06 Days - Spectacular Spain

London - Barcelona (Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Mins) Meet our representative at the airport this morning, who will provide you with your flight ticket from London Heathrow to Barcelona. You will need to manage your own check-in this morning and ensure you are at the correct gate and adhere to times as per the guidelines provided by the airport information system. Upon your arrival in Barcelona, meet your tour representative in the arrival's hall, or at a previously specified location. From there, we will board our coach and begin our adventure. Our first destination is Montjuic, a hill that offers splendid views over Barcelona harbor. A cable car ride will take you to the top, offering a picturesque view of the harbor and the city, providing a superb backdrop for your photos. Note that the visit does not include entry to the castle at the top. On our way back, we will get a glimpse of Barcelona's Olympic Stadium. Next, we will head into Barcelona city center, stopping at an Indian restaurant for lunch. Subsequent to lunch, enjoy some free time at Las Ramblas. Here you can shop for souvenirs, unwind at numerous cafes, or simply absorb the bustling ambiance. Later, we will attend a Flamenco Show. Although Flamenco isn’t native to Barcelona, it has blossomed here as Andalusians have migrated here for work. The show is not just about the dance but also features masterful guitar playing and beautiful singing, taking place in a cozy venue that evokes the gypsy flamenco caves of southern Spain. It’s important to note that the flamenco show may be scheduled for day 2 instead. To wrap up our day, we will have a delicious dinner before heading to the hotel.

Barcelona – Montserrat – Barcelona (Distance: 120 Kms) After breakfast, meet our local professional guide for a city tour of Barcelona, ensuring you will be engulfed in its rich history and showcased its significant sights. Next, we will visit the exterior of Antoni Gaudi's renowned, Sagrada Familia. A year after its construction began in 1882, Gaudi assumed control, transforming the initial neo-Gothic designs into a grand, unprecedented vision. Despite being only 70% complete, the Basilica holds its own unique magnificence. Post admiring the Sagrada Familia, we will proceed to a restaurant for an Indian lunch. Afterward, we will board the coach and head to Montserrat, an awe-inspiring Benedictine monk mountain retreat, approximately an hour’s drive from Barcelona. A trip to Montserrat often stands out as a highlight for visitors to Spain. The Montserrat Monastery is not only of substantial religious importance but is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Our ascent to the top will be conducted by either coach or funicular. Enjoy some leisure time exploring near the Monastery before we return to the coach and journey back to Barcelona.

Barcelona - Valencia (Distance: 400 Kms) In the morning, following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and set our course south towards Valencia, tracing the scenic coast along the Balearic Sea. Expect approximately a 4-hour journey, placing us in Valencia by the afternoon. Upon arrival in Valencia's city centre, we will be joined by our local professional guide to commence our exploration of this culturally rich port city. Our tour initiates with a viewing of the Town Hall, an amalgamation of two interconnected blocks: the historical Casa de la Enseñanza and a newer addition from the early 20th century, serving as the City Council since 1934. This modern construction features lavish decoration and a central clock tower. Our journey continues with a visit to the expansive Gateway Towers of Serranos and Quart. These structures, constructed in the Valencian Gothic style at the end of the 14th century, represent one of the twelve gates from the ancient city wall and are celebrated as the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe. Following this, we will marvel at the La Seo Cathedral, a significant sight in Valencia, home to a multitude of religious and artistic treasures. Furthermore, we will explore the City of Arts and Sciences, a substantial scientific and cultural complex in Europe, comprising striking buildings like the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic, and renowned for its architectural brilliance. To conclude our day, we will savor a Spanish or Indian dinner, offering a light continental meal option from either cuisine

Valencia - Madrid (Distance: 420 Kms) After enjoying breakfast this morning, we will check out of the hotel and journey toward one of Valencia's premier attractions: L'Oceanogràfic. Inside L'Oceanogràfic, we will explore Europe’s largest aquarium, home to representations from the world’s major marine ecosystems. Each building is designated to different aquatic environments: the Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, the Arctic, Islands, and the Red Sea, as well as a sizable Dolphinarium with a depth of 10.5 meters and containing 24 million litres of water. Subsequently, we will embark on a drive to Madrid, Spain's capital, characterized by its elegant boulevards and lush, expansive parks. Anticipate reaching Madrid late in the afternoon, with a stop en route for lunch at a service area offering only continental food options, noting that no fast-food restaurants will be available. Upon arrival in Madrid’s city centre, our panoramic tour will unfold, spotlighting the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area. We will also explore the bustling "Puerta del Sol," a renowned public square, and the "Plaza de Cibeles," a square symbolizing Madrid with its neoclassical complex of marble sculptures and fountains. Here, observe the Bank of Spain, the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palace of Linares, and the Cybele Palace. Next, our journey takes us through the famed shopping district, "Gran Via," en route to "Plaza de España," where we will admire the monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and two of Madrid's significant skyscrapers. Continuing our tour, we will see Calle de Alcalá, Madrid’s longest street, and the Neptuno Fountain, a neoclassical fountain located in a roundabout, showcasing Neptune on a shell-shaped chariot. In the evening, indulge in an Indian meal at a local restaurant before we return to our coach and head to the hotel.

Madrid (Distance: 90 Kms) This morning, after breakfast, we board our coach and head to the city centre of Madrid, targeting our first stop, the Royal Palace. Upon securing our tickets, we will explore the interior of the Royal Palace, once the residence of Spanish Kings from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. Though no longer a royal home, it remains their official residence, offering us a fascinating journey through Spanish history with its 135,000 square metres and 3,418 rooms, not to mention its stunning architecture that splendidly overlooks the river valley. As we depart, we will drive past the esteemed Prado Museum, constructed under Charles III as part of an ambitious architectural initiative. Next, we pause for an Indian lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some leisure time at the Market of San Miguel, Madrid's renowned covered market. Here, indulge in gourmet tapas, explore over 30 vendors offering a vibrant array of freshly prepared foods, hams, olives, and baked goods, or simply immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. During the day, we will pass by the notable bullring in Madrid, Las Ventas, inaugurated in 1931 and recognized as one of the most important bullfighting arenas in the world, viewing its impressive architecture from outside. In the afternoon, we navigate towards "Gran Via", arguably Madrid's most vital shopping artery and an entertaining thoroughfare sometimes likened to Spanish Broadway. It's not just a shopper's paradise but also a window to various parts of Madrid city centre, connecting Calle de Alcalá and Plaza de España. Dinner awaits us at the restaurant in the evening. Later you can opt for an additional "Madrid By Night" tour. Should you choose the optional night tour, we embark on a 90-minute journey, exploring the vibrant nocturnal scenes of Madrid, including the Gran Via, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Fountain of Cibeles, and Plaza de España. Finally, we return to the hotel, preparing to pack our bags and check out the following morning.

Madrid - Toledo - London (Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Mins) This morning, after breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and begin our journey to the historic city of Toledo. Our first experience of the day will be a visit to a traditional sword factory, where Toledo's centuries-old craftsmanship comes to life. Here, we will witness the meticulous techniques that have made Toledo steel world-famous since medieval times. Following this fascinating visit, we will continue to the heart of Toledo City Centre, exploring its charming streets and admiring the unique blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences that define the "City of Three Cultures." After our enriching time in Toledo, we will travel onward to the vibrant capital city of Madrid. Upon arrival, we will head to a local restaurant for a delicious Indian lunch. Following lunch, we will board our coach once more and head to the airport to catch our return flight to London Heathrow (Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Mins), bringing our memorable journey to a close.

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Today morning meet our rep at the airport who will provide you with you Flight ticket number from London Heathrow to Madrid. You will need to do your own check-in this morning and ensure you are at the correct gate and times as per the guidelines given by the airport information system. Meet your tour rep at the arrival's hall in Madrid airport, or the location given by your tour rep. We then proceed to make our way towards our coach. Depending on the plan for the day it may be possible for us to have an early check-in at the hotel, in which case we will proceed to the hotel to check-in to our rooms. We will then proceed to make our way to the restaurant for our Indian lunch. On arrival in Madrid city centre, Spain's central capital, we will go on a panoramic tour covering the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and also used for state ceremonies, it is also the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area. You will also see the "Puerta del Sol" a public square in Madrid, which is one of the best known and busiest places in the city. We then see the "Plaza de Cibeles" a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures and fountains that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. At the "Plaza de Cibeles" see the four prominent buildings: the Bank of Spain, the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palace of Linares ("Palacio de Linares"), and the Cybele Palace ("Palacio de Cibeles"). Where possible we will be coming of the coach to take quick photo stops throughout the panoramic city tour, this will be traffic dependent. We then see the "Plaza de España" as we drive through the world-renowned and shopping district of Madrid the "Gran Via". At the Plaza, you can see the monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and is adjacent to two of Madrid's most prominent skyscrapers. As we continue our panoramic tour see the Calle de Alcalá, which is the longest street in Madrid and also a Neoclassical fountain in the centre of a roundabout depicting Neptune on a shell-shaped chariot - the famous fountain of Neptune. Later in the evening, we go for our Indian meal at the restaurant before we board back onto the coach and make our way back to the Hotel.

Madrid - Toledo - Madrid (Distance: 90 Kms) This morning, after breakfast, we board our coach and begin our journey to the historic city of Toledo. Our first experience of the day will be a visit to a traditional sword factory, where Toledo’s centuries-old craftsmanship comes to life. Here, we will witness the meticulous techniques that have made Toledo steel world-famous since medieval times. Following this fascinating visit, we will continue to Toledo City Centre, exploring its charming streets and admiring the unique blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences that define it as the "City of Three Cultures." After our enriching time in Toledo, we will travel back to Madrid. Upon arrival, we will head to a local Indian restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Royal Palace (interior visit), once home to the Spanish Kings from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. Although it is no longer a royal residence, it remains their official palace and offers us a captivating journey through Spanish history with its grand architecture and lavish interiors. As we depart, we will drive past the esteemed Prado Museum, originally constructed under Charles III. We then enjoy some leisure time at the Market of San Miguel, Madrid’s famous covered market, where you can browse gourmet tapas, cured meats, cheeses, sweets, and other delicacies or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. During the day, we also pass by the impressive Las Ventas bullring, one of the most important bullfighting arenas in the world, admired from the outside for its striking architecture. We will continue via Gran Via, Madrid’s iconic shopping and entertainment artery, sometimes referred to as the Spanish Broadway. Dinner awaits us at a local restaurant in the evening. Later, you may opt for an additional "Madrid By Night" tour, a 90-minute panoramic drive showcasing illuminated highlights such as Gran Via, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Fountain of Cibeles, and Plaza de España. We then return to the hotel for the night.

Madrid - Valencia (Distance: 420 Kms) Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and make our way to Valencia, located on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast. You will not be reaching Valencia until late in the afternoon, and we will be stopping on route for Lunch. The lunch stop will only sell continental food, and there will be no fast-food restaurants located within the services. On arrival, we meet our local professional guide in the city centre. The tour of this port and the cultural city starts with a view of the Town Hall, which is made up of two connected blocks: the Casa de la Enseñanza (the old Mayoral School) and the section that was added at the beginning of this century. The City Council has been based there since 1934. The construction is modern, with lavish decoration and there is a clock tower in the centre of the building. We then see the massive Gateway Towers of Serranos and Quart; it is one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall and regarded as the largest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe as it was built in Valencian Gothic style at the end of the 14th century. As no visit to Spain would be complete without a visit to a bullring, we make our way to the Plaza de Toros de Valencia. See the bullring from the outside, and admire the neoclassical style, inspired by a civil Roman architecture such as the Colosseum in Rome, the monument is a 48-sided polygon, with 384 external arches. It was built by the Valencian architect Sebastián Monleón Estellés in the so-called Neo-Mudéjar style. We see one of the most prominent sights in Valencia, the La Seo Cathedral which houses numerous religious and artistic treasures. We also see the City of Arts and Sciences which is one of the largest scientific and cultural complexes in Europe, made up of impressive buildings such as the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic. It is well renowned because of its architecture. We then make our way to the hotel, where we can freshen up before we enjoy our Spanish dinner at the Hotel. The dinner will be a light continental Spanish meal.

Valencia - Barcelona (Distance: 400 Kms) Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and make our way for an excursion to L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe which contains representatives of the world's main marine ecosystems. Each building is identified with the following aquatic environments: the Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, the Arctic, Islands, and the Red Sea, as well as the Dolphinarium with 24 million litres of water and a depth of 10.5 metres. We then later proceed to Barcelona, driving up the picturesque Balearic Sea coast. The drive should take us about 4 hours. Once we reach Barcelona in the evening, we go for our buffet Indian meal. After the dinner, we make our way for a Flamenco Show, although the flamenco isn't even native to Barcelona it has developed here as many Andalusian-born Spaniards moved to Barcelona for work. The flamenco show isn't just about the fancy footwork, but also the masterful guitar playing and beautiful singing. The show takes place in a small, intimate venue inspired by the gypsy flamenco caves of southern Spain. It should be noted the flamenco show may be done on day 5.

Barcelona - Montserrat (Distance: 120 Kms) Today after breakfast we meet up with our local professional guide for a city tour of Barcelona. The guide will immerse you in the rich history of Barcelona and explain the key sights of Barcelona. We later visit from the outside the magnificence of Gaudi's controversial Sagrada Familia, Sagrada Familia. The iconic but controversial Basílica was laid in 1882, it's unlikely that anyone involved anticipated that the construction of this church would take well over a century to complete. When Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, took charge of the project a year later, he scrapped the original neo-Gothic design plans and exchanged them for a grander vision, unlike any the world had ever seen. Still, only 70% complete the Basílica is unique in its own right. We later see the Plaza de Cataluna; a large square in central Barcelona that is generally considered to be both its city centre and the place where the old city and the 19th century-built meet. We then proceed to the restaurant for our Indian lunch, before we board back onto the coach and make our way to the mountain Montserrat a hour's drive outside Barcelona. For many visitors a trip to Barcelona Montserrat Spain is the highlight of their visit. Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breath-taking. The tour to the top is done by either coach or funicular. Spend some free time near the Monastery before we board back onto our coach and make our way back to Barcelona. In the evening settle back in your seats on the coach for an optional night tour of Barcelona or be transferred back to the hotel on one of our vehicles. On the Barcelona night tour, we discover some of the most iconic and spectacular places that Barcelona has to offer in the night. Also see Christopher Columbus monument which was built for the World Exhibition in 1888. Then see Plaza Catalunya - one of the largest squares in Spain which is the hub of the old Bari Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona - London (Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Mins) Today morning we check out of the hotel and drive to Montjuic for a breath-taking view of the city and harbour. On route see Barcelona's Olympic Stadium. Montjuic is a prominent hill overlooking the Barcelona harbour. Take the cable car here to the top of the hill and see the city and the ports from a strategic point of the city. The wonderful views of the harbour and the city provide an excellent backdrop for your photos. We then proceed to make our way down from the hill back to the coach. The visit to the top does not include the castle. We then proceed to make our way for lunch at the Indian restaurant. Later enjoy free time at the Las Ramblas, to buy those last-minute souvenirs for friends and family, or simply enjoy the numerous café's on the street. We then proceed to make our way to Barcelona airport for our flight back to London Heathrow.