Join art historian and podcast host Tamar Avishai on an unforgettable journey through three of Europe’s most inspiring cities. In Lisbon, stroll historic neighborhoods, take a day trip to enchanting Sintra, and enjoy soulful Fado music. In Barcelona, marvel at Gaudí’s masterpieces, explore the Gothic Quarter, and visit the renowned Picasso Museum. In Madrid, experience Spain’s greatest museums—the Prado and Reina Sofía—along with a day trip to Toledo to see El Greco’s legacy.
Along the way, Tamar will share her expertise and insights, weaving together art, history, and culture for a truly immersive adventure.
Please contact Dilya at dilya@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!
Be greeted by a private driver, who will transfer you to our four-star hotel, located in the city’s center. The options include Aurea Museum Hotel, Corpo Santo Hotel, or similar.
(Note: Some guests will opt to arrive on September 19th, so that they can relax at the hotel for a day before the tour officially begins. These guests will enjoy a free day, on their own, to relax on September 20th.)
Lisbon enchants with its sun-drenched hills, colorful tiled façades, and the sound of Fado drifting through narrow cobblestone streets. A city where tradition and modern life blend seamlessly, Lisbon offers stunning viewpoints, historic neighborhoods, and a warm, timeless charm.
This will be a charming 4- or 5-star hotel located in Lisbon’s historic Alfama district, within walking distance of many of the city’s landmarks, lively squares, and scenic viewpoints.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, where we’ll enjoy local specialties and meet Tamar.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a guided tuk-tuk tour through several of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods. This comfortable and fun ride will allow us to see multiple parts of the city while learning about its history from local guides.
Enjoy Portuguese flavors at a neighborhood restaurant.
Visit São Jorge Castle – explore the ancient Moorish fortress with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and watch the resident peacocks.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner. Experience the Fado music show at Casa de Linhares in Alfama, where dinner is included with the live performance.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart by private bus to Sintra, a famous town about one-hour from Lisbon.
Nestled in the lush hills just outside Lisbon, Sintra feels like a page from a storybook. Palaces, castles, and gardens rise from the mist, revealing a town that has long captivated poets, royals, and dreamers.
Begin your visit to Sintra with a guided tour of Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most iconic and colorful landmarks.
Perched high atop a hill, the palace offers stunning views and a fascinating blend of architectural styles.
Enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant in Sintra, followed by some free time to explore the town’s shops and cafés.
Visit Quinta da Regaleira - discover its romantic palace, underground passages, and enchanting gardens, brimming with symbolic features and centuries of history.
Return to the hotel and enjoy free time. Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for the National Museum of Ancient Art, home to Portugal’s finest collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, showcasing treasures from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Depart for Time Out Market Lisboa, one of Lisbon’s most vibrant culinary destinations.
Enjoy a casual lunch at your own pace, choosing from a curated selection of food stalls run by some of Portugal’s top chefs — offering everything from local seafood and petiscos to gourmet burgers, pastries, and regional wines. A perfect spot to taste the flavors of Lisbon in a lively, contemporary setting.
Enjoy your last afternoon in Lisbon at your own pace. You may wish to stroll through the elegant Praça do Comércio, browse local shops, or visit cultural highlights such as the Livraria Bertrand do Chiado (the world’s oldest operating bookstore), the Liberation Museum, or the Belém Tower. This is a perfect opportunity to relax, explore, or pick up souvenirs before we continue our journey.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant.
Meet in the hotel lobby, with bags ready, and head to the Lisbon International Airport (LIS).
Departure: 11:20 a.m.
Arrival: 2:10 p.m.
Flight details to follow.
After arriving in Barcelona, we will be driven to our hotel in the city center.
Flight duration is about 1 hour 50 minutes; subject to adjustment based on actual flight schedule.
A captivating blend of Gothic charm, Mediterranean spirit, and avant-garde artistry, Barcelona enchants visitors with its distinctive architecture, vibrant culture, and seaside energy.
From Gaudí’s masterpieces to hidden literary corners, the city is a feast for the senses and the imagination.
Arrive at the hotel and check in. Our hotel will be a comfortable, four-star hotel located in the heart of Barcelona, within walking distance of many of the city's most famous sites.
Relax at the hotel, taking some time to rest before dinner.
After a day of travel and settling into Barcelona, enjoy a free evening to dine at your leisure. You may wish to try one of the city’s many excellent restaurants nearby, savoring authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine at your own pace.
Meet our local guide in the hotel lobby and depart for a walking tour through Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter. Discover the city’s Old Town on a guided stroll, with highlights such as Las Ramblas, Plaça Reial, the Barcelona Cathedral, and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, while learning about the city’s Roman and medieval past.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the trendy El Born neighborhood, known for its lively cafés and local charm.
Visit the Museu Picasso, which houses more than 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso, highlighting his formative years and deep connection to Barcelona. The collection includes paintings, drawings, and ceramics, offering unique insight into the artist’s early development.
Meet in the hotel lobby and embark on a guided tapas tour through Barcelona’s vibrant streets. Visit several authentic eateries, sampling classic Catalan small plates paired with local wines. This social, flavorful evening provides both dinner and an introduction to Spain’s beloved culinary tradition.
Meet our local guide in the lobby for a visit to Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica - a masterpiece of modernist architecture and spiritual symbolism.
Learn about the vision, history, and intricate design of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, still under construction more than a century after it began.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant offering modern Catalan cuisine and views of the basilica.
Explore Gaudí’s striking residential building on Passeig de Gràcia, famous for its undulating stone façade, wrought-iron balconies, and extraordinary rooftop chimneys. Discover how Gaudí’s innovative design redefined urban living in early 20th-century Barcelona.
Return to the hotel for some rest or enjoy a leisurely walk along Passeig de Gràcia, lined with elegant shops and architectural masterpieces including Casa Batlló.
Gather in the hotel lobby and stroll to a nearby local restaurant.
Meet in the hotel lobby with your bags packed and depart for the Barcelona train station.
Depart for Madrid aboard the high-speed train. Enjoy lunch while traveling.
Spain’s lively capital pulses with art, elegance, and energy. From its world-class museums to its grand boulevards and late-night tapas culture, Madrid is a city that celebrates life with flair.
Be greeted by a private driver, who will transfer you to a four-star hotel located in the most famous part of Madrid.
You will stay at a comfortable, four-star hotel located in the heart of Madrid, within walking distance of many of the city's most famous sites. The hotel may be Hotel Liabeny or a similar hotel in the same class.
Take the afternoon to unwind at the hotel or enjoy a leisurely walk through Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s most famous park. Stroll its tree-lined paths, discover fountains and sculptures, and admire the stunning Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a 19th-century glass pavilion set beside a tranquil lake.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the most famous museums in all of Europe. Marvel at its prestigious art collection, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Take a short walk to the Museo Reina Sofía, where you will encounter Picasso’s Guernica, alongside remarkable works by Dalí and Miró.
Enjoy your free time for our last afternoon in Madrid.
Immerse yourself in the flavors of Spain with a hands-on tapas cooking class in Madrid, paired with bottomless Spanish wines. After being welcomed with a glass of cava, you’ll prepare classic dishes like garlic prawns and stuffed piquillo peppers under the guidance of expert chefs. End the experience by sitting down together to enjoy everything you've made—plus a main course and dessert.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for Toledo. Travel from Madrid to Toledo by private coach or high-speed train (≈ 30–60 minutes).
Arrive in Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history. Stroll through its medieval streets, admire panoramic views from the city walls, and learn about Toledo’s role as Spain’s “city of three cultures.”
See El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, one of Spain’s most celebrated paintings.
Enjoy regional Castilian specialties at a traditional restaurant.
Wander Toledo’s charming streets at your own pace, browse artisan shops famous for swords and damascene metalwork, or relax at a café.
Travel back to Madrid by private coach or train. Arrive at the hotel with time to refresh before dinner.
Gather in the hotel lobby and depart for a farewell dinner at a fine Madrid restaurant. Celebrate the journey, share highlights with fellow travelers, and toast to the end of a memorable adventure.
Private transportation provided to Madrid International Airport.
Price of Tour:
$8,995 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$11,595 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Accommodations at high-end, four-star hotels
All transportation, including flight tickets to Barcelona and train tickets to Madrid
Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (museums, tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
All tips
Price does not include:
International airfare to Lisbon and returning from Madrid
Alcoholic drinks and one dinner (on Day 5)
Activities during free times
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, Internet and phone charges, laundry, etc.
Expenses incurred if guest decides to arrive early for the tour, or stay after the tour concludes
This trip includes walks of up to one mile, and over uneven terrain.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.