Spain : Madrid & Barcelona

Spain’s enormous central capital, Madrid, lies on the River Manzanares and is a city of contrasts. Historical monuments like the impressive Royal Palace stand in stark contrast to state-of-the-art skyscrapers; masterpieces by Picasso, Dali and Velazquez adorn the walls of the city’s world-class galleries alongside contemporary modern works; local chefs display a passion for Spanish food at traditional eateries while chic fusion restaurants operate next door. Madrid’s real attraction lies in the seductive lifestyle of its hedonistic inhabitants; indulging in tapas, hunting for treasures at the El Rastro flea market or partying the night away in one of the many lively nightclubs. Make sure to soak up the vibrant street life of the grand, historic Plaza Mayor, Madrid's central square, and spend a leisurely afternoon on the landscaped lawns at the Parque del Buen Retiro.

Perched majestically on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, overlooking the Tagus River, Toledo is an ancient city in central Spain’s province of the same name. Once dubbed the ‘city of the three cultures’ due to its successive Islamic, Hebrew and Christian occupants, the city now boasts an incredible legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, synagogues and traditional houses heaped into a cobble-stoned spiral. Beyond the impressive medieval walls, the maze of pedestrian streets is lined with artisan shops exhibiting pieces of jaw-dropping, masterful craft work, most notably glass pieces created using traditional glass blowing (which visitors can try themselves). The city is a prime culinary destination, as well as being home to a prolific number of museums, galleries and entertainment venues.

Set on Spain’s gorgeous southeastern coast, the capital and largest city of the Catalonia region, Barcelona, is an exquisite, seaside metropolis. With its dizzying array of architecture and its world-class museums, artistic delights abound at every corner, most strikingly in the astonishingly whimsical structures designed by the prolific modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. Spend your days exploring the winding alleys of the picturesque Gothic Quarter, the boisterous carnival atmosphere of the world famous, tree-lined La Rambla boulevard or having a gastronomical adventure through the diversity of incredible restaurants. Head to one of the gorgeous white, sandy beaches and when the sun sets, join the eclectic all-night party scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the phenomenal Sagrada Familia, take in an opera at the sublime Palau de la Musica Catalana, and watch a game at the famous Camp Nou stadium.

Located just 48 kilometres northwest from Barcelona, and part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range, Montserrat is a historic and scenic mountain retreat which makes an interesting addition to any Catalonian travel itinerary. The mountain formation which gives the area its name is spectacular, with steep limestone peaks protruding from the hillside, and its key sight, the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, is situated about halfway up the mountain face. An important pilgrimage site (said to be home to the iconic Black Virgin of Montserrat), the retreat location can be paired with the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat into a two-stop trip. The park’s protected natural area is home to amazing hiking trails, including a route to the summit of Sant Jeroni, offering breathtaking views.