A Tale of Two Capitals
From Madrid to Barcelona
A Tale of Two Capitals is eight days divided between Spain’s two most influential cities. The journey begins in Barcelona among Gaudí’s architecture, Mediterranean streets, and neighborhoods that shaped the city’s creative identity. From there we continue to Madrid, where royal avenues, historic plazas, and world-class museums reveal the traditions of the Spanish capital. We spend real time inside the Prado and Reina Sofía, walk through the old quarters, and explore the Royal Palace. Evenings unfold the way the cities do, over good food, wine, and conversation, giving you time to experience both capitals beyond the major landmarks.
May 11 - May 18 (Mo- Mo)
Per Person
$3,265
Jun 15 - Jun 22 (Mo- Mo)
Per Person
$3,265
Jul 20 - Jul 27 (Mo- Mo)
Per Person
$3,265
Aug 24 - Aug 31 (Mo- Mo)
Per Person
$3,265
Sep 28 - Oct 5 (Mo- Mo)
Per Person
$3,265
• Centrally located hotels in Barcelona and Madrid chosen for comfort and character (7 nights)
• Daily breakfast
• Three included dinners: welcome dinner in Barcelona, flamenco dinner show in Madrid, and guided tapas evening with drinks
• High speed train between Barcelona and Madrid
• Private transportation for the Toledo day trip
• Guided city visits throughout the week
• Entry to major museums and monuments listed in the itinerary (Sagrada Família, Prado, Reina Sofía, Royal Palace, Toledo Cathedral)
• A Madridean Tours “Spanish Bolsa” welcome bag filled with local goodies
• On site host support throughout
Not Included
• Personal expenses and drinks outside included meals
• Meals during free time
• Independent sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome to Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona and meet your host and fellow travelers at a centrally located hotel. After settling in, step out for an orientation walk through nearby streets and plazas to get your first feel for the city. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner with regional wine, an introduction to Catalan food and the week ahead.
Day 2 — Gaudí & the Spirit of Barcelona
Begin the day with a guided visit to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s most extraordinary creation. Continue through the elegant Eixample district and along Passeig de Gràcia to admire the famous façades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. After lunch, the afternoon is free for further exploration, whether visiting more Gaudí sites, shopping, or relaxing in a café. Evening at leisure.
Day 3 — Picasso, the Gothic Quarter & La Boqueria
Start the morning at the Picasso Museum, where many of the artist’s early works reveal his deep connection to Barcelona. From there, walk through the historic streets of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, passing Roman walls, medieval squares, and the city’s cathedral. Pause at the lively stalls of La Boqueria Market before lunch. The afternoon and evening are free to explore Barcelona on your own.
Day 4 — Barcelona to Madrid
After breakfast, travel south by high speed train across the Spanish countryside to Madrid. Upon arrival, settle into your centrally located hotel before taking the afternoon to explore the surrounding neighborhoods or relax after the journey. The evening is free, with recommendations for discovering Madrid’s restaurants and nightlife.
Day 5 — Masterpieces & Flamenco
Today focuses on Spain’s greatest artistic treasures. Begin with a guided visit to the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, followed by time inside the Reina Sofía to stand before Picasso’s powerful Guernica. After lunch and a free afternoon, gather in the evening for a flamenco performance paired with dinner in one of Madrid’s traditional tablaos.
Day 6 — Toledo Day Trip & Tapas Night
Travel by private coach to Toledo, Spain’s historic city of three cultures. Walk through narrow medieval streets while visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s famous painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. After lunch and some free time to wander, return to Madrid. In the evening, enjoy a guided tapas and drinks crawl through the lively La Latina district.
Day 7 — Royal Madrid
Begin the day with a guided visit to Madrid’s Royal Palace, one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. Continue with a stroll through the nearby Sabatini Gardens and surrounding historic streets. After lunch near Plaza de Oriente, the afternoon is free for museums, shopping, or relaxing in a café. In the evening, gather for a farewell toast celebrating the journey.
Day 8 — Departure Day
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before saying your goodbyes. Your host remains available to assist with airport transfers or last minute sightseeing suggestions as you depart Madrid, carrying home the memories of both of Spain’s great capitals.
This tour involves daily walking, typically 2–4 miles per day, often through historic neighborhoods, plazas, and museum districts. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid include areas with cobblestones, uneven stone streets, and occasional stairways as part of exploring their older quarters.
The pace is steady but manageable, with regular breaks built into the schedule. Participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods and standing during guided visits in museums and historic sites.
Elevators are available at major museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía, though access in older districts can sometimes be limited. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this tour is the right fit.
Where Every Trip Tells a Story
