Highlights
- Experience the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia with a local expert
- Sample tapas all over Barcelona, as well as treats in the city's most significant market
- Look over Catalonia from a 1000-year-old monastery in the Montserrat mountains
- Valencia's Central Market, Squares and Cathedral.
- The City of the Arts and Sciences.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Half-day city tour & La Sagrada Familia | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Antoni Gaudí architecture tour & market visit | Barcelona |
| Day 4 | Day trip to Santa Maria de Montserrat - Wine tasting | Barcelona |
| Day 5 | Train to Valencia - Private tapas tour | Valencia |
| Day 6 | City tour of Valencia | Valencia |
| Days 7-8 | Explore Valencia & the City of the Arts & Sciences | Valencia |
| Day 9 | Return to Barcelona - Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
¡Bienvenidos to Barcelona! Upon your arrival in Barcelona, you'll be greeted by your driver before transferring to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in before heading out to explore the neighborhood.
Day 2: Half-day city tour & La Sagrada Família
Meet your guide this morning for a half-day walking tour of Barcelona and its most popular attractions, including the iconic La Sagrada Família church. You will visit some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners, as well as learn all about Gaudí and his jaw-dropping masterpiece, which are under construction to this day. Enjoy lunch at a recommended tapas bar or restaurant before taking the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure.
Day 3: Antoni Gaudí architecture tour & market visit
Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and together you'll embark on a tour of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. Begin in Parc Güell, taking in performances by the local buskers who further add to the park's whimsical nature (expert tip, come here again in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the city). From here, you’ll make your way to the early 20th-century Dr. Seuss-esque Casa Milà, one of Gaudí's most exemplary works of civil architecture. Next, you'll visit a couple of Barcelona's most lively markets for a colorful experience as well as to taste the goods on offer.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Day trip to Santa Maria de Montserrat - Wine tasting
Meet your guide this morning and set off to discover the impressive Santa Maria de Montserrat, an abbey with commanding views over the Catalan lowlands. From there, you'll have the opportunity to listen to Montserrat's Boys' Choir, Escolania, one of Europe's oldest, before visiting the Moreneta de Montserrat and the Santa Cova shrine and chapel that houses the black Madonna.
Leaving the mountains behind, you'll enjoy typical Catalan lunch in a traditional restaurant followed by a guided visit and tour of one of the premier boutique wineries of the region. There will be a chance to taste some of their wines and cavas before returning to Barcelona.
Day 5: Train to Valencia - Private tapas tour
After breakfast, you'll meet your driver at your hotel to transfer to the Barcelona Sants Station to board the high-speed EuroMed train to Valencia. In under three hours, you'll travel in style on one of Europe's most comfortable and efficient trains. Admire the views along the coast as you enjoy refreshments from the bar on board. Upon your arrival to the port city of Valencia, you'll transfer to your boutique hotel in the historic core. After settling in, it's time to head out to explore this dynamic modern city.
In the evening you'll join your guide for a culinary tour through the historic old city, visiting both traditional and modern tapas bars. Feel like a local as you partake in good conversation over authentic eats and full-bodied Spanish wine, all while you learn about Spanish time-honored customs and traditions.
Day 6: Half day city tour
Begin the day with a tour of Valencia's most notable landmarks and discover how each era has left its mark on the city. Your guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to such noteworthy gems like Saint Mary's Cathedral, the Central Market and City Hall before dropping you off at a recommended tapas bar for lunch. Take the remainder of the afternoon to continue exploring the city at your own pace.
Days 7-8: Explore Valencia & the City of the Arts & Sciences
The next two days are yours to spend as you like. Stroll along the two-mile, palm tree-lined Passeig Marítim to check out the beaches on the north side of the port, like Las Arenas Beach, Cabanyal, and Malvarrosa. Alternatively, discover the famous City of Arts and Sciences—one of the 12 treasures of Spain. After a day at the beach enjoy drinks and tapas at a beachside restaurant and spend the next day on a mini-excursion to the Utiel-Requena wine region and surrounding villages, the fortified towns of Albarracín and Teruel, or take a private boat trip through the Albufera Natural Park.
Day 9: Return to Barcelona - Depart
After making sure you have all your souvenirs and gifts, meet your driver at your hotel and transfer to the train station to make the return trip to Barcelona. From here, you'll then carry on to the airport for your onward journey.
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