9-Day Europe Trip: Madrid, Barcelona & Paris

After you arrive in Madrid, you’ll take a transfer to your hotel and get checked in, giving yourself a moment to settle in after the trip. Once you’re ready to head out, you can ease into the evening by making your way toward Puerta del Sol, where the city’s energy hits you right away with street performers, shops, and people moving in every...

After you arrive in Madrid, you’ll take a transfer to your hotel and get checked in, giving yourself a moment to settle in after the trip. Once you’re ready to head out, you can ease into the evening by making your way toward Puerta del Sol, where the city’s energy hits you right away with street performers, shops, and people moving in every direction. From there, you can continue over to Plaza Mayor, which feels especially nice in the early evening when the square lights up and the atmosphere becomes even more inviting. When you start to feel hungry, you can make your way to either La Latina or Malasaña, where you’ll find plenty of cozy spots serving classic Madrid-style tapas. It’s a great way to try a mix of small plates, settle into the local rhythm, and enjoy your first night in the city without rushing anything.

In the morning you will join your included activity, the Madrid Old Town and Royal Palace Walking Tour with skip-the-line entry. You will meet your guide at the meeting point on Calle Mayor and begin exploring some of the city’s most iconic historic spots. Your guide will walk you through Plaza Mayor, sharing how its name and purpose have...

In the morning you will join your included activity, the Madrid Old Town and Royal Palace Walking Tour with skip-the-line entry. You will meet your guide at the meeting point on Calle Mayor and begin exploring some of the city’s most iconic historic spots. Your guide will walk you through Plaza Mayor, sharing how its name and purpose have changed over the centuries, and then continue to Mercado de San Miguel, where you will see one of Madrid’s most famous food markets and learn about its role in Spanish gastronomy. You will stroll through charming streets like Calle de Codo and reach Plaza de la Villa, one of the most important medieval squares in the city. From there, you will continue to the Royal Palace, where your guide will lead you through grand halls, ornate rooms, and impressive courtyards while explaining the history of Spain’s monarchy and the significance of the building. It is a relaxed but informative experience that gives you a strong sense of Madrid’s royal and cultural past.

In the afternoon you can visit either the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofía Museum, depending on which style of art you enjoy more. Both offer an easy way to spend a few hours indoors, appreciating masterpieces by Spanish artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso.

In the evening you can make your way to the Temple of Debod to watch the sunset and enjoy the warm views over the city, then head to a rooftop restaurant for dinner with a panoramic view of Madrid’s skyline.

You have the day free to enjoy Madrid however you like, making it a great chance to revisit a favorite spot or see something new before heading to Paris. You can spend time in the upscale Salamanca district browsing its boutiques and stylish cafés, or you can visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum if you want one more dose of art and culture. El...

You have the day free to enjoy Madrid however you like, making it a great chance to revisit a favorite spot or see something new before heading to Paris. You can spend time in the upscale Salamanca district browsing its boutiques and stylish cafés, or you can visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum if you want one more dose of art and culture. El Retiro Park is also a nice option if you want something outdoors, whether you feel like relaxing by the lake or checking out the Crystal Palace. If time allows, you can add an optional tour to make the most of your final day in the city and see a part of Madrid you haven’t experienced yet.

In the evening, you can wrap up your stay with a final Spanish dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, soaking in the atmosphere one last time. After dinner, you can stop by the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés for churros and chocolate, ending your trip on a sweet and memorable note before your journey continues to Paris.

You will travel to Barcelona by train in the morning, check into your hotel, and take a little time to settle in before heading out. Once you feel ready, you can make your way to Las Ramblas, where the mix of street performers, cafés, and colorful stalls gives you a quick feel for the city’s energy. La Boqueria Market is right along the way, so...

You will travel to Barcelona by train in the morning, check into your hotel, and take a little time to settle in before heading out. Once you feel ready, you can make your way to Las Ramblas, where the mix of street performers, cafés, and colorful stalls gives you a quick feel for the city’s energy. La Boqueria Market is right along the way, so you can step inside for fresh fruit, small bites, or just to look around at all the food displays that make the market famous. It’s an easy way to get your first taste of Barcelona without having to rush anywhere.

In the evening, you can enjoy your first tapas dinner near La Rambla, choosing from plenty of casual spots that serve classics like patatas bravas, croquetas, and pan con tomate. After dinner, you can walk over to Barceloneta Beach for a slow sunset stroll along the water. The breeze, the sound of the waves, and the open views make it a great way to settle into the city on your first night and get excited for what’s ahead.

In the morning you will join your included activity, the Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket. You will meet your guide on Gaudí Avenue and start by taking in the Nativity façade, which is the oldest part of the basilica and the only section Gaudí saw completed. Once you step inside, you will see the huge columns that look...

In the morning you will join your included activity, the Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket. You will meet your guide on Gaudí Avenue and start by taking in the Nativity façade, which is the oldest part of the basilica and the only section Gaudí saw completed. Once you step inside, you will see the huge columns that look almost like a forest and the colorful stained-glass windows that fill the entire space with soft light. Your guide will explain the symbols, design choices, and the story behind the Passion façade before you continue exploring on your own. You can take your time inside, look around at your own pace, and really soak in the details before heading out.

In the afternoon you can make your way to the Gothic Quarter, where you will find narrow streets, small local shops, and historic buildings around every corner. You can visit the Barcelona Cathedral, spend some time in Plaça del Rei, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

In the evening you can head to the El Born district for dinner, where you will find plenty of tapas spots, great energy, and a mix of local restaurants that make it a fun place to enjoy your night in Barcelona.

You have the whole day to enjoy Barcelona however you like, which makes this a great chance to see a few more highlights before continuing your trip. You can spend part of your day exploring Park Güell, taking in the bright mosaic designs and the classic Gaudí style that overlooks the city. If you prefer staying closer to the center, you can...

You have the whole day to enjoy Barcelona however you like, which makes this a great chance to see a few more highlights before continuing your trip. You can spend part of your day exploring Park Güell, taking in the bright mosaic designs and the classic Gaudí style that overlooks the city. If you prefer staying closer to the center, you can walk along Passeig de Gràcia to see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, two of Barcelona’s most famous modernist buildings. Another option is the Picasso Museum, where you can see how his work developed over the years.

As the day goes on, you might want to catch a live flamenco show for an energetic, cultural experience, or head toward Port Olímpic for fresh seafood paella by the water. The mix of ocean views, good food, and the lively energy of the area creates a great way to end your day.

If time permits, you can also join an optional activity to add something extra to your final day in the city.

You will fly to Paris in the morning, take a transfer to your hotel and check in. After getting settled, you can spend your afternoon exploring Le Marais, one of Paris’s most popular and lively neighborhoods. The area is full of small boutiques, bakeries, vintage shops, and cafés, so you can take your time browsing, trying a pastry, or just...

You will fly to Paris in the morning, take a transfer to your hotel and check in. After getting settled, you can spend your afternoon exploring Le Marais, one of Paris’s most popular and lively neighborhoods. The area is full of small boutiques, bakeries, vintage shops, and cafés, so you can take your time browsing, trying a pastry, or just enjoying the atmosphere. It’s a great way to ease into the city and get a feel for Paris without rushing anywhere.

In the evening, you can take a relaxed walk to see the Eiffel Tower glowing against the night sky. The tower looks completely different after sunset, and the sparkling lights that appear every hour make the moment feel even more memorable. You can stop on one of the bridges for photos, enjoy the views along the Seine, or simply take in the scene as the city lights reflect off the water. It’s a calm and classic way to end your first night in Paris.

In the morning you will join your included activity, Paris in a Day with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Cruise. You will start in Montmartre, riding the funicular up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and taking in the views before walking through the neighborhood with your guide. You will pass the little vineyard, the old windmills, and the...

In the morning you will join your included activity, Paris in a Day with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Cruise. You will start in Montmartre, riding the funicular up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and taking in the views before walking through the neighborhood with your guide. You will pass the little vineyard, the old windmills, and the square where local artists set up their easels, and you will hear stories about the writers and painters who once lived there. Afterward, your guide will take you on the metro to the Louvre for a guided visit, where you will see the Mona Lisa and other famous works. You will have time for lunch on your own before continuing the tour.

In the afternoon you will explore Île de la Cité and see places like the Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, and the area surrounding Notre-Dame. Your guide will walk you through the Latin Quarter, pointing out the historic streets and little bookstores that make the neighborhood feel so lively.

In the evening you will end the day with a relaxing Seine River cruise, giving you a chance to see the city light up from the water and enjoy the view of Paris at night.