Epic One-Day Journey: From Madrid to Barcelona via Andalusia and Morocco

Day 1: Epic Exploration

Madrid, Spain

6:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Gijón

Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast of tostada del aceite y tomate and a café con leche.
Walk or take a taxi to the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Train to Valencia

Catch an AVE train to Valencia, enjoy the scenic views of the Spanish countryside during this 1.5-hour journey.
Catch the AVE train from Madrid Atocha Station.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

8:30 AM

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this architectural wonder, taking in the futuristic designs and gardens around the complex.
Take metro line 3 from the station to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias stop.
EUR30, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Savor fresh tapas and local paella at Valencia's famous market for an authentic culinary experience.
Walk to Mercado Central, it's nearby.
EUR20, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Train to Alicante

Head to Alicante via an AVE train—the journey lasts about 1.5 hours.
Catch the train from the Alicante station.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Castle of Santa Barbara

Visit this iconic castle that offers panoramic views of the city and coast; it’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs.
Take a taxi from the station to the castle.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Train to Granada

Embark on your next AVE train to Granada, a city known for its Alhambra palace, just 2 hours away.
Walk back to the train station.
EUR30, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Alhambra

Explore the stunning palaces and gardens of the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects the Moorish history of Spain.
Book a guided tour or an audio guide at the entrance.
EUR14, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Dine on traditional Andalusian dishes, alongside views of the river and the Alhambra.
It's a short walk from Alhambra.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Train to Cordoba

Travel to Cordoba for a classic Flamenco experience in the heart of the city.
Take the train from Granada to Cordoba, around 1.5 hours.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:30 PM

Flamenco Show at Tablao El Cardenal

Experience a captivating Flamenco performance, showcasing the passionate dance traditions of the South.
It’s conveniently located in the historic center.
EUR40 with a drink, 1.5 hours

11:00 PM

Overnight travel to Gibraltar

Join a coach service to Gibraltar, where you can admire the iconic Rock of Gibraltar at dawn.
Take a taxi to the coach station.
EUR15, 2 hours
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