Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona by train

Arrival in Madrid, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Madrid, the Spanish capital, is a city rich in history where traditions, cultural diversity, food and conviviality mix successfully. It is impossible to ignore Madrid’s many “Plazas”, gates, museums and buildings that, over the years, have helped forge the history and identity of the Spanish capital city.

Start your first day in Madrid by visiting some of the city’s main tourist attractions such as the Plaza de Mayor and its statue of King Philip II. Further on is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Spain, although he does not actually live here. Using your 2 days “Hop on / Hop off” bus ticket is a great way to take a first full tour of the city.

Overnight in Madrid 

Free day to discover the city.

After a good night’s sleep, start your day at Almudena Cathedral. Then head to the Plaza Espana and the Gran Via, Madrid’s shopping street. Conclude your morning by visiting the Templo de Debod and the Prado Museum for its collections of works by Spanish artists Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez, including Velazquez’s masterpiece, Las Meninas.

In the afternoon, enjoy the sun while discovering Retiro Park with its paths along unusually beautiful green spaces and the possibility of a boat ride on the water. You can also visit the Palacio Cristal, or glass palace. This former conservatory, built in the late 19th century, now serves as an exhibition space. There are two more monuments in the park that are worth seeing; the Paseo de la Argentina and the Puerta de Alcala.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Madrid 

Free day to discover the city.

Why not begin this day with a visit to some of the most beautiful museums in the city, such as the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia or the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza? Both are important places that highlight pieces of art by great masters, including Pablo Picasso and his unforgettable “Guernica”. Spend the afternoon enjoying some more of Madrid’s effervescence by exploring the El Rastro flea market (weekends only).

Then head to Puerta del Sol, a square that is home to one of the most famous statues in the city, El Oso y el Madrono, which stands 4 meters high and weighs 20 tons. If you have the opportunity, consider visiting the mythical Santiago Bernabeu stadium. You might even have the chance to watch a soccer match!

Madrid is a splendid city with a culinary culture different from any you may be used to. Paella, patatas bravas, gazpacho, tortilla and churros are just a few of the treats you can feast on. For good tapas, we recommend Casa Toni as well as Casa Abuelo. Although these are two prize winning establishments, you should discover the many tapas bars of the city for a varied and rich experience. La Paella de la Reina is where to go for one of the best paellas in the city, and La Bola is a very popular establishment for its cocido madrileno. In short, there are plenty of places to treat your taste buds!

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Madrid 

Train to Valencia. Rest of the day free.

A young and dynamic city, Valencia has a striking architectural heritage. A good example of this is its City of Arts and Sciences, whose futuristic structure still intrigues and surprises today. It is a place that must be visited during your second day here.

Begin your stay in Valencia by discovering the central market, one of the largest covered markets in central Europe, with 400 merchants selling everything from vegetables to spices to a variety of products from all over Spain. Take some time to enjoy some tapas on one of the terraces.

Next, head out to visit the heart of the city (Ciutat Vella). You could actually spend one or two days here, but we recommend you give preference to certain neighborhoods such as El Carme and Barrio del Carmen. Here you will find sumptuous buildings like the Plaza de la Virgen, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados and the Fuente del Turia. Also in the center are the old city walls (Torres de Quart and Torres de Sarranos) as well as many creative works of “street art”. Use your 2 days “Hop-on-Hop-off” bus ticket to take a first complete tour of the city.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Valencia

Free day to discover the city.

Start your second day in Valencia by going to the City of Arts and Sciences, undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction and a great place to go if you are travelling with children. This is one of the largest European complexes entirely dedicated to sharing scientific and cultural learning. Visiting here can take the better part of your day.

If you have some time left, we recommend discovering the Llotja de la Seda (Silk Lodge), a Gothic-style commercial building that houses sumptuous pieces of decorative art which demonstrates the grandeur and richness of Spain, and especially Valencia.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Valencia 

Free day to discover Valencia.

Start your third day with a visit to Playa Malvarrosa, Valencia’s best-known beach. This is an ideal place to relax before heading back to the city center and Turia Park, a 7- kilometer space ideal for escaping. Your path will take you straight to La Marina, an area that combines culture, business, sports, tourism and gastronomy. The most emblematic building here is the Veles e Vents, where exhibitions and plays are often organized. Do not leave out the Museum of Decorative Arts with its exhibits of porcelain, ceramics, textiles and traditional costumes.

It is impossible to imagine visiting Valencia without eating paella at least once. The dish originated here and so this is the place to taste it! Since almost all the restaurants serve one form of paella or another, you won’t be short of choices! To enjoy typical dishes and good Spanish wines, go to Casa Montana, the oldest restaurant in the city. The Papica is an establishment that is rated one of the best when it comes to paella. The Palace Fesol is even more highly appreciated by the locals for the snails that they add to their paella. You have many to choose from! And don’t forget to try the Agua de Valencia, the local cocktail that features the juice of Valencia oranges.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Valencia 

Train to Barcelona. Rest of the day free to discover the city.

The journey between Valencia and the Catalan capital takes only a few hours. Barcelona is an interesting, multicultural city rich in history and architecture. With delicious regional dishes, a local dialect and an openness to all nations, Barcelona quickly established itself as a model of its kind. Marked by a real “Gaudian” influence, the Catalan city is full of things to discover and do. It has a heritage that is highly valued by UNESCO.

Start your first day with a visit to Casa Batllo, one of Antonio Gaudi’s best-known works. The colorful building is located in Passeig de Gracia. Continue your route toward Casa Amatller and a little further to La Perdera, one of Gaudi’s last works and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, the Mercado de Boqueria, one of the city’s landmarks, will welcome you with its incredibly diverse selection of goods. At the end of the day, stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s main walking avenue. It connects Placa de Catalyuna with the Christopher Columbus monument. Consider using your 2 days “Hop on-Hop off” bus ticket to take a first full tour of the city.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Barcelona

Free day to discover the city.

Begin your second day with a visit to the Sagrada Familia. Still (and it seems forever…) under construction, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see in Barcelona. The interior is surprisingly colorful and modern. You can climb to the top of one of its two towers, Nativity and Passion, with panoramic views of the city and the sea. Then head to Park Gueli, a park system composed of gardens and architectural elements, many of which were designed by Antonio Gaudi.

In the afternoon, get off the beaten track and head to Mount Tibidabo and Cor Sagrat. The Cor Sagrat (Temple of the Sacred Heart) is a Catholic church at the top of Mount Tibidado. Take advantage of the sunset to visit the Carmel bunker, an old abandoned military building which has become one of the main sites to enjoy at the end of the day.

Don’t forget to take in one of Barcelona’s many beaches such as Barceloneta, the beach of Nova Icaria, or the beaches of Bogatell and Samorrostro. Also try the xiringuitos experience. These are small, typical Catalan bars by the beach, ideal for having a drink or a bite to eat facing the sea. The Xiringuito Escriba, the Xiringuito Bambu and the Pez Vela are the best-known.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Barcelona 

Free day to discover the city.

Museums are on the program for your third day. Go to Montjuic Hill where there are several museums such as the MNAC, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalyuna, which exhibits works from the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also visit the Joan Miro Foundation, Montjuic Castle and others.

Then go back down toward the Gothic Quarter, located in the center of Barcelona. You will enjoy discovering its small streets and alleyways that will make you think of a labyrinth. If you are a sports lover, take advantage of this last afternoon to go to Camp Nou, the football stadium of FC Barcelona.

Barcelona is also about food. In Catalonia, culinary culture is very developed and locals like to gather around a good meal. In other words, there is no shortage of great places to eat. La Bodega Biarritz is a typical tapas restaurant popular with locals. You can also try Zyryab Fusion Tapas Bar which perfectly mixes Spanish and Oriental flavors. Similarly, Sol Soler offers the same type of menu with a special mention for their carrot cake which, for many, is the best in the city. For drinks, we recommend the Alaire Terrace, a roof-top restaurant ideal for watching the sunset.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Barcelona 

Transfer to the airport. Return flight to Montreal.

Meal: Breakfast