Forever vying for the accolade of being the 'Number 1' city of Spain, Barcelona and Madrid are neck and neck when it comes to what they have to offer visitors. Strategically located on the Mediterranean, Barcelona enjoys a temperate climate, a magnificent historical gothic centre, is the epi-centre of all things gastronomic, and is somewhat of an architect's dream with the many art deco buildings scattered throughout the city. Madrid, home of the Royals, the enormous city centre public garden known as El Retiro, the Prado gallery and the Plaza Major (one of the finest squares in Spain) also has many alluring qualities to attract the visitor. Enjoy three days in Barcelona, with local English speaking guides and exploring by yourself, before making your way to Madrid by train. Here, spend a day and a half immersing yourself in the city and discovering the beauty of nearby Toledo, one of the oldest cities in Europe and taking in a flamenco show on one of the evenings. Your tour includes a private airport pick up in Barcelona, drop off in Madrid airport and train connection between the two cities. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona in the Middle Age. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon it became one of the most important cities of the Mediterranean world. Barcelona is today an mportant cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well known in recent times for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Explore the city at your own pace, staying in a hotel whose location allows easy access to all attractions,shopping, bars and restaurants. Madrid is the third-most populous city in the European Union after London and Berlin, and its influences in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. As he capital city of Spain, seat of the government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is the political center of the country. While it possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighbourhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the Royal Palace of Madrid; the Teatro Real, the Buen Retiro Park, and three world-class art museums: Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Our 4 day Madrid City Break invites guests to explore the city at their own pace. Hotel locations allow easy access to all attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants. We have also included return airport transfers and tickets for the hop-on/hop-off tour bus. For an unforgettable long weekend spending quality time with a loved one.

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.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

The Hotel Catalonia Born (formerly Catalonia Princesa) (3*) is located in a magnificent building typical of the architecture of Barcelona's gothic quarter. Near the Arco de Triunfo and the Ciudadela Park, it is situated in the historic and commercial centre of Barcelona, only a few minutes away from Plaza Catalunya. Hotel features include a bar/cafeteria, a traditional Mediterranean restaurant and a conference room.

Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Born (formerly Catalonia Princesa).

Explore Barcelona on board an open-top, double-decker bus. The Barcelona Hop-On, Hop-Off tour allows you to discover the many attractions of this delightful city at your own pace.  This extensive tour covers all the highlights of the city in two great routes, from the unique Gaudi architecture to the lively beaches; all of Barcelona is covered with this hop-on, hop-off tour.   With one ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you wish, change route, or just sit and enjoy the view from the state-of -the-art open-top bus. While on the bus you can learn about the city’s rich culture and history with audio commentary offered in 12 languages.  Your pass is valid for 48 hours.

Visit one of Catalonia's most interesting destinations, the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat. Located near the top of a 4,000-foot rugged mountain at about 50 km northwest of Barcelona, the Monastery is home to about 80 monks.The Basilica, next to the monastery, is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly called the Moreneta as she is black, patron saint of Catalunya and a presence strongly felt and revered, and also holds one of the monastery's most noted attractions, the 50-member Escolanía, one of the oldest and most renowned boys' choirs in Europe, dating from the 13th century. (Museum entrance fees to be paid upon arrival, not included in tour price).

Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Born (formerly Catalonia Princesa).

There is so much to see and do both in Barcelona and it's surrounding area. In the city, consider any of the following tours (most available in a shared and private format): explore the gastonomic side of the city doing a cava (Spanish champagne from the region), wine tasting and/or tapas tour, take a cooking class to discover the secrets of Catalan cuisine, see the city on two wheels on a guided biking tour, explore the different neighbourhodds on a walking tour.

Excursions outside of the city include a visit to various wineries in the Penedes region, north of Barcelona, a trip to the seaside resort town of Stges, located close to Barcelona, a visit to the renowned Dali museum in Figueres, a visit to the beautiful city of Girona, a trip to Andorra, visit the Montserrat monastery. PLease speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in doing anyof these (or other) tour options during your stay in Barcelona.

Featuring free travel on public transport, over 80 discounts and free offers at museums, cultural venues,  leisure facilities, night-clubs, shops, restaurants and entertainments, other services and unique means of  transport. With the purchase of your Barcelona Card, you will receive a guide in three languages, a general map of Barcelona and a map of the metro network.  Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Agent if you'd like to include this in your city break package.

Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Born (formerly Catalonia Princesa).

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.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy your train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. The train ride takes approximately three hours.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Discover the culture and leisure offer from Madrid in a comfortable way through Madrid Culture Card. It includes
admission to more than 43 museums in and around Madrid, all guided walked tour from Discover Madrid Program, free entrance to the Bernabeu Stadium Tour, tourist guide in five languages with detailed information about the city, a map and besides more than 100 establishments offering discounts to enjoy the best food and shopping!  Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Agent if you'd like to include this in your city break package.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).

Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner 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.

Puerta de Toledo (3*) opened in 1968 and refurbished in 2004 is a traditional, comfortable hotel offering personalised service with a friendly atmosphere. It is excellently located in one of the most beautiful monumental areas of the historical centre of Madrid: La Puerta de Toledo.

Overnight at Puerta de Toledo (3*).

Enjoy your day trip to Toledo by train. Includes return ticket from Madrid. The train ride takes only 33 minutes one-way.

Enjoy a half day walking tour through the streets of Toledo and learn the history of this UNESCO heritage site.

"Holy Toledo" isn't just an expression! A unique and richly diverse city, Toledo features Arab, Jewish, Christian, and even Roman and Visigothic elements. A beloved national landmark, the Toledo that so inspired El Greco in the 16th century has remained relatively unchanged since his time. Old churches and houses fill the city, where you can still stroll through streets barely wide enough for a man and his donkey, let alone an automobile.

Overnight at Puerta de Toledo (3*).

The easiest, most enjoyable way to get to know the city on our double decker buses. With one ticket, you will be able to hop on and off the bus all day along the route of your choice or change to another, admiring the architectural and cultural magnificence of Madrid, with the commentaries offered through a headphones audio system in eight different languages (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese). You will be given a map of the city on arrival, and discount checks for different shops and restaurants in the city. Routes depart every ten and twenty minutes and takes about 75 min.

Overnight at Puerta de Toledo (3*).

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.