Self-Guided Tour of Madrid & Barcelona

Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain on your self-guided adventure? Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready for a flight* to Madrid. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Touch down in Madrid, the enigmatic capital city of Spain, known for its fast-paced atmosphere, classical architecture and beautiful plazas and parks. Self-transfer to the hotel* and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Madrid is well-known for its brilliant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to get out after dark to experience the amazing atmosphere of the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid. * Airport transfer in Madrid is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Make your own way to the nearest pick-up point and discover Madrid aboard a double-decker tour bus. Hop-on and hop-off the bus as many times as you wish and enjoy the city at your own pace. There are two different routes available. Route 1 (blue) will take you to discover the Historical Madrid and includes a complete historical, artistic and monumental tour. Discover the beautiful Paseo del Prado or admire magnificent buildings, legacy of the Habsburgs period. The second route (green) goes through Modern Madrid. Discover the city beyond historical landmarks and royal monuments. The itinerary will take you by the impressive KIO towers, Museum of Public Art and Real Madrid stadium. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the world-class cuisine, excellent shopping and limitless cultural treasures of Madrid at your leisure. We recommend a half-day excursion to the city of Toledo.* Overnight stay in Madrid. * Optional Afternoon Excursion to Toledo: Set off this afternoon for the historic city of Toledo, known as the 'City of Three Cultures' for its fusion of Jewish, Muslim and Christian histories. Discover this once powerful Imperial City and its eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day to discover Madrid at your leisure. Why not soak up a little culture at the incredible Prado Museum or go shopping along the Gran Via? For an afternoon stroll, we recommend El Retiro Park, home to a beautiful boating lake, stone fountains and the elegant Crystal Palace. Alternatively, why not enjoy an excursion to Ávila and Segovia*? As night falls, be sure to get out and enjoy Madrid's vibrant nightlife! The city is known for its many rooftop bars where you can enjoy sunset drinks alongside excellent views of the city! Overnight stay in Madrid. * Optional Excursion to Ávila & Segovia: Set off for the charming city of Ávila, one of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities in Spain. Enjoy a walking tour through the old town to discover its Gothic palaces, fortified cathedral and Romanesque-style churches. Visit the incredible Walls of Ávila and enjoy free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace. Next, set off for Segovia, where you'll stop for a gastronomic lunch before continuing the day with a guided tour of the exterior of Segovia Cathedral and an atmospheric walk through the old Jewish Quarter. Finally, enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Alcazar of Segovia, a castle said to have inspired Walt Disney and one of the most enchanting medieval fortifications in Europe!

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you self-transfer* to the train station to catch a high-speed train to Barcelona. Arrive in the Catalonian capital and self-transfer to your hotel*. This vibrant city will give you a warm welcome, known for its artistic heritage and Gaudi's amazing architecture, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the historic streets of the Barrio Gothic or strolling along the seafront in the old fishing neighborhood of Barceloneta. Overnight stay in Barcelona.* Transfers to the train station in Madrid and to your hotel in Barcelona are not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Make your own way to the nearest pick-up point and discover Barcelona aboard a double-decker tour bus. Hop-on and hop-off the bus as many times as you wish and enjoy the city at your own pace. There are two different routes available. The Orange Route will take you to discover Barcelona some iconic spots in Barcelona like Montjuïc’s cultural sites, including MNAC and Poble Espanyol. Football fans can visit Camp Nou and the FC Barcelona Museum. Enjoy upscale shopping at L’Illa Diagonal and discover Gaudí’s masterpieces like La Pedrera and Sagrada Familia. The route also includes stops near the zoo, Poblenou, and Port Olímpic. The Green Route explores the artistic heart of the city and its most emblematic modernist architecture. From Plaça Catalunya to Park Güell, admire Gaudí’s most famous works and soak in the creative spirit of the Eixample district. End the tour and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, making the most of the city's incredible beaches or indulging in Barcelona's many tapas bars. Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today in Barcelona to explore at your leisure! Why not get to know the vibrant neighborhood of El Raval or pay a visit to Park Guell in Gracia, the fantastical creation of architect Antoni Gaudi? For an afternoon stroll be sure to visit Parque de la Ciudadela, one of the most popular green spaces in the city. On the other hand, don't miss the chance to visit the world-famous La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the most famous of all of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces! Overnight stay in Barcelona. * Optional Fast Track Sagrada Familia & Gaudi's Artistic Works: Visit two of the most important landmarks in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Admire Gaudí’s mastery and learn about the symbolism of his incredible works. Discover some of the most emblematic modernist monuments in the city and walk by two of the most important Gaudí works: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your final day in this magical, vibrant city and soak up the charms of Barcelona. Whether you're heading to the beach or uncovering the treasures held in the city's museums and art galleries, you're sure to fall in love with this lively regional capital. Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for your flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.*** * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.** Airport transfer in Barcelona is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.*** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 10 days.