10-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Spain and France

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Churros and Chocolate

Start your adventure at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés, indulging in delicious churros dipped in thick hot chocolate.
Walk or take public transport to the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Prado Museum

Explore the rich art collections at the iconic Prado Museum, a must-see for families with an interest in culture.
Take Line 2 Metro to Banco de España.
EUR15 (free on weekdays after 6 PM), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of affordable tapas and local cuisine at this vibrant market filled with flavors from across Spain.
Walk from the museum, taking about 15 minutes.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Retiro Park

Relax and let the kids play in the expansive Retiro Park where you can also paddleboat on the lake.
Walk 10 minutes to Retiro Park.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Royal Palace of Madrid

Travel to the Royal Palace, where the kids can marvel at the grandeur of Spanish royalty.
Take Line 5 Metro to Ópera.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Enjoy a budget-friendly yet authentic Spanish meal with the family famous for its modern takes on traditional dishes.
Walk from the palace, about 15 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain on December 28, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Grab a bite at any cozy café near your hotel serving tostada and coffee.
Walk nearby, time will vary.
EUR5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Toledo

Catch an early train to Toledo, a city steeped in history just a short trip away.
Renfe Train Station, about 30 minutes by metro.
EUR12, 30 minutes train ride

9:00AM

Toledo Cathedral

Admire the stunning architectural beauty of the Toledo Cathedral, one of the city's most important landmarks.
Walk from the train station to the cathedral, about 20 minutes.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the Alcázar, a stone fortification offering beautiful views and history exhibits.
Take a short walk, approx. 15 minutes.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Restaurante Local

Savor local dishes like roast partridge in a rustic restaurant setting.
Walk to lunch nearby, approx. 10 minutes.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jewish Quarter Stroll

Wander through the charming streets of Toledo’s Jewish Quarter, soaking up the culture.
Walk for about 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Madrid

Head back to Madrid on an afternoon train.
Walk back to the train station, approx. 20 minutes.
EUR12, 30 minutes train ride

5:00PM

Dinner at El Botero

Enjoy a comforting meal with traditional dishes to share with the family in Madrid.
Take 20 minutes on public transport.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture in Madrid

Madrid, Spain on December 29, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pan de Lujo

Fuel up with fresh pastries and coffee at this lovely bakery before starting the day.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR10, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Explore modern art including Picasso's Guernica that's sure to engage the family with its powerful messages.
Take Line 1 Metro to Atocha.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Royal Botanical Garden

Stroll through the beautiful gardens perfect for the kids to run around in while soaking up nature.
Walk next door from the museum, approx. 5 minutes.
EUR4, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Taberna de El Penta

Grab some economical, delightful tapas to recharge before more fun!
Walk back towards the metro station, approx. 15 minutes.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Malasaña Neighborhood

Discover this vibrant area with street art, quirky shops, and a cool atmosphere for the kids to explore.
Ride the metro to Noviciado.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Temple of Debod

Take the family to visit this authentic Egyptian temple with beautiful sunset views.
Walk 20 minutes, stopping at shops along the way.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Casa de la Panadería

Finish the day with a fantastic family-friendly meal paired with beautiful Plaza Mayor views.
Walk 10 minutes to the plaza.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on December 30, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Horno de San Onofre

Enjoy breakfast pastries from this renowned bakery before catching your train to Barcelona.
Walk for about 15 minutes.
EUR8, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Barcelona

Take the high-speed train to Barcelona for a quick trip to the next destination.
Catch a Renfe train, about 30 minutes to the train station.
EUR40, 3 hours train ride

11:30AM

Arrival in Barcelona and Check-in

Settle into your accommodation and get ready to explore the amazing city!
Walk or take a taxi to your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Paradeta

Experience the seafood market-style dining that kids love in this casual setting.
Take public transport for about 30 minutes.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s whimsical park, filled with colorful structures and scenic views—perfect for family photos!
Take public transport, about 30 minutes.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Sagrada Familia

Visit the iconic basilica and marvel at its stunning architecture—book tickets in advance to save time.
Take public transport, about 20 minutes.
EUR26, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at El Nacional

Choose from a variety of cuisines in this vibrant venue ideal for family meals.
Take the metro about 15 minutes.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 5: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chök

Treat the family to a unique breakfast experience at this chocolate pastry shop.
Walk for about 10 minutes.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gothic Quarter Exploration

Stroll through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, discovering its charm and history.
Walk from the shop, about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Barcelona Aquarium

Visit one of Europe’s largest aquariums featuring an underwater tunnel and fun exhibits for children.
Walk to the harbor area, approximately 15 minutes.
EUR24, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Fonda

Enjoy delicious Catalan dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Take public transport for about 20 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Marvel at the magical performances of lights and music—this place is monumental for family fun!
Take a bus or metro in about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Poble Sec Market

Explore various stalls with budget-friendly bites and local favorites to suit everyone’s taste.
Walk about 10 minutes.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

New Year's Eve in Barcelona

Experience the festive atmosphere in the plazas, take in the fireworks and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Walk to Plaça d'Espanya, about 15 minutes.
Free, As long as you desire
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Day 6: Travel to Toulouse

Toulouse, France on January 1, 2025

9:00AM

Brunch at Café de Barcelona

Enjoy a late brunch with fresh pastries and local dishes before your journey to Toulouse.
Walk about 10 minutes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Train from Barcelona to Toulouse

Catch the train to Toulouse, ready for new adventures across the border.
Take a taxi or public transport to the station.
EUR40, 3 hours train ride

2:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at Les Halles Victor Hugo

Check into your accommodation and indulge in a variety of local delicacies at this vibrant market.
Walk from the train station to the market, roughly 20 minutes.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Capitole de Toulouse

Wander around the majestic Capitol Square, soaking in its beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk 15 minutes to the square.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin

Discover the stunning Romanesque architecture that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer.
Walk 15 minutes from the square.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Bon Vivre

Indulge in an affordable dinner with Toulouse specialties completing your day.
Walk back to the hotel for about 20 minutes.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Bordeaux Day Trip

Bordeaux, France on January 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Begin the day with croissants and coffee from a local bakery.
Walk 10 minutes.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Bordeaux

Board a train for the short trip to Bordeaux, known for its wine and architecture.
Take the train from Toulouse Main Station, about 30 minutes to the station.
EUR15, 2 hours train ride

11:00AM

Cité du Vin

Explore the interactive wine museum that offers family-friendly activities including kid-friendly exhibits.
Take tram line C from the station, about 15 minutes.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Erudits

Enjoy a family-friendly menu that offers traditional dishes in a welcoming setting.
Walk 10 minutes to the café.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll along Place des Quinconces

Wander through this beautiful square bustling with activity and lovely fountains.
Walk about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Toulouse

Catch the train back to Toulouse after a day of exploration.
Walk back to the station, approx. 20 minutes.
EUR15, 2 hours train ride

6:30PM

Dinner at Café de la Concorde

Conclude the day with delectable French cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
Walk to the café, about 15 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Back to Toulouse

Toulouse, France on January 3, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Les Halles Victor Hugo

Revisit this bustling market to taste a variety of French pastries and local specialties.
Walk 20 minutes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Musée des Augustins

Explore Toulouse’s fine arts museum where talented artists present their work.
Walk about 20 minutes.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Le Barrio

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal with local flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
Walk about 10 minutes.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Les Abattoirs

Discover Toulouse's modern art museum that even captivates the younger audience with engaging exhibitions.
Take tram or walk, approximately 30 minutes.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Jardin des Plantes

Let the children enjoy the gardens, with play areas and picnic spots, perfect to unwind.
Walk for about 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Café-restaurant le St. Georges

Wrap up the day with a lovely family meal in a friendly atmosphere.
Walk back for about 20 minutes.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 9: Back to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on January 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Grab a filling breakfast at a local café before heading back to Barcelona.
Walk for about 10 minutes.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train back to Barcelona

Leave Toulouse and add one more touch of Barcelona’s charm to your trip.
Take public transport to the station, about 30 minutes.
EUR40, 3 hours train ride

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar Electricitat

Feast on classic tapas that the whole family will love near the city center.
Take a cab or walk about 15 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Montjuïc Park

Explore the expansive park offering beautiful views and fun attractions for all ages.
Take a cable car up, about 30 minutes.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Poble Sec

Conclude your adventure with delicious tapas at this vibrant area filled with eateries.
Walk for about 20 minutes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on January 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries one last time at a bakery before your departure.
Walk for about 10 minutes.
EUR10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train back to Madrid

Head back to Madrid via a comfortable morning train, reminiscing about your family fun.
Walk to the train station, about 15 minutes.
EUR40, 3 hours train ride

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savor your final lunch in Spain at this culinary market filled with diverse offerings.
Walk from the station for about 15 minutes.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping in Gran Via

Stroll and shop along Madrid’s famous Gran Via, perfect for souvenirs and last-minute gifts.
Walk towards Gran Via, about 10 minutes.
Free (Budgeting for shopping varies), 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Final Dinner at Casa de la Panadería

Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner in this lively spot at Plaza Mayor.
Walking distance for about 5 minutes.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Head to Airport

Make your way to the airport for your departure, taking a final look at stunning Madrid.
Public transport via metro, about 30 minutes.
EUR10, 1 hour
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