Artistic Barcelona and Valencia Escapade by Rail

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this vibrant city.

Today explore Barcelona on your own or take one of the recommended private or small group optional tours. We recommend joining a guided walking tour through the Catalan capital's most splendid past. You will have the opportunity to discover the historic city center, the Gothic Quarter, led by an expert guide and take a journey back in time, spanning Roman to medieval Barcelona. After visiting Placa de Sant Jaume, the current seat of local and regional government, you will be able to enjoy some unique landmarks sites, such as the Placa del Rei, the cathedral, and the Roman walls.

Today, we recommend to explore Gaudi's Barcelona. Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the place where the famous architect Antoni Gaudi worked and lived. Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures for the discerning tourist to discover in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited buildings in the world. You may want to visit the astonishing interior of this church, where vaults reach 230 ft. Antoni Gaudi designed a Latin cross plan with five aisles, extremely rich in ornamentation and symbolism. Consider also visiting the Sagrada Familia museum, where you will see drawings, plaster models and pictures about the history and development of this basilica from its early beginnings to the present day. The museum will also give valuable information about Antoni Gaudi´s life and career. Then head to Gaudi's bizarre Park Güell which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be careful, it's easy to get lost in the whimsical design of this bizarre but compelling public park with a perfect integration of the architectural elements in nature. Continue to Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi's famous apartment buildings such as Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, also called “La Pedrera”, and other modernist buildings.

Today, enjoy a day at leisure or consider joining an optional tour to Figueres (where you will explore the renowned, inimitable Teatre Museu Dali, the Dali museum) and Girona (where you will enjoy a guided walking tour to marvel at its striking Jewish quarters). Alternatively, drive through the picturesque little villages to Montserrat Mountain to visit the Royal Basilica with its famous 12th century Romanesque sculpture of “Black Virgin”.

You will be transferred to the train station to board a train to Valencia. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

Valencia is a completely flat city with lots of green areas and a historical city center which is easily reached by bike. Consider joining an optional environmentally-friendly, and fun Valencia Bike Tour. Start by visiting the Turia Gardens, the former riverbed that used to wind its way through the city. Then, pedal down the streets and squares and pass by the main monuments of the old city until you reach Valencia’s newest landmark, the City of Arts & Sciences.

You will transferred to the airport for your return flight home.