Spain: A Tailor-Made Journey to Madrid, Valencia, & Barcelona

Arrive in Spain's vibrant capital today and settle into your hotel. Head out on a walking tour of the city that includes a visit to the world-famous Prado, home to the works of Spanish masters such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. (B)

Today you will drive out the city to visit a family run winery known for its excellent production. On arrival there will be a brief introduction to the vineyard followed by a tour of the historic cellars and production facilities. Afterwards you’ll be invited to sit and enjoy a tasting of wines overlooking the picturesque vineyards. Once you're tour and tasting is complete your driver will take you back to your hotel. This evening you'll visit Teatro Flamenco Madrid, the first flamenco theatre in the world, where you’ll see an hour-long performance. The theatre's resident dancers create a unique, intimate environment which connect the spectator and the artist. (B)

Set out on a morning excursion to El Escorial, a massive royal monastery complex built by King Phillip II during the height of the Age of Discovery. On a tour of the Renaissance palace, see paintings by Titian and other masters. Then visit the Pantheon, where nearly all of Spain's monarchs are buried. Learn about more recent history with a stop at the Valle de los Caídos, or “Valley of the Fallen,”  a Civil War memorial commissioned by Francisco Franco. Spend your afternoon at leisure in Madrid. (B)

You will have a private transfer from your Madrid hotel to Atocha train station this morning. A high speed train ticket is included for your 2-hour journey to Valencia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver who will bring you to your Valencia hotel. The rest of day at leisure to explore this coastal Mediterranean city.(B)

Today, join a small group on a visit to the Algiros market where you’ll see and purchase the freshest ingredients available. After hearing about the essence of the neighborhood, you’ll head to the kitchen where the experienced chef will teach you the secrets to making the perfect paella.  Once you’ve finished preparing the meal, you’ll sit down to enjoy what you’ve made along with a glass of local wine or sangria. (B,L)

You'll again journey via high-speed rail today north to Barcelona. Private transfers will accompany you to and from your hotels. This afternoon, you'll experience Barcelona through the lens of one of its most famous citizens. It’s rare that a single person can have as much impact on the landscape of a city as Antoni Gaudí did upon Barcelona. Yet the city is littered with a host of elements from lowly lampposts to the sprawling environs of Parc Guell that all owe their origins to his masterful design. On this tour, you’ll commence with a driver and guide to visit three of his most famous works, the Casa Milà apartment blocks (often referred to as La Pedrera), Park Güell and of course, the jewel in the crown, the unfinished Sagrada Família.This tour will include pre-booked entrance tickets to each site for an assigned entrance time, allowing you to skip the line with your guide. (B)

Explore the historic streets of Barcelona today with your guide, beginning with with an exploration of the winding network of streets within the Gothic Quarter as well as see the bustling central La Ramblas area. Heading deeper into the heart of the El Born district, you’ll reach the Picasso Museum nestled among the tiny side streets. Housing a collection of over 3,500 artworks, the museum is particularly noteworthy for its examples of Picasso’s earliest work. The building itself a charming maze of courtyards and galleries and is a delight to explore. The tour will end in central Barcelona, allowing you to continue to explore at your leisure. (B)

A private guide will drive you through the Catalan countryside to the dramatic mountain of Montserrat. Rising majestically to 4,051 ft. above sea level, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. After winding your way up the hillside, you’ll reach the Basillica de Montserrat complex, home to a particularly famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of the Virgin Moreneta, known as the Black Virgin. A Royal Basilica, Monserrat has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years and makes for a lovely tour from Barcelona. Where possible we’ll schedule your visit to coincide with a performance of the Basilica’s boys’ choir. (B)

Today make your way to the Bilbao airport for your flight home.