Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon: Spain’s Historical Wonders & Beyond

What to expect on this itinerary
History has always been a fascination of humankind as we can learn so much from those that have come and gone before us. Apart from life lessons, history also opens a remarkable window into the culture of the past. From the origins of local food to the style of homes in which inhabitants lived, so much information can be gleaned from stepping into a place’s past and perusing its treasure trove of secrets. This historically based 9-day journey whisks you away to the European gems of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon, promising one unrivaled immersion into the history of the region.
Customizable Itinerary
Barcelona – Historical Tour with Tapas
When your flight lands in Barcelona and you clear customs, your private driver will meet and escort you to your luxurious accommodations in the city. After you settle in, your private guide will lead you on a historical tour of the city’s highlights with your expert guide. This in-depth exploration will lead you to the city’s most famous locales, including the Passeig de Gracia, La Peddler, and a few of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural wonders. Your final stop will be Old Town Barcelona, where you can stroll through the captivating streets of the Gothic Quarter. Your tour will include several stops at local vendors that sell authentic Spanish tapas.
What's Included:
Barcelona – Three Medieval Villages
Barcelona – Witness Montserrat Monastery
Barcelona – Girona and Figueres
Madrid – Attend a Flamenco Show
Madrid – Cultural Food Tour
Lisbon – Historical Tour of Lisbon
Lisbon – Sintra’s Fairytale Locale
Lisbon - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Witness the most iconic sites of Madrid before being treated to an incredible Flamenco performance
- Stroll the lovely streets of Lisbon as you step back in time and hear about its fascinating history from a local and knowledgeable guide
- Immerse yourself in a trio of medieval villages on a trip of discovery
- Ascend to the summit of Montserrat Monastery to see where monks used to live and worship among spectacular Spanish landscapes
- Be swept off of your feet by the whimsy and wonder of Sintra as you wander among its charming town and palaces
- Indulge in the most delicious tapas as you are provided with a taste of Spanish history and culture in Madrid
- Witness the Girona and visit Figueres, which is the birthplace of Salvador Dali, on a full-day tour from Barcelona
Detailed Description
When it comes to scenic beauty and options for entertainment and activities, the famed European cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon are all at the top of the list for most travelers. Oddly enough, very few travelers realize what a wealth of historical treasures each of these cosmopolitan enclaves possesses.
This incredible 9-day journey will take you back in time and introduce you to the historical wonders of these spectacular cities. This incredible journey features the most elite and exclusive activities, including ascending to the heights of Montserrat Monastery for a trip to discovering the medieval allure of three Spanish cities on a private tour from Barcelona. You will also be amazed and inspired as you write the next exciting chapter in your own history book.
Your hand-crafted getaway will begin in Barcelona, where you will spend your first evening being led on a private historical tour of the city. As you stroll through its most iconic sites, you will also be able to sample local tapas as no proper tour of Barcelona would be complete without these delicious treats. Your first full day in Europe will have you leaving Barcelona behind to discover the three medieval villages of Besalu, Rupit, and Tavertet with your private guide. The following morning will have you embarking on a journey to the Montserrat Monastery, which is perched on the Spanish mountains just outside of Barcelona. There, you will spend the day being awed and inspired as your private guide regales you with the history of the monastery.
A pair of equally intriguing locales will beckon to you on day four, which is when you will venture to the Spanish havens of Girona and Figueres. On day five, you will depart Barcelona and make your way to Madrid, where you will waste no time in jumping into your first exciting event: a private historical tour of the city’s iconic sites. Following your comprehensive and enlightening tour, you will be treated to a spectacular flamenco performance, which will provide you with a glimpse of Spanish culture that you will surely never forget.
On the morning of day six, you will embark on a unique historical tour that will be focused on the origins and ramifications of the Spanish Inquisition. Following your informative and intriguing tour, you will spend the rest of the day indulging in a tapas-centered food and cultural tour. Day seven will have you transferring to Lisbon. Here, you will spend your first afternoon and evening on a historical walking tour of the city’s streets before indulging in an al fresco feast. Your final experience in Portugal will lead you to the impressive fairytale world of Sintra, where history is joyfully intertwined with rainbow-colored castles, charming streets, and much more.
During your journey, you will stay in luxurious accommodations and have every detail handled for you, including all private transfers to and from every destination. Nearly everything about his itinerary is customizable, so you can adjust nearly anything and everything to better suit your moods and desires once you are in Europe.
Starting Price
$2,900 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 3831 reviews
Zicasso's travel expert and his team were fantastic. They planned out all the details of our trip and the activities were set up through reputable and trustworthy third parties by him. I’d definitely use his team again.
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Our trip to Spain was wonderful and everything went as planned. The three hotels we stayed in (Madrid, La Rioja, Barcelona) met or exceeded expectations. Our guides were very knowledgeable and personable.
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We had an excellent trip! We loved the tours and how the Zicasso travel company was accessible during the duration of the trip. We encountered one issue, but the team responded and worked with us to resolve it.
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Excellent planning by Zicasso's travel company and first-class accommodations with professional staff made this 16-day trip to Spain a true pleasure.
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This trip was fantastic! My husband and I, along with my three daughters in their 20s, had the best time. Planning with Zicasso's travel expert was easy. She was quick to respond to emails, texts and calls before and during the trip.
We wanted some unique experiences, like making Portuguese filigree jewelry, and she found a great place for us! The hotels she selected were perfect for our larger group.
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It was an incredible trip and the Zicasso travel company did an excellent job, from preparing the itinerary to being available practically 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance, including anticipating our needs. I was very impressed with the company.
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