Cuisine & Culture: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

Arrive in Barcelona and meet your English-speaking driver at the airport for your private transfer into the city. After taking some time to settle in, get acquainted with the city on a private 2-hour walking tour. Look upon Barcelona's gorgeous Spanish architecture, intricate neighborhoods and well-known sites as your guide leads you through the centuries-old streets. Overnight Barcelona.

The morning is at leisure for you to explore Barcelona independently. Enjoy a morning coffee in one of the cafés throughout the city or head to a landmark site presented on yesterday's walking tour for an up-close view. Later, visit two of Barcelona's famous landmarks: La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Learn about the symbolism in Gaudi's works as you skip the line and discover the incredible detail within the basilica, presented through artwork and the structure itself.

End your day as you please - perhaps by joining an optional tour through Barcelona's beloved bars and taverns. Live like a Catalonian, tasting tapas of all varieties, sipping local wine, and soaking in the city's undeniable ambiance as a guide escorts you between tapas joints. Overnight Barcelona. 

• Breakfast

Today brings a choice of excursions that allow you to experience the Barcelona region in new and exciting ways. You can join a half-day expedition to Montserrat. Begin with a visit to Santa Maria de Montserrat to follow in the footsteps of monks from hundreds of years ago. Surrounded by the soft curves of rock formations and lush greenery, this Gothic Basilica is a true sight to behold. The main attraction here is the Black Madonna statue, located on the church's altar. Your excursion continues through the countryside, surrounded by the most incredible views, to Montserrat Mountain for a ride aboard its cogwheel railway. Picturesque views over the scenic region abound during the 15-minute ascent into the heart of the mountains.

Alternatively, explore the city through its flavors. Venture to a picturesque terrace overlooking the sea and savor authentic Spanish paella and breathtaking panoramic views. Overnight Barcelona.

• Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Barcelona's train station to board a train bound for Madrid. The journey inland takes under three hours to complete, and on arrival, a driver awaits to transfer you to your conveniently located hotel. This city is all stunning architecture, charming boulevards, and vibrant culture, all of which are yours to explore at leisure. You may wish to relax in one of the parks, such as El Retiro, or savor the sights and smells of the famous San Miguel Market. Overnight Madrid.

• Breakfast

Through art and history, immerse yourself in Madrid's rich heritage today as you experience the highlights of Madrid, ranging from its most notable landmarks to its pretty plazas, on a guided tour. Each area of the city has a distinct feel which, together, illustrate Madrid's vast offerings. The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the largest palace in Western Europe - and one of the largest in the world - Madrid's Royal Palace. During your visit, look upon exquisite furnishings and magnificent works of art as you venture between the palace's most famous rooms, including the royal armory, the throne room, the Gasparini Room, the chapel, and the beautifully preserved royal kitchen. The grand staircase steals the show during any visit with its unmatched opulence.

For a more intimate touring experience, upgrade to a private city tour. Your driver escorts you through the city's winding boulevards, lined with history, and to the beloved Prado Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Spanish artwork and countless other masterpieces from across Europe. Home to over 8,500 paintings, as well as various sculptures, drawings, prints, and artifacts, there is no shortage of things to discover.

After your chosen adventure, continue your day with a culinary experience highlighting Madrid's unique fare. A local guide leads you between resident taverns to sample three different types of wine and several varieties of ham and cheese. Overnight Madrid. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

The day is yours to continue experiencing Madrid independently, or you may elect to join an optional excursion. The first takes you to the ancient city of Toledo. Spend half the day delving into this riverside destination's arts, history, and cuisine. Known as the "city of three cultures," you will see influences of the Christian, Hebrew, and Islamic cultures as you visit popular places throughout the city, including its UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter, complete with medieval buildings. Entrance to its intricate Roman Catholic cathedral is also included.

Alternatively, a guided tour of the Prado Museum, with skip-the-line access, allows you to experience Spain through its art. Overnight Madrid.

• Breakfast

Transfer to the Madrid rail station this morning and board your train to Seville. Set alongside the River Guadalquivir, Seville is an artist's dream. From its architecture to its dancing and music, the city is a joy to discover. Once you are settled into your hotel, begin your exploration of this incredible city with your local guide as you discover the crowning jewels of the city's landscape, including the Real Alcazar of Seville, which is the oldest royal plaza in Europe, and the Cathedral of Seville, the world's largest Christian Gothic cathedral. From here you make your way to Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, as you look for traces of ancient Synagogues in the labryinth formed by narrow cobbled streets and charming courtyards. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Seville's hotspots and attractions as you please. Overnight Seville.

• Breakfast

Spend your day in Seville marveling at Mudéjar architecture and visiting sites that speak to history buffs, artists, and globetrotters alike. Seville is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the grandiose Seville Cathedral, the remarkable Royal Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies, home to more the 43,000 documents. The city has stunning plazas, including the Plaza de España, beloved for its beauty and cultural significance. In fact, it was even featured in "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" and "Game of Thrones." Taste tapas in a bar that dates to 1670, El Rinconcillo, or meander through the museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional wine tasting tour that presents Seville's fine wines. An expert leads the way, pouring delicious varietals that speak to the nuances of the region.

However you choose to spend your day, the evening concludes with a showcase of color, movement, and excitement with a traditional Flamenco performance. On a private patio, watch the graceful movements of dancers while listening to rhythmic music and dining on a delicious meal of tapas. The combination of elements makes for a memorable conclusion to this wonderful journey. Overnight Seville. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

After eight days of beauty and culture, your Spanish expedition concludes this morning. A driver meets you at your hotel for a private transfer to the airport for your return flight home. 

• Breakfast