Sept 26 2025 ‘A week in Spain’
Suggestions for private tours pre Tauck tour and post Tauck tour from Tauck hotels in Barcelona and Madrid to tour Barcelona area and Madrid area respectively.
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Suggestions for private tours pre Tauck tour and post Tauck tour from Tauck hotels in Barcelona and Madrid to tour Barcelona area and Madrid area respectively.
Comments
Haven’t been to Barcelona for many years, maybe 50, and then only for a day trip.
Madrid, first of all, if you are doing everything on the itinerary for the day in Madrid and it is going to be over by lunchtime, that’s crazy. I was traveling independently some years ago and who should walk in the Prado, a Tauck group. You need several hours to do it justice, not the small amounts of time Tauck gives to it. I love the fact there is a copy of the Mona Lisa there attributed to Leonardo or one of his students and you can go up to it….no crowds.
Also worth visiting and again it takes some time to do it justice, is the Is Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. I also went to the Royal Palace. If you are interested in any of these, then you don’t need a private guide, but you do need to prebook tickets. There are plenty of places to enjoy tapas.
For other ides, google things to see and do in Madrid as you have not given an indicator of your interests.
Thank you - yes the Prado and Royal Palace are if interest. Didn’t realize there is a copy of the Mona Lisa.
Also thinking of a day trip to Toledo. Have you done that?
If others may also be on the 9/26 Tauck tour would love to connect.
Are you adding days before and after the tour? As mentioned, without understanding your interests, it is difficult to offer suggestions.
Our posts overlapped. Here are some suggestions:
BARCELONA
A trip to Montserrat Monastery. The rock formations alone make the trip worthwhile.
Mercat de la Boqueria on La Rambla is a great place to wander and eat.
If you are a fan of Gaudí, there are other places in the city to see his architecture.
MADRID
What is known as the Golden Triangle of Museums encompassing the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
As you mentioned, a trip to Toledo would be very culturally enriching; it is where the followers of three religions lived in harmony for centuries.
For tapas, I recommend the Plaza Mayor area of Madrid. It is also a great area to get lost in. You will find another market—Mercado de San Miguel.
Dine with the locals at Sobrino de Botín. Reservations are imperative.
Have a great trip.
We’ve been to major art museums throughout Europe and The Prado is tops. It’s huge. The first time we visited we spent many hours, were exhausted and knew we needed a more focused viewing. Next trip we booked a private tour with Jackie Metitieri who we found through Tours by Locals (not sure she is still with them). Our tour was the masterpieces and was about 2-3 hours. Wow! In depth, really got to appreciate what was behind the work, put it all in a historical and cultural perspective. The Prado has group tours so if nothing else do that but a private tour is more than worth it. And, they have a terrific cafeteria and bookstore, right next to each other. Another fun activity is a tapas tour. There are several vendors. Tauck uses Devour tours. Our Spanish is poor and visiting tapas bars can be an exercise in trying to get to the bar and pointing and shouting. The tour eliminates that and you get to visit premier places and enjoy really great tapas (and beverages).
My favorites in Barcelona - Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, Museu Maritim, Museu d'Historia (underground Roman streets of Barcino) - all near La Rambla.
If you're into Dali, you can book a day trip to his museum in Figueres, and visit the town of Girona. Not too far out of Barcelona. Weird, wacky stuff.
Thanks to those who provided suggestions.