Curated trips
Explore Madrid, Barcelona & Costa Brava's Shores
Explore Madrid, Barcelona & Costa Brava's Shores
11 days  ·  6 places  ·  2 countries

Dance, drink and eat your way through Spain with a 10-day self-guided tour.

Hola, bienvenido a españa! Madrid’s incredible energy welcomes you with open arms.

Although Madrid has no Eiffel Tower or Big Ben, with some of the world’s best art museums, Baroque architecture and Belle Époque palaces, it doesn’t need to. As well as telling the story of Spain’s complex history, Madrid is also a modern metropolis of innovative cuisine and boutique shops.

After checking in to your hotel, join a walking tour and explore the city’s best attractions from ground level. To finish off your first day in Spain, jump aboard a tapas tasting tour to take your tastebuds on a flavour adventure.

Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Madrid Tapas Tour
Madrid Tapas Tour
Day 1
C. la Pinilla, 21, 28023 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Madrid Day Tours
Madrid Day Tours
Day 1
Cra de S. Jerónimo, 15, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Wake up bright and early, you’re in Madrid! Prepare to get amongst the excitement of the city. This morning, after breakfast, select to either wander around the famous Reina Sofia Museum containing Picasso’s Guernica masterpiece, or seek thrills at Parque Warner Madrid.

For lunch, make a stop off at the lively and welcoming El Sur. This traditional Spanish restaurant is located in the heart of Madrid, offering excellent value for money for classic dishes like tortilla de patatas, croquetas, and paella.

For lovers of sport, you’re spoilt for choice with two league football teams to watch! In the afternoon, catch a game or tour around Real Madrid’s home stadium; Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or the home stadium of Atlético Madrid; Metropolitan Stadium.

Finish the day with a delicious dinner at locals favourite since 1888; Casa Mingo. A must-visit for any visitor to Madrid, this restaurant is famous for its roasted chicken and cider.

Attraction
Castilla y León, Spain
·
El Sur de Gredos Restaurante
El Sur de Gredos Restaurante
Day 2
Carr. Candeleda, 13, 05400 Arenas de San Pedro, Ávila, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Day 2
Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Day 2
C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Parque Warner Madrid
Parque Warner Madrid
Day 2
A-4, salida 22, 28330 San Martín de la Vega, Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Casa Mingo
Casa Mingo
Day 2
P.º de la Florida, 34, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, Madrid
Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, Madrid
Day 2
Av. de Luis Aragonés, 4, 28022 Madrid, Spain

After breakfast, put your walking shoes on in preparation for a tour filled day.

First up, travel to UNESCO world heritage site Toledo, and explore the incredible city museum either at your own pace or with a guided tour around the once capital of Spain.

Return to the city for lunch at the ever-so charming, La Camarilla. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Malasaña, they serve delicious Spanish cuisine with a modern twist.

After lunch, if you’re still up to wandering around, a guided tour around Madrid’s Royal Palace will be on offer. Marvel at the palatial architecture, visit the historic Throne Room and inspect beautiful art form centuries ago.

It’s dinner time and the choice is yours. For a unique and trendy dining experience, StreetXO is a great option. This fusion restaurant combines Asian and Spanish cuisines and offers a creative and adventurous menu with prices that are worth it for the experience. Or, if something more casual is on the menu, Ramen Kagura is a favourite cozy ramen shop among locals and serves some of the best of ramen, gyoza, and other Japanese dishes in Madrid at very affordable prices.

Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Ramen Kagura Ópera
Ramen Kagura Ópera
Day 3
C. de las Fuentes, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Castile-La Mancha, Spain
·
Toledo
Toledo
Day 3
Toledo, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Day 3
C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
StreetXO
StreetXO
Day 3
C. de Serrano, 47, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Enjoy a leisurely morning, breakfast at the hotel and then checking out of your Madrid stay. Pack your bags and jump on a train to our next stop: Barcelona!

A vibrant Mediterranean city that overflows with art and architecture, Barcelona is known for its association with Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, but its offerings extend far beyond the works of just one man. A feverish period at the start of the 20th century saw Gaudí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró all stake their claim on Catalonia’s cultural capital.

Once you arrive to your five-star accommodation at Hotel Claris, settle in and freshen up for a delicious dinner at La Flauta. This restaurant offers traditional Catalan dishes in a cozy atmosphere and serves up a variety of tapas, seafood dishes, and meat options – something for everyone!

Train
Day 4
Madrid
Day 4
Barcelona
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
La Flauta
La Flauta
Day 4
C/ d'Aribau, 23, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

Once you’re up-and-at-‘em, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast to fuel you for a day of wandering and wondering ahead. Thanks to the city’s efficient public transport system, it’s easy to get around from attraction to attraction, and simply soak up the city's character.

First up on the must-see art list: chart Picasso’s progression in the museum of his name or take the cable car to Montjuïc to see local-born Miró’s work.

Stop for a cheap and cheerful lunch break at Maoz Vegetarian. A great spot for vegetarians on a budget, they offer a variety of delicious falafel and pita options that are filling and affordable. After lunchtime, explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter where you’ll find the medieval cathedral and lanes from where Gaudí pulled inspiration.

Enjoy some downtime before your fine dining dinner experience at ABaC. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative and beautifully presented dishes.

Attraction
Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
·
Museum Picasso Eugenio Arias' Collection
Museum Picasso Eugenio Arias' Collection
Day 5
Pl. de Picasso, 1, 28730 Buitrago del Lozoya, Madrid, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Àbac
Àbac
Day 5
Av. del Tibidabo, 1, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Montjuïc
Montjuïc
Day 5
Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter
Day 5
Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Maoz Vegetarian
Maoz Vegetarian
Day 5
Carrer de Ferran, 13, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Today is all about relaxing and taking in the natural beauties home to Barcelona. Wake up when you like and wander around some of the city’s most magnificent public parks from Park Güell and Parc de Cervantes, to Diagonal Mar Park and Tamarita Gardens.

Grab a quick lunch from a street vendor on your way to the coast, where you’ll explore and laze on the golden sand for as long as you like. Adventure to Barceloneta Beach, splash around in Playa de Bogatell and relax on the sand at San Sebastian Beach.

Return to the hotel with plenty of time to freshen up for a casual dinner at Ciudad Condal. This bustling tapas restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike, with an extensive menu at reasonable prices.

Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Playa de Bogatell
Playa de Bogatell
Day 6
Playa de Bogatell, Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Cataluña, Spain
·
Ciutat Comtal
Ciutat Comtal
Day 6
Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Parc Diagonal Mar
Parc Diagonal Mar
Day 6
Carrer de Llull, 350, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
San Sebastian Beach
San Sebastian Beach
Day 6
San Sebastian Beach, Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Park Güell
Park Güell
Day 6
08024 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Parc de Cervantes
Parc de Cervantes
Day 6
Avinguda Diagonal, 706, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Jardins de la Tamarita
Jardins de la Tamarita
Day 6
Pg. de St. Gervasi, 47, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach
Day 6
Barceloneta Beach, Spain

Feel free to spend this day at your leisure, whether that’s sleeping in and indulging in brunch, or booking in some additional tours around Barcelona’s best sites – that’s up to you.

As one of the most vibrant capitals in Europe, Barcelona also has an array of exciting shopping meccas. Browse wares of boutique and antique stores scattered throughout the city, or find just what you’re looking for in one of the city’s major shopping centers from Maremagnum to Arenas Mall.

For your final night in Barcelona, treat yourself to a high-end meal at Disfrutar. Known for its playful and creative cuisine, the tasting menu is a culinary journey that's sure to impress, that’s worth the price tag.

Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Arenas Mall
Arenas Mall
Day 7
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373, 385, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Maremagnum
Maremagnum
Day 7
Moll d'Espanya, 5, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Disfrutar
Disfrutar
Day 7
C. de Villarroel, 163, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

Wave goodbye to the city of the sun and leisurely check out of your hotel. Bags in tow, jump aboard a train to Girona.

Once you arrive, check in to the glorious oceanfront Hostal de La Gavina, throw your bags down and settle in. Right in the heart of Costa Brava, take a leisurely stroll along the coast overlooking the scenic stretch of Catalonia’s stunning shoreline extending from the French border in the north to the town of Blanes in the south.

Refresh in your hotel room in time for a traditional Catalan meal at Casa Marieta. The family-run restaurant has been serving local cuisine for over 100 years and boasts a menu with dishes like roasted lamb, Catalan sausage, and botifarra, all cooked to perfection.

Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Costa Brava
Costa Brava
Day 8
Costa Brava, Girona, Spain
Train
Day 8
Barcelona
Day 8
Girona
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Casa Marieta Restaurant
Casa Marieta Restaurant
Day 8
Pl. de la Independència, 5, 6, 17001 Girona, Spain

Rise bright and early for a busy day of exploring the Catalonia region. Dotted with rugged coves, medieval villages, sandy beaches, vineyards, and the works of Salvador Dalí, many travellers flock to this picturesque region of Spain.

With many incredible options on offer, explore the countryside how you like with yacht excursions, e-bike ventures, and kayaking trips, or visit beloved towns like Cadaqués, Figueres where you can explore Salvador Dalí’s signature museum in his home town, or Girona, a famous medieval town.

Keep the party going with a delicious tapas dinner and drinks at the end of your day of exploring at Llevataps. The renowned tapas bar is lively and friendly, offering a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Spanish tapas to innovative and creative dishes.

Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Girona
Girona
Day 9
Girona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Cadaqués
Cadaqués
Day 9
Cadaqués, Girona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Llevataps
Llevataps
Day 9
Carrer de Santa Anna, 13, 43201 Reus, Tarragona, Spain
Attraction
Catalonia, Spain
·
Figueres
Figueres
Day 9
17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain

For your final full day in the Catalonia region, it’s only fitting to sit back, relax and take your tastebuds on a journey. Lovers of wine and delicious local produce rejoice in a leisurely visit and wander around the Penedès wine region, which is the home of cava. Sip delectable drops and nibble on perfectly paired tasting food that showcases the best of the region.

Afterwards, jump aboard an interesting tour of the Montserrat Mountain Monastery, or Abbey of Montserrat, and marvel in the immense beauty of the palatial mountainside structures.

Finish the trip off with a bang with a classy dinner at Massana. Toting a Michelin-star, the stylish and elegant restaurant offers contemporary Catalan cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients and is just perfect for a special occasion.

Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Denominació d'Origen Penedès
Denominació d'Origen Penedès
Day 10
Plaça l'Àgora, 1, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
Attraction
Catalunya, Spain
·
Massana Restaurant
Massana Restaurant
Day 10
Carrer Bonastruc de Porta, 10, 17001 Girona, Spain
Attraction
Cataluña, Spain
·
Abbey of Montserrat
Abbey of Montserrat
Day 10
08199 Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain

Today’s your final day in Spain! Enjoy a final breakfast before packing up, checking out and travelling to the airport. Whether you’re headed home or continuing your journey around Europe, we’ll see you back in Spain soon. Adiós!

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