An art tour to immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona, Spain.

April 27 to May 6, 2025

Ten days of making good friends, eating wonderful meals, and visiting art museums and sites. Pure bliss.

Monday, April 28

Day four: Reina Sofia museum

The morning is at leisure to recharge or independently explore Madrid.

Afternoon guided tour of the Reina Sofia Museum, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art containing excellent collections of Spain’s two greatest 20th-century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, including Picasso’s painting Guernica.

Late this afternoon, join Liz on a sketching outing at the Plaza Mayor, followed by dinner together.

In the evening, join Liz on a sketching outing at the Plaza Mayor.

• Accommodations: NH Collection Madrid Gran Via

• Included Meal: Breakfast and Dinner

 Tuesday, April 29

Day five: Toledo Excursion

Today is dedicated to touring Toledo, the famous “city of three cultures” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has maintained the exact same layout it had in the Middle Ages.

Take a walking tour through Toledo’s narrow cobblestone streets and visit the city’s famous sights including the Church of St. Tomé with its famous masterpiece by El Greco, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca built in the Mudéjar style in the 12th century, and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a late Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece by Juan Guas.

Pause for lunch together, then continue to the Museum of Santa Cruz, a 16th-century building that was originally an important hospital but converted to a museum of fine arts, archaeology, and industrial arts in the 19th century. Admire the museum’s excellent selection of 16th- and 17th- century paintings from Toledo as well as works by El Greco.

Return to Madrid in the late afternoon.

• Accommodations: Hotel Colón, Barcelona

• Included Meal: Breakfast

Wednesday, April 30

Day 6: Highlights of the Prado and Sorolla House Museum

Begin the day at the incomparable Prado Museum for a guided visit covering the highlights of one of the world’s greatest art collections. View the museum’s extensive selection of Spanish masterpieces including those of Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya.

Sit down to a relaxing lunch together between museum visits.

Drive to Madrid’s Museo Sorolla situated within what was once the home of the famous Valencian Impressionist. The building was converted into a museum but remains furnished as it was during Sorolla’s life, including his large well-lit studio with the walls covered with canvasses.

Continue onto the San Antonio de la Florida Chapel best known for its ceiling and dome frescoes by Francisco de Goya.

Evening at leisure to stroll and Liz will lead another sketching session.

• Accommodations: Hotel Colón, Barcelona

• Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Thursday, May 1  

Day seven: madrid to barcelona

Travel via high-speed train to Barcelona this morning (2.5 hours).

Upon arrival, be introduced to Gaudí’s Barcelona with a guided tour of Park Güell, designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí for entrepreneur Eusebi Güell as a housing development for affluent Catalan families. While this aim was never achieved, the space is now a public park for the people of Barcelona and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Continue to the beautiful Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, a monumental church project assumed by Gaudí in 1883. 

Accommodations: Hotel Colón, Barcelona
Included Meal: Breakfast

Friday, May 2

Day eight: Treasures of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Set out with our guide, an expert in the art and architecture of Barcelona, for a walking tour of Barcelona’s central historic district, learning about the city’s fascinating history and architecture through the centuries. Walk around Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and enter architecturally astounding cathedrals such as the Barcelona Cathedral and the Basílica of Santa Maria del Mar.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Picasso Museum, housing one of the most extensive collections of artworks by Picasso in the district that was his home in Barcelona.

Enjoy lunch together near the Picasso Museum.

In the afternoon/evening, Liz will lead another sketch outing you are welcome to come along or enjoy an independent evening.

• Accommodations: Hotel Colón, Barcelona

• Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Saturday, May 3

Day Nine: Jewels of Montjüic

Travel by motorcoach to Montjüic, the historic mountain overlooking the port of Barcelona. Visit the National Museum of Catalan Art, a beautiful museum containing hundreds of works of Catalan art from the medieval age to the 19th century, with a brilliant 1990s redesign by architect Gae Aulenti that still feels fresh today. 

Continue to the Miró Foundation to experience Miró’s works in dialogue with cutting-edge contemporary art.

At the Barcelona Pavilion, the German Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Have the option to stay in Montjüic and return independently by cable car or return to the hotel for an independent afternoon.

This evening, gather for a gourmet farewell dinner at one of Barcelona’s best restaurants.

Accommodations: Hotel Colón, Barcelona
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

May 6

Day Ten: Barcelona/Home

Transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights.

Included Meal: Breakfast

I’m sure you’re thinking that this all sounds AMAZING, but what’s the investment?

Here’s a price breakdown:

Shared room: $6,495

Single room: $1,950

 In Madrid we will stay at the 4-star NH Collection Madrid Gran Via and in Barcelona we will stay at the Hotel Colón, Barcelona

This trip is perfect for artists and art enthusiasts, spouses and partners alike.

• Limited to 24 guests

• Small group, amazing itinerary and experts lead all museum tours.

• Please review the trip brochure with details on accommodations, prices, and the program.

• Dates: April 25 - May 4, 2025

Booking opens to wait list Wednesday, April 3rd at 9am EST, Opens to public at 1pm EST