A TALE OF TWO CITIES
As befits the unarguably most important two cities in Spain, there has always been a (healthy?) rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona: the magnificent Royal Palaces and fountains of the first, against the gorgeus modernistic buidings of the second; the Prado, Reina Sofia or Thyssen Museums face to face with the Picasso Museum the MNAC or the MACBA…even Real Madrid against F.C. Barcelona!.
At Charmed by Spain, we do not wish to take sides and, in fact, why on earth would you wish to choose when you can have everything?.
Tour A Tale of Two Cities
Day 1
Arrival in Madrid
Private luxury transfer from the Airport to your select hotel, where your guide will assist you with the check-in while you relax from your journey; he will also present you with a very special welcome gift. Depending on the hour of your arrival, some activities may be arranged, according to your personal interests and preferences.
Day 2
Madrid- historic city
Follow the steps of powerful kings, brilliant writers, bold swordsmen… After a sightseeing drive to situate you in the city, an expert historian will guide you to the past in a visit of the Palacio Real, the largest palace in all western Europe, where the memories of ancient kings still echo. The present Palace was built on the site of the former Real Alcazar, that went up in flames in a mysterious fire…from the Palace, your expert historian guide will help you discover Hapsburg Madrid (known in Spain as el Madrid de los Austrias), Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa or Convento de la Encarnación are some of the places where the essence of the 16th and 17th centuries can still be felt.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, and get ready to pamper your palate with a superb dinner at the “Club Allard”, an exclusive Michelin starred restaurant set in a luxury location, an impressive Modernist building in front of the Egyptian Debod Temple.
Day 3
Madrid Lifestyle
After a sophisticated dinner, we will start this day with the most genuine breakfast- churros con chocolate.
The lasting taste of this sweet indulgence will accompany us in our stroll through some of the more typical quarters, the food markets and the artisan shops.
A typical cocido Madrileño (an incredibly delicious stew with different meats and chickpeas) will help you restore your energy after this interesting morning.
In the evening, we suggest you to experience one of the most moving spectacles in the world. Visit with us a Tablao Flamenco, and let your soul be touched by the raw feeling of the music and the dance.
Day 4
Madrid-Barcelona
Take your time for some last visits or last minute shopping, before taking the AVE (high speed train) to Barcelona, where a member of our staff will greet you and drive you to your luxury hotel. Depending on the hour, some activities can be arranged according to your interests and preferences.
Day 5
Barcelona Land, Sea and Air
Feel all the charm of Barcelona from the air, a hellicopter tour will help you to get acquainted with the beauty of the city. Hop on a boat to sail the coastline and admire the wonderful beaches, and drive around Barcelona to see some of its most important highlights: Passeig de Gràcia, la Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera…
In the afternoon you could relax visiting the gorgeous Parc Güell, one fine example of Gaudi’s architecture and an absolutely must in Barcelona. From Parc Güell you can venture into the neighbourhood of Gràcia, a bohemian part of the city- which was not so long ago an independent town- with a trendy and artistic ambience, and many restaurants, cafes and terraces to spend the evening.
Day 6
Barcelona Lifestyle
Ramble with your guide along Las Ramblas, a lively boulevard that cuts right through the heart of the city. A myriad of stalls, restaurants, human statues, musicians, live performances… ensure a most amusing promenade.
Midway through Las Ramblas, we will visit La Boquería Market- a fabulous food market (indeed one of the very best in the world) in a gorgeous Modernist entourage. After that, we will continue our stroll through the wonderful Gotic Quarter, full of the charm and history of the well-preserved Middle-Age Barcelona. A lunch of tapas will help us recover our strength for the rest of our day.
The rest of the evening can be planned according to your preferences, and the dates of your stay: Would you like VIP access to an exciting FC Barcelona football match; or maybe football is not really your cup of tea, and you’d rather pamper your ears with an Opera Performance at the Liceum?.
Day 7
Departure
Some last minute shopping, a last goodbye to the city… as Shakespeare wrote “parting is such sweet sorrow”… but, as your guide helps you with the check-out and takes you to the airport, try to cheer up a bit, after all you can come back whenever you wish, Spain will be right here waiting for you!
