Travellers gather in Toronto for our direct flight to Madrid.

Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, we are greeted by our local guide. On our way to the hotel, an introductory drive provides a perfect first look at this energetic city, a place of grand royal avenues and palaces, alongside lively tapas bars and markets. The afternoon is free to relax before we gather for dinner at the hotel. 

Catalonia Gran Via Madrid (3 nights) 

Our day starts with a walking tour of Madrid’s historic heart. We begin at the Puerta del Sol, the famous starting point for all of Spain's national roads. Then, we make our way to the nearby Plaza Mayor, the city’s magnificent 17th-century central square. Our walk continues through the charming Austrias quarter, the old neighbourhood built during the Habsburg dynasty. A highlight of our morning is a visit to the Royal Palace, a Baroque masterpiece and the largest royal palace in Europe. We also admire the Almudena Cathedral, the impressive church where royal events are held. The afternoon is yours to explore. You might choose to stroll through the beautiful El Retiro Park or visit one of the city's famed art museums. This evening, we gather for dinner at a traditional tablao to witness the passionate music and dance of flamenco.

We journey south to Toledo, a stunning imperial city perched on a hill above the Tagus River. Its golden walls protect a priceless artistic legacy shaped by the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities that left their mark here over the centuries. On a walking tour, we pass through its medieval gates, the winding lanes of its Jewish Quarter, and step inside the magnificent Cathedral of Toledo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. We also soak up the lively atmosphere of Zocodover Square, the city’s main plaza. We enjoy lunch before returning to Madrid.

Depart Madrid and drive to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairy-tale skyline. A walking tour leads us through the city's Old Town to the bustling Plaza Mayor. We will admire the impressive Gothic cathedral and the ancient Roman aqueduct, a staggering feat of engineering. We will tour the Alcázar of Segovia, a fortress that once served as the palace for the royal family of Castile. Following free time for lunch, we continue to the historic university city of Salamanca and our hotel, where we gather for dinner this evening. 

Catalonia Plaza Mayor Salamanca (2 nights)   

Today, we explore the Old City of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site defined for centuries by its prestigious university, the oldest in Spain. It was once a global centre of thought: scholars debated the impact of Spain’s expansion into the Americas, created the first Spanish grammar book, and helped propose the Gregorian calendar we use today. Our walking tour reveals this legacy as we visit the magnificent Plaza Mayor, the famed university façade, the impressive twin cathedrals, and the unique Casa de las Conchas, a palace adorned with more than 300 shells. For lunch, we enjoy a special tasting of local wine, ham, and cheese. After a free afternoon, we have dinner together at a local restaurant. 

Leaving Salamanca, we travel to Zamora, a quiet gem on the Duero River. This city’s history is among the oldest in Spain, founded in the Bronze Age and later settled by the Celtic Vacceos people. Still known as the “Romanesque capital,” it boasts more than twenty Romanesque churches. A brief walking tour leads us through the city’s ancient castle walls. After a break for lunch, we drive to Santiago de Compostela and our spectacular heritage hotel. Once a royal hospital built by the Catholic Monarchs, it is now regarded as one of the oldest and most exclusive hotels in Spain. 

Hotel Parador Santiago (2 nights)  

Santiago de Compostela is defined by its role as one of Christianity’s most important sites in Spain. Founded in the 9th century upon the discovery of the tomb of St. James the Apostle, it soon became the celebrated destination of the Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage network, travelled since the Middle Ages, brought a rich mix of European cultures to the city. Our walk leads us through the Old Town to the Praza do Obradoiro, its grand, iconic square. A highlight is our visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the traditional burial place of St. James, along with its museum. We then continue to Praza das Praterías and Praza da Quintana, before wandering the bustling Market of Abastos for a taste of local life. 

A scenic drive along Spain's "Green Coast" brings us into the region of Asturias. We make a stop in the picturesque fishing village of Luarca, with time to explore its charming harbour. We then pause for a light lunch, featuring a true Asturian tradition: a cider tasting. “Sidra” is a tart, still cider that defines this region. Our day concludes as we settle into our parador, a historic treasure housed within the walls of the 8th-century San Pedro de Villanueva monastery. 

Parador de Cangas de Onís (1 night)

Today we take a short drive to Covadonga, a place of great historical importance in Spain. After strolling through this picturesque area in the Picos de Europa mountains, we continue to Santillana del Mar, a village of cobblestone streets and medieval houses often called “the most beautiful town in Spain.” We explore its charming historic centre before visiting the Altamira Museum, home to a state-of-the-art replica of the prehistoric Altamira cave. Later, we arrive in Bilbao and settle in for the night. 

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao (2 nights) 

Bilbao reinvented itself from an industrial port into a beacon of modern architecture. Our morning is dedicated to touring the Casco Viejo, the city’s medieval heart. We explore the 'Siete Calles' (Seven Streets), discovering its traditional taverns and lively markets. We then visit the undisputed icon of the city's renewal: the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy its groundbreaking collection and the titanium-clad building itself before gathering for dinner this evening.

We depart for Pamplona, a city famed for the Running of the Bulls and Ernest Hemingway’s legacy. A panoramic tour introduces us to its historic heart. We will walk along its ancient ramparts and visit the Plaza del Castillo, the city's lively main square. After some free time, we continue to Zaragoza.

Eurostars Rey Fernando (1 night)

Zaragoza, set on the banks of the River Ebro, reveals a striking 2,000-year history. A panoramic drive explores its layers of Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, and grand basilicas. We visit the Plaza del Pilar, the city's main square, and see the ancient Roman Forum and La Seo de Zaragoza. Our tour features a visit to the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, and the Palacio de la Aljafería. After our visits, we continue our drive to Barcelona.

Catalonia Atenas Barcelona (3 nights) 

We devote the day to Barcelona, a captivating city known for its artistic genius and Mediterranean flair. Our tour begins with a walk through the winding medieval alleys of the Gothic Quarter. We then admire the elegance of Passeig de Gràcia, including Gaudí’s fantastic facades at Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Our tour ends with a visit to his ultimate masterpiece: the iconic Sagrada Família. This evening, we immerse ourselves in Spanish cuisine with a hands-on paella cooking class. We join a chef at a local market to select fresh ingredients and learn the secrets to preparing this classic dish. Our day concludes as we enjoy our homemade paella together. 

Make the most of a free day to discover Barcelona at your own pace. You may wish to explore the colourful Park Güell or simply relax by the Mediterranean. Tonight, we gather one last time to share a farewell dinner. 

All too soon, our journey must draw to a close as we say farewell to Spain and fly home to Canada.