VACATION OVERVIEW
They say good things come in twos. This is doubly true on an Independence by Globus city stay featuring two of Spain’s most iconic and loved cities—Barcelona and Madrid. From the magnificent “work in progress”, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, to the dazzling beaches and dizzying passion of the Flamenco, Barcelona is alive with inspiration. You’ll also find no shortage of captivating reasons to love Madrid; as greats like Goya, El Greco, Dalí, and Picasso himself illustrated. What original masterpiece of memories will you create during your I-Time to make this Independent City Stay of Spain uniquely yours?
INDEPENDENT BARCELONA & MADRID CITY STAY
ITINERARY
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Welcome to Barcelona! A Globus local Host will be waiting to welcome you at the hotel between 5pm and 7pm. Free time this afternoon.
Today’s I-Time Tips
Your first encounter with this captivating city will reveal to you why the motto, “Barcelona Inspires,” is true. Stunning architecture, dazzling beaches, vibrant markets and delicious dishes, this city has so much to offer. For your first taste of the city, take a seat in a sidewalk cafè and soak up the lively atmosphere. Your GlobusGO mobile app has all the dining tips you need.
DAY 2 BARCELONA
Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to discover the main attractions of the Gothic Quarter. Admire Güell Palace, the Gothic Cathedral, Boqueria Market, La Rambla, and Placa del la Catalunya.
Today’s I-Time Tips
This evening, join an optional excursion to experience one of Spain’s cultural treasures – the Flamenco! Enjoy a traditional Spanish buffet dinner with drinks and lose yourself in the powerful expressions of love, joy, and pain as professional performers tell their tales through rhythm, lyrics, guitar, and dance. Olé! More free time and entertainment tips can be found on your GlobusGO app. Breakfast.
DAY 3 BARCELONA
The day is yours to explore as you please.
Today’s I-Time Tips
One of Barcelona’s “must-sees” is the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, a testament to the masterwork of Antoni Gaudi. Built on the reliance of donations since the first stone was laid more than 130 years ago, the iconic church remains an unfinished masterpiece and the world’s longest-running construction project. Other examples of Gaudi’s work can be found around the city, one of the most famous being the Casa Batlló on the elegant boulevard Passeig de Gràcia.
Take a ride to the top of Arena de Barcelona, a converted bull ring that now houses shops and restaurants for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. More must-see sights are all at your fingertips with your GlobusGO mobile app. Breakfast
DAY 4 BARCELONA–MADRID
Travel by high-speed train to Madrid. A Globus Local Host will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon and evening.
Today’s I-Time Tips
The city of Madrid has so much to offer filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Osoy y el Madrono” (The bear and the strawberry tree), the biggest symbol of the city. This evening why not join an optional dinner excursion to try typical Spanish dishes at a local restaurant. Find more gastronomic suggestions on the GlobusGO app. Breakfast.
DAY 5 MADRID
This morning’s guided walking tour features some of Madrid’s most iconic sights including San Miguel market, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles fountain.
Today’s I-Time Tips
Join an optional excursion to Toledo the former Spanish capital, one of Europe’s best preserved walled medieval cities, known as the “City of Three Cultures”. Stroll along the cobblestone alleyways to experience this cultural melting pot of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian influence, evident in the city’s well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals. Join the locals for a stroll through the Parque de el Buen Retiro, a green oasis in the city centre which was formerly only accessible to royals. More free time ideas can be found on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Breakfast.
DAY 6 MADRID
The day is yours to explore as you please.
Today’s I-Time Tips
Madrid is home to some wonderful art galleries, including the Prado Museum which houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including amazing masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. If contemporary Spanish art is more to your taste, the Reina Sofia Museum has a wonderful collection including works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso. For more hints on Madrid’s museums, check out your GlobusGO app.
Breakfast.
DAY 7 MADRID
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast.
PRICE: From $1,299 per person, double occupancy
