Spain
Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid
Program No. 22311RJ
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Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid
Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid
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Participant Reviews
Based on 43 Reviews
SHOWING
Excellent all around
— Review left November 26, 2025
We had a wonderful experience on the Spain at a Slower Pace - Madrid and Barcelona tour. Our group leader Ulises was superb, and the entire group of participants came together well. Highlights included Familia Sagrada and Hospital San Pau in Barcelona, the Roman aqueduct in Segoviqa and the Prado in Madrid. Eye-opening insights from the places and the guides.
— Review left November 5, 2025
I hadn't traveled internationally for 20 years. The Road Scholar trip was perfect to get me back into the wonderful world of travel!
— Review left November 4, 2025
It was an exceptional experience. The itinerary was brilliant as were the experts in both Madrid and Barcelona. Ulises the group leader made the tour truly memorable.
— Review left November 3, 2025
Madrid and Barcelona At a Slower Place was an excellent introduction to Spain. Our trip leader, Pilar was exemplaryin every way.
The Slower Pace was perfect for those of us who are no longer as nimble as we once were. This was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. Hope Road Scholar develops more At-A-Sower-Pace trips so that we can keep exploring and learning.
— Review left June 9, 2025
A very interesting program. We enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it.
— Review left June 7, 2025
I highly recommend this program Spain at a slower pace. Our group leader Pilar was excellent, she was positive, kept us informed, paid attention to our dietary restrictions and our safety. The Hotels and locations of the hotels is excellent as well as all of the food, both in the hotel buffet breakfast and the times we ate out. The lectures and speakers were excellent as well as our excursions were great. Ive been to Madrid before and loved it, however Barcelona was on my bucket list and did not disappoint. Thank you Road Scholar for a wonderful travel experience!
— Review left June 2, 2025
If you want to immerse yourself into other cultures, if you want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of works of art and architecture, if you want to interact with people who share your interests, then travel with Road Scholar.
— Review left May 19, 2025
I enjoyed Madrid and Barcelona at a Slower Pace, April 3-April 12, 2025. Pilar Arizaga was a great guide and host. She is friendly, and extremely good at making every event work well with buses being on time and restaurants ready for our arrival. I especially appreciated that she prepared an updated itinerary with meeting times and dinner plans. I was glad of her clarity that left me sure when to show up. For me, the highlights were the world-class art we saw and Spain's 20th century history. The lectures added a lot to those topics. I would suggest that anyone going on a future trip arrange to have additional hours at the Prado; the collection is stunning and having a plan of what to see helps a lot.
The hotels were very nice. The events were varied and interesting. Pilar often added in walking tours for our free time. The group was friendly and easy-going.
I would be interested in more 'at a Slower Pace' tours.
— Review left May 10, 2025
My fifth Road Scholar trip. Fabulous experience. Beautifully curated tour right down to the museums, hotels, and restaurants. Our group leader, Pilar, had a quiet elegance that premeated the experience. Had no idea I would learn as much as I did. Made new friends, as well. Kudos to Road Scholar!
— Review left April 1, 2025
This is our 9th trip with Road Scholar. Like all the others, this did not disappoint. It was well organized, had an excellent leader, and we enjoyed the trip and people.
— Review left November 16, 2024
An excellently planned, and executed, Tour. More than imagined discoveries. Road Scholar reading list helped us enjoy it. Go with Road Scholar, do at least some of the preparatory reading. Let your adventures continue!
— Review left November 13, 2024
Excellent program where you get as much benefit out, as you put study preparing yourself for the scheduled activities.
— Review left November 6, 2024
This is an excellent program and an excellent value. The accommodations and meals were outstanding. the educational component inspires me to learn more about the history of Spain. The small group experience enhances the pleasure. Pilar, our group leader, really added to the enjoyment.
— Review left March 27, 2024
I would never have thought to visit a hospital, but the trip to Sant Pau was fantastic. I enjoyed the train ride between the cities. Relaxing and comfortable.
— Review left November 13, 2023
A great program and very knowledgeable guides and instructors.
— Review left October 12, 2023
What a great time! My Husband and I so enjoyed our Group Leader, Pilar. She was everything one could ask for; attentive, interesting, funny and just firm enough to keep 23 "Scholars" on track for eight days. All of the local guides were terrific but Cecilia's enthusiasm and Nacho's take on citizenship will be remembered the longest. For anyone doubting this country's ability to remain democratic a trip to Spain, which has been in its current democratic state for less than 50 years, is a reminder of what can so easily be lost.
— Review left September 29, 2023
Madrid and BaArcelona are two cities that should be n everyone's Bucket List
— Review left September 28, 2023
Madrid and Barcelona at a Slower Pace was perfect for me. I was dazzled by what we saw, and was left with a certainly that I will return if at all possible. The educational content is outstanding and enriches the visual experience a hundred fold.
— Review left September 27, 2023
I already did.
— Review left September 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the "Spain at a Slower Pace" program. It accommodated the needs of those with moderate mobility impairment without compromising quality of onsite touring activities. It was a busy 8 days, and I loved it!
— Review left May 21, 2023
The tour was very well-organized, the tour leader, Pilar, outstanding, the group congenial and the lecturers excellent. Would highly recommend.
— Review left May 12, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar experience and I'll certainly be back! The guide, Pilar, was wonderful. The group was congenial and interesting. We saw so many amazing sites and enjoyed the participatory food class. Local guides added to our knowledge.
— Review left April 24, 2023
Great trip! I loved Barcelona.
— Review left March 27, 2023
Much better than the last time I tried to see Barcelona, but I'm afraid the pictures I took through the bus window did not come out as well as they would have without the reflections. I had hoped to have more walking among the interesting architecture.
— Review left January 23, 2023
An outstanding travel experience! I learned so much!
— Review left November 28, 2022
This program delivered on every expectation we had before departure. I loved the fact that every detail, big and small, was attended to in an exemplary manner. I truly enjoyed knowing that all I had to do was show up and that everything else was thought out for me. The hotels were excellent, the tour buses comfortable, the local experts were knowledgeable, the excursions were interesting, the restaurants were very good, but most especially our Group Leader Pilar Arizaga was EXCEPTIONAL!
— Review left November 13, 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour through Madrid and Barcelona, and would highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in getting to know Spain.
— Review left November 13, 2022
This was my 10th Road Scholar trip. I have been very pleased with all of them. The staff is most helpful and the itineraries are comprehensive and well organized. Road Scholar is my favorite way to travel.
Thank you for your work.
— Review left November 2, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it exceeded my expectations. Even a few hiccups, like lost luggage did not dampen my enthusiasm during this trip. We saw the important sites in Madrid and Barcelona. The unexpected highlights of the trip were a fabulous Catalonian cooking class and an evening at a Flamenco club. Two very authentic experiences I don't think we would have had with another tour group. Ole!
— Review left October 23, 2022
The introduction to Madrid was thorough and very interesting. The presentations on Picasso, Dali, and Gaudi were first rate and enhanced our visits to the art of these famous artists!
— Review left October 13, 2022
A really well run, interesting and educational program, but be prepared for a lot of walking.
— Review left October 12, 2022
Our trip with Road Scholar was the best trip we have taken. The size of the tour was small. One felt they were travelling with friends. Our guide Sandra made the experience exceptional.
— Review left October 11, 2022
The program highlights of the trip were the Segovia Palace, Guernica, and Barcelona's Sagra Familia. Sandra Velazquez, our Trip Leader, was amazingly resourceful and helpful.
— Review left October 7, 2022
The Madrid and Barcelona trip is a perfect combination of art, history, architecture, and culture and the "on your feet" level is a good way to do this experience.
— Review left April 10, 2022
Wonderful experience for adults that wish to expand their knowledge and gain insight to other communities cultures. I always feel safe traveling with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 24, 2021
The best part of the trip for us was Pilar, the Guide. She was always ahead of the game, leading, organizing, taking care of each individual participant, (their) needs and schedules.
The best. She has unbelievable energy.
The trip itself was thus truly worthwhile, despite the covid-related restrictions and distractions. Enjoyed the museums, the sights, and the food was great. Hotels in Barcelona and Madrid were both fine, convenient and welcoming.
— Review left October 10, 2021
It was a great trip overall. I did not like the hotel in Barcelona - the room was small, very warm. We opened the window but there was so much noise it was hard to sleep. The hotel in Madrid was much better, very comfortable. We have been on 11 road scholar trips and Elena was the best group leader we have ever had! She was full of energy, organized, funny and just delightful to be around.
— Review left November 23, 2019
An excellent program. Accommodations, transportation, and meals were excellent. An enriching learning experience with thoughtful, caring program leaders. Worth every cent.
— Review left November 18, 2019
It's nice to have an adventure with a bunch of strangers.
— Review left November 18, 2019
Well-designed website that is clear and easy to use. Sometimes the pages are too long and I have to cursor down to go to the next button, but most websites have this problem (minimize the number of clicks required.)
— Review left May 26, 2019
Nothing compares to experiencing firsthand the architecture and master art works I studied in my art history classes. The group leader also shared interesting information you otherwise would not learn in a class setting. Was fabulous!
— Review left May 7, 2019
The program is most informative of the history of Spain including current events. Touring of museums with the docents is excellent. Delighted to see and learn about Segovia along with Barcelona and Madrid.
— Review left May 7, 2019