Barcelona, Spain - Valencia, Spain 9 days trip

A vibrant metropolis set on the Mediterranean Sea, famed for its brilliant architecture, rich culture, and captivating history.

Recognized as the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, this incomplete church is an exquisite blend of Gothicism and Art Nouveau.

In the heart of the city center, this historic quarter is full of Gothic architectural gems, as well as artifacts dating to the 4C.

A marvel of landscaping by Antoni Gaudi, this park blends lush gardens with architectural curios, and is full of whimsical statues.

The center remains the heart of Barcelona, combining historic sites and cultural monuments with cafes, shops, and fun activities.

Dating to the 11C, this cliffside monastery boasts Romanesque features and is surrounded by the breathtaking nature of the Cingles de Berti.

A beautiful mountaintop abbey that offers breathtaking views over the whole of Catalonia, and houses a famed image of Black Madonna.

Once the city's infamous Chinatown, today the neighborhood is best known for its nightlife and a myriad of diverse eateries.

Located centrally in the Gothic Quarter, this cultural square is surrounded by some of Barcelona's most grand medieval buildings.

Walk down this major avenue, admiring fantastic architectural gems, browsing the various shops, and enjoying the local cafes.

Established in the 15C, this famous avenue is lively, colorful, and manic, with ever-changing commerce, nature, and celebrations.

Take a guided tour through the salt mines to explore the breathtaking caves and learn about salt mining in the region.

Heavenly visions guided two young shepherds to this cave in the 9C, where they discovered a relic of the Virgin Mary.

This immense square is a nice spot for some shopping, and turns into a nightlife and cuisine hub in the evenings.

Visit the city's marina and discover a bustling area great for eating, drinking, and enjoying the views and happenings.

Housed in a 15C Gothic palace, this superb museum hosts a wealth of historic relics, including wonderful archaeological findings.

Recognized by National Geographic as the world's best city beach, this great shoreline stretches for over 4km and fits all tastes.

The intensity of this mountain's facade has influenced Wagner and other artists, as well those worshiping the Virgin Mary.

This beach town is friendly and fun, with a wealth of Modernist structures, reflecting many artists who frequented here.

Housed in the National Palace, this museum includes excellent collections covering art and artifacts from Roman times to modern.

This flamboyant concert hall displays the best of Catalan culture both inside and out, boasting exquisite ornaments and architecture.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gaudi-designed masterpiece from the early 20C offers a museum and roof-top tour.

This 13C Gothic cathedral is a wonder, featuring an array of decorative elements and allowing access to the roof for great views.

A 12C monastery superbly blending architectures, with a multitude of galleries devoted to Moor, Romanesque, or Gothic influences.

Purchased by Salvador Dali as a gift to his wife Gala, Dali is now buried at the castle.

Zaragoza is currently experiencing a sort of "Renaissance," as the rest of the world is discovering its many attributes.

Enjoy the historic center during the day or take an evening stroll, the latter time giving a fresh perspective of the sites.

This 17C cathedral is most unique in its layout, frescos, and miniature chapel.

This impressive 11C Arab palace has been redesigned a few times by later kings, but its mosque has been beautifully restored.

Located in the Zaragoza Cathedral, several of the collection's ancient tapestries are displayed for the public.

These monumental eroding rock formations loom over the town of Riglos, and are home to the largest vulture colony in the region.

A gorgeous mountain massif, Sierra de Guara offers amazing sightseeing as well as more rigorous outdoor activities.

This museum, located in a Renaissance palace, holds numerous 15C to 20C paintings, including those by El Greco.

This cathedral has been built upon over the centuries and thus displays numerous styles, from Mudejar to Churriguresque to Gothic.

This 12C monastery is best known for the lush forested park adjacent to its grounds, as well as the gorgeous waterfalls nearby.

Set out to explore this amazing canyon offering easy and challenging trails, or simply look for eagles along the cliffs.

A visit to Pamplona in the Spanish Pyrenees, provides a truly historical experience combined with numerous parks and plazas.

Starting in Castillo Plaza, explore the old town atmosphere, its narrow streets and diverse architecture spanning several centuries.

This popular square is a must-visit, offering travelers a glimpse of its locals, architectural surroundings, and fabulous cafes.

This 14C Gothic cathedral with a Neoclassical facade holds many architectural works of art, including an exceptional cloister.

This museum houses an immense collection of archaeological findings such as prehistoric carvings, as well as art as late as 20C.

This road runs along the coast in the Basque country, offering stops at numerous beautiful views and several fishing ports.

Set on the Bay of Biscay, this town and its history is only rivaled by the sunny beaches and superb local cuisine.

Behind the cathedral, the Bishop's path stretches on past Renaissance remnants, offering views of the city and a tranquil ambiance.

Still retaining defensive fortifications, this 13C church features Romanesque and Gothic remnants, and boasts a fine Baroque chapel.

These monumental eroding rock formations loom over the town of Riglos, and are home to the largest vulture colony in the region.

An off-the-beaten-path fishing village worth a visit for its great beaches, as well as its unbeatable sense of peacefulness.

Madrid is where ancient and old meet modern and cosmopolitan, where sightseeing, dancing, and shopping go hand in hand.

Spectacular enough to rival the Louvre, this museum is well-known for its revered art collection including best national artists.

Old Madrid offers a range of exploration from small charming residences, to elaborate mansions, to a number of churches.

This must-see museum provides a comprehensive journey of prehistoric, Iberian, Visigothic, Muslim, and Christian cultures.

Housed in an old hospital, this museum holds a most excellent collection of art by 20C Spanish artists.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

This refreshing park is an oasis within Madrid, with peaceful tree groves, a lake for rowing, and enticing spots for solitude.

Dating to the 2C, this ancient Egyptian temple was sent as a gift from Egypt to Spain and was rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid.

Visit this neighborhood for a day full of cultural exploits, as its streets are lined with some of Madrid's best national museums.

Built in the 17C, this is a relaxing plaza to linger in, with its interesting architecture, cafes, and frequent performances.

Situated amid lovely scenery, this charming city offers diverse architecture, cultural monuments, local cuisine, and rich history.

Segovia has an illustrious past dating to Roman times, only rivaled by the beauty of the landscape surrounding it.

This vast 18C palatial complex is the official residence of Spanish royalty, boasting over 2,000 rooms and remarkable decor.

This 16C monastery contains a wealth of artistic elements, such as its chapels, Ruben-based tapestries, and paintings.

This often overlooked museum should not be missed, as it hosts Goya masterpieces, enamel ware, silverworks, and other artifacts.

This neoclassical palace holds a must-see collection for art enthusiasts, with artwork spanning from the 13C to the present day.

Explore the ins and outs of this lovely Spanish town, making sure to check out the iconic windmills.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

While Valencia retains a pride and tight connection to its past, it also is extremely modernized in its demeanor and culture.

Begin exploring Old Valencia by having breakfast or lunch in the friendly and bustling Mare de Deu Plaza.

This expansive complex includes an opera hall, an interactive science museum, and the largest aquarium in Europe.

The Valencia beach is popular for its sand, sun, and surf, with some areas offering amenities and others more tranquil.

Housed in a 17C palace, this museum hosts a wealth of medieval artworks, as well as sculptures, archaeological findings, and more.

Book in advance if you want to visit this amazing winery, sampling Spanish wines and enjoying the views of the surrounding vineyards.

Trace the history of this castle by the artifacts left by its former inhabitants, from Romans, to Arabs, to Christians.

Dating to the 13C, this Gothic church as built on the site of a mosque. It is renowned for its unique mixture of architectural styles.

Part of the City of Arts and Sciences, this must-see aquarium, the largest in Europe, is home to more than 500 aquatic species.

This 15C Gothic building was once the heart of Valencia's trade, and now retains ornate exterior and elaborate decor.

Housed in a 15C Baroque palace with lavish exterior, the museum displays over 5,000 ceramic artworks dating as far back as the 13C.

Known for its rich history and amazing old architecture, this remarkable Spanish town hosts annual festivals to celebrate its iconic castle.

Learn about Spanish wine production and sample some delicious wines at this excellent winery. Make sure to book in advance.