You’re invited to join me and other Wheelchair Travel readers on an accessible group trip to Spain — one of the world’s most popular destinations!
On this tour, you’ll visit Barcelona, Madrid and the surrounding areas to experience a program that is diversified in content and rich in cultural activities — together, we’ll explore Spanish traditions, art, architecture, history and gastronomic experiences. Presented in a format that is accessible and designed to be barrier-free, this tour provides the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Spain!
Trip Itinerary
I have crafted this engaging accessible trip itinerary while bringing together a variety of local and regional partners, experts in accessible tourism who have the knowledge, equipment and staff to ensure that our needs are met.
In speaking about the accessibility solutions we’ve embedded in Wheelchair Travel Group Trips, one traveler shared this about a previous tour:
I really enjoyed the tour and would definitely do it again! It was all designed around wheelchair accessibility and the bus had a lift which made my life very simple, the destinations we saw were specifically designed for wheelchairs and made this trip easy and fantastic!
Kate Grant-Foley from Australia
The benefit of this accessible group tour to Spain is that it opens the country up in a way that would be very difficult or cost-prohibitive to accomplish on a solo trip — through this group tour, we are able to account for everyone’s needs by preparing the way for wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities. There is truly no better way to explore Spain with a wheelchair!
Day 1 (September 18, 2024): Arrival in Barcelona
Our driver will be waiting for you at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), and you will be transported in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to the hotel for check-in.
I will be available at the hotel in the evening to meet and answer any questions you may have (or to enjoy a drink in the lobby bar!). Our full group will meet over breakfast the following morning to begin our tour of Barcelona, Spain.
Day 2 (September 19, 2024): Montserrat
Report to bus at 8:30 a.m.
We will travel up the mountain of Montserrat by Bus, reaching a height of 4,051 feet (1,236 meters) above sea level. The rocks of Montserrat were formed over centuries, carved by the wind and rain that shaped the mountain with strange and varied forms.
Visit the Benedict Sanctuary of Montserrat which was founded in 1025 and provides a mystical backdrop for the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia who is enshrined in the monastery’s Royal Basilica.
We will enjoy a delightful taste of the liquors of Montserrat.
End the day enjoying a traditional lunch (included) at the steps to the mountain, before returning to Barcelona.
Day 3 (September 20, 2024): Barcelona of Gaudi
Report to bus at 10:30 a.m.
We will start the day with an early bus tour tour taking us to the most important and well-known attractions in Barcelona, paying special attention to the influences of acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudí.
Barcelona is the only city where you can find examples of all the phases of Gaudí’s career and artworks. We invite you to discover the hidden secrets of the genius’ creations and of his time.
Starting with the fateful accident that was to cut short his life, we submerge ourselves in Gaudi’s universe, a charismatic character either as a result of his personality or because of an inexhaustible imagination that was able to turn dreams into stones.
We will enjoy a lunch (included) in the city.
Visit the Sagrada Família church, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the iconic Parc Güell on Carmel Hill.
Day 4 (September 21, 2024): Visit to La Roca Village
Report to bus at 9:30 a.m.
Travel by bus to La Roca Village (optional) and return to the hotel where you will enjoy free time until 7:00 p.m.
We will start the evening at the Plaza Catalunya, the true city center of Barcelona, which is also the boundary point between the city’s historic and modern areas. The Plaza is also the start of the most important route in Barcelona, Las Ramblas,which leads to San Jose Market.
Our tour will lead us through the Gothic Quarter, the old part of the city where you will find some of the most famous gourmet delicacies and shops – the Escribà pastry; the chocolate shop “La Farga;” the “Casa Gispert” specializing in roasted beans, jellies, jams, etc.; the Coffee “El Magnifico;” and the herbal shop “Del Rey,” among others.
We will visit the Santa Catarina Market, a building with an exuberant architecture thanks to its colorful roof (like a flying carpet, a masterpiece of Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue). This market has more than 100 stalls and many restaurants.
Day 5 (September 22, 2024): Penedes Gastronomic Experience
Report to bus at 8:00 a.m.
We’ll start the day with an early visit to one of the most important “Cava” brands (a sparkling kind of wine, made of various wine bases) in the world, the “Cava Codorniu,” Through a guided tour and an audiovisual aid, you will learn the history of this brand and how the wine is transformed into cava. You will also have an opportunity to make your own Cava!
Lunch (included).
Next, we will visit the Simón Coll chocolate factory, one of the premier brands of chocolate in the world. Through an innovative visual presentation you will have the opportunity to learn how chocolate is made from cocoa bean to molded chocolate. We will visit the production lines of this factory and participate in a make-your-own chocolate workshop.
Day 6 (September 23, 2024): Free day/walking tour/beach day in Barcelona + Flamenco Dinner & Show
Enjoy a free day to explore Barcelona at your own pace, visit the beach, or shop! I’ll be plotting a route to a few of my favorite spots — You’re welcome to join me, or go your own way.
Lunch will be on your own during this free day, however you are welcome to meet me, or pair up with other members of the group.
Report to bus at 5:30 p.m.
Drive to the Poble Espanol on Montjuic Mountain, enjoy a representation of the different cultures that form Spain. we will travel a short distance to experience a Flamenco Dinner & Show. The experience includes a tapas dinner with the colours of Southern Spain, the light from the white lanterns and the simplicity of a venue whose sole purpose is to highlight the purity and originality of the Flamenco art form and everything related to the world of flamenco.
Day 7 (September 24, 2024): Travel to Madrid
We’ll travel by bus from Barcelona to Madrid, a journey of approximately 7 hours. We’ll break up the journey with multiple rest stops, plus one for lunch (included) and opportunities to use an accessible bathroom.
Day 8 (September 25, 2024): Secret Madrid
Today, we will kick-off our trip with a day of discovery — exploring the streets and stories that make Madrid such a wonderful city.
Beginning at Plaza Mayor, and for 2 hours, an expert guide will introduce you to the origins of Madrid, its history, culture and its legends, all in a magical atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to get to know emblematic places like the Plaza de Oriente or the Barrio de Santiago, and travel back to the medieval times while visiting the Plaza de la Paja and the Plaza de la Villa.
The group will receive a guided tour of the Prado Museum, which houses what is widely regarded to be one of the world’s finest collections of European art. Founded in 1819, the Prado Museum features works by noted artists like Francisco Goya, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Raphael, Rembrandt, Titian, Diego Velázquez and many others — most drawn from the Spanish Royal Collection.
Lunch (included).
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy — relax, explore Madrid and its shops, or pursue another activity to your liking. Before returning to the hotel, you are encouraged to dine in one of the many traditional restaurants of this city where you can discover, enjoy and learn more about the Spanish cuisine.
Day 9 (September 26, 2024): Aranjuez
After breakfast, we will travel approximately one hour south in our wheelchair accessible bus to Aranjuez, a city that for its landscapes and exceptional value was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our group will be welcomed to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its gardens, one of the official residences of the King of Spain. For a moment, let yourself be dazzled by the magnificence of this wonderful and majestic space.
We will enjoy life, music and good company over lunch (included) and indulge in the traditional dishes that this city has to offer.
In the afternoon, we will see Aranjuez from a different angle as we enjoy a wheelchair accessible boat tour.
Day 10 (September 27, 2024): Departure from Madrid Airport (or Travel to Lisbon)
Transfer from the hotel to the Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to meet your departing flight or, if you are joining the add-on tour to Portugal, you will travel by bus to Batalha, Portugal.
Accommodation
We will be staying in centrally-located four-star hotels in Barcelona and Madrid, both of which offer a high level of in-room wheelchair accessibility. Should you require additional equipment to make your stay comfortable and accessible, please let me know and I will do everything possible to meet your individual needs.
Trip Dates
To make sure this experience is special and enjoyable for everyone, space is limited on this travel itinerary to Spain, with only 10-12 spots available for wheelchair users and their companions.
- 2024 Group Trip to Spain — Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to Friday, September 27, 2024 FULLY BOOKED
Trip Costs and Inclusions
The costs of the 2024 Wheelchair Travel Group Tour to Spain are as follows:
- $5,850 USD per person based on double occupancy
- $7,250 USD per person for single occupancy
The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer (domestic wire, Zelle, etc.), however credit card transactions are accepted with a 4.5% processing fee.
Here’s a rundown of what is included in the trip costs:
- Accommodation in wheelchair accessible 4-star hotels (6 nights in Barcelona, 3 nights in Madrid)
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle with four-point securement straps and a seatbelt
- Including transfers between Barcelona Airport and the hotel on arrival and the hotel and Madrid Airport on departure
- Tours according to our trip itinerary
- Admission to museums, monuments and attractions listed in the program
- 20 meals (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 3 dinners)
- All breakfasts are provided at the hotel, buffet style with a wide selection.
- Includes 2 group dinners, plus 1 dinner with a Flamenco show
- Driver expenses
- Local tourism taxes
The trip cost does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Other meals not mentioned in the program
- Tours not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Personal care assistants
- Personal travel insurance (We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance)
- Tips/gratuities
- Other services not mentioned
How to reserve your spot in our group
Sales of the 2024 Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Spain are open! A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the tour’s start date. Please note that a spot cannot be secured until the deposit has been received.
To begin the process of registering for this group trip, please complete the form below. I’ll reach out to you within 24 hours of receipt of your submission. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to grouptrips@wheelchairtravel.org.
Name*Email*Phone*Mailing Address, City, State, ZIP/Postal CodeWhat is the total number of travelers in your group (including yourself, if applicable)?*Select one1 — I am traveling alone.23456 or morePlease provide the names of all travelers in your group (including yourself, if applicable).How many travelers in your group use a wheelchair? Are the wheelchair(s) manual or powered? Please let me know if you are using a mobility scooter rather than a wheelchair.Wheelchair Travel Group Trips are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, but please let me know if there are any specific accommodations you will need to participate in this tour.What is your preferred method of payment? (An invoice will be sent later)*Select oneBank transferCredit/Debit CardSubmitPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form