Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight from JFK bound for Barcelona!

Day 2 - Barcelona
Welcome to Spain! After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will be met by your local Program Director and take a private motor coach to your centrally located hotel. Later, get your first impressions of Barcelona during an orientation walking tour and join your welcome dinner.

Day 3 - Barcelona
Today, a local guide will bring you on a sightseeing tour of the city, including the major highlights of Barcelona, such as the main pedestrian boulevard the Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and explore the La Sagrada Familia Basilica. For lunch, visit the spectacular La Boquería market to buy provisions for a picnic on the beach.

Day 4 - Barcelona
This morning, take an excursion to the monastery of Montserrat, famous for having the Black Madonna in the alter of the church. Later return to Barcelona and visit the Parque Güell - one of the most impressive public parks in the world. Take in the stunning views over the city, and admire several impeccable works of Gaudí who designed the entire park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 - Barcelona
This morning, visit the Picasso Museum, housed in five gothic palaces to see some of his early masterpieces and his famous Las Meninas series. Later this afternoon, take a bike tour of Ciutadella Park and Olympic Port.

Day 6 - Madrid
Take the high speed AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid. Arrive in Madrid, and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Start exploring the city during walking tour of old Madrid including the Plaza Mayor, and later take a pedal boat ride in the lake at Retiro Park.

Day 7 - Madrid
Enjoy a guided tour of the city including a visit to the Prado Museum to see works by artists such as Goya, El Greco and Velázquez. This afternoon, visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium - home of Real Madrid. Tonight, take an interactive cooking class and learn how to make various tapas for your dinner!

Day 8 - Madrid
This morning drive to Toledo and take a guided tour of this former capital of Spain. Visit the stunning gothic cathedral, the Santa Maria la Blanca synagogue and the Santo Tomé Chapel to admire the Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco. Return to Madrid for your farewell dinner, and end the night with a “chocolate con churros” from the famous Chcolatería de San Ginés. 

Day 9 - Departure Day
Transfer to the Madrid airport for your return flight home to JFK.

*Please note, the order of some activities may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather, etc.