Explore the Highlights of Madrid & Barcelona Upgrade
Experience Spain’s two most famous and iconic cities
This 6- or 7-night getaway gives you the chance to explore these vibrant cities without the hassle! You'll start your adventure in cosmopolitan Madrid and end in whimsical Barcelona, where art seamlessly blends with day-to-day life. With this upgrade, you'll enjoy added transfers!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare from to Madrid (MAD) and from Barcelona (BCN)
- 4 nights in Madrid at Leonardo Boutique, or similar
- One way economy class high speed rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 4 nights in Barcelona at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Sagrada Familia, or similar
- Breakfast daily
PLUS!
- Private transfer from Madrid airport to hotel
- Private transfer from Madrid hotel to train station
- Private transfer from Barcelona train station to hotel
- Private transfer from Barcelona hotel to airport
Great Ways to Explore
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Visit Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which has been in the works for 100 years!
- Indulge in an authentic Spanish lunch of tapas and sangria, then follow it with a siesta!
-
Become entranced by Picasso's gut-wrenching Guernica, on display at the Reina Sofia in Madrid.
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The spirit of Spain can be felt at every corner; discover impromptu flamenco on the streets or stumble upon a Spanish guitar concert in one of the many parks.
-
Explore the whimsical works of architectural mastermind Antoni Gaudi; snap a photo in the iconic and colorful Park Guell!
Spend eight nights traveling in Spain exploring two gems of España with this air-inclusive package! Start off in the country capital of Madrid, where you can spend days strolling through the manicured parks or getting lost in the works of some of Spain's most iconic artists. Get a taste of surrealism at the Reina Sofia, or soak in the highlights of European art from the 12th to 19th century at the Museo del Prado. Say hello to the city's national symbol - the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree. Just don't leave without trying Madrid's specialty dessert - churros con chocolate!
You'll then take a high-speed train to Barcelona, where you will be met with architectural masterpieces like no other. Architect Antoni Gaudi's influence can be seen at every corner and major landmark. The famous Sagrada Familia is truly a sight to behold, and remains unfinished until this day, over 130 years after construction began. The juxtaposition of the city can be seen as you explore the Gothic Quarter, still exuding its medieval roots. No visit to Barcelona is complete without sampling the city's famous dish - seafood paella.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare from to Madrid (MAD) and from Barcelona (BCN)
- 4 nights in Madrid at Leonardo Boutique, or similar
- One way economy class high speed rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 4 nights in Barcelona at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Sagrada Familia, or similar
- Breakfast daily
PLUS!
- Private transfer from Madrid airport to hotel
- Private transfer from Madrid hotel to train station
- Private transfer from Barcelona train station to hotel
- Private transfer from Barcelona hotel to airport
-
Visit Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which has been in the works for 100 years!
- Indulge in an authentic Spanish lunch of tapas and sangria, then follow it with a siesta!
-
Become entranced by Picasso's gut-wrenching Guernica, on display at the Reina Sofia in Madrid.
-
The spirit of Spain can be felt at every corner; discover impromptu flamenco on the streets or stumble upon a Spanish guitar concert in one of the many parks.
-
Explore the whimsical works of architectural mastermind Antoni Gaudi; snap a photo in the iconic and colorful Park Guell!
Spend eight nights traveling in Spain exploring two gems of España with this air-inclusive package! Start off in the country capital of Madrid, where you can spend days strolling through the manicured parks or getting lost in the works of some of Spain's most iconic artists. Get a taste of surrealism at the Reina Sofia, or soak in the highlights of European art from the 12th to 19th century at the Museo del Prado. Say hello to the city's national symbol - the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree. Just don't leave without trying Madrid's specialty dessert - churros con chocolate!
You'll then take a high-speed train to Barcelona, where you will be met with architectural masterpieces like no other. Architect Antoni Gaudi's influence can be seen at every corner and major landmark. The famous Sagrada Familia is truly a sight to behold, and remains unfinished until this day, over 130 years after construction began. The juxtaposition of the city can be seen as you explore the Gothic Quarter, still exuding its medieval roots. No visit to Barcelona is complete without sampling the city's famous dish - seafood paella.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Spain!
Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain! Grab your luggage then kick back for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Madrid has so many incredible sites to see and you will be in a great location for exploring. Make the most of your first night here and try out some of the city's world-famous tapas bars. After some authentic Spanish cuisine, visit El Junco to join in on the dancing and live music!
Private Transfer: Madrid airport to hotel/city center
Enjoy comfort and convenience at the fully-renovated hotel Leonardo Boutique Hotel Madrid. Enjoy easy access to the city's main sights as the hotel is located a 2-minute walk from the Gran Via, the historical main street of Madrid. Enjoy easy access to public transport as well as a some of Madrid's most coveted highlights: the royal palace, official residence of the Spanish royal Family; the Puerta del Sol, a worldwide known monument full of history; the Plaza de España and its tribute to the Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes.
Each of the hotel's 75 guest rooms are tastefully decorated with the perfect mix of classic and contemporary design, and are all outward-facing. Start your days off with a relaxing breakfast; the hotel breakfast buffet allows you to choose from a sumptuous spread of pastries, breads, cold cuts, fresh fruit, juices, and more.
Located right in the middle of the Financial District and conveniently linked to major attractions, NYX Hotel Madrid is perfectly suited for travelers to Madrid. The hotel has 180 comfortable rooms featuring air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe and minibar. Treat yourself with a generous breakfast from the international breakfast buffet, then relax by the seasonal rooftop pool. Come nighttime, unwind with a delicious drink at the hotel bar. The hotel is located near attractions like Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid's home stadium, El Corte Inglés, one of the biggest department stores in Europe and The Calle de Orense with its great variety of shops and restaurants.
Day 2. Madrid
Take on the main sights of the city today! Check out prime attractions like the impressive Plaza Mayor, the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza de Oriente, and the Paseo del Arte, famous for its unique museums, palaces, and gardens.
Day 3. Madrid
Perhaps today you'll pay a visit to the Prado Museum, home to masterworks of Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco. You could also visit the 19th-century Villahermosa Palace, now the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum. Art lovers should make a stop at the Reina Sofia Art Centre, which showcases more than 300 modern works by Dali, Miro, and Picasso, among others. Or, get a taste of local culture in the bustling Puerta del Sol with its many shops, restaurants and tapas bars.
Day 4. Madrid
Enjoy another day on your own in Madrid. Do some last-minute shopping, savor some local tapas – or perhaps just wander through the city’s streets and squares, splendid avenues, meticulously manicured parks, and lovely promenades – immersing yourself in the culture, history, and beauty of this cosmopolitan city!
Day 5. Madrid - Barcelona
After breakfast, enjoy a transfer to the train station for your ride to Barcelona. After you check into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
Private transfer: Madrid city center/hotel to Atocha Rail Station
Train from Madrid to Barcelona
Private transfer: Barcelona Sants Rail Station to Barcelona city center/hotel
You'll be just a 15 minutes' walk from the famous Sagrada Familia at the Leonardo Boutique Hotel in Barcelona. Gaze up at the 38-story skyscraper "Torre Agbar" and shop until you drop at Encants Vells, both within walking distance. Excellent transport connections from Clot Metro Station allow you to reach the city center in only 10 minutes.
The hotel features 69 comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and non-allergic floors. Aside from their functionality, each room has been thoughtfully decorated with beautiful photographs donated by students. Hotel amenities include a tour desk, laundry service, breakfast buffet and a rooftop terrace from which you may enjoy a refreshing drink with panoramic views of the city!
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Gran Via is a 3-star hotel located between Plaza Espanya and the heart of the city. The hotel features a lobby bar where guests can enjoy cocktails, and breakfast is served daily as well. The front desk is available 24-hours to accommodate guests'' needs around the clock, and there is on-site parking available as well.
Guest rooms are spacious and feature modern decor. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom with a tub or shower, a hairdryer, in-room safe, and TV. Additionally, there is a coffee maker, air-conditioning, and room service.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is closest to this hotel. Plaza Espanya and Sant Sebastian Beach are within a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and the historical Casa Batllo is a short 6-minute drive from the hotel.
Day 6. Barcelona
Barcelona is at your fingertips! A visit to the Sagrada Familia is a must - leave yourself a few hours as you may become entranced by the beauty and grandeur of this seemingly otherworldly building.
In the evening, take a stroll down the famous shopping street of Las Ramblas. Pick up a souvenir or two or stop by the famous food market of Boqueria, where you'll find a variety of snacks and sips, from local fruits to gourmet candies to fresh-caught fish!
Day 7. Barcelona
Today's a great day to get lost in the beauty of Park Guell, home to uniquely shaped buildings covered with vibrantly colored tiles as well as diverse birdlife.
Day 8. Barcelona
Spend a day taking in the splendors of the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) today. Consider paying a visit to the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, then continue onto the Museu Nacional d'Art Catalan, where you will find an impressive collection of medieval art. You can also discover the musical history of Catalonia with a visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana if you wish!
Day 9. Depart Spain
Your vacation comes to an end today. In accordance with your return flight, you'll be transferred to the airport in Barcelona and begin your journey home.
Private transfer: Barcelona city center/hotel to Barcelona airport
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.