Strategically located on the Mediterranean, Barcelona enjoys a temperate climate, a magnificent historical gothic centre, is the epicentre of all things gastronomic, and is an architect's dream with the many art deco buildings scattered throughout the city. Enjoy a leisurely stay in Barcelona, with local English speaking guides who will reveal the treasures Barcelona has to offer. The Catalan capital is widely known as a party city and you will inevitably get carried along with the spirit. But don't stay out too late - there is plenty to see by day. Admire the fabulous architecture of Gaudí, Barcelona's favourite son. His work litters the city, but his greatest monument is the Sagrada Familia - an unfinished cathedral that looks like something between a vast Gothic church and a space ship from a sci-fi movie. Other Gaudí highlights include La Pedrera - a brilliantly weird converted terrace block in the heart of the city - and El Parc Guell, a surreal haven on a hill high above the bustle of the city. The Gothic Quarter and Montjuic are also well worth exploring, with ancient and ornate architecture everywhere you look. Amidst all this stands Barcelona's other cathedral, the imposing edifice of La Seu.

Continue to Madrid, home of the Royals. Visit the enormous city centre public garden known as El Retiro, the Prado gallery, the Reina Sofia gallery displaying Guernica, by Picasso and the Plaza Major - one of the finest squares in Spain. Enjoy three days in Madrid, with a private walking tour, visit to the Royal Palace and enjoy a three course Spanish dinner with Flamenco show. A 24hr art pass gives you admission to more than 40 museums in Madrid.

Day 1
Barcelona
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Avail of an Airport transfer from the city centre to airport with a private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Visit the art galleries and/or museums of your choice in Barcelona with this Articket which entitles you to free admission to seven of the most important and remarkable museums and art centres in Barcelona: Picasso Museum, Fundacion Joan Miro, Casa Mila, Fundacion Antonio Tapies, Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona (MACBA) and Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB). The Articket can be used once at each museum and at any time during a period of six months, so you can use it whenever you like throughout your stay in the city. Exchange your voucher for the Articket at any of the included museums during their opening hours. Take a half day walking tour following the footsteps of the legendary Architect Gaudi, with your private professional English speaking Guide. Walk in Barcelona of 1900's, in the neighbourhood of " El Ensanche", discovering the temple of "La Sagrada Familia", Gracia avenue with the houses of Gaudí, and the Batlló House. Other sights to be visited are the Paseo de Gracia, and the facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. (Tickets to Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera are included). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Majestic (5*) is located on Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, two blocks from Gaudí’s La Pedrera and one kilometre from Barcelona’s markets and galleries along Las Ramblas. All 303 guestrooms are decorated in warm Mediterranean colors and have wireless Internet access, laptop-size safes, minibars, stereo systems, interactive TVs, and marble baths. The Majestic Hotel’s rooftop terrace is home to the mural-splashed Bar de la Piscina, and a swimming pool and deck that offer spectacular views of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família cathedral. In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain. Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

Day 2
Barcelona
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). A unique opportunity to find off-the-beaten track Tapas bars with your private English speaking guide. Enjoy a wander through the back alleys and discover a hidden side of Barcelona. You will explore the Eixample district known as the Quadrat d'Or, or Golden Square, where you’ll find some of the best samples of Modernism Architecture. Check out the Old Medieval Town (or Casa Antic) and La Boquería food market just off Las Ramblas, the best place to watch Barcelona’s bustling evening life. (Food & Drinks at own expense). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy one of Barcelona's top class restaurants. Our top picks are Cal Pep, Alkimia, Can Majo, Ca l'Isidre, Moo, Commerc 24, Cuines Santa Caterina, Escriba - all have that little more that makes the difference without being too expensive. Overnight at Majestic (5*).

Day 3
Barcelona
Indulge in a few hours of shopping! Barcelona is a mecca for shoppers! The shopping line stretches from the top of the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Most of the streets are pedestrian only. If you're after international fashion, Avinguda Diagonal is the place to look. Shops include Calvin Klein (At No 484), Giorgio Armani (No 490; No 620), Gianni Versace (No 606) and Gucci (No 415). Jean Pierre Bua (No 469) hosts designers ranging from Jean Paul Gaultier through to Helmut Lang. There's a gaggle of relatively economical shoe shops on Avinguda del Portal de l'Angel, which is just off Placa de Catalunya. If you're in the mood for a little kitsch, the easiest thing to do is head for La Rambla. Lladro & Majorica - These are possibly the two best-known Spanish brand names in the world.. Garcia (tel 93 302 69 89; La Rambla 4) is a handy spot to take a look at these products. You will find Majorica pearls in El Corte Ingles department stores too. Arts & Crafts - For an overview of high-quality Catalan crafts (artesania), pop into the Centre Catala d'Artesania (tel 93 467 46 60; Passeig de Gracia 55). It is dedicated to promoting and maintaining Catalan craft traditions. Art - Along Carrer de Montcada are several commercial galleries, the biggest being Galeria Maeght (Carrer de Montcada 25). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's historical and political centre. Explore the gothic quarter by foot with a Professional English speaking Guide where you will discover not only its streets, squares and hidden corners but the charms of its architecture. The tour commences with the Roman Walls and its towers dating back from the 4th century. Next up is the 15th century Casa de la Pia Almoina and The Gothic Cathedral, where you will have the opportunity to admire the impressive 15th century cloister. You will also see the Casa de l'Ardiaca, a 15th century building which was once the archdeacons residence. Admire the 17th century neoclassical Episcopal Palace and see Sant Felip Neri Square, perhaps one of the most poetic and charming corners of the city. Other stops along the way include Sant Sever church, August Temple, Lloctinent Palace, Plaza del Rey, Santa Agata Chapel, Libreteria Street and Sant Jaume Square. (Entrance to the Cathedral's Cloister, Santa Agata Chapel and Augustus Temple included). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Barcelona's night club scene features no shortage of places where you can showcase your dance moves. These hotspots move to their own beats, and the sounds of Latin and various musice type rule the night. From red-carpet clubs to joints where everybody can enjoy great dancing in Barcelona, these places are tops:Benidorm, Club Apolo, La boite, La Terrazza, Otto Zutz, Partyular, Tijuana morning cafe... Remember the night scene starts late, around midnight, and stays vibrant until early morning! Overnight at Majestic (5*).

Day 4
Barcelona - Madrid
Avail of an Airport transfer from the city centre to airport with a private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

BCN-MAD Avail of an airport transfer from the city centre with a private vehicle and English speaking Driver.
Enjoy half day private tour of the city with your own private vehicle and English speaking driver, and admire the principal sights of the city, and discover Madrid under its different historical periods. Drive through the Madrid of the Habsburg epoch, going past the squares Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Continue to driev through Madrid of the Bourbon period, gazing at the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the Teatro Real (Madrid’s opera house), the Museo del Prado (El Prado Museum), Atocha railway station, the Puerta de Alcalá (triumphal arch) and the city’s beautiful fountains of Neptuno and Cibeles. Drive past squares such as Plaza de Colón, Plaza de Castilla, and Plaza de España, with its unmistakable monument to Cervantes. Visit the aristocratic quarter of Salamanca, where distinguished designers have their boutiques in Madrid and drive along the elegant avenue of La Castellana, which leads to the city’s financial quarter, with the Torre Picasso (tower) or the Estadio del Bernabéu (Real Madrid’s stadium), without forgetting the Plaza de Las Ventas (Madrid’s most important Bullring) and the Parque del Retiro. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails. As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

Day 5
Madrid
There are so many things to see ad do in and around Madrid that you will be spoit for choice! Consider any of the following (most available on a private or shared basis); See the main sights of the city of a guided tour, enjoy a guided tour of the El Prado museum and the Royal Palace, take in a guided walking tour, enjoy an afternoon shopping with an expert and visiting some of the great boutiques in the city. Further afield, consider an excursion to Avila, Segovia (with its impressive aquaduct which is still intact), El Escorial (a magnificent cathedral and where the King spent a number of years under Franco's thumb as he was educated), The valley of the Fallen (where Franco is buried in a cavernous tomb, and the pretty town of Toledo. For some self exploring, consider getting a Madrid card which allows you access to numerous museums across the city. At night time, consider a dinner and Flamenco show. Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional activities. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Start your private half day tour with the El Prado museum. Your guide will meet you at the gallery (please see Welcome Pack for meeting point). With your private guide, visit the most important rooms of the most relevant Spanish painters, and, of course, Las Meninas by Velázquez, Las Majas by Goya and the Adoración de los Pastores by El Greco. Continue your tour by walking over to visit the Royal Palace, approx 20min on foot. (If you'd prefer to hop in a taxi and pay for this locally, please just let you guide know or alternatively we can organise a private transfer - please ask and we will re-quote you). The Royal Palace was built during the XVIIIth Century and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family. Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner of paella before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance. Overnight at Hospes Madrid (5*).

Day 6
Madrid
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Hospes Madrid (5*).

Day 7
Madrid
Avail of an airport transfer from the city centre with a private vehicle and English speaking Driver.
Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.