Barcelona - Madrid 15 day 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.

Explore the works of the avantgarde artist Joan Miro and a wealth of art by other modern artists, and enjoy the hilltop views.

Home to over 4,000 of works by Pablo Picasso, this wonderful museum spans several buildings and the entirety of the artist's life.

Honoring the life the local artist Antoni Tapies, this museum holds a superb collection of his works in a fittingly quaint building.

Housed in a spectacular modern building, this museum hosts a must-see monumental collection of over 1,500 late-20C works of art.

A trek starting from Begur towards the coast can take you through several creeks, lined with their rocky and rugged banks.

This 14C monastery continues to serve as a home for its founding nun order, offering visitors a myriad of architectural gems.

This mountainous town is a haven for nature lovers, featuring quaint narrow streets and surrounding with breathtaking natural beauty.

Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of this atmospheric old town, admiring the old buildings and soaking in the serenity.

This 11C Romanesque church has an elaborate history, reflected in its rich interior, ancient architecture, and fine artworks.

This Romanesque church fits beautifully within the village landscape and welcomes you to look more closely.

Forged by the Noguera Ribagorcana River, this massive gorge offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience for rock climbers.

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

Enjoy the bustle brought in by local and international travelers as you stroll through the streets, visiting shops and cafes.

This popular beach is easy to get to and will not disappoint those who wish to spend the sunbathing or swimming.

Sprawling around a former royal palace, this park is full of exotic and local vegetation, offering a perfect venue for a walk.

The shoreline of this bay invites long walks along the beach, but is also perfect if you simply wish to bask in the sun.

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

Take a private tour of this cave, whose artifacts and cave drawings date back nearly 13,000 years.

Take in the awe-striking panorama of the sea atop Mount Igueldo, soaking in the lush scenery, the dramatic bay, and the lovely city.

Make the trip up Mt. Urgull to enjoy a panorama of the bay and the city, as well as explore the historic relics scattered throughout.

Once a monastery, this unique museum features funeral monuments, an ethnography collection, and some very impressive paintings.

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

This picturesque viewpoint is worth the small walk, especially with the alluring 11C hermitage perched on the tip of the headland.

Bilbao is an interesting city with a strong culture of art and architecture, as well as numerous museums on a variety of themes.

Almost entirely destroyed by German bombings during WWII, this town's devastation inspired Picasso's "Guernica."

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.

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.

If not traveling by train, you should visit this modern early 20C station, with murals throughout complimenting its uniqueness.

Built in the 14C, this Templar fort guarantees a lengthy visit as you explore its ramparts and views of the surroundings.

A beautiful mountain town, Teruel shows off an interesting landscape of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences from its past.