Compare The Best of Spain: Barcelona and Madrid by Road Scholar vs 9-Day Madrid, Andalucia with Mediterranean Coast with Barcelona - English Only by Julia Travel

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Barcelona, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Barcelona

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

After allowing some time to unpack and relax, our Group Leader will lead an orientation walk around the neighborhood as a way for us to get acquainted with the area. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation will be primarily by private motorcoach and walking with use of public transit. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

At a local restaurant, we’ll gather for a 3-course plated welcome dinner with a choice of entrée, plus a complimentary glass of wine and mineral water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Introduction to Barcelona & Catalan Art, La Sagrada Familia Barcelona

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Use of public transportation; flights of stairs at stations, no escalators. Getting on/off a motorcoach; time spent aboard motorcoach about 4 hours total, including stops. Tickets to enter La Sagrada Familia are highly regulated and very difficult to secure. We are assigned a specific timeslot to enter the complex and the time inside the monument is restricted. Due to mobility concerns, we do not visit the towers.

In the hotel meeting room, our expert lecturer will offer us an introduction to Modernist Catalan art, architecture, culture, and life. Afterwards, we’ll set out on foot and use public transportation to get to our lunch location.

We’ll then set out by private motorcoach for an expert-led panoramic field trip through Barcelona, which will include a visit to the Basilica of the impressive but unfinished Gaudí masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Next, we’ll also go to Gaudí's equally exotic Parque Guell and Montjuic Hill. Our local expert will lead us inside and outside at both sites with commentary provided. We’ll then return to the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a characteristic lunch of "tapas" – appetizer-sized servings of many different kinds of tasty local cuisine.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 Monastery & Museum of Montserrat Barcelona

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets, steps, and slopes in and around the monastery. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

After travelling north via motorcoach, we’ll reach the mountain of Montserrat, which has long cast a mystical spell with a spiritual heritage predating Christianity. An ancient hermitage on this spot grew to become an independent abbey in 1409. The buildings and contents were destroyed by Napoleon’s troops in 1811 and were reconstructed many years later. Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the basilica contrast with architectonic spaces created for the Museum of Montserrat by modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Among the abbey’s notable achievements are one of the world’s oldest printing presses and more recently a translation of the Bible from original Middle Eastern languages into Catalan. During an expert-led exploration, we’ll see treasures of history and culture from ancient Egypt to works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Dali, Picasso, Tapies, and many others. However, the most precious object is the 12th-century carving of a Black Madonna, Our Lady of Montserrat, Patron Saint of Catalonia.

We’ll then return to Barcelona by private motorcoach for free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions on how to use your T10 card for public transport.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to sample the local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have plated 3-course meals with water and a complimentary glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 The Picasso Museum, La Pedrera Barcelona

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Use of public transportation; flights of stairs at stations, no escalators. Both the Picasso Museum and La Pedrera entrance times are strictly regulated and are subject to change.

With our Group Leader, we’ll take a walking field trip to one of Gaudí's creations, Casa Milà, popularly known as “La Pedrera” (The Quarry) for its Modernist façade. Constructed between 1906 and 1912 under the direction of Antoni Gaudi, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and now serves as the headquarters for the Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation, which also includes a public cultural center. Later on, we will continue through Paseo de Gracia (Castilian/Spanish), or Passeig de Gràcia (Catalan), as we view the city's renowned Modernist route, which includes such iconic buildings as Gaudí's Casa Batlló and the newly refurbished building of Casa Lleo Morera.

Led by a local expert, we will take public transportation to go on a field trip to the Picasso Museum for an on-site presentation followed by time to explore on your own. The Museu Picasso is a key reference for understanding the artist’s formative years with more than 4,000 works in the permanent collection spanning his early work through the Blue Period and a large collection of prints. Afterward, we’ll return by public transport to our hotel where a local family will join us to provide insider perspectives on Catalan culture, the question of independence, and more. In addition, there will be a Q&A session before walking to dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tasty 3-course plated dinner with a complimentary glass of wine and water to bid farewell to Barcelona; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 To Madrid via High Speed AVE Train, Intro to Madrid Madrid

Getting on/off a motorcoach and train; minimal driving; walking through 2 large train stations, up escalators and some steps. Train ride is about 386 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Participants will need to handle their own luggage on and off the train as there is no porterage available at the station.

After checking out of the hotel, we will transfer by motorcoach to the train station where we will board the Alta Velocidad Española. The AVE is Europe's longest high-speed rail network that can reach 190 mph. The 386 mile trip to Madrid takes only about 2.5 hours. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer via motorcoach from the train station to the hotel where we will check in and have some time to freshen up and relax before joining our local expert lecturer for a presentation. We will learn about the art, history, culture, and people throughout the Ages of Madrid. We will also each receive a T10 travel card, allowing up to 10 journeys by bus or metro around the city.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own aboard the train.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course meal, plus a complimentary glass of wine and mineral water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 History & Culture of Madrid, Art of Flamenco Madrid

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets, steps without railings. Comfortable footwear recommended. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

We’ll start our exploration of the city by joining a local expert on a motorcoach to see some of the most important highlights of historical Madrid while enjoying commentary focused on these places of interest. Ending the morning at El Prado Museum, our local expert will lead us as we see one of Europe's largest and finest collections of art focused on 12th to the early 19th century. It also includes the most comprehensive collection of works by Goya and Velazquez, in addition to masterpieces from the Italian, Flemish, and Dutch schools.

Take some time for free independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Afterwards, we’ll gather at a predetermined time and place for transfer via motorcoach to a local tablao (flamenco bar) for a welcome drink and an introductory presentation given by a performer on the art of flamenco.

While at the tablao, we’ll be treated to a traditional flamenco performance! The Universidad de Autonoma de Madrid describes flamenco as, “Voices filled with anguish and pain in cante jondo, rhythms of happiness and joy in sevillanas and rumbas. Flamenco is all that and more, full of passion and intensity.” Madrid takes pride as the hub of the recording industry, and starting place for aspiring artists performing in tablaos. We’ll revel in the sights and sounds of an evening filled with Spanish folklore, music, and dance. We will return to the hotel via motorcoach after the performance.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At the tablao, we’ll enjoy a simple dinner of tapas with wine, sangria, or beer.

Day 8 Toledo, Santo Tome Sacristy, Sinagoga del Transito Madrid

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steep slopes, cobblestones and some steps without railings around the city. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Toledo is set on a steep hill and the motorcoach cannot access the old town.

Setting out by motorcoach, we’ll transfer to the "Imperial City" of Toledo, set on a hill. The former Capital of Castile, Toledo is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for both its extensive cultural and monumental heritage, as well as for the centuries of peaceful co-existence that has taken place between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures. Upon arrival, we will drive around the surrounding hill for breathtaking panoramic views before continuing with our local expert on a walk through the old city, including a visit to see El Greco's works at the Santo Tome sacristy, and to the former Sinagoga del Transito, which is now a museum.

We will return to Madrid and, after some time to rest, we will enjoy a presentation followed by a Q&A session at the hotel. A local university professor will enlighten us on Spain's recent history and the country’s transition to democracy following the death of Francisco Franco in 1975.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with water and a complimentary glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Madrid, Reina Sofia Museum Madrid

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Use of public transportation; flights of stairs at stations, no escalators.

Arriving via public transport, we’ll enjoy a field trip led by a local expert to the Reina Sofia Museum, a contemporary structure housing over 21,000 works of modern and avant-garde art. Founded in 1990 after originally being created as an art center, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is one of the key symbols of the Spanish transition to democracy and modernity following the Franco regime. Pablo Picasso's Guernica is the museum's most renowned masterpiece.

Continue exploring some of Madrid's most emblematic sites on your own or join your Group Leader on a walk of the city.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll gather for a delicious 3-course plated farewell dinner with a selection of appetizers to share and a choice of entree. Complimentary red or white house wine and mineral water is included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 10 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.

1st Day (Sat.) MADRID Meet and assistance at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel 2nd Day (Sun.) MADRID Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the beauties of the city with a guided city tour. Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. The contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer. Join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. 3rd Day (Mon.) MADRID – CORDOBA – SEVILLE Breakfast at the hotel. Bond to Andalusia, drive along La Mancha, Don Quixote’s land. Brief stop at typical site in Puerto Lapice. We will drive through the natural border of Despeñaperros to reach beautiful Andalusia, a landmark of enormous heritage from a splendorous past. Arrive in Cordoba and enjoy a tour of its impressive Mosque and its narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. Continue to Seville. Accommodation at the hotel. 4th Day (Tue.) SEVILLE Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville. Visit the Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome. Continue to Santa Cruz quarter, the natural scenario of Carmen as well as the myth of Don Juan; Continue to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light. Accommodation at the hotel. 5th Day (Wed.) SEVILLE – GRANADA After breakfast at the hotel, drive east through the Caliphate road to the heart of Andalusia. We will drive across endless olive trees fields on the way to Granada. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens. After some time at leisure, join your fellow travelers to experience the most authentic Gypsy Flamenco show including dinner. Accommodation at the hotel 6th Day (Thu.) GRANADA – VALENCIA Bond for the Mediterranean Coast after breakfast. Via Murcia and Alicante, we will reach Valencia, one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast with its modern Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex integrated by six elements: Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and Ágora. Valencia is also the home of the internationally well renowned and delicious Paella. Accommodation at the hotel. 7th Day (Fri.) VALENCIA – BARCELONA Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of this bright city including the old town and the exterior of the most avant-garde complex: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Continue your journey in the early afternoon departure towards Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. Reach Barcelona, main Mediterranean Spanish city and home to world famous architect Gaudí, symbol of the Catalonian modernism. Accommodation at the hotel 8th Day (Sat.) BARCELONA Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Barcelona. Drive along the main avenues with its impressive Gaudi modernist buildings such as La Pedrera and Casa Milá. The Montjuïc Park with spectacular views of the city and harbor, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. Visit the most important landmark in the city of Barcelona, Sagrada Familia. Admire Gaudi’s master work by the hand of your expert local guide. Afternoon is for you to keep on discovering this city. Accommodation at the hotel 9th Day (Sun.) BARCELONA After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport. END OF OUR SERVICE.