Madrid and Barcelona
October 6 - 13, 2006
Our journey starts in Madrid, a city that many savvy travelers think is the major art destination in the world. Then we go to Barcelona, certainly a contender for most vibrant city in Europe.
Our Itinerary:
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In Barcelona, Los Ramblas Provides Entertainment Everywhere |
Day 1
Arrive in Madrid from your home city, and transfer on your own to our hotel that is conveniently located near Madrid’s trio of world class museums.
Depending on arrival time in Madrid and the energy of the group, we will probably have a late afternoon orientation tour of Madrid that combines a drive through Madrid and a walking tour of city highlights.
Day 2
The Prado with its Goyas and Velazquezs; the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza houses the most important privately owned art collection in the world (now owned by the Spanish Government); and Reina Sofia with its permanent collection of 20th century art. You may choose to visit all three museums or concentrate on the collection of one. I will start off with you but believe looking at art is a matter of personal preference. You may want to linger or do a quick overview.
Evening: A concert or zarzuela (Spanish light opera) depending on what’s on.
Day 3
Morning free for shopping or sightseeing.
Afternoon: Walking tour of Old Madrid and a little tapas hopping. Tapas, as you know, are a passion with Spaniards. A stand up affair at a bar with snack type food and a glass of wine. Ole!
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Enjoy Delicious Chicken At Los Caracoles In Barcelona |
Day 4
Depart for Barcelona.
On arrival, we’ll take a walk down the Ramblas ... that unique Barcelona thoroughfare complete with jugglers, pantomime, music and a wonderful food market.
Afternoon: Private tour of Gaudi architecture including Gaudi masterpieces: Sacrada Familia, Parc Guelli and Casa Battlo.
Day 5
All day private tour to Girona (a medieval town) and Figueras to visit the incredible Salvador Dali Museum. You’ve never seen anything like it. We’ll have lunch at Ampurdar, a gourmet restaurant just outside of town.
Day 6
Your Optional Day…to do just as you wish. Sightsee, shop, just sit in a café and watch Barcelona amble by. No group dinner.
Evening: Concert according to what’s on.
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Shopping For Miro & Picasso Scarves On A Gaudi Bench In Barcelona |
Day 7
Morning bus sightseeing tour around Barcelona. We will get off at the Joan Miro museum and the Picasso. The Picasso is an old part of town worth exploring.
Farewell dinner.
Day 8
Depart for home.
Note: Itinerary subject to change; activities may be switch from one day to another.
Cost
$3,150 (USD) includes 7 nights hotel (single occupancy, no single supplement), all activities in itinerary, 6 dinners (lunch in Ampurdar is considered one of the dinners), breakfast. The price does not include airfare (from home to Madrid, Madrid to Barcelona, and Barcelona to home), wine and alcoholic beverages, airport transfers, café stops. |
