrid

3 Nights in Madrid

4 days in Madrid
4 days in Madrid

3 Nights in Madrid

The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.

The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Madrid

When you arrive at Madrid's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.

Suggestion to explore on your own

Start out by getting your central Madrid bearings by strolling two of the city's most impressive squares, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. Then make your way into the adjoining La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars. Explore the narrow streets and hop from one tapas bar to another, savoring a variety of local flavors and specialties.

Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Madrid

Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace, Churros Tasting and Prado Museum Group Tour

Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace, Churros Tasting and Prado Museum Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Do you desire a guided tour of Madrid's major attractions, full of essential information and historical details, all without the hassle of waiting in lines and wasting your valuable time? This tour is tailored just for you.


Step into a thoughtfully crafted collection of aesthetically pleasing sightseeing and cultural walking tours. Beyond just providing exclusive access or priority entry, these tours are designed to forge connections between people and places, with captivating storytelling at the core of each distinctive encounter. Visit Royal Palace to explore an incredible collection of paintings and textiles in each room. On your guided visit of the world's largest in-use royal palace, you'll see the palace's impressive chapel, the king's and queen's dressing rooms, the throne room—where bureaucrats are still received by the king and queen today—and more.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 5 hours

Flamenco Show 1911 with Tapas Dinner Group Experience

Flamenco Show 1911 with Tapas Dinner Group Experience

Included in your vacation package price.

Witness something extraordinary during this experience while you dine on traditional tapas. You will be in a room with original flamenco dancers and feel the intensity and passion of flamenco. The Tablao Flamenco 1911 is located in the famous Plaza de Santa Ana, in the neighborhood of Las Letras in Madrid. Formerly known as the name of the historic tiled façade of its premises, this unique venue has been hosting flamenco shows since 1911 and is recognized as the oldest tablao in the world.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Madrid

Toledo Premium Guided Small Group Tour

Toledo Premium Guided Small Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

On this premium small-group tour, there are plenty of things to see in Toledo, such as the historic center (declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO), the Jewish Quarter, and many monuments. This exclusive and complete day trip from Madrid with an official guide enables you to discover the secrets and mysteries of the "city of three cultures". You can see and explore Toledo's most valuable monuments and learn about the peaceful coexistence of the three major religions while strolling through the narrow streets. In addition, after the tour, you can explore the city on your own and wander around its old neighborhoods.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 8 hours

Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

On this excursion, you'll first explore Avila, with its impressive 12th-century walls and medieval ambiance on a private tour. Next, you'll visit Segovia to marvel at the grand Roman aqueduct and the well-preserved Alcazar. End your tour with a visit to Segovia Cathedral, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 9 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

We also offer the following excursions in Madrid

E-Bike Madrid Essential Premium Group Tour
Moderate3 hours
El Escorial Private Tour
Moderate5 hours
Express Private Tour of Madrid by Electric Tuk-Tuk
Easy1 hour
Flamenco Show 1911 Group Experience
Easy1 hour

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Barcelona

4 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Barcelona Airport Arrival Transfer
Barcelona and Gaudi Group Walking Tour
Sagrada Familia Highlights Group Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
Barcelona Railway Station Departure Transfer
Barcelona - Madrid High Speed Train

Madrid

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Madrid Railway Station Arrival Transfer
Madrid in a Day - Royal Palace, Churros Tasting and Prado Museum Group Tour
Flamenco Show 1911 with Tapas Dinner Group Experience
Madrid Airport Departure Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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