Today arrive into Madrid Spain's central capital, a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. Complete arrival formalities and proceed to your waiting chauffeur who will transfer you to your hotel. The documented history of Madrid dates to the 9th century, even though the area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The development of Madrid as administrative centre began when Philip II set his court there in the 1560s. Madrid has been the country's capital continuously since 1606. Post check in relax and rest to get over jetlag. Time and energy permitting head out and orient yourself with the many sights and sounds around. Enjoy the colorful streets that give you a glimpse of rich culture, impressive architecture and influential lifestyle that abound here. 

Madrid never sleeps and for the night crawlers there are an array of things to do. Why not start your evening out in Madrid with some culture? The Reina Sofía Museum is many things: modern art wonderland, architectural marvel, and home to Picasso’s “Guernica” just to name a few. The best part is that it’s completely free to visit from 7–9 p.m. Get there before 7 (otherwise the line will be quite long) and enjoy two perfect hours exploring this artistic treasure. Next jump over to a roof top bar or sprint away to watch a Flamenco show.  It would almost be a crime to talk about things to do in Madrid at night without mentioning the city’s legendary nightclub scene. From big names on the party scene like Kapital and Joy Eslava to smaller clubs like laid-back jazz venue Cafe Central, nightlife in Madrid offers something for everyone. 

There’s really no wrong time of day to eat churros. You can have them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even late at night as you’re coming home from drinking and dancing. Located right in the city center just off of Plaza Mayor, the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés is open 24 hours a day, providing sweet pick-me-ups to dozens of revelers every night. 

This morning after breakfast meet your tour guide at a designated location in the city. Meet your fellow travelers and set out on a day filled with adventure. We start with a two hour walking tour of the city through the old quarters of the city, known as Madrid de los Austrias (Habsburg dynasty) to know the impressive Plaza Mayor, and walk down the historical stairs of Arch of Cuchilleros. Cuchilleros Arch (17th Century) is one of the most popular entrances to Plaza Mayor, a captivating area of Madrid. It is a large entrance which connects the square to La Cava de San Miguel, a street full of bars and restaurants. The arch was built to compensate for the different levels of this street and Plaza Mayor.

Next onto the the winding streets and alleys around Plaza de la Villa, the core of medieval Madrid where we will see the oldest buildings, House and Tower of Lujares, where French King Francois I was lodged prisoner by Spanish Emperor Carlos V. The Casa and Torre de los Lujanes in the Plaza de la Villa in the west of Madrid is among the oldest buildings in the city. The house and tower (Casa and Torre) actually date from different periods. The tower is the oldest structure. It dates from the early 15th century, while the house dates from the late 15th century. The tower was one of the tallest buildings in Madrid for a long time. As such it was used as an optical telegraph station between Madrid and Aranjuez, to the south of the capital. Optical telegraph stations used line of sight to relay messages over long distances, usually by semaphore, or other visual signalling methods. The tower has also been home to many prestigious organisations over the years: The Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences; the Matritense Economic Society of Friends of the Country; and the Royal Academy of Sciences, Physical and Natural.

Next head to House of Cisneros, of early renaissance style. Casa de Cisneros at number 4, Plaza de la Villa, was built in 1537 by the nephew of Cardinal Cisneros, the man who founded the University of Alcalá. Casa de Cisneros is the second oldest building in Plaza de la Villa. Parts of it date back to the early 15th century. Casa de Cisneros has a Plateresque decorative frontage design. This is a style derived from the late Gothic period of Castile, and the example at Casa de Cisneros is almost unique in Madrid.

Moving ahead reach the Casa de la Villa, former City Hall until 2007. Plaza de la Villa was one of the main centres of medieval Madrid because of its location halfway between the Ports of Guadalajara and the Vega, two of the major entrances to the city during the Middle Ages. In the fifteenth century, Plaza de la Villa adopted its current name, coinciding with the granting of the title of "Noble and Loyal", received by Madrid by King Enrique IV of Spain (1425-1474). From the date of completion of works it was the home of Madrid City Hall until, on November 5, 2007, the Mayor of Madrid moved to the Cibeles Palace, leaving this building reserved almost exclusively by the Municipal Council.

Nearing the end of the walk we head towards the great neoclassic building of the Cathedral of Almudena ending our visit in the beautiful Plaza de Oriente where the Royal Palace is located. We now visit the inside of the impressive Royal Palace, former residence of the Spanish Kings and beautifully furnished and decorated. You will be able to admire the official Reception rooms, the Museum area, the Royal Chapel, the Throne Room and the private rooms of King Carlos III and Queen Isabel II. The palace has 135,000 square metres of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe.

After the days touring remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy Tapas or some shopping at the local market. A local cooking class is also a great way to learn about the local cuisine. We do recommend our Wine and Tapas tour this evening for you. By the end of the evening you would have discovered the key to wine and gastronomy through the history behind their origin. Some secrets are rooted several hundred years ago, as old as the streets we will stroll along. The tapas tour is mostly lead by a native Madrid sommelier. 

The experiences are vast and vivid. There is a dark bohemian tavern where they only serve sherry, the world-famous “generous” wine from Andalusia. The concept behind the next place we will visit is as old as it is unique nowadays. The store that conceals a bar, or the bar tucked away at the back of a shop. If you like what you eat or drink in the bar, you can purchase it from the shop. A temple to iberico ham and dozens of types of cheese. Next a warm and bustling tavern that welcomes you with their open kitchen where you can see how the dishes come out freshly prepared. 

Another tavern found their recipe for success a hundred years ago serving garlic shrimp cooked on the spot and served with vermut or wine. They haven’t changed it a bit till date. And finally, we will finish in a typical “Madrid tavern”. Hidden, cozy and immortal, where full bodied wine is served along with warm dishes and roguish conversation alike. Included: visit to four tapas bars where you would have some tapas and wine or other drink. All food and drinks included, no extra charge. 

Wake up to a beautiful Spanish morning and pamper yourself with an inviting buffet breakfast at the hotel before leaving for an excursion to Toledo (Approx. 70 kms from Madrid) This former capital of the Spanish Empire has been home to Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures, and you will learn about their complex coexistence on this tour.  Known as the city of 3 cultures, Toledo is one of the most significant cities in Spain. Your day trip from Madrid heads through the Castile La Mancha countryside in an air-conditioned coach. The tour then embarks on a panoramic walk around Toledo’s UNESCO-protected streets. You will visit the historical Cathedral, Spain’s Primate church, a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture.

Continue through narrow streets to explore the old Jewish quarter and visit the Church of St. Tomé. Take a moment to observe El Greco’s famous painting “The Burial of Count Orgaz” and the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, an intact symbol of the three diverse cultures’ coexistence. Walk through the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside as you take souvenir snapshots. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, you move on to the local Damasquino factory, where you will see examples of Toledo’s famous Damascene metalwork. Known for its beautifully decorative swords and daggers, the city continues to produce inlaid jewelry and decorative handicrafts that you can safely purchase to take home.

After the tour head back to the city where remainder of the day is free for you to explore. If you're looking to meet the Madrid of the locals, strolling through these markets is the best way to do it. Order a slice of Spanish omelet at Mercado de la Paz, a bowl of wonton soup at Mercado de los Mostenses, or a multi-course tasting menu at Mercado de Vallehermoso, and you'll be getting a taste—literally—of Madrid's diverse food scene, barrio by barrio.

At Mercado de San Miguel Pop in for a glass of albariño and a half-dozen oysters at Daniel Sorlut. At Mercado de la Cebada there's Bar Toñi, a pocket restaurant famous for its hearty tripe stew; more modern outlets include Cosafina (for jamón ibérico and conservas) and Gelato Lab.  More geared toward gourmet grazing than grocery shopping, the stylish Mercado de San Antón, in the heart of Chueca, lures locals and tourists alike with its three floors of Spanish and international food stalls. Try to seek out the papas arrugadas ("wrinkly potatoes") slathered with green (cilantro) and red (mild chili) mojo sauces from 7 Delicatessen. You won't find a better rendition of this Canary Islands specialty in the Spanish capital. One of Madrid's longest-standing markets - it opened in 1882 - Mercado de la Paz is a Salamanca icon. It's also a bustling maze of shops where the best cuts and finest seafood are reserved for loyal regulars. Be sure to sample a €3 slice of earth-shatteringly good tortilla española from Casa Dani; with its gooey center and overabundance of caramelized onions, there's truly nothing like it.

Not the one for markets here are some more options for you to choose from. Head over to Templo de Debod. Dating all the way back to the second century BC, this temple is the only Egyptian monument in Spain and one of the few outside of Egypt. Located in Cuartel de la Montaña park, the temple offers views across the entire city that you can watch as the final rays of sunlight bounce off many of Madrid’s top sights such as the Royal Palace and Almudena cathedral. Because of its central location the temple is only a ten minute walk North of the Royal Palace and can also be reached by Metro via the Plaza de España station on lines two, three and ten.

Eat at the world’s oldest restaurant. There are few things more amazing in the city than spending a night in the Sobrino de Botín, officially the oldest restaurant anywhere in the world and one of the most famous Madrid night-time attractions. Founded in 1725, the building is rich in history and tradition. The original wood fired oven is still used to create many of the delicious dishes just as they were centuries ago. Today, the restaurant serves authentic, traditional Spanish favourites such as roast suckling pig and Cocido Madrileño alongside a world-class wine selection. Be warned though, the title of oldest restaurant brings many tourists, so booking a table is definitely recommended.

Theatre and performance are very important culturally in Madrid and there are countless shows, theatres and festivals on all year round. Perhaps the most famous area would be Gran Vía, the street that houses many of the city’s major theatres such as the world famous Lope de Vega. This is the place that shows some of the world’s biggest musicals and is currently home to one of the most celebrated of all time; The Lion King. If you want something a bit more unique to the city, then a trip to the Royal Theatre to see an opera is the best way to go.

This morning after breakfast check out and transfer to Madrid Atocha - the central train station. Board your train and commencer your journey to Seville. Legend has it that Hercules founded Seville himself upon six stone columns. Later the Romans made Seville which they called Hisplais a principal city of Roman Adalusia. It flourished under the Roman rule and several monuments were erected then which still survive today and form an integral part of a visit to Seville. Later when the Moors conquered Hisplais the city fell under their rule for the next few hundred years. They named the place Isbiliya from where the current name Seville originates. They contributed too the architectural glory and contributed the famous Alcazar palace. 

On arrival at Santa Justsa train station, Seville proceed to meet your chauffeur who will transfer you to your hotel. Post check in, relax and freshen up for an evening out in the city. From the glowing streetlights illuminating winding cobblestone paths to the scent of orange blossoms permeating the evening air, nighttime in Seville brings out the city’s undeniable passion in full force. With the many bars and tapas places Seville will spoil you for choice. You have the craft beer bar – Gigante or the cocktail bar like LeXIX.

For some amazing views while you wine and dine Head up to the top of Las Setas, the wooden “mushrooms” that tower over Plaza de la Encarnación, which stays open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Another excellent option is the rooftop bar at the EME Hotel, where you can enjoy drinks with a once-in-a-lifetime view of the cathedral that would not look out of place on a postcard.

Not into the nightclub scene, Seville is home to a host of world-class entertainment options. Without a doubt, the one experience that’s at the top of most visitors’ lists is to catch an authentic flamenco show here in the city where the passionate blend of music and dance has its roots. Some popular venues to consider would be Casa de la Memoria, Casa del flamenco, Casa de la Guitarra and Los Gallos to handpick a few. 

This morning after breakfast head out to explore Seville joining a Group and visit the Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda. We will also discover other emblematic monuments of Seville - the University, the Old Tabac Factory, the Plaza de Espan?a, the centerpiece of the 1929 Ibero American Exposition, San Telmo Palace, The Golden Tower and Isabel II bridge. We will then visit Santa Cruz, the famous Jewish quarter: a labyrinth of narrow streets which lead to the gorgeous Plaza de los Venerables. Continue visiting the Royal Alcazares, World Heritage Site and one of the most important remaining examples of Mude?jar architecture, and the Cathedral of Seville, the largest gothic cathedral of the world. 

The Royal Alcázars of Seville, historically known as al-Qasr al-Muriq and commonly known as the Alcázar of Seville, is a royal palace in Seville, Spain, built for the Christian king Peter of Castile. The name 'Alcazar' means castle in Spanish and is derived from the Arabic word al-qasr (fortress or palace). The complex of palaces is in the Mudéjar style, which is an architectural style with many influences from Moorish and Christian culture. It is probably the oldest palace still in use in Europe; when King Felipe V visits Seville, this UNESCO-listed palace is still his residence. Located in the 'patio of the virgins' is an elongated pond, surrounded by sunken gardens and a gallery with serrated arches with access to the reception rooms. Also impressive is the Salón de Embajadores (Ambassador's Hall), which boasts a magnificent dome made of carved cedar wood. Another historic building is Casa de Contratación. In this contract house, which dates from 1503, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received the explorer Columbus. All Spanish trade with the New World was managed from here. It also includes a nautical college led by Vespucci. The Alcazar palace complex also boasts beautiful, extensive gardens: from Moorish, to Renaissance style, with many ponds, exotic trees, shady footpaths and pavilions.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, better known as Seville Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the adjoining Alcázar palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies. This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, whose construction lasted over a century, from 1401 to 1506. The basilica occupies the site of the great Aljama mosque, built in the late 12th century by the Almohads, the ruling Moorish dynasty, of which the only remaining parts are the Patio de Naranjas, the Puerta del Perdon (on Calle Alemanes, on the north side), and the Giralda (formerly the minaret, now the belltower). Here one can also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus the great explorer who died in poverty in Valladolid. The tomb itself is more recent - 1892, with four bearers presenting the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.

The University of Seville (Universidad de Sevilla) is a university founded under the name of Colegio Santa María de Jesús in 1505, it has a present student body of over 65,000, and is one of the top-ranked universities in the country. Then we head towards The Royal Tobacco Factory an 18th-century stone building which since the 1950s has been the seat of the rectorate of the University of Seville. Next explore The Plaza de España built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It is a landmark example of Regionalism Architecture, mixing elements of the Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. After completing the remainder of the monuments, we head back to the hotel and relax. Evening is free for you to explore on your own. If you aim to do something fun take a ride on the La Noira de Sevilla ferris wheel. This is a great thing to do at night in Seville because while you travel in one of the pods you are able to look out across the city at the fantastic cultural and historical landmarks, lit up across the night sky. If you are aiming for something special then you can book a flight on the VIP cabin, complete with transparent floor, and you can even arrange for a bottle of Champagne to be enjoyed as you take in the sights of the city from up above. Be sure to take your camera to capture some of the impressive vistas at the La Noira de Sevilla big wheel located down by the river near to the Seville Aquarium. To continue into the night, choose to spend the night in the company of sharks at the Seville Aquarium. Pre-book this unique experience and head down to the glass tunnel beneath the shark tank in the aquarium to watch the sharks as they swim through the night, while you learn more about these amazing creatures of the deep.

Ditch the hotel breakfast and head out today for something local breakfast. If you are looking for a traditional experience head to Café Bar La Fresqui. Order the tostada with slices of tomato and serrano ham – simple but effective. If you are staying in the historic center, La Esquina del Arfe is a great option for breakfast. Located just a few steps away from the bullring, La Esquina del Arfe serves up enormous slices of toast without much of a wait. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside and enjoy the morning sun. With beautiful blue and white tiles, Bar El Comercio is your place for breakfast in Seville if you are looking to eat churros! It is said that these are the best churros in the historic center and the ones they serve are not the typical ones in the form of a star, but instead like the fatter “porras”, you will find in Madrid (just smaller). The hot chocolate is thick and delicious, but not too sweet!

Check out and head to the train station in time to board your train to Granada. The city’s name may have been derived either from the Spanish Granada(“pomegranate”), a locally abundant fruit that appears on the city’s coat of arms, or from its Moorish name, Karnattah (Gharn??ah), possibly meaning “hill of strangers.” One of Spain’s most frequently visited tourist centres, Granada contains many notable architectural and artistic monuments. The city is the see of an archbishop, and it is dotted with fine Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical churches, convents, monasteries, hospitals, palaces, and mansions. At the centre of the city stands the Gothic Cathedral of Santa María de la Encarnación (1523–1703), containing the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) with the tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella and a display of heraldic decoration. The cathedral is profusely ornamented with jasper and coloured marble, and its interior contains many fine paintings and sculptures by Alonso Cano. The Cartuja, or Carthusian monastery (1516), stands in the north of the city. Near the restored monastery of San Jerónimo (1492) is the University of Granada, which was founded in 1526 and received its charter in 1531; it is now housed in a former Jesuit college. Statues of Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella by Mariano Benlliure adorn the Monument of the Agreements.

Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The day thereafter is free for you to explore on your own. Head over to explore the Albayzin Quarter. From Granada’s town centre – Plaza Nueva take Bus no 1 and head up to the hills of the Albayzin or traditional Muslim Quarter. The streets are hilly, narrow and lined with charming buildings and shops. Explore the area and choose a nice tavern for your dinner here. Alternatively head to Mirador de San Nicolas the best place to view the sunset with the majestic Alhambra in the backdrop. If you prefer to shop head over to the Alcaiceria market selling everything from salt, silver, spices and silk. To relax those tired bones Granada rest at the Ancient Baths. The Granada Baths are built over the ruins of the ancient baths and are at a five minute walk from the Plaza Nueva. 

Today we visit the most sought after and visited Alhambra Palace. Your guide enhances your day with stories about the history, art, culture, and mysteries of the palace and surrounding area. Enjoy guaranteed and skip-the-line access to the popular Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra fortress and Generalife Gardens.

The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa'lat al-Hamra'» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba. The castle of the Alhambra was added to the city's area within the ramparts in the 9th century, which implied that the castle became a military fortress with a view over the whole city. In spite of this, it was not until the arrival of the first king of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I, 1238-1273), in the 13th century, that the royal residence was established in the Alhambra. This event marked the beginning of the Alhambra's most glorious period. 

First of all, the old part of the Alcazaba was reinforced and the Watch Tower (Torre de la Vela) and the Keep (Torre del Homenaje) were built. Water was canalised from the river Darro, warehouses and deposits were built and the palace and the ramparts were started. These two elements were carried on by Mohammed II (1273-1302) and Mohammed III (1302-1309), who apparently also built public baths and the Mosque (Mezquita), on the site of which the current Church of Saint Mary was later built. Yusuf I (1333-1353) and Mohammed V (1353-1391) are responsible for most of the constructions of the Alhambra that we can still admire today. From the improvements of the Alcazaba and the palaces, to the Patio of the Lions (Patio de los Leones) and its annexed rooms, including the extension of the area within the ramparts, the Justice Gate (Puerta de la Justicia), the extension and decoration of the towers, the building of the Baths (Baños), the Comares Room (Cuarto de Comares) and the Hall of the Boat (Sala de la Barca). Hardly anything remains from what the later Nasrid Kings did. 

From the time of the Catholic Monarchs until today we must underline that Charles V ordered the demolition of a part of the complex in order to build the palace which bears his name. We must also remember the construction of the Emperor's Chambers (habitaciones del Emperador) and the Queen's Dressing Room (Peinador de la Reina) and that from the 18th century the Alhambra was abandoned. During the French domination part of the fortress was blown up and it was not until the 19th century that the process of repairing, restoring and preserving the complex started and is still maintained nowadays.

Next head over to the Generalife. It occupied the slopes of the Hill of the Sun (Cerro del Sol), from which there is a complete view over the city and the valleys of the rivers Genil and Darro. There are different interpretations of the meaning of its name: The Governor's Garden, the Architect's (alarife) Garden, the Vegetable Garden of the Gypsy Festivity Organiser, etc. The Generalife became a leisure place for the kings of Granada when they wanted to get away from the official affairs of the palace. Nowadays the Generalife is formed by two groups of buildings connected by the Patio of the Irrigation Ditch (Patio de la Acequia). n the Generalife there is no kind of decorative excess or points of interest in its architecture. Unlike the Alhambra, all the buildings of the Generalife are quite solid, but in general poor and simple. This indicates an intimate and peaceful atmosphere that the kings were looking for when they retired to these gardens to rest. There are only some decorative motifs of plasterwork, which are not very varied, but are exquisitely fine and tasteful.

The Sacromonte Area of the city always captures the imagination of visitors. Lined with natural caves and prickly pear cactuses. This quarter is right opposite the Alhambra palace. You can even see inside a Sacromonte Cavehouse for yourself. It is one of the unique things to do Granada´s gypsy quarter.

Once back into the main town we continue to explore some more. Admire the Corral del Carbon the only surviving caravanserai and today home to the local tourist information center. Right next to the Cathedral is the Royal Chapel where famous Catholic Monarchs Joanna of Castille and Philip 1 of Castille are buried. After exploring the cathedral, you can choose to have lunch at the Plaza de Bib - Rambla. The Cathedral of Granada was built on the site of the former Great Mosque.

The first stone was placed in 1523, but it was not finished until 1704, 181 years later. It has an imposing interior with several beautiful chapels. 

After the days touring remainder of the day is free. Like other cities and countries in Europe offer Hop on Hop off by bus Granada offers it by the tourist train. The daytime route has thirteen stops and is planned so that the tourists can visit the most important monuments of Granada.  There is a new stop at Granada's bullring, where you can enter to have a guided tour if you acquire the combined ticket (1- or 2-day train ticket + Granada´s bullring visit). The night tour has nine stops and bypasses the Alhambra. 

Granada had an important ceramic tradition. Local craftsmen created the Fajalauza pottery style. Mainly blues and greens with typical symbols such as the pomegranate shape or flourish’s like leaves and plants. Seek out these designs in local pottery stores around the city or try your hand at a ceramic workshop yourself. Over the last 5 years Craft Beer producers in Granada province have increased. Local beers are made with water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are infused with different flavours from the region. Lemons from Lecrin Valley, Rosemary from the mountain tracks or Chirimoya fruit from the Costa Tropical. One of the favourite local beer is Cervezas Alhambra La Roja. Try some of the Granada Craft beers when you visit. If you are lucky you may even coincide with the annual Granada Beer Festival held Mid-June. If you love Flamenco music Granada has some great dance schools where you can learn to play Cajon, Clap Flamenco Rhythms or get to grips with basic footwork. If you are a beginner or have already had some lessons, the teacher will adapt to your skill level.

After breakfast this morning check out and head over to the train station for your final rail journey to Barcelona. The settlement history of Barcelona starts in the 2nd century BC with Barcino, the largest known Roman village outside Rome. But the Gothic and the time of Modernism have left their traces still visible today as well. The history of Barcelona stretches over 2000 years to its origins as an Iberian village named Barkeno. The origin of the earliest settlement at the site of present-day Barcelona is unclear. Remains from the Neolithic and early Chalcolithic periods have been found on the coastal plain near the city. At least two founding myths have been proposed for Barcelona by romantic historians since the 15th century. One credits the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal, with the foundation of the city around 230 BC, giving it the name Barkenon. Despite the similarities between the name of this Carthaginian family and that of the modern city, it is usually accepted that the origin of the name "Barcelona" is the Iberian word Barkeno.

Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel after which the evening is yours to explore. From secret speakeasy bars to stunning sunset views to experiencing some of the high points of the city’s culture, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city once the lights are out. Some interesting things to consider… See a Magic Fountain (free show). This beautiful ornamental fountain was built for the International Exhibition in 1929. Font Màgica hosts today a water and light show accompanied by music in the evenings. All year round you can enjoy the lovely show completely free of charge. If you’re especially lucky, you can watch the wonderful “Piromusical” show with fireworks and lasers on top of the water, lights, and music during the La Mercè festival in late September. Hit the bar scene next with a Pub Crawl. Bounce around and dance the night away at the many invigorating night clubs around the city. Decorated with age-stained mirrors, ancient bottles covered in cobwebs, and dusty chandeliers, walking through the doors of Bar Marsella may make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Founded in 1820, it’s said to be the city’s oldest bar, and everybody from Hemingway to Gaudí has enjoyed libations here over the centuries. Though there are many excellent bars in Barcelona, few can rival Dry Martini, a bar that has made over a million martinis. Enjoy the elegant surroundings that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a James Bond movie, and order one of the bar’s signature drinks. They’ve been recognized as the best bar in Europe, and have landed on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars for six years running.

Not the party animal, no problem head over to the river and enjoy a sunset boat cruise. Champagne sunset boat parties and cruises with barbecues on board, you name it and they have it. Alternate option could be a Medieval Show with Dinner. Enjoy a 4-course dinner with a glass of champagne in Requesens Palace! The dinner and show take 3.50 hours. It also includes a visit to one of the largest Medieval Palace in Europe and an amazing medieval show. Still not interested! Have dinner under the stars. Few visitors to Barcelona venture up to the Fabra Observatory, located in the hills of the Collserola Park. Not only is it housed in a Modernista building from the early 1900s, but it also has fantastic views of the entire city at its feet. You have to book a visit in advance, and in the summer, you can also join a Dinner under the stars, where you can dine on an upscale meal and see the stars through the observatory’s telescopes.

We’ve given you a lot to think about now and head out and explore. 

Antoni Gaudí was a titan of 20th century architecture, who developed a unique style deeply rooted in the culture, materials, religion and the environment of his beloved Catalonia. Today after breakfast we head out and explore all of his most famous works, with first entrance at Casa Batlló, so you can enter before the crowds. Stop later at Casa Milà and Casa Vincens for a rounded view of Gaudí's architectural style; a skip-the-line tour of Park Güell; and an extended tour of La Sagrada Família with tower climb and full museum visit.

Led by a passionate guide (experts on all things Gaudí), you'll immerse yourself in the history of the city and the Art Nouveau movement that gave it some of the most exciting architecture in the world. Your Gaudí Tour begins with a special Casa Batlló tour. With first entrance of the day, you'll get inside Gaudí's signature home renovation before the crowds. As you admire the house's visionary light well, your guide will tell you how the house began as a religious vision, then became a study in the use of diffusing natural light through otherworldly, organic spaces. The roof, which is frosted in broken ceramics to resemble the spine of a great dragon, is one of the most iconic sights in Barcelona.

As you learn the story of Gaudí - from his time as a youth in Rural Catalonia, to his days as the darling of Barcelona's industrial elite - you'll move on to the Casa Vicens and Casa Milà. The Casa Vicens was an early project that has been described as an 'Orientalist Fantasy', the work of a man still developing his style and vernacular. The Casa Milà, aka La Pedrera, on the other hand, is quintessential Gaudí, a facade of such power and strangeness that you won't see anything like it anywhere else in the world. As two works at different ends of Gaudí's career (Casa Vincens was one of his first homes, Casa Milà one of his last) they offer fantastic insight into how Gaudí's style changed over time. Casa Vincens is a particular treat; located a distance from the other houses, it is rarely visited by tourists.

Not all of Gaudí's projects were successes in his own time, however. You'll head to the next stop, Park Güell. This whimsical complex was intended to be a gated housing development, but no one wanted to move there. Today it's one of the most beloved parks in the city, and in much demand as you'll see from the lines that stretch outside. With pre-reserved, skip-the-line tickets, you'll stroll right inside with your guide. Walking through the park, you'll take in its fanciful colors and alien shapes, learning how Gaudí's deep connection with natural imagery came from an extended childhood illness. You'll also pause here for roughly half an hour to get a snack. Since the tour doesn't finish until after 2:00pm, we encourage everyone to have a little something to eat to tide them over.

Your Gaudí tour ends in the building that Gaudí intended to be his greatest legacy; La Sagrada Família. Toward the end of his life, this Basilica was Gaudí's obsession and he put every last bit of himself into its execution. Today every surface of the building holds something to ponder, decode or puzzle over; like a great mystery box just waiting to be solved. Luckily, you will spend a full hour exploring it with your guide, who among other things, is an expert on Gaudí and can tell you everything you want to know - from the way the architect harnessed light with his stained glass windows, to the discussions surrounding how the church is to be finished in the absence of any sort of formal plans. Your ticket also includes access to the Basilica's Museum. Your guide will not accompany you, but they will be happy to tell you what to look out for when you visit. Finally, you'll use pre-reserved special access tickets to ascend one of the spindly towers of the church for 360-degree views over the city that Gaudí gave his life to.

After breakfast this morning escape from busy Barcelona on this excursion to Montserrat.

Montserrat is a rocky mountain range in Catalonia, Spain. “Montserrat” translates to “saw mountain” in Catalan, owing to this mountain range’s jagged, sawtooth appearance. Sitting atop the mountain range is Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery. Located inside of the monastery is a statue of the of the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the few black Madonnas of Europe. This is Catalonia’s most important religious retreat, as many people make an overnight hike to watch the sunrise from the peak of Montserrat.

On arrival be whisked to the top by a scenic cable car ride, take short hikes through the mountain peaks, and take a funicular higher up onto the mountain for even better views. Those who enjoy hiking can walk to Sant Jeroni, the highest peak of Montserrat. While at Montserrat, you get unlimited rides on the Sant Joan funicular, admission into the Montserrat Museum, and few tickets also give you one meal at the self-service restaurant. 

The Black Virgin of Montserrat is located inside of the basilica. A visit here is free and it is said that the statue of the Virgin Mary and her infant son have healing powers. The Benedictine Abbey dates back to the 9th century and legend has it that this was once was home to the Holy Grail. Depending on the time of your visit, there can be two lines to enter the church: one to get up close to the Black Madonna and touch the sphere that she is holding, and one to enter the church. If you have no desire for a close up view of the Black Madonna, make sure that you are in the correct line. The queue to see the Black Madonna moves very slowly and you can literally wait hours in line. 

L’Esconia Montserrat, the Boys Choir, is famous for their world-renowned performance. The first performances date back to 1223. There are now 50 boys in the choir, and they perform here on a daily basis, and around the world. There are two daily performances, at 1:00 pm and 6:45 pm. They perform in the Basilica of Montserrat. 

In 1811 and 1812, the monastery was attacked and burned down twice by Napoleon’s troops. All of the artifact and historical treasures were lost in this attack. After a long restoration process, the monastery reopened in the mid-19th century. In the early 1900’s, this museum opened. It contains artifacts from Egypt, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia, as well as artwork by Catalan artists and French Impressionists such as Renoir, Monet, and Degas. It sadly does not contain any historical artifacts from the monastery.

The Holy Cave of Montserrat once housed the Virgin of Montserrat. Three hundred years ago a chapel was built at this spot. From the monastery, take the Santa Cova funicular down to the walking trail. Follow a winding, paved trail along the mountain cliffs to the chapel. The views from the chapel are stunning. Allow an hour for the entire walk.

The Stairway to Heaven is a stack of nine large concrete blocks arranged in a helical pattern. At one time, this was a popular object to climb. People would travel to Montserrat just to take a photo on top of the Stairway to Heaven. Now a fence surrounds it, both for safety reasons and because it is a work of art. Its intention was never to be a jungle gym. Numerous people visit Montserrat just to see the Stairway to Heaven

Once back remainder of this last evening is free for you to complete your bucket list of things to do, see, eat or shop.