Awe-Inspiring October Tour of Spain for Families

After months of excited anticipation, you and your family will finally experience the beauty of Spain, its welcoming people, and the exciting festivals that take place during the month of October. When you land in Madrid, a private driver will greet and escort you to your accommodation. Soon, you will meet your guide for a fascinating tour of the city’s highlights that will include the Royal Palace, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Parque El Retiro, the prestigious shops along Gran Via, and the classic artwork of the Reina Sofia Museum. In the evening you can join in the music and dance of the Autumn Festival in Lavapies and Malasana.

On your second full day in Spain, you will transfer to the illustrious Mediterranean and Valencia. You will begin your day early and take a first-class train to Valencia's sparkling coastline. Shortly, you will arrive in Valencia, where you can indulge in some leisurely sightseeing before your guide leads you to the Park of Arts and Sciences. Here, you will marvel at the futuristic designs of famed architect, Santiago Calatrava. Afterward, you can visit the Oceanografic, which is home to over 500 species of marine life.

Today, you will travel to Spain's coveted region of Catalonia. Your first stop will bring you to the sun-kissed city of Tarragona, which is best regarded for its ancient Roman relics. With your guide, you will travel back in time to explore the rich history of the ancient Romans. First, you will visit Circ Roma, which is a chariot-racing track that dates back to the 1st century AD. Then, you will attend the Human Tower Festival. As crowds gather and trumpets sound, you will witness the stunning spectacle of performers stacking each other to form a massive human tower.

Today, you will get lost in the magic of Barcelona's charming Gothic Quarter. After breakfast, you will board a high-speed train to Catalonia. Soon, you will breathe in the fresh ocean air of Barcelona. You will explore the city's elegance and mystery at the Placa de Sant Jaume, the Palace of Catalonia, Barcelona's Cathedral, and Plaza de Catalunya. In the early afternoon, you will venture to the nearby Eixample District for an up-close look at the whimsical designs of Antoni Gaudi at Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. After indulging in some shopping and self-exploration, you will partake in a paella cooking course alongside a Michelin-starred chef.

A visit to Catalonia's capital city of Barcelona would be incomplete without visiting La Sagrada Familia cathedral. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the site's entrance, where you will behold the fantastical facade and its massive spires. As you step inside, you will be met with an outpouring of light that streams in through massive stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, you can relax before dining along the city's scenic Las Ramblas boulevard.

Today, you will take a train to Girona, which is known for its bright yellow, red, and orange facades. October is the ideal time to visit because you can attend the annual Fires de Sant Narcis. After a short train ride, you will arrive in Girona. You and your guide will visit Girona's noteworthy landmarks, such as Girona’s Cathedral, the Arab Baths, and the Jewish Quarter, which is one of the best-preserved Jewish districts in the world. In the afternoon, you will be immersed in the fervor of Fires de Sant Narcis, which is an annual celebration of the city's patron saint.

Your final day in Spain will be spent returning to the warm Barcelona sunshine. In the early daytime hours, you can step inside Mercat de la Boqueria, which is a famous open-aired market with an endless array of fruits and vegetables. You can enjoy a light snack before returning to the Gothic Quarter to the peruse local shops, bookstores, and art exhibits. Around noon, you will visit Park Guell before transferring to the airport for your departure.