7-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Barcelona to Madrid: Discover the Heart of Spain

Day 1: Explore Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Start your day with delicious churros and hot chocolate at this classic eatery.
Walk to La Rambla from the restaurant.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí's iconic basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive to La Sagrada Familia (20 min).
EUR26, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de La Boqueria

Enjoy a variety of tapas and fresh produce in this famous market.
Walk from La Sagrada Familia to the market (20 min).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Park Güell

Stroll through this colorful park filled with Gaudí's artistic designs.
Drive to Park Güell (15 min).
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Gothic Quarter

Wander the narrow streets and soak in the history of this medieval neighborhood.
Drive to Gothic Quarter (10 min).
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at El Xampanyet

Savor traditional Catalan dishes and drinks at this lively bar.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
EUR30, 2 hours

8:30PM

Catch a Flamenco Show

Experience the passion and energy of traditional Flamenco dancing.
Drive to a local venue (15 min).
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Mont-Carmel Adventure

Montserrat, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de la Plaza

Enjoy a simple breakfast paired with local pastries before heading out.
Drive to Montserrat (1 hour).
EUR15, 1 hour

9:15AM

Visit Montserrat Monastery

Discover this beautiful Benedictine monastery nestled in the mountains.
Walking from café to the monastery (10 min).
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike Montserrat Trails

Enjoy breathtaking views from various trails in this iconic mountain range.
Hiking from the monastery (30 min).
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Montserrat Restaurant

Indulge in Catalan cuisine with stunning views of the mountains.
Dine at restaurant on-site.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Black Madonna

Pay homage to the famous Virgin of Montserrat, a key pilgrimage point.
Walk to the shrine (15 min).
FREE, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to Tarragona

Head south to Tarragona, renowned for its ancient Roman ruins.
Drive to Tarragona (1.5 hours).
EUR20 (gas), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Taverna del Nota

Relish a seafood dinner while overlooking the Mediterranean.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 3: Roman Splendor

Tarragona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Llagut

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of toast and jam in a cozy café.
Walk from hotel to café (15 min).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Tarragona Amphitheatre

Visit the remains of this impressive Roman amphitheater with ocean views.
Walk to amphitheater (15 min).
EUR4, 1 hour

10:15AM

Stroll Through the Ancient City

Wander the cobblestoned streets and admire the Casa de la Festa.
Navigation by foot through the city.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at El Celler de l'Abad

Savor local wines and delightful Catalan dishes in a historical setting.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Cathedral of Tarragona

Discover this majestic cathedral atop the highest point in the city.
Walk to the cathedral (15 min).
EUR5, 1 hour

3:30PM

Head to Valencia

Drive to vibrant Valencia, the home of paella.
Drive to Valencia (2 hours).
EUR25 (gas), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pepica

Delight in authentic Valencian paella by the beach.
Walk to restaurant (5 min).
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Valencian Delights

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Horchatería Santa Catalina

Sample traditional horchata and fartons at this local breakfast joint.
Walk from hotel to café (15 min).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this stunning complex dedicated to science and culture.
Drive to the complex (15 min).
EUR38 (combined ticket), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant La Benda

Taste delightful tapas and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to restaurant (10 min).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at Playa de la Malvarrosa

Relax on the sandy beach and soak up the sun at this popular spot.
Drive to the beach (15 min).
FREE, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Casa Carmela

Indulge in another serving of paella, known for its rice and seafood.
Drive to restaurant (15 min).
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Corners

Cuenca, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de las Artes

Enjoy local pastries and fresh coffee to fuel your day.
Walk from hotel to café (15 min).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Cuenca

Travel to Cuenca, famous for its hanging houses.
Drive to Cuenca (2 hours).
EUR25 (gas), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hanging Houses

Admire the stunning architecture of these houses clinging to the cliffs.
Walk around the historic area.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Trillo

Savor delicious regional dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Cuenca Cathedral

Enjoy touring this gothic masterpiece standing in the heart of the city.
Walk to cathedral (5 min).
EUR3, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Abstract Art Museum

Discover fascinating contemporary art in a unique historic setting.
Walk to museum (15 min).
EUR5, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Drive to Toledo

Continue the adventure to the historic city of Toledo.
Drive to Toledo (1.5 hours).
EUR20 (gas), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Adolfo

Enjoy fine dining while relishing local flavors in a sophisticated setting.
Walk to the restaurant (15 min).
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Toledo

Toledo, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Fin

Have a simple breakfast and a coffee in the cafe's charming courtyard.
Walk from hotel to café (10 min).
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Alcázar of Toledo

Explore this stunning medieval castle with panoramic views of the city.
Walk to the Alcázar (15 min).
EUR10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Tour the Cathedral of Toledo

Marvel at the stunning architecture and interior artwork of this historic cathedral.
Walk to the cathedral (10 min).
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taberna El Botero

Enjoy traditional Spanish dishes in an inviting tavern atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant (5 min).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Jewish Quarter

Wander the historic streets and visit the El Greco Museum.
Walking tour of the area.
EUR5 (museum entry), 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Madrid

Complete your journey to the bustling capital city of Spain.
Drive to Madrid (1 hour).
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Indulge in traditional Spanish dishes, with their famous huevos rotos.
Walk to the restaurant (10 min).
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Discover Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day with a delightful breakfast with views of the Royal Palace.
Walk from hotel to café (10 min).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the exquisite rooms and opulent gardens of this royal residence.
Walk to the palace (10 min).
EUR12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Prado Museum

Marvel at one of the world's finest art collections from classic masters.
Walk to the museum (15 min).
EUR15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Taste a variety of Spanish tapas in this bustling market setting.
Walk to the market (10 min).
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax and unwind in one of Madrid's most famous parks.
Walk to the park (15 min).
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Malasaña District

Discover the vibrant alternative culture with shops, cafes, and street art.
Drive to Malasaña (10 min).
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine in the world’s oldest restaurant, known for its roast lamb.
Drive to restaurant (10 min).
EUR40, 2 hours
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