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Spain

Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid

Program No. 22311RJ
Madrid and Barcelona are two of Europe’s most culturally fascinating cities. Join our experts for an insider’s perspective of these Old World gems, all at your own comfortable pace.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Madrid
Program Concludes
Barcelona
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
18 ( 8B, 3L, 7D )
Activity Level
First visit Madrid, the great capital of Baroque culture and art, and bask in the power and excitement of this historic city. Then enjoy the city of Barcelona, considered the gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean. Both cities boast magnificent architecture and prolific legacies of culture and cuisine, known as some of the best in the world. Come join experts to explore these two treasures of Spain as you learn their individual and connected stories.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about and see the Modernist architectural masterworks of Barcelona.
  • Take part in a hands-on cookery class and enjoy the meal you prepare.
  • Attend an authentic Spanish tablao to witness a traditional flamenco performance.
General Notes
You may be interested in a more active version of this program, "The Best of Spain: Barcelona and Madrid" (#21336).
Profile Image
Ulises Diaz-Ropero
Ulises Diaz-Ropero is originally from Toledo and is fluent in Spanish, English, and an intermediate level of French. He is an avid traveler and has visited many countries on four different continents. Ulises completed a Master’s degree in ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental Studies in London before becoming a world music artist in the thriving music scene in London. For the last five years, Ulises has been pursuing a career in education, leading educational travels as well as teaching Spanish to adults.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Pilar Arizaga
Pilar Arizaga
Pilar Arizaga was born in Chile, grew up in Canada and currently lives in Spain. She has been a Group Leader for the past ten years and has worked with high school and college students, alumni and other groups. She has experience working in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Morocco and England and she speaks English and Spanish, with knowledge of Portuguese, Italian, and French. Pilar is a well-organized, patient and passionate person about her work, always willing and seeking to take on new adventures.
Profile Image of Silvia Riera
Silvia Riera
Silvia Riera was born and raised in Barcelona, where she developed her passion for arts and the Catalan culture. In addition to Spanish and her native tongue, Catalan, Silvia is fluent in French, Italian, English and Portuguese. Silvia has lectured about modernism and Gaudi since 1988. Beyond arts, Silvia is — like most Barcelonians — a big fan of FC Barcelona, the world-renowned soccer team.
Profile Image of Cecilia Ceriani
Cecilia Ceriani
Cecilia Ceriani has been an art teacher and critic for nearly three decades. She holds degrees in art history and English philology from the Complutense University of Madrid. Cecilia spent four years in South America as an art critic and book reviewer for newspapers in Montevideo and Buenos Aires before returning to her native Spain in 1986. Since then she has been lecturing on Road Scholar programs and at the U.S. Cultural Center in Madrid and writing for respected Spanish publications.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Climbing on and off the motor coach for city visits. Many cobblestones, steps and uneven ground. 1.5 to 2 miles of walking each day, unavoidable pedestrian areas. Additional standing at sites and museums. Looking for the same great program but a more challenging activity level? Check out "The Best of Barcelona and Madrid" (#21336).
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (34 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.