Compare Best of Northern Spain by G Adventures vs Spanish Art: From the Golden Age to Gaudi and Beyond by Road Scholar

Day 1 Barcelona

Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.

Day 2 Barcelona/Pyrenees

Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.

Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.

Day 3 Pyrenees

Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.

Day 4 Pyrenees/Bilbao

Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.

Day 5 Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao

Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.

The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer. Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat! Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico. The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.

Day 6 Bilbao/Logroño

Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.

With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.

Day 7 Logroño/Madrid

Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.

Day 8 Madrid

Depart at any time.

We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Madrid, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Madrid

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

After checking in at the hotel, we’ll take some time to unpack and settle in before setting out for an introductory walk around the hotel with our Group Leader as we get our first taste of Spain's capital. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Dinners in Spain generally take place much later than in North America, meaning that there is little or no leisure time in the evenings. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Spanish Painting, San Antonio’s Chapel, Prado Museum, Tapas Madrid

Walking up to 2 miles in Madrid throughout the day; about 1.5 hours total; periods of standing during field trips. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 3 miles throughout the day; about 2 hours total around the city, with breaks.

We will begin with a lecture at the hotel given by a local expert speaker who will focus on the Spanish Golden Age of painting, from the early 16th century through the late 17th century, and the great masters. Afterward, we will board a motorcoach and go on a drive through Madrid with expert commentary. We will also include a field trip to the Real Ermita de San Antonio de La Florida – Francisco Goya's final resting place. A hidden gem within the city, this church contains magnificent frescoes painted by Goya himself.

Next, we will make our way to the Prado Museum where we will enjoy an expert-led field trip. During our visit, we’ll engage with the museum’s world-famous collection, which was assembled by the Hapsburg and Bourbon Spanish monarchs from the 16th to early 19th centuries. It has since been enhanced by works received from churches and convents.

We’ll then return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening at leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes a variety of hot and cold items to choose from, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

At the hotel, we’ll have a plated lunch with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a traditional tapas meal with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 The Royal Academy of Fine Art & El Escorial Monastery Madrid

Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day, periods of standing at sites; note that El Escorial Monastery and the town have areas with many steps, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces, including some without handrails. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 40 miles; 1 hour each way to EL Escorial.

Joining our expert lecturer in our meeting place at the hotel, we will begin with a lecture that will feature the lives, works, and styles of the great 17th century Spanish masters including Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán, and Murillo. Afterwards, we will join our lecturer for a walk to visit the Royal Academy of Fine Arts where we will see various works made by the artists we just discussed, and learn more about them through the exhibits.

Next, we will set out by motorcoach to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Escorial, the historical residence and burial place of Spanish monarchs, which we will explore with a local expert. The church has a Greek-cross base and the chapel holds the funeral monuments of Charles V of Spain and Philip II. The library deserves special mention, with around 45,000 books dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At the hotel, we’ll have plated meals with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 5 Royal Palace, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Madrid

Walking approximately 3 miles total throughout the day including about 1.5 miles to the Royal Palace; old Madrid streets with cobblestones, uneven surfaces, some stairs and periods of standing in palace and museum. The Royal Palace is occasionally subject to closure and may be substituted for an alternative site.

To begin, we will walk to the Royal Palace for a visit of the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family led by a local expert. Construction first began in 1738 under the direction of Philip V and the initial building commission, designed by Juan Bautista Sachetti, was completed about 17 years later. Over the years, additions have been added to the palace and decorations have been adjusted by residents to accommodate their needs. By floor area, the Royal Palace is the largest in Europe and it is filled with an immense collection of historical art including paintings, metalwork, porcelain, furniture, instruments, and the contents of the Royal Armoury, which features weapons and armor that were used by the Spanish royal family. Notable artists present through their work include Caravaggio, Velázquez, Goya, Corrado Giaquinto, Juan de Flandes, Tiepolo, and Mengs.

We will then rendezvous at a predetermined time and place to board our motorcoach for transfer to the Thyssen Museum for a field trip with a local expert.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to sample more of the local fare.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 20th Century Art, Reina Sofía Museum Madrid

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 3 miles roundtrip; about 1/2 hour roundtrip. Walking approximately 2 miles during group activities; standing up to 1 hour at the museum. Some opportunity for more activities dependent on personal interest.

Joined by our lecturer at the hotel again this morning, we will begin with a lecture featuring an introduction to 20th century Spanish painting with a focus on Picasso’s “Guernica.” We will then transfer via motorcoach for a visit to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid's contemporary art center, which houses over 21,000 works of modern and avant-garde art. Founded in 1990 after originally being created as an art center, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is one of the key symbols of the Spanish transition to democracy and modernity following the Franco regime. Pablo Picasso's Guernica, which depicts the widespread suffering during the Spanish Civil War, is the museum's most renowned masterpiece.

After lunch, we’ll take some time in the early afternoon to explore Madrid independently. Gathering late this afternoon at the hotel, we’ll enjoy another lecture focusing on the Abstract Generation, a powerful artistic movement of the 1950s-1960s. During the discussion, we will review works by Tapies, Torner, Zobel, Chillida, Chirino, Oteiza, and Serrano.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 El Greco in Toledo, Arrive Cuenca Cuenca

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 170 miles; about 3.5 hours with stops. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets, many steep slopes, uneven surfaces without handrails in Toledo and Cuenca. Motorcoach cannot reach the hotel in Cuenca; we will walk short distance to accommodation and luggage transferred to hotel. No elevator in the Cuenca hotel.

After checking out of the Madrid hotel, we will begin our transfer to Toledo. As we approach this historic World Heritage city, we will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. Upon arrival, a local expert will lead us on a walk through the old walled city and discuss the melding of Christian, Jewish, and Moorish cultures in this former capital of the Spanish Empire. El Greco spent the latter half of his life in this city and throughout our walk, we will have the chance to view some of the artist's most well-known works at the cathedral, the Santo Tomé, and the former "Sinagoga del Tránsito," which is now a museum.

Continuing, we will board our motorcoach and resume our journey to Cuenca. Upon arrival, our Group Leader will introduce us to this walled city during a panoramic drive overlooking the spectacular river gorges of the Júcar and Huecar rivers, as well as the famous 15th century "casas colgadas," or hanging houses. We will then check into the hotel and have some time to settle in before dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a simple plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 The History of Cuenca, Museo Antonio Pérez, Abstract Art Cuenca

Walking approximately 3 miles; about 4 hours, with breaks; cobblestone streets, very steep slopes, and uneven surfaces without hand rails.

Starting from the hotel, we will set out on an expert-led walk around Cuenca's beautiful cobblestoned old town. Our walk will include an expert-led field trip to the cathedral and the Museo de Arte Abstracto. While here, we will examine one of the most extensive collections of abstract art in Spain, which is housed in one of the city's "casas colgadas," or hanging houses. At the museum with a local expert, we will discuss the Generación Abstracta movement and study works by artists such as Millares, Tàpies, Sempere, Torner, Rueda, Zóbel and Saura.

Next, we will join our Group Leader and walk to the Museo Antonio Pérez, located in the old Convent of the Carmelitas Descalzas (the Barefoot Carmelites). In addition to seeing the paintings, prints, and sculptures that Antonio Pérez collected, today the museum also contains works by many contemporary artists.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and an early transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At the hotel, we will have a plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Hotel plated meal.

Day 9 To Burgos, Burgos’s Gothic Cathedral & Old Quarter Burgos

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 250 miles; about 5 hours, with stops. Walking approximately 2 miles in Burgos; about 2.5 hours; mainly flat ground, some cobblestones, steps without handrails.

After checking out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach and travel north to Burgos, the former capital of the unified kingdom of Castile and Leon, and home to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage recognized Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and settle in.

Setting out on foot, we will enjoy an expert-led sightseeing walk of the old quarters of Burgos and the Gothic cathedral, which was built over a period of 400 years and is considered one of Spain’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. During our visit through the interior, we’ll see its features including unique stained glass and sculptures, as well as the tomb of “El Cid,” the renowned Castilian knight, and his wife, Doña Jimena.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Due to the early departure, we will have boxed breakfasts to take with us.

At the hotel in Burgos, we will have a 2-course plated meal with water included.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

Day 10 Transfer to Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 100 miles; about 2 hours to Bilbao. Walking approximately 2 miles; about 4 hours with breaks; periods of standing at the museum; mostly flat ground, some cobblestones and steps.

Once checked out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach for the transfer from Burgos to Bilbao.

We will join a local expert on a walking field trip through Bilbao's historic old town, during which we will learn about the area’s 700-year-old history and the architectural importance of the city’s Old Quarter. Later, we’ll head to the Guggenheim to enjoy a field trip of Bilbao's spectacular museum, designed by renowned contemporary architect, Frank Gehry. While here viewing the eclectic works of modernist art within the museum, we will also discover the unique architectural style of the Guggenheim building and Jeff Koons’ avant-garde “puppy” flower sculpture, which overlooks the main entrance. Afterwards, we will complete our transfer to the hotel and check in.

At leisure.

At the hotel, the buffet breakfast will feature a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine in Bilbao upon arrival. Your Group Leader will be able to provide suggestions.

At the hotel, we’ll have plated meals with wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Fine Arts Museum Bilbao, Free Time Bilbao

Walking approximately 2 miles throughout group activities; periods of standing; mostly flat terrain, some cobblestones and uneven ground. Additional activity dependent on personal interest.

Arriving on foot led by a local expert, we will visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum of 1908 and the Museum of Modern Art, which opened in 1924. Both are brought together under the umbrella of the Museum of Fine Arts, a combined center that chronologically exhibits over 6,000 works spanning from the 12th century all the way to the present. The impressive exhibitions display many works – from paintings to sculptures, engravings, drawings, etc. – by famous classical, contemporary, and regional Basque artists. After our group exploration, take some time independently to look around the museum a bit more.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Bilbao. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant featuring a Basque tasting menu, we’ll share small plates and one glass of wine with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own.

Day 12 Barcelona via La Rioja Region Barcelona

Minimal walking throughout the day during field trip. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 400 miles; about 8.5 hours throughout the day, with stops for field trips and lunch.

Once checked out, we’ll leave the hotel via motorcoach and head to La Rioja region where we will enjoy a visit to a winery, or “bodega,” and sample some of the world-famous wines. Winery staff will teach us about the winery and the winemaking process. Afterward, we will continue the short distance to El Ciego for lunch.

We’ll then continue our journey to Barcelona and, upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tapas lunch with one glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll have a light plated meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Barcelona, Modernism, La Pedrera, La Sagrada Familia Barcelona

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 5 miles throughout the city; about 6 hours including breaks for visits. Walking approximately 2-3 miles; periods of standing at monuments; many steps, uneven surfaces, and pedestrian-only areas. La Sagrada Familia entrance times are strictly regulated and subject to change or substitution for another Modernist site.

In the meeting room at the hotel, our local Catalan expert will give a lecture featuring the Modernist Movement and the concept of “total art.” The German word “Gesamtkunstwerk” was popularized by Richard Wagner in 1894 when he was fixated on the idea of creating an opera that brought together elements of music, dance, drama, and set design. With the synthesis of art forms, the result would be the creation of a uniquely complete artistic experience for the audience. As we will see later in terms of architecture, many of Gaudí’s iconic works embody this ambition.

We will then transfer to visit two of Gaudí's most renowned sites – firstly his unfinished masterpiece, the gigantic basilica known as La Sagrada Familia (the Sacred Family). Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. This enthralling and magnificent undertaking has become the symbol of the city, which we will explore inside and out with our local expert as we enjoy commentary. Note that Sagrada Familia tickets cannot be secured far in advance, so there is no guarantee of entrance. There is a specific time to enter the complex and the time inside the monument is restricted. Later, we’ll drive to Parc Guell Gaudí's outdoor residential project, which is now a municipal garden boasting a wealth of unique modernist architecture. In the hotel meeting room afterward, we’ll learn about life today in Spain through a question-and-answer session with local professionals.

At leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes a variety of hot and cold items to choose from, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

At the hotel, we’ll share a light finger lunch with included beverages.

On your own to explore what you like.

Day 14 Catalonian Artists, Joan Miró Foundation Barcelona

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 5 miles around the city; about 6 hours including breaks for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces.

We will begin with an expert-led lecture in the hotel meeting room, which will focus on the 20th century Catalonian artists Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, and Antoni Gaudí. Afterward, we will board the motorcoach for a field trip to the Joan Miró Foundation, Centre for the Study of Contemporary Art, which displays over 14,000 works, including a large collection by Miró. Led by a local expert, we’ll explore the expansive collection.

Arriving via motorcoach, we’ll set out on a walking exploration of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) with a local expert to discover some of the area’s hidden treasures such as the Plaza Felipe Neri, the Roman Columns, and Plaza del Pi. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel via public transportation.

We will transfer via motorcoach to a local community center for a private performance that will introduce us to Catalan music and dances by locals from a folklore group dedicated to preserving regional traditions. We’ll then return to the hotel after the performance.

Hotel buffet.

Lunch on your own to explore local cuisine.

At the hotel, we will have plated meals with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 15 Dalí in Figueres & Púbol, Dalí Theatre-Museum, Gala's Castle Barcelona

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 200 miles roundtrip; about 4 hours total. Walking approximately 2-3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing at sites; many steps without handrails and uneven surfaces around the Museums of Figueres and Púbol.

We will set out from Barcelona via motorcoach with our local expert for a field trip to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Upon arrival, we will explore the Dalí Theatre-Museum, the world's largest surrealist art object. Built upon the remains of the former Figueres theatre, the museum collection spans over the artist's entire career. Then we will transfer to Púbol.

We will arrive at the Gala Dalí Castle Museum-House for a private exploration with our local expert. Dalí dedicated himself to furnishing and decorating this medieval castle as a retreat for his wife and muse, Gala. The castle collection includes paintings and drawings that Dalí gave as presents to Gala, as well as the elephant sculptures that adorn the garden, a collection of Gala's haute-couture dresses, and the furniture and many objects with which they decorated the house. We will return to Barcelona in the late afternoon.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to explore local cuisine in Barcelona.

Day 16 Pablo Picasso's Years in Barcelona, Free Time Barcelona

Walking approximately 2-3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces. Use of the Metro public transportation system; many stations do not have elevators and participants will be required to climb some stairs.

Gathering with the group, we will enjoy our final lecture given by a local expert, which will focus on the works of Picasso and his influences. Afterwards, we will travel by public transportation to the Picasso Museum for an expert-led field trip to admire his works.

Free time to explore Barcelona on your own. You may also wish to pack for the journey home.

At leisure. Share favorite experiences and say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

Lunch on your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated farewell dinner with all beverages included.

Day 17 Program Concludes Barcelona

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.