Barcelona and Madrid
How can two cities that share so much history still have their own unique cultures and character?
In bustling Barcelona step inside the playful and imaginative mind of Antoni Gaudí. In elegant Madrid the scene is just as artistic and lively, as you'll discover at the Prado (arguably the world's best museum) and during your very own flamenco lesson.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Spain
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Day 2: Barcelona
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Las Ramblas
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Day 3: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Montjuïc
Visit Park Güell
Visit La Sagrada Família
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
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Day 4: Barcelona
Enjoy a walking tour and scavenger hunt of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Gothic Quarter
- Barcelona Cathedral
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Montserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys' choir during your visit.
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Day 5: Barcelona • Zaragoza • Madrid
Travel via Zaragoza to Madrid
Visit Basílica del Pilar
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Day 6: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Visit the Royal Palace
Enjoy lunch in Madrid
Take a flamenco dance lesson and see a show
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Day 7: Madrid
Visit the Prado Museum
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Toledo
This guided half-day excursion takes you to Toledo, the “city of the three cultures.” Explore its diverse artistic and cultural legacy on a panoramic drive around the city, stopping at the iconic cathedral and the famed Church of Santo Tomé. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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Day 8: Depart for home
Add 2 more days
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Day 8: Madrid • Mérida • Lisbon
Travel via Mérida to Lisbon
Visit the Mérida Roman Ruins
Tour Mérida with an expert local guide
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Day 9: Lisbon
Take a guided tour of Lisbon
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Tower of Belém
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
Enjoy a photo stop overlooking Lisbon's iconic red-tiled roofs
Take a walking tour of Lisbon
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Lisbon fado evening
Enjoy a performance of traditional music known as "fado" during this memorable evening excursion. Talented performers present a program of centuries-old ballad-like songs that tell stories of heartbreak, melancholy, and the hardships of everyday life. A beverage is included in this one-hour performance.
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Day 10: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Spain
-
Day 2: Barcelona
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Las Ramblas
-
Day 3: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Montjuïc
Visit Park Güell
Visit La Sagrada Família
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
-
Day 4: Barcelona
Enjoy a walking tour and scavenger hunt of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Gothic Quarter
- Barcelona Cathedral
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Montserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat. Its mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the 9th-century monastery whose basilica houses the Black Virgin Mary of Montserrat. Legend has it that Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, so instead they built around it. You may even hear the renowned boys' choir during your visit.
-
Day 5: Barcelona • Zaragoza • Madrid
Travel via Zaragoza to Madrid
Visit Basílica del Pilar
-
Day 6: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Visit the Royal Palace
Enjoy lunch in Madrid
Take a flamenco dance lesson and see a show
-
Day 7: Madrid
Visit the Prado Museum
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Toledo
This guided half-day excursion takes you to Toledo, the “city of the three cultures.” Explore its diverse artistic and cultural legacy on a panoramic drive around the city, stopping at the iconic cathedral and the famed Church of Santo Tomé. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
-
Day 8: Depart for home
Add 2 more days
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Day 8: Madrid • Mérida • Lisbon
Travel via Mérida to Lisbon
Visit the Mérida Roman Ruins
Tour Mérida with an expert local guide
-
Day 9: Lisbon
Take a guided tour of Lisbon
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Tower of Belém
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
Enjoy a photo stop overlooking Lisbon's iconic red-tiled roofs
Take a walking tour of Lisbon
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Lisbon fado evening
Enjoy a performance of traditional music known as "fado" during this memorable evening excursion. Talented performers present a program of centuries-old ballad-like songs that tell stories of heartbreak, melancholy, and the hardships of everyday life. A beverage is included in this one-hour performance.
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Day 10: Depart for home
Reviews
Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach
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Hotels
6 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (8 with extension)
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Regional-style meals
European breakfast and dinner daily (lunch instead of dinner on Day 6)
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Guided sightseeing
3 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed local guides (5 with extension); 2 walking tours (3 with extension)
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Entrances
Park Güell; La Sagrada Familia; Palacio Real; Prado; with extension: Mérida Roman Theater; Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Lowest price
Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.
Price displayed includes an Early Enrollment Discount; restrictions apply. To determine if you qualify, please contact your Tour Consultant. Tours departing between 10/1/2023 and 9/30/2024 may be eligible for a $100 discount. Tours departing 10/1/2024 and beyond may be eligible for a $200 discount; restrictions apply.
