Active Family Trip to Barcelona, Northern Spain & Madrid - 12 Days

Highlights

• See the city sights and cook Spanish cuisine in Barcelona and Madrid
• Introduce the kids to modern and classical art at the Guggenheim and Prado
• Hike and sail to some of the Basque Country's best spots
• Learn the art of flamenco dance in Madrid

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walk

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a private driver will take you and your family to your city accommodation. Unwind after the flight and then head out to explore with a fun guided walking tour of the city's Gothic Quarter. Catalonia's enchanting capital is a treasure trove of fairy-tale buildings, family-friendly parks, and colorful history—the perfect blend to engage curious kids at the start of their Spanish adventure. 

Start with a surprise visit to the city's oldest shop and sample Spanish favorite churros con chocolate. Then, explore the city's history and culture through the eyes of your little ones as you solve puzzles and step back in time to reveal Barcelona's Roman past with a visit to the ancient Temple of Augustus. As you and the kids listen to tales of royalty, explore the intriguing Casa dels Entremesos (Museum of Giants), and visit the atmospheric square of Plaça Sant Felip Neri. You'll finish your tour at the medieval Plaça del Rei, a great spot for the kids to play in before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Visit Mercat de la Boqueria, Family Cooking Class, Tour Gaudí's Iconic Works

This morning's food-focused tour begins with a stroll to Mercat de la Boqueria—the city's famous food market. Led by a local expert, you and the kids will explore the dazzling array of stalls brimming with fresh produce and artisanal goods. After sourcing the ingredients for this morning's cooking class, you'll head to a nearby kitchen to spend a couple of hours in the company of a local chef. While the kids have fun prepping the ingredients, learn the secrets of paella, and then prepare and enjoy a delicious four-course meal served with local wine.

Tummies full, introduce the family to Gaudí's masterpieces with a private family tour of his best-loved sites. Even kids who've never heard of the famous architect will be bowled over by the gingerbread-style houses, whimsical mosaic walkways, and the lizard staircase at Park Güell. Continue your tour with a visit to the enchanting Casa Batlló, where young imaginations will be fueled by the quirky and colorful details, including curved walls, turtle-shaped windows, and a legendary roof that resembles dragon scales.

Tear the kids away with the promise of more Gaudí at your family's next stop—the celebrated Sagrada Família. With a fascinating history and impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-Modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles, the interior is considered one of the best examples of Gaudí's unique style. Don't miss the stained-glass windows, which flood the vast ceiling and columns with dazzling color as the light streams through. Afterward, relax and soak up the atmosphere in one of the city's nearby parks. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 3: Tour Barcelona's Old Town, Cable Car to Montjuïc Castle

This morning you and your family will continue your guided exploration of Barcelona (Barna, to the locals) with a tour across the centuries. You'll start with a stroll through Las Ramblas, the city's famed pedestrian street, where your guide will regale you and the kids with entertaining tales of the area's history. Stop by La Boqueria, where you'll have a chance to taste the delicious produce, and continue on to the stunning Palau Güell—an easy spot for the kids after their Gaudí masterclass yesterday. 

As you wander through the Old Town and the trendy El Raval neighborhood, don't miss the El Gato de Botero, an enormous metal cat by artist Fernando Botero. Capture the kids clambering over the statue before making your way to the Montjuïc Cable Car, where you and your family will soar up to the summit of the 1,988-foot (606 m) Montjuïc Hill. Reach the top and tour the 17th-century castle and dungeons, where you'll find plenty of features and history to fuel the kids' imaginations and play among the ruins.

When the sun dips, make your way to the nearby Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, named for the enchanting display of water and colored lights that occur after dark. End your evening at one of the city's many tapas restaurants and raise a toast to your trip.

Day 4: Fly to Bilbao, Guided Family Bike Tour

Embark on the next leg of your Spanish adventure this morning as you and the kids hop on a short 1.5-hour flight to Bilbao, a buzzy port town in the heart of the Basque Country with an intriguing mix of modern and historic architecture. It's also one of the best cities in Spain for cycling. Check in to your accommodation and meet your guide for a fun cycling tour around the city. Kids will love having their own set of wheels, and Bilbao's designated bike lanes and pedestrianized areas make it the perfect activity for younger family members.

Zip through the narrow Casco Viejo (Old Town) streets and peddle along the city's riverfront promenade that follows the Nervión River. Pass the city's famous landmarks, including Louise Bourgeois' "Spider" and Jeff Koon's enormous "Puppy," the world's largest flower sculpture sure to delight the kids. Stop to marvel at the gleaming exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry and the city's stunning 14th-century Catedral de Santiago with its Gothic-revival facade.

Enjoy tales from your guide and learn about Bilbao's development through the ages as you admire buildings from the 13th century, the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge, and the contemporary and often quirky architecture that gives the city its distinct charm. Finish your tour, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Stroll the cobbled streets and wander the markets and boutiques, stop for a cool drink in one of the shady cafés, or take a breather back at your hotel before heading out to dinner. 

Day 5: Guggenheim Museum Family Tour, Tapas Adventure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your family before continuing your exploration of Bilbao with an immersive tour that combines the city's history with its world-famous gastronomy. Stroll along Las Siete Callas (The Seven Streets), home to the city's classic landmarks, including the 18th-century Baroque Church of San Nicolás with its two imposing cupolas and the 16th-century Church of San Antón. The area is also awash with plenty of bars and restaurants where your guide will introduce you and the kids to traditional pintxos, northern Spain's Basque version of tapas.

Then, head to the vast Mercado de la Ribera, Europe's largest covered market and a great place to entice the kids with Basque cuisine. Explore the stalls and sample regional favorites such as salt cod and chorizo as you feast on delicious local produce. Then wander over to the Guggenheim Museum, where you and the kids will enjoy a private tour and explore works by contemporary artists, including Eduardo Chillida, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, and Fujiko Nakaya. 

Day 6:  Transfer to San Sebastián via Gaztelugatxe, Guided Family Bike Tour

Your Basque Country adventure continues this morning with a private drive to San Sebastián and the opportunity to take in some of the region's stunning seaside towns. Meet your driver at your hotel and then sit back and relax as you travel to the picturesque fishing village of Zumaia. Famous for its beaches and unique geology, the kids will be amazed to discover the bay's rocky Flysch Cliffs (sculpted by sea erosion), which show 60 million years of the earth's history and are one of Spain's most important geological phenomena.

Stretch your legs with a wander into the Medieval Quarter and enjoy a delicious lunch washed down with a glass of the local txakoli (dry white wine). Hope back in the car, and a little farther along, you'll reach the stunning historical island of Gaztelugatxe, recognizable to "Game of Thrones" fans as the site of Daenerys Targaryen's castle. The kids will love the walk along the stone bridge that zigzags up to the San Juan Hermitage, which lies atop the tiny island. It's the perfect spot for a family selfie, with incredible views of the surrounding Bay of Biscay.

Eventually, you'll reach your hotel in the beautiful coastal town of San Sebastián. After a quick refresh, you'll meet your guide for a gentle cycling tour of the area. Pedal through the Old Town and pass by the Mercado San Martin, Gipuzkoa Plaza, Plaza de Okendo, and the 12th-century Motako Gaztelua Castle. Be sure to bring your swimming things as you'll finish your tour with a visit to the city's three famed beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola. 

Day 7: Sail La Concha Bay

Experience the scenic Basque coastline from a different vantage point today as you and your family head to the harbor for a relaxing sailing trip around the bay. Little ones will love the thrill of adventure as soon as they step aboard the boat and sail out of the marina. It's worth keeping your camera close to capture the terrific views across to San Sebastián and La Concha Beach before heading along the coast. Task the kids with spotting the local wildlife and dolphins while your crew prepares a delicious picnic lunch, complete with the local wine. 

If the kids are eager to swim, there'll be plenty of opportunities as you drop anchor near La Concha for a refreshing dip in the bay. For families with older kids searching for a more active adventure, opt for a guided coastal hike along St. James Way, one of the most scenic stretches of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. You'll learn about the area's history, culture, and religious importance and finish with lunch at the charming fishing village of Pasajes San Juan, where Victor Hugo lived and drew inspiration for his writings. 

Day 8: Bay of Pasaia Scenic Hike, Lunch & Boat Cruise 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for an adventurous day trip exploring the beautiful countryside around San Sebastián and the Bay of Pasaia. Your 5-mile (8 km) hike starts just outside the Old Town, and your guide will lead you along the cliffs, passing Zurriola Beach, to your first lookout point. There's plenty to inspire the kids as you see inlets, caves, and a lighthouse, with some truly stunning sea views. Eventually, you'll reach Pasaia, a tiny fishing village known for its fresh seafood.

After a well-deserved lunch and rest, explore the village's living museum, where the little ones will be fascinated to see the ancient wooden ships used by 16th-century Basque whalers. You'll then get to see the cove from a different perspective as you board a boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the bay. Your captain will find a calm spot to drop anchor so you and the kids can take a refreshing dip straight off the deck. Afterward, return to your accommodation in San Sebastián, where you can either catch some downtime, head to the beach, or wander back into town.

Day 9: Fly to Madrid, Private Family City Tour

This morning you'll wave goodbye to San Sebastián and hop on a short 1.5-hour flight to Spain's capital, Madrid. Best known for its grand palaces, parks, and excellent museums, the city's wide elegant boulevards are filled with chic boutiques, cafés, and a wonderful array of architectural styles. Take a transfer to your hotel and settle in, then meet your guide for an interactive family tour of the capital's landmarks.

Your first stop is the Plaza Mayor, considered one of Spain's grandest squares. See the statue of King Felipe III and the entertaining street performers while your guide captivates the kids with tales of the city's exciting history and stories of explorers, artists, princes, and princesses. Stop for everyone's favorite snack, churros con chocolate, then continue to the Lope de Vega Museum and see where the famous Golden Age playwright and poet lived and worked. Next up is Jardins de Lepanto, the perfect spot for kids to let loose and explore the manicured gardens and statue-lined paths.

End your tour with a visit to El Parque Retiro, a relaxing oasis created as a retreat for the royal family and opened as a park to the public in the late 1700s. Rent a rowboat and explore the serene lake as you help the kids spot the resident swans and turtles or discover the 19th-century Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace). The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Grab some downtime back at your hotel, see the numerous museums and galleries on Gran Vía (Madrid's answer to Broadway), or settle in for a late lunch at one of the city's many family-friendly restaurants.

Day 10: Paella Cooking Class & Market Visit, Royal Palace Family Tour

Immerse yourselves in local life and gastronomy today as you and your family set off to the popular Mercado de Antón Martín. Accompanied by a professional chef, you'll select a variety of delicious local produce for this morning's family-friendly cooking class. Browse the stalls, learn about the ingredients, and then head to a local kitchen to learn how to make Spain's national dish—paella! Start with preparing a delicious appetizer of gazpacho before sampling a glass of sangria and learning about the origins of your dishes. You'll then get to enjoy your delicious creations.

Afterward, let your little ones channel their inner monarchs with a guided visit to the 18th-century Royal Palace, a compelling mix of neoclassical and Baroque architecture and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Discover the crowns, swords, and jewels on display while the kids swirl across the Throne Room, Royal Armoury, and Hall of the Crown. Visit the stunning Painting Gallery with works by some of Spain's most notable artists and pop next door to the nearby Sabatini Gardens, where you can see the changing of the guards and the majestic peacocks. 

You'll end your tour with a visit to Madrid's Catedral de la Almudena. While construction didn't begin until 1879, King Felipe II discussed plans for a cathedral as early as the 16th century, when the capital of Spain was transferred from Toledo to Madrid in 1561. See if the kids can guess when the building was completed (1993!), which has resulted in a relatively bright, modern interior, brought up to date with contemporary pops of color.

Day 11: Flamenco Dance Class, Visit the Prado Museum, Neighborhood Walking Tour

Experience the best of Spanish art and culture this morning as you and the kids explore the rich history of flamenco with a family dance class. Under the expert tuition of your professional dancers and instructors, you'll enjoy a fun and interactive exploration of this unique Spanish dance and accompanying music and song. After you've got to grips with the basic moves, you and your family will participate in a show where you'll get to show off your newfound footwork and floreo (hand shaping).

Take a break for mid-morning café and churros, and then it's off to the world-famous Museu Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum) to introduce your budding culture enthusiasts to some of the great artists of the last few centuries, including Titian, Rubens, and Goya. There'll be plenty of interactive activities, games, and tasks to keep the little ones occupied as your guide brings to life the stories behind the paintings, including Velázquez's 16th-century "Las Meninas," the museum's most famous piece depicting the Spanish royal family. 

After lunch, it's time for one more stretch of the legs with a private tour that forgoes the tourist landmarks in favor of the authentic, off-the-beaten-path areas that showcase a side of Madrid beloved by the locals. Older kids and teens will love the wonderful Chueca neighborhood, full of street art-filled alleyways and trendy plazas, including the hip Plaza del dos Mayo, Plaza de Chueca, and the district's hub Plaza de Pedro Zorolo. In the evening, dine out in style at one of the city's fabulous restaurants and recount the highlights of your trip.

Day 12: Depart Madrid

It's time to say goodbye as after breakfast, a driver whisks you and your family to the airport in time for your flight home or to continue your European adventure. Safe travels!

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