Visit Bilbao, Madrid, and Barcelona in 9 days

After arriving at Bilbao Airport, we will be transferred to our hotel. We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin to enjoy this marvelous city.

Bilbao will surprise us with its contrasts, combining the flavor of the avant-garde with the traditional charm of its old town, filled with charming streets and bars with counters full of pintxos, showcasing that here gastronomy is lived with passion. All of this has earned the city a place of honor on the list of Spain's most interesting cities.

Greca Tip: The best panoramic view of Bilbao can be obtained from the Artxanda funicular.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will have a day free to explore the city.

We can start in Casco Viejo, strolling through its narrow streets and discovering the traditional architecture, the Plaza Nueva, and the Santiago Cathedral.

Next is a visit to the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here, we can taste some local products and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a must-visit. Considered one of the city's main attractions, it will surprise us with its contemporary art exhibitions and impressive architecture.

At the end of our day, we can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants near the museum and admire the illuminated Puente de La Salve.

Greca Tip: To create the curious curved shapes of the Guggenheim Museum, architect Frank Gehry used 33,000 ultra-thin titanium plates.

After breakfast, at the indicated time, we will go to Abando station in Bilbao to catch our train to Madrid. When we arrive, we can go to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this amazing city.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and nightlife, Madrid surprises with tranquil historic corners full of charm for leisurely walks, with centuries-old taverns of family tradition where friends gather for a drink, with neighborhoods of all styles, and with alternative cultural centers outside the more touristy circuits.

Greca Tip: Enjoy some typical tapas such as calamares a la romana (fried squid rings), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), or bacalao rebozado (breaded cod).

After breakfast, we can comfortably explore the city aboard a double-decker tourist bus. We will discover every detail of the city with a single ticket. We can hop on and off the bus as many times as we wish to enjoy Madrid at our own pace.

Route 1 (blue) will take us to discover Historic Madrid. This circular route covers a comprehensive historical, artistic, and monumental circuit where we will visit the city's landmarks.

We will stroll through the beautiful tree-lined Paseo del Prado and admire the magnificent architectural gems of the Habsburg legacy. We will approach Madrid's Art Triangle and take the opportunity to explore some of its museums in depth. Furthermore, we will enjoy the views from the Royal Palace to the Temple of Debod.

Route 2 (green) covers Modern Madrid. We will discover the city beyond the historical points of interest and royal monuments.

From Atocha Station to Nuevos Ministerios and from the iconic Puerta de Alcalá to Puerta del Sol, we will admire the most contemporary architectural works in the capital of Spain on a tourist itinerary that will bring us closer to the imposing KIO Towers, allow us to contemplate the modern sculptures of the Public Art Museum, and visit the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabéu. On this route, we can discover the life, art, and new customs of Madrid.

Depending on the time of year, the frequency of stops ranges from 30 to 40 minutes. Each route lasts approximately 70 to 90 minutes.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of the Plaza Mayor stop and enjoy the gastronomy at the San Miguel Market.

After breakfast, we will have the day free to enjoy Madrid at our own pace. We can explore the main museums or archaeological sites, get lost in its streets full of history, and indulge in exquisite Spanish cuisine.

Among the main places we can visit, we recommend the Retiro Park, a historic garden and public park considered one of the city's main tourist attractions. The Plaza Mayor, located in the city center, gives us a glimpse of the joy and hospitality of the Madrileños.

Besides, you'll see the Gran Via, one of the city's most famous avenues, where you can find shops, restaurants, and venues to suit all tastes. The Paseo del Prado is a boulevard that connects several squares and the city's main museums.

You'll be able to visit the famous San Miguel Market, which is one of the most renowned and emblematic markets in Madrid. It is situated in the heart of the city, very close to Plaza Mayor. This market is known for its nineteenth-century wrought iron and glass architecture and has been recently renovated to house a variety of gourmet food stalls.

Within the San Miguel Market, you'll find a wide selection of fresh produce, delicatessen products, wines, cheeses, seafood, tapas, desserts, and more. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, as it offers the chance to sample a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes and unique culinary experiences in a lively atmosphere.

Madrid is an ideal place to enjoy an informal gastronomic experience, stroll among the different stalls, and savor local delights while immersing yourself in the lively and welcoming atmosphere of the market.

Greca Tip: On Sundays in Plaza Mayor, you will find the philately and numismatics market, which could offer interesting souvenirs.

After a full breakfast, you have to transfer on your own to the Puerta de Atocha train station to take a fast train to Barcelona.

Barcelona is a city full of attractions that encourage you to visit it again and again. Open to the Mediterranean Sea and famous for Gaudí and his modernist architecture, Barcelona is revealed as one of the trendiest European capitals.

The city is a focus of new trends in the world of culture, fashion, and gastronomy. It combines the creativity of its artists and designers with respect and care for the traditional places of always. In it, the charm and the pause of its historic center, the avant-garde of its most modern neighborhoods, and the urban rhythm of one of the most visited cities in the world coexist.

Greca Tip: One of the three original Statues of Liberty resides in the city. It is at the Arús Library, near Paseo de Sant Joan and the Arc de Triomf.

After a delicious breakfast, you can visit the city aboard the double-decker tourist bus (including an audio guide).

The tourist bus offers two different routes to explore and see everything that Barcelona has to offer. With the freedom to hop on and off at any stop, we can explore this bustling and cosmopolitan city at our own pace.

Red Route
You'll tour many of the city center's tourist spots. You'll start in the heart of Barcelona at Plaza de Cataluña, a lively square and the meeting point between the old and new parts of the city. From here, you'll continue along Paseo de Gracia. This elegant boulevard is filled with luxurious boutiques, stunning architecture, and gastronomic establishments.

You'll then pass through some of the most important sites of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at Montjuïc. This picturesque tree-covered hill is one of the city's most famous landmarks. At the top, you'll find fantastic views, the spectacular Montjuïc Castle, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, known for housing the world's best collection of Romanesque art.

The tour continues through the Medieval Gothic Quarter, the Plaça de Rei, where, according to legend, Columbus met with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon his return from the New World.

Blue Route
You'll explore the northern part of the city, where we'll find Antoni Gaudí's most famous works. One can't speak of Barcelona without mentioning the incomparable Sagrada Familia. The blue route continues through Park Güell, where you can admire Gaudí's recognizable and inimitable architectural style, full of color, twists, and curves.

Greca Tip: You can add the tickets to visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia to step 1 of the reservation process.

After breakfast, you'll have the day free to continue exploring Barcelona at your own pace.

Barcelona is a city where living well comes naturally. It's a cosmopolitan city ranked among the best in the world for quality of life, safety, and equity.

It's a vibrant and captivating city located on the northeast coast of Spain, serving as the capital of Catalonia.

Here, you'll encounter impressive architecture, particularly the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). These structures are emblematic and reflect the Catalan modernist style.

Barcelona is a culinary paradise, offering a wide range of traditional Catalan dishes, as well as a modern and creative culinary scene. Markets like La Boquería are excellent places to sample tapas and savor the freshness of local produce.

The city boasts beautiful beaches like Barceloneta, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, clubs, and venues to enjoy throughout the night.

Barcelona is a dynamic city that combines cultural richness, a fascinating history, impressive architecture, and a vibrant urban life, making it an incredibly attractive tourist destination.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to try the "coca," a delicious and diverse dish that represents Catalan cuisine. The coca features a bread base made with flour, lard, sugar, and eggs, topped with an array of mouthwatering ingredients. It's a culinary delight that shouldn't be overlooked during your time in Barcelona!

After enjoying our breakfast and at the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the El Prat-Barcelona International Airport to take our departure flight. From Greca we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you say yourself: "Bon Viatge!".

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in this city was short, you can add more nights in step 1 of your reservation process.