8-Day Spain Vacation with Airfare

You’ll have plenty of time to explore two of Spain’s most exciting cities—Madrid and Barcelona—during this 8-day vacation from Gate 1 Travel. An open agenda, centrally located hotels, and optional tours make it easy to take in as much culture and as many tapas as you want. Each option includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York City
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
• 3 nights of standard accommodations at Novotel Madrid Puente de La Paz or similar in Madrid
• 3 nights of standard accommodations at Ayre Hotel Caspe or similar in Barcelona
• Transportation between cities (flight)
• Daily breakfast

Madrid

Spain’s capital city, Madrid, is both the economic and geographic center of the country. In fact, all roads in Spain lead to the city’s famous Puerta del Sol, one of many classic European plazas scattered throughout the city. In addition to being a commercial center and home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid is world-class in terms of art. The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most-visited art museums, while the nearby Museo Reina Sofia contains Guernica, Picasso’s masterpiece on the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. Be sure to visit the Royal Palace, built on the site of a 9th-century fortress. Its 3,400 rooms display a world-class art collection that spotlights works by Caravaggio and Francisco de Goya.

• Spend a lazy afternoon amid the fountains and gardens of Retiro Park.
• The Spanish answer to the Louvre: the Prado museum, which houses a trove of masterpieces, including work from Spanish artists El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya Optional tours: The half-day Panoramic Madrid tour takes you to the city’s most beautiful squares, new and old (day 3; $27/person). You can also take a half-day tour of nearby Toledo, which has a wealth of monuments, old churches, and museums (day 4; $55/person).

Barcelona

Barcelona is like Madrid’s hip younger sister, praised as “quirky, cosmopolitan and effortlessly cool” by Frommer’s. One must-see attraction is La Sagrada Familia, a cartoonish basilica designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. It’s a work in progress if there ever was one: by the time it’s finished (the estimated year of completion is 2026), it will have been under construction for nearly 150 years.

• Witness history in the making at La Sagrada Familia, a whimsical Antoni Gaudi-designed cathedral that has slowly taken shape over 130 years. It’s estimated to be finished at last by 2026.
• Bring your camera to Parc Guell, a fantastical garden—another Gaudi creation—filled with colorful mosaics.
• Blend in by cheering on Lionel Messi and Futbol Club Barcelona at a local bar. The team’s colors are scarlet and blue.
• Optional tours: Check out a full-day city highlights tour on day 6 ($71/person), or a half-day Montserrat tour on Day 7 ($54/person).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. From what airport does the deal depart? Airfare is available from NYC (EWR, JFK or LGA). The supplemental fee to depart from a city that isn’t included is subject to departure date and availability at the time of booking.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Please call Gate 1 Travel for more information.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? The dates available are listed on each option.

4. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? Children under 12 do not need a Groupon voucher. Contact Gate 1 Travel directly for child fares (1-800-682-3333). Different occupancy arrangements may be requested with Gate 1 Travel at the time of reservation.

5. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem.

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