Itinerary

Day 1 Barcelona

In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Upon your arrival, you will receive a special Welcome Gift along with your Welcome Package. Enjoy your time in Spain!

Your private English-speaking guide will show you the central highlights of Barcelona. If you are interested in a certain era in history or have an interest in a particular artist, let your Kensington consultant know in advance as we can tailor your tour. Roman, Gothic, Modern......Gaudi, Picasso, Miro.....or enjoy some culinary delights with a gastronomy tour.

Majestic (5*) is located on Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, two blocks from Gaudí’s La Pedrera and one kilometre from Barcelona’s markets and galleries along Las Ramblas. All 303 guestrooms are decorated in warm Mediterranean colors and have wireless Internet access, laptop-size safes, minibars, stereo systems, interactive TVs, and marble baths. The Majestic Hotel’s rooftop terrace is home to the mural-splashed Bar de la Piscina, and a swimming pool and deck that offer spectacular views of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família cathedral.

Overnight at Majestic (5*).

Day 2 Barcelona

Visit the art galleries and/or museums of your choice in Barcelona with this Articket which entitles you to free admission to seven of the most important and remarkable museums and art centres in Barcelona: Picasso Museum, Fundacion Joan Miro, Casa Mila, Fundacion Antonio Tapies, Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona (MACBA) and Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB). The Articket can be used once at each museum and at any time during a period of six months, so you can use it whenever you like throughout your stay in the city. Exchange your voucher for the Articket at any of the included museums during their opening hours.

A unique opportunity to find off-the-beaten track Tapas bars with your private English speaking guide. Enjoy a wander through the back alleys and discover a hidden side of Barcelona. You will explore the Eixample district known as the Quadrat d'Or, or Golden Square, where you’ll find some of the best samples of Modernism Architecture. Check out the Old Medieval Town (or Casa Antic) and La Boquería food market just off Las Ramblas, the best place to watch Barcelona’s bustling evening life. (Food & Drinks at own expense).

Overnight at Majestic (5*).

Day 3 Barcelona

Enjoy a four hour private tour to Montserrat Mountain and Monastery. The site of a Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, is located on the mountain and hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary and which is identified by some with the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth. The summit of Montserrat is called Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome) and stands at 1,236 meters (4,055 feet) above sea-level. It is accessible by hiking trails which connect from the top entrance to the Sant Joan funicular, the monastery, or the base of the mountain. Enjoy taking the funicular up to the site and check out the open air Museum. At the end of the tour, your driver will bring you back to your hotel or leave you in the city centre if you prefer to do some independent exploring.

Indulge in a few hours of shopping! Barcelona is a mecca for shoppers! The shopping line stretches from the top of the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Most of the streets are pedestrian only. If you're after international fashion, Avinguda Diagonal is the place to look. Shops include Calvin Klein (At No 484), Giorgio Armani (No 490; No 620), Gianni Versace (No 606) and Gucci (No 415). Jean Pierre Bua (No 469) hosts designers ranging from Jean Paul Gaultier through to Helmut Lang. There's a gaggle of relatively economical shoe shops on Avinguda del Portal de l'Angel, which is just off Placa de Catalunya. If you're in the mood for a little kitsch, the easiest thing to do is head for La Rambla. Lladro & Majorica - These are possibly the two best-known Spanish brand names in the world.. Garcia (tel 93 302 69 89; La Rambla 4) is a handy spot to take a look at these products. You will find Majorica pearls in El Corte Ingles department stores too. Arts & Crafts - For an overview of high-quality Catalan crafts (artesania), pop into the Centre Catala d'Artesania (tel 93 467 46 60; Passeig de Gracia 55). It is dedicated to promoting and maintaining Catalan craft traditions. Art - Along Carrer de Montcada are several commercial galleries, the biggest being Galeria Maeght (Carrer de Montcada 25).

Overnight at Majestic (5*).

Day 4 Madrid

As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Enjoy your flight from Barcelona to Madrid today. Flight duration is approximately one hour.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer in Madrid.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).

AC Palacio del Retiro (5*) is centrally located in Madrid, this property is near El Retiro, Museo del Prado, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Other nearby points of interest include Plaza Mayor. Recreational amenities at Ac Palacio Del Retiro include a sauna and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a business center. Guestrooms have plasma televisions, premium bedding, and satellite television; bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, bathrobes, and bathroom phones.

Overnight at AC Palacio del Retiro (5*).


Start your private half day tour with the El Prado museum. Your guide will meet you at the gallery (please see Welcome Pack for meeting point). With your private guide, visit the most important rooms of the most relevant Spanish painters, and, of course, Las Meninas by Velázquez, Las Majas by Goya and the Adoración de los Pastores by El Greco. Continue your tour by walking over to visit the Royal Palace, approx 20min on foot. (If you'd prefer to hop in a taxi and pay for this locally, please just let you guide know or alternatively we can organise a private transfer - please ask and we will re-quote you). The Royal Palace was built during the XVIIIth Century and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family.

Discover the great shopping opportunities the city has to offer Here are some suggesions of places you may like to check out...The most convenient shopping area is around Calle de Preciados, between Sol and Gran Vía, home to El Corte Inglés department store, Zara, Gran Vía 32, and Casa Jiménez, Calle de Preciados 42, famed throughout Spain for its mantones and mantillas (lace and embroidered shawls). The smartest shopping district is Salamanca northeast of the centre, around Calle Serrano. Top designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss, including the fluid fabrics and elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are located on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Head for Calle Serrano for Purificación García, Roberto Verino, Ermenegildo Zegna and Yves Saint Laurent. Another trendy area is Chueca, especially Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, while the Mecca for youth fashions is Calle Fuencarral. The main areas for antiques are Salamanca and the arcades on Calle Ribera de Curtidores - Nuevas Galerías, at #12, and Galerías Piquer, at #29. Bargain hunters should make for the Rastro, Madrid's famous flea market, also located around Ribera de Curtidores. The market is open on Sunday mornings (10am - 2pm). Be aware of pickpockets in this area.

Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance.

Overnight at AC Palacio del Retiro (5*).

Day 6 Madrid

Spend a morning or afternoon in Toledo, Spain's medieval capital and a treasure trove of El Greco artworks. You'll discover a glorious city filled with amazing medieval architecture, and take a walk into the past along its cobblestone alleyways. A highlight of any visit to Toledo is seeing the famous paintings bythe 16th-century master, El Greco. Toledo was the setting for many of El Greco's artworks, and a tour highlight is The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the church of St. Tome. Toledo is a National Monument to Spain's art and history, combining Arabic, Mudejar Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by the River Tajo, the atmospheric walled town is crammed with churches and museums. Tour Highlights include the amazing 13th-century cathedral, the exterior of the medieval castle and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue. You’ll also visit St. Tome Church before being returned to Madrid.

Overnight at AC Palacio del Retiro (5*).

Day 7 Madrid

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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