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Day 9: July 1, 2025
Tour Diary – July 1st, 2025
From Barcelona to Madrid – A Journey Through the Heart of Spain
Today was another travel day, but it offered the group a chance to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain. We departed Barcelona early in the morning, heading toward the Spanish capital: Madrid.
The drive was long but peaceful, as we passed through vineyards, sunflower fields, and the wide-open plains of Castilla-La Mancha. Along the way, we caught glimpses of Aragon’s rugged terrain, and stopped for lunch in Zaragoza, a historic city nestled along the Ebro River. It was the perfect break to stretch our legs and enjoy a bite before continuing our journey.
Upon arrival in Madrid, we did a quick hotel check-in, then headed back into the city to make the most of our first evening in Spain’s vibrant capital.
Dinner was a treat: we visited a local buffet-style restaurant, where students had the chance to sample a variety of traditional Madrid specialties, and delicious desserts.
After dinner, the group enjoyed free time around the Plaza Mayor and the Opera district — a lively area filled with cafés, music, and warm evening light. It was a perfect first taste of Madrid’s energy and elegance.
We returned to the hotel to rest up for our full day of exploration tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Laura Legeay
Tour Director