Begin your trip in Barcelona, a city known for its architecture and vibrant culture. Visit Park Guell to see the famous mosaic tiles and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Walk down La Rambla for shopping and dining. End the day by seeing The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc which provides a unique water and light show.
Valencia is a coastal city known as the birthplace of paella, Spain's famous rice dish. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex with an aquarium, planetarium, and science museum. Enjoy paella for lunch in Casa Carmela, a popular restaurant. Also, witness Gothic and baroque styles at The Valencia Cathedral.
The capital city of Spain is a perfect blend of modern and historic architecture. Start by going to the Plaza de Cibeles, which is a fountain of a goddess standing on a chariot drawn by lions, which became the symbol of the city. Walk to Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor for more sightseeing. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and watch the sunset from The Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple.
The city of Seville is brimming with Spanish culture, flamenco, and history. Visit the Cathedral of Seville, which is the largest cathedral in the world, and climb to the top of the Giralda Bell Tower for amazing views. Walk through the stunning gardens of the Real Alcázar of Seville. Stop by The Plaza de España, which is a famous landmark that has been featured in many movies.
Granada is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is home to the world-famous Alhambra palace. Visit the Alhambra palace complex and Generalife Gardens early to avoid crowds. Explore the Albayzin district of Granada filled with old architecture and narrow streets. End the day viewing The Albaicin and Sacromonte at sunset.
Malaga is a major tourist destination, known for its warm climate, beaches, nightlife, and beautiful architecture. Visit a perfect cliff-top fortress, The Alcazaba. Stroll through the open-air market, Mercado Central de Atarazanas, and try the traditional Spanish churros at Churreria Casa Aranda. Spend the evening at the Malaga Cathedral, which is famously lit at night.
Bilbao is located in the Basque Country and is home to the famous Guggenheim Museum. Walk along the river promenade towards the museum and take in the city's modern architecture. Visit the Old Town of Bilbao known for its charming streets and traditional Basque cuisine. End the day by enjoying the beautiful cityscape of Bilbao from the Mirador de Artxanda.
San Sebastian is a beautiful seaside resort town located in the Basque Country of Spain. The scenic coastal city is perfect for exploring on foot. Enjoy the warm sand beach, La Concha Beach, it’s one of the most iconic beaches in Spain. Explore The Parte Vieja (old town) which features the historic area of San Sebastian. Try the authentic Basque tapas at La Cuchara de San Telmo.
Cordoba is located in Andalusia, Spain, focusing on history, culture and ancient ruins. Visit the famous Mesquita of Cordoba, which is a grand mosque built in the 8th century. Explore the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, which is the historic district featuring charming streets with restaurants and shops. Enjoy dinner at El Caballo Rojo serving high-quality Spanish food.
Toledo is a medieval city known for its Jewish, Cristian, and Islamic influences. Walking the medieval streets in The Old Fortress of Toledo to discover its medieval heritage. Visit the Catedral Primada Santa Maria de Toledo, an imposing Gothic structure. Taste Spain's greatest specialty for last: mazapán, a delicious marzipan delicacy of Toledo.
Transportation in Spain is quite extensive with high-speed trains known as AVE and buses covering all major cities. The AVE is an efficient and comfortable way to travel long distances, but it is also more expensive than taking a bus. Traveling by car or taxi can be an option in a few locations; parking in cities can be difficult and expensive. Expect to spend around $150 on transportation.
Adding more or fewer stops depends on your preference and time. Opting out of Madrid or Bilbao can change the route to visit additional cities. Keep in mind, some cities take longer to travel to dependent on the starting location. Start planning early as this trip covers a lot of mileage and time.
Two of the most significant airports in Spain are the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) located in Madrid and the Barcelona El Prat Airport(BCN) located in Barcelona. Both of these major airports offer flights to most European cities and international destinations. MAD is about 12 miles northeast of the city center, and BCN is about 7.5 miles from the city center.