Begin your journey in Barcelona with a visit to the Sagrada Familia, a stunning basilica designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. In the afternoon, explore the Gothic Quarter, a beautiful section of the city with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and boutique stores. End the day with a private dinner at the ABaC Restaurant & Hotel with a Michelin star rating.
Escape the city by heading to the beautiful coastal region of Costa Brava. Start the day with a hike along the Camí de Ronda trail for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, unwind at the Marina Portals Hotel spa for a relaxing massage.
Explore the beautiful city of Valencia by starting with the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a stunning complex of museums, art galleries, and theaters. Have a luxurious lunch at the Quique Dacosta Restaurant, a three-star Michelin restaurant famous for its seafood dishes. End the day by walking around the historic Old Town and visiting the Cathedra.
Take a high-speed train to Madrid and explore the city's cultural hub at the Prado Museum, which is famous for its collection of European art. Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at the Botín Restaurant, the world's oldest restaurant. End your day by taking in the view of the city from the top of the Teleférico de Madrid cable car.
Escape the bustling city and take a day trip to the beautiful town of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the famous Toledo Cathedral and walk across the Puente de Alcántara, a medieval bridge with stunning views of the Tagus River. Have an opulent dinner at the Adolfo Restaurant, which serves traditional Castilian cuisine.
Travel south to the Andalusian city of Sevilla, famous for its rich history and stunning architecture. Start the day off with a visit to the Real Alcázar, a beautiful palace with a mix of Gothic and Muslim-style architecture. Take a break for lunch at the El Rocio Restaurant, and have a taste of traditional Andalusian cuisine. End the day at the Plaza de España, a stunning square with a Renaissance-style building.
Visit the beautiful city of Granada and explore the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace and fortress which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Have a luxurious lunch at the Parador de Granada Hotel, which is located within the grounds of the Alhambra. In the afternoon, visit the Alcaiceria, a traditional street of shops selling spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
Travel to the luxurious city of Marbella, located on Spain's southern coast. Visit the Marbella Old Town, which is famous for its picturesque winding streets and Andalusian houses. Have a relaxing afternoon at the Starlite Festival, which brings together famous musicians and artists for a week of music and entertainment. End the evening with a delicious dinner at the Dani García Restaurant, which has two Michelin stars.
Visit the coastal city of Malaga, known for its beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. Start the day off by visiting the Malaga Cathedral, a Renaissance-style church located in the heart of the city. Take a break for lunch at the Candado Beach Restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Pablo Picasso Museum, which houses a collection of the artist's works.
Visit the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, which is located on the southern tip of Spain. Take a cable car to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Visit the famous St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. End the day with a luxurious dinner at the Hotel La Residencia, which has a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.
High-speed trains are a great way to travel between cities in Spain, however, they can be costly, so they should be booked well in advance. Taxis and private car services are the best options for getting around the cities. Private cars can also be rented for longer trips outside of the cities, which can be more cost-effective. Travel between cities should be planned carefully to avoid wasting time or missing out on important experiences. Total estimated travel costs between cities is € 800-900, depending on the method of transportation.
If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Basque Country for its unique culture and cuisine. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the cities and focusing on one or two regions. Travelers should master some basic Spanish phrases to help get around easier and experience the local culture more authentically.
Spain has several international airports, but the most visited is Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) which is located 12 km northeast of Madrid city center. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is another popular airport and located 13 km southwest of the city center. Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is also a popular airport for travelers visiting the southern coast of Spain, and is located 8 km from the city center.