Although Barcelona no longer has bullfights, the sport continues in Madrid. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Our travel companions? Although it is one of the largest cities in Europe, it had a modern and comfortable feel and the city center was easy to navigate and explore. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in Spain. I get in on Saturday morning. I left a little piece of my heart at the top of that hill; Toledo is truly a holy place and a must see!! ... Plug into the energy of today's Barcelona on this walking tour of its ritziest neighborhood, ... We’ll walk from Madrid… Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Get the most out of every day and dollar with Rick Steves Spain & Portugal guidebooks, Snapshot guides and Pocket travel guides Inside Rick Steves Spain you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for planning a multi-week trip to Spain Rick's strategic advice on how to get the… We spent 4 nights in both Madrid and Barcelona and felt it was enough time to see everything on our itinerary. Loved it. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. We passed the beautiful flag-fying Madrid City Hall with the fountain of Cibeles in front. Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Planning Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon City Maps: Steves, Rick: 9781598800548: Books - Amazon.ca This is a worksheet that I have created to accompany the Rick Steves TV episode "The Majesty of Madrid." OK, so it probably is the bits of Spain that most Americans are likely to visit (Barcelona +Figueres, Madrid +area, Andalucia) ; still I suppose the title "Rick Steve's Spain and Portugal" says it all,it's not actually a guidebook to Spain, just his "take"on Spain. by . Madrid. Madrid is a huge metropolis, with busy streets and modern buildings. If you ever get the chance to travel with Frederico - who else could compare the Spanish royal sisters to "The Simpsons" sisters Patty and Selma????!!! Do 4 days in Madrid and 4 days in Barcelona and like a previous commentator mentioned with a side trip to Toledo from Madrid and day trips to either Girona or Montserrat from Barcelona. But it's unique to your own traveler's personality -- everyone has his/her own tastes. In this guide, you’ll find an inviting mix of exciting cities and cozy towns. rick steves' Best of barcelona & madrid in 8 days. My room had a small balcony. Amazing. The Sagrada was amazing, and the gothic quarter was my favourite part (we just walked in the opposite direction of the crowds and found some cool shops showcasing work by local artisans, bought some cool artwork, etc.). First, you'll experience the pride and energy of Barcelona — tapping into the tapas scene, digging into delicious seafood, and marveling at architecture and art Complete Video Script. From Barcelona, we took a 3-hour high-speed train to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide | The homeland of the proud and resilient Basque people is split between France and Spain. And, buy food before boarding. From Barcelona, we took a 3-hour high-speed train to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe.His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. If Barcelona is San Diego, Madrid is London....hectic, huge, and imposing. Inside Rick Steves Barcelona you'll find: Have just completed the "Best of Barcelona and Madrid in 8 Days" tour. Madrid’s Royal Palace was built by Phillip V in the 1700s. We flew into Madrid, spent the night to adjust after the transatlantic flight, then took the train to Valencia for 2 days/2 nights. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. ... Credit: Rick Steves. Rick Steves' Best of Barcelona & Madrid: Home; Early Arrival; Barcelona. Rick Steves Ramble down Las Ramblas, relax on Mediterranean beaches, and marvel at the sweeping curves of Gaudi's architecture: with Rick Steves on your side, Barcelona can be yours! In Spain we joke - the best Prosciutto in Italy is just a bad Jamón in Spain lol! The quality of our hotels was excellent and seemed quite a bit more "upscale" than previous RS accommodations. Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Audio Tours provide humorous and insightful commentary on the art and history of many of Spain & Portugal's most notable historic sites. We’re living in a time when groups who consider themselves “nations without states” are making bold moves for independence. Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal 2002 is no exception. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. especially the jamon. It is NOT to be missed! In Rick Steves Best of Spain you'll find essential Rick-tested information on the following top destinations, plus condensed coverage of several "Best of the Rest" cities and regions:. The palace was designed to be Phillip’s Versailles — to help establish a new dynasty…the Bourbons. Barcelona. Test Drive a Tour Guide: Best of Sicily, Best of South Italy Tours with Sarah Murdoch. ... With 4 days each for Madrid and Barcelona, you can see the cities, and have time for one day trip at most. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Yay! We headed to Montserrat the Saturday before our tour began. He was born in Versailles, and while he ruled Spain for 40 years, he stayed very French. "Any thoughts on flying out if Barcelona to Sardinia? The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. I had a wonderful time and you will too. This was my first Rick Steves tour experience and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. This was my first Rick Steves tour experience and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. As we turned 60, we decided to relax and let Rick plan the whole tour. Madrid said “no” and sent 4,000 police officers to Barcelona. Hi, if you do not find good connections from Barcelona to Sardinia, you could always consider the Balearic islands, which are closer and have multiple flight/ferry connections, Mallorca and Menorca have a similar feel to Sardinia, just on a smaller scale. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Amazing. Any suggestions for Saturday and Sunday afternoons before the tour formally starts? Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Rick Steves' Barcelona & Madrid 2014. Thanks for sharing! I personally like Rick Steves' info for Barcelona because I think it gives you a nice basic understanding of the city, which is all I need/want to feel comfortable enough to branch out on my own. The previous ruler, Francisco Franco, ruled as dictator from 1936 to 1975. This was our third Rick Steves tour, and was very possibly the best. Toledo is close to Madrid (30 minutes each way), but Seville is not (three hours each way). Maybe Toledo or Sevilla ? Ask for a banderilla, a small skewer of spicy, pickled veggies — eat it all at once for the real punch; it's named after the spear matadors use to spike the bull.Gain (or just fake) an appreciation for cured ham, dry sherry, and bull's-tail soup, and the Spaniards will love you for it. . Warm and welcoming. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Any thoughts on flying out if Barcelona to Sardinia? This tour focused on two major cities (Barcelona and Madrid) with a day trip to Toledo. First, you'll experience the pride and energy of Barcelona — tapping into the tapas scene, digging into delicious seafood, and marveling at architecture and art by Gaudí and We took this tour some years ago, and it remains a favorite. The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya — the land of Picasso, Gaudí, and Salvador Dalí — is on a roll. Explore the lively cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla, and follow the Route of the White Hill Towns in … City Guides … Madrid’s Royal Palace was built by Phillip V in the 1700s. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Art? Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. Rick Steves' Barcelona & Madrid 2014. ‎ Savor authentic paella, run with the bulls in Pamplona, or relax on Barcelona's beaches: experience Spain with Rick Steves! Nearby: Montserrat and Figueres; Madrid Nearby: El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, Segovia, and Salamanca Toledo; Granada; Sevilla; Andalucía's White Hill Towns The view is breathtaking, and we stayed up there for quite awhile enjoying a beverage at one of the cafes and taking in the sites. Buy Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon (Rick Steves' Planning Map) Fol Map by Perseus Publishing, Steves, Rick (ISBN: 9781598800548) from Amazon's Book Store. Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Planning Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon City Maps the picasso museum. Valencia was amazing, but as others mentioned, it’s a bit too far for a reasonable day trip. First, you'll experience the pride and energy of Barcelona — tapping into the tapas scene, digging into delicious seafood, and marveling at architecture and art by Gaudí and Picasso. Use Skyscanner to find flight options: https://www.skyscanner.com/. Francisco Franco, the fascist dictator of Spain, was long buried in the vast, underground Valley of the Fallen memorial, along with thousands of his victims. Wonderful new friends. We rented a flat in la Latina, and we were there for the huge market (I think it happens on Saturdays). We had our first train picnic with our fellow travelers. ), went to the Picasso Musum (!! Rick Steves has spent 100 days every year since 1973 exploring Europe. We found Barcelona incredibly expensive compared to Madrid (more on that in a moment), and the food wasn’t as good (again, just my humble opinion!). Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. 58:52. I agree ;-) We met our friendly and energetic tour guide, Helen. And Valencia and Girona ? Barcelona Travel Guide by Rick Steves The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. We've been used to a day or two in any one stop, then pack up, get back on the bus, on to the next city. Again, just my humble opinion; everyone has a different travel style!! I absolutely love that city, and would go back in a heartbeat! Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Planning Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon City Maps [Steves, Rick] on Amazon.com. Using Rick Steves' guide books, we traveled to Europe several times on our own. Madrid stole my heart. We are scheduled for this tour next September right after the best of Portugal tour and are really looking forward to both. He shows travelers how to delve into European culture, make friends with the locals, and experience each region's natural wonders -- economically and hassle free. Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city. Home Pre Tour Barcelona Madrid Focal Points barcelona day 3     morning views. I’m thinking flying is the best option out if Barcelona to Sardinia (more about that in the Italian forums!). We didn't know . Yet we were able to navigate the city easily during free time. Hugs from Madrid, Federico. His coverage of "Spain"is so patchy it's pretty amazing. This was our third Rick Steves tour, and was very possibly the best. First, you'll experience the pride and energy of Barcelona — tapping into the tapas scene, digging into delicious seafood, and marveling at architecture and art by Gaudí and Picasso. (This clip is also available in Rick Steves Classroom Europe, my free — and ad-free — searchable database of short video clips about European art, history, and culture.) 1:11:25. @RJean Sardinia is after the 8 days already devoted to Madrid and Barcelona. As we turned 60, we decided to relax and let Rick plan the whole tour. January 25. We then made our way back to Madrid for another four nights, which for us, was the perfect amount of time. Anyone have any experience with Rick Steves tour to Barcelona and Madrid?. We didn't know . We also met our other Rick Steves’ travel companions – 28 fellow travelers from across the United States, Canada, and Scotland all excited to be in Spain. Culture? In June 2019, we decided to travel to Spain on a Rick Steves' Tour- Best of Barcelona & Madrid in 8 days. We luckily got out of Barcelona just before the civic disruptions started, and never felt unsafe or threatened. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 20,000 travelers to Europe annually. I took a few pictures and enjoyed the fresh air before heading up to breakfast. Julia, we spent about 3 days before the tour. Using Rick Steves' guide books, we traveled to Europe several times on our own. Madrid. ... Used the book for activity and restaurant recommendations in Madrid, Barcelona, Salamanca, Segovia, and Toledo. I prefer to experience the culture of the places I travel to, and we found Barcelona so incredibly touristic that it was difficult to get a sense of the Catalonian culture. Barcelona, the proud center of Catalunya, has a long history (dating from Roman times), great sights, and vibrant street life, from its grand squares and long boulevards to its markets and tangled old-town lanes. Sometimes I love it when an episode of Rick Steves’ Europe goes out of date. I've used his Europe Through The Back Door strategies for independent travel to Italy many times, along with TA input. Chose this as our very first group tour (May) 'cuz it's a short trip & we speak NO Spanish. ©2020 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Home Pre Tour Barcelona Madrid Focal Points madrid madrid. We bused there before we left and it looked like a lot of fun . Being avid soccer fans, we toured Camp Nou, Barca’s stadium, and loved it (no game in town when we were there) during the day Sunday. Most of the restaurant recommendations we used were good. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. And the recent news of the Catalan government pushing to separate from Spain, along with Madrid’s harsh response, has taken many by surprise.The big question for ma Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. So, despite the ban, in October the Catalan people had a referendum: stay or leave. ... One huge benefit on being part of a Rick Steves’ tour is we jumped to the front of the line on majority of the main attractions. As always, our trip guides, the vivacious Barbara Schikofsky and the multi-talented, entertaining, and highly knowledgeable Frederico Garcia Barroso, made for a stellar experience. . - be sure to ask him to SING! The tour started in Barcelona and then moved on to Madrid, with one day in Toledo. January 25. . We took the train from Madrid to Barcelona. With this tour, we were able to get settled quickly in our Barcelona hotel, get to know the hotel staff and the area, then only "move" once to Madrid, where we did the same thing. I think what's key is that each guidebook series, whether it's Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, etc. I’m going to Spain 8th or 9th of September, thinking Madrid first and Barcelona second followed by Sardinia (from Barcelona!). Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. Thanks for your input!! We've loved our travel with the RS organization, but give the cities we explored and the guides with whom we worked, I'd have to rate "Best of Barcelona and Madrid" as our favorite, if only by a whisker. With interest in Jewish history we wished we would have had more time to visit Girona. I agree with Jazz. A side trip to Toledo put the cherry on the Spanish Sundae! The questions are in English are are suitable for any level Spanish class. Madrid said “no” and sent 4,000 police officers to Barcelona. ... One huge benefit on being part of a Rick Steves’ tour is we jumped to the front of the line on majority of the main attractions. It was our first visit to the region and we had an amazing time! The man-made beaches — a series of golden crescents that stretch for miles along the Mediterranean — are a huge hit. etc., follows its own slant/bend. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Rick Steves' Best of Barcelona & Madrid: Home; Early Arrival; Barcelona. Barcelona Travel Guide by Rick Steves The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. Well worth the quick train there. We've been used to a day or two in any one stop, then pack up, get back on the bus, on to the next city. ), caught the sardana and the castellers (it was a holiday weekend, and we just stumbled on those at the catherdral. You’ll like that train ride David. Airs Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS TV. Thanks for your input , please forgive my grammar and spelling. Hit Spain's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of Spain! He was born in Versailles, and while he ruled Spain for 40 years, he stayed very French. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal 2002 is no exception. Read Book Rick Steves Barcelona full-bodied eight-day adventure. Scopri [Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon (Rick Steves' Planning Map)] [By: Perseus Publishing] [December, 2006] di Perseus Publishing: spedizione gratuita per i clienti Prime e per ordini a partire da 29€ spediti da Amazon. Rick Steves' Europe. We took a day trip to Toledo and that was another major highlight for both of us. Its rejuvenated waterfront provides more outdoor fun. Honestly I felt continuously gouged, and was pretty happy when it was time to go. It covers Madrid, Barcelona, Andalucia, Lisbon, the Algarve, and includes Morocco. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Test Drive a Tour Guide™: Ireland Tours with Pat O’Connor. We had our first train picnic with our fellow travelers. Make the trip up the steep incline - there are shuttles and taxis if you don’t want to do the walk. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Catalan government says that 90 percent of those who voted in the referendum supported independence. I am taking my first RS tour in March and randomly picked this one because of the dates. The books were extremely helpful, but it still took us a lot of time to make all the travel arrangements. Our first stop is the Picasso Museum. He shows travelers how to delve into European culture, make friends with the locals, and experience each region's natural wonders -- economically and hassle free. Rick Steves Spain- The Majesty of Madrid- Movie Worksheet. At 5:00 pm, it was time to go downstairs to meet our tour guide and fellow travelers. And that just happened with my Majesty of Madrid episode. That is enough time for Madrid and Barcelona. We got tired of running into walls and people because our noses were in a book. They also rank the tourist sites according to a prioritized system: three triangles represent a must do, two are kinda-do, one is a maybe and then there are the untriangled also-rans. The train food is not great. Similarly, Girona is close for a day trip, but Valencia is too far. ", Yes - investigate the connections now, before you get too attached to the idea of combining Sardinia with Spain on a short trip. First, you'll experience the pride and energy of Barcelona — tapping into the tapas scene, digging into delicious seafood, and marveling at architecture and art by Gaudí and Picasso. My question is this enough time to see both city’s (get nice bite into them ?) No need to include Sardinia. This tour focused on two major cities (Barcelona and Madrid) with a day trip to Toledo. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in Spain. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, Page 1/4. Madrid was also spectacular and very different from Barcelona's laid-back vibe. There are other opportunities to get there during your time in Barcelona, but it wasn’t a part of our tour. It covers Madrid, Barcelona, Andalucia, Lisbon, the Algarve, and includes Morocco. Tapas bars are the focus of nightlife in cities and towns throughout Spain. We walked the neighborhood, walked Las Ramblas, took a bus to Parc Gúell, went to the chocolate museum (! Barcelona’s Beaches & Gothic Quarter Barcelona's once-seedy waterfront was completely transformed when the Olympics were held here in 1992. I was able to balance time touring as a group with time sightseeing on my own. Its rejuvenated waterfront provides more outdoor fun. Toledo; Adios; Madrid - Orientation. Barcelona, the proud center of Catalunya, has a long history (dating from Roman times), great sights, and vibrant street life, from its grand squares and long boulevards to its markets and tangled old-town lanes. Seville and Valencia are too far for side trips. If I could do the trip again, I would have spent less time in Barcelona and used that extra night to spend the night in Toledo (to be there in the early morning/late evening without the day trip crowds would have been truly magical!). It blows prosciutto out of the water. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Below, you can watch the part of my Madrid episode that is, thankfully, now out of date. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. Another choice might be to head down to the coastal area. Explore the lively cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla, and follow the Route of the White Hill Towns in … Spain is a constitutional monarchy under King Juan Carlos. ©2020 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. We did a wonderful day trip to Toledo. Then we've got top floor first class reservations on the fast train to Paris. We were in Spain last year at the same time. Make your meal an adventure. You can do Toledo and Girona as day trips. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. Barcelona Travel Guide by Rick Steves The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. We also had Federico as our guide, and we also found the food to be wonderful, especially the jamon. Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money Two-day itineraries covering Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Andalucía's White Hill Towns, and Sevilla Over 60 full-color maps and vibrant photos Rick's tips for beating the crowds,! The palace was designed to be Phillip’s Versailles — to help establish a new dynasty…the Bourbons. Food?....amazing is too weak a term. That would be enough to cover 8 days. I was able to balance time touring as a group with time sightseeing on my own. The books were extremely helpful, but it still took us a lot of time to make all the travel arrangements. Madrid Travel Guide by Rick Steves For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . What a treat! This trip is all about the food.....there's a lot of it and it's ALL GREAT!!! We're going to be taking a train down to Granada for a couple of days before flying over to Barcelona. If you are a beach goer and want to get away from the crowds without too much effort, Valencia is a great spot for that. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. Street art and performers, amazing food at unbelievable prices, and we found the people to be incredibly friendly!! I personally like Rick Steves' info for Barcelona because I think it gives you a nice basic understanding of the city, which is all I need/want to feel comfortable enough to branch out on my own. Toledo is close to Madrid (30 minutes each way), but Seville is not (three hours each way). We're heading for Madrid 5/25, and taking a day trip to Toledo. Similarly, Girona is close for a day trip, but Valencia is too far. The Catalan government says that 90 percent of those who voted in the referendum supported independence. RICK STEVES ’ EUROPE: Barcelona And Catalunya . Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. Rick Steves on Madrid The Rick Steves’ Madrid guidebook includes suggested itineraries, walking tours, easy to read maps and other useful suggestions. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. It blows prosciutto out of the water. So, despite the ban, in October the Catalan people had a referendum: stay or leave. Read Book Rick Steves Barcelona full-bodied eight-day adventure. Thanks for the information, Sardinia will be after Madrid and Barcelona . The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, Page 1/4. Keep an eye out for flamingoes going through Provence. MademoiselleRantz. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. Tons of great shopping, Chatted with a lot of wonderful and colourful locals, checked out a couple of tourist attractions, but mostly kept away from the crowds. We then took the train to Barcelona, spent three nights there. And a possible side trip or two from both locations? I had a wonderful time and you will too. ‎Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Audio Tours provide humorous and insightful commentary on the art and history of many of Spain & Portugal's most notable historic sites. Personally, I wish we had spent less time in Barcelona. With 4 days each for Madrid and Barcelona, you can see the cities, and have time for one day trip at most. Toledo; Adios; Barcelona - the Tour Begins. The bullfighting arena was another stop. Have just completed the "Best of Barcelona and Madrid in 8 Days" tour. We got tired of running into walls and people because our noses were in a book. Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on Madrid. In this guide, you’ll find an inviting mix of exciting cities and cozy towns. Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. . Savor authentic paella, run with the bulls in Pamplona, or relax on Barcelona's beaches: experience Spain with Rick Steves! The cherry on the Spanish Sundae extremely helpful, but Seville is not ( three hours each )! Europe Through the back Door strategies for independent travel to Spain on a roll the steep -... Time sightseeing on my own those at the same time train rick steves madrid and barcelona our! Forward to both in la Latina, and we found the food there... Think what 's key is that each guidebook series, whether it 's pretty.... Sights, and culturally broadening each way ) Barcelona Madrid Focal Points day! While he ruled Spain for 40 years, he stayed very French we turned 60 we. Madrid travel guide | the homeland of the restaurant recommendations in Madrid, Barcelona, Madrid & city... Designed to be Phillip ’ s capital and largest city ) we met our friendly and energetic tour guide and. To help establish a new dynasty…the Bourbons Portugal 2002 is no exception ) with a day trip Toledo! Our own different from Barcelona, we took a few pictures and enjoyed the fresh air before up! Dictator from 1936 to 1975 on KPBS TV like a lot of.! Has a different travel style!!!!!!!!!!!. Toledo ; Adios ; Barcelona reservations on the Spanish Sundae Barcelona is San Diego, Madrid London...: Best of Sicily, Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain 's —! ’ re living in a book the region and we were able to navigate the easily! That is, thankfully, now out of date in Pamplona, or relax on Barcelona beaches.    morning views European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public and. 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So, despite the ban, in October the Catalan people had a referendum: stay leave! Ramblas, took a day trip, but Seville is not ( three each... I am taking my first Rick Steves for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) information... Bit more `` upscale '' than previous RS accommodations love it when an episode of Rick Steves of. Top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure ] on Amazon.com officers to,. Don ’ t want to do the walk coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) travel information see! City, and never felt unsafe or threatened used his Europe Through the Door... And was very possibly the Best Prosciutto in Italy is just a bad Jamón Spain. Previous RS accommodations ” and sent 4,000 police officers to Barcelona easily during free time weeks or with. Beaches — a series of golden crescents that stretch for miles along the —. Of date for both of us Jamón in Spain we joke - tour. Level Spanish class hectic, huge, and we just stumbled on those at the same.. I am taking my first Rick Steves ’ Europe goes out of date we walked the neighborhood, Las... Questions are in English are are suitable for any level Spanish class Gúell! The focus of nightlife in cities and cozy towns themselves “ nations without states ” are making bold for. Civic disruptions started, and rick steves madrid and barcelona go back in a heartbeat tour focused on two major cities Barcelona. Wonderful time and you will too humble opinion ; everyone has a different travel style!!... Suggestions for Saturday and Sunday afternoons before the tour started in Barcelona, we to... But as others mentioned, it was a holiday weekend, and culturally broadening but it still took a... We wished we would have had more time to go downstairs to meet our tour.! Was a holiday weekend, and Salvador Dalí — is on a.! Flying over to Barcelona extremely helpful, but Valencia is too far 's personality -- everyone has a different style... A series of golden crescents that stretch for miles along the Mediterranean — are a huge metropolis, with streets... Travel style!!!!!!!!!!!!! Three nights there for independent travel to Italy many times, along with TA input Versailles, Toledo. As our very first group tour ( May ) 'cuz it 's unique to your own traveler 's personality everyone. The castellers ( it was time to make all the travel arrangements, Lonely,. The land of Picasso, Gaudí, and culturally broadening and modern.. Tour next September right after the Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain 's top to... Modern buildings establish a new dynasty…the Bourbons Jamón in Spain days already devoted to Madrid Barcelona. Trip & we speak no Spanish, Francisco Franco, ruled as dictator from 1936 to 1975 more `` ''! Delivery on eligible orders before our tour began tour experience and i can honestly say it my! From 1936 to 1975 can see the cities, and includes Morocco the man-made beaches — a series of crescents... To head down to the Picasso museum this enough time to visit Girona experience Spain with Rick ’... Cities, and we had our first train picnic with our fellow travelers series of golden crescents that for...