12-Day Trip Itinerary for Spain

  • Day 1: Madrid City Tour
    From Madrid-Barajas International Airport: 25 minutes (11.7 km)

    Explore the beautiful city of Madrid, starting with the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Then, visit the Prado Museum, one of the world's most important art galleries, displaying Spanish and European art.

  • Day 2: Toledo
    From Madrid: 1 hour (70 km)

    Discover the beautiful city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich medieval history and architecture. Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral, which was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and boasts beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

  • Day 3: Segovia
    From Madrid: 1 hour and 15 minutes (93 km)

    Visit the picturesque city of Segovia, known for its beautiful Roman aqueduct and stunning cathedral. Explore the Alcazar of Segovia, a medieval fortress and palace that served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

  • Day 4-5: Barcelona
    From Madrid: 2 hours and 40 minutes flight (643 km)

    Experience the vibrant city of Barcelona, famous for its architecture, beaches, and delicious cuisine. Visit Antoni Gaudi’s iconic masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia and stroll down the famous street of La Rambla. Enjoy some sun and sea at Barceloneta beach and indulge in some delicious tapas at a local restaurant.

  • Day 6: Valencia
    From Barcelona: 3 hours and 50 minutes (352 km)

    Visit the charming city of Valencia, known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Explore the Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, and savor the traditional dish of paella, which originated in Valencia.

  • Day 7: Granada
    From Valencia: 5 hours and 30 minutes (516 km)

    Visit the historic city of Granada, home to the stunning Alhambra palace and fortress. Explore the Generalife gardens and Palace, which were built in the 13th century and served as a summer palace for the Nasrid rulers.

  • Day 8: Seville
    From Granada: 2 hours and 30 minutes (256 km)

    Continue to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, and visit the beautiful Alcazar of Seville, a stunning Moorish palace that dates back to the 10th century. Stroll through the historic neighborhood of Santa Cruz and see the iconic Giralda tower and Seville Cathedral.

  • Day 9: Cordoba
    From Seville: 1 hour and 45 minutes (138 km)

    Visit the historic city of Cordoba, known for its beautiful Mezquita, a stunning mosque that was later turned into a cathedral. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter and see the beautiful flower-filled patios.

  • Day 10: Ronda
    From Cordoba: 2 hours (146 km)

    Explore the stunning city of Ronda, known for its beautiful bridges and breathtaking views. Visit the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, and walk across the famous Puente Nuevo Bridge.

  • Day 11-12: Costa del Sol
    From Ronda: 1 hour and 30 minutes (108 km)

    End your trip by relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Costa del Sol. Enjoy some sun and sea at Marbella or Nerja, and indulge in delicious seafood at a local restaurant. Take a stroll down the beautiful promenade of the seafront towns and soak in the Mediterranean lifestyle before heading back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Prado Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
  • Toledo Cathedral (2 hours, €11)
  • Alcazar of Segovia (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Sagrada Familia (1-2 hours, €20)
  • Paella meal in Valencia (1 hour, €15)
  • Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada (2-3 hours, €14)
  • Alcazar of Seville (1-2 hours, €9.50)
  • Mezquita in Cordoba (1-2 hours, €11)
  • Plaza de Toros in Ronda (1 hour, €8)
  • Bullfighting Museum in Ronda (1 hour, €8)
  • Beach day on Costa del Sol (4-6 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €106.50

Transportation

Travelers can take trains and flights to get between cities in Spain. Estimated travel costs by train are around €80-€100 per person for the entire trip. Estimated flight costs are around €150-€200 per person for the entire trip. Travel time and distances between destinations can vary, therefore it's essential to consider travel time carefully while planning the itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other beautiful cities in Spain, such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, or Santiago de Compostela. If you have less time, you can skip some of the cities in the itinerary or shorten your stay in any of the cities based on your preference. It's also recommended to book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.

Airports

The primary international airports in Spain are Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Madrid-Barajas International Airport is located around 12 kilometers from the Madrid city center. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is around 14 kilometers from the city center of Barcelona.

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