12-Day Ultimate Spain Tour Itinerary: Explore Madrid, Seville, Granada, Barcelona and More

Day 1: Arrival and Madrid exploration

Madrid, Spain on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Try the famous churros with chocolate at this iconic Madrid spot, open from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM, a perfect way to start your Spanish adventure.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the lavish halls of Europe's largest royal palace. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this historical site gives insight into Spain's monarchy.
EUR14, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas and fresh seafood in this vibrant market open from 10:00 AM to midnight.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid's famous park, visit the Crystal Palace and boat on the lake. Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Prado Museum

Explore masterpieces from Spanish and international artists. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Castilian cuisine. Open from 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Madrid culture and travel to Seville

Madrid to Seville, Spain on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Enjoy delicious pastries at this historic bakery in Puerta del Sol, opens at 8:00 AM.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Check out important art collections bridging Renaissance to modern art, open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Tigre

Casual spot known for generous tapas portions, open 1:00 PM to midnight.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel from Madrid to Seville by train

Take the AVE high-speed train for approximately 2.5 hours journey, departing from Madrid Atocha station.
EUR50, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in and walk around Seville old town

Explore nearby attractions and soak in the Andalusian atmosphere with a leisurely evening walk.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at El Rinconcillo

Experience traditional Andalusian tapas at Seville's oldest bar, open from 1:00 PM to midnight.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Seville historical sites

Seville, Spain on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Confitería La Campana

Sample fresh pastries and coffee in this traditional Seville café, open from 7:00 AM.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda tower for panoramic city views. Open 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
EUR10, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Azotea

Enjoy creative modern tapas in a casual setting, open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Alcázar of Seville

Tour the stunning royal palace with intricate Moorish architecture, gardens open 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR13.5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Barrio Santa Cruz

Wander the old Jewish quarter’s narrow streets and plazas to soak in authentic Andalusian charm.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Flamenco show and dinner at Casa de la Memoria

Experience passionate Flamenco arts with dinner; shows usually start at 8:30 PM.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 4: Seville to Córdoba day trip

Seville to Córdoba, Spain on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Early breakfast to prepare for the Córdoba day trip.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel from Seville to Córdoba by train

Take the 45-min high-speed train connecting Seville and Córdoba.
EUR20, 0.75 hours

9:30AM

Visit Mezquita-Catedral

Explore the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR11, 2 hours

11:45AM

Wander the Jewish Quarter

Discover charming narrow streets and historic synagogues in this atmospheric neighborhood.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Savor classic Andalusian cuisine in a traditional bodega, open noon to 4:00 PM.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Explore gardens, towers, and mosaics in this fortress with open hours 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Seville by evening train

Relax on the train trip back to Seville.
EUR20, 0.75 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Egaña-Oriza

Enjoy a refined Basque-style Andalusian dinner, open from 8:00 PM.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Travel from Seville to Granada

Seville to Granada, Spain on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Seville at Ovejas Negras

Hearty breakfast with modern Spanish flavors, opens 8:00 AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel from Seville to Granada by bus

Bus takes approximately 3 hours, providing scenic views of Andalusia.
EUR25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Check-in and lunch at Restaurante Chikito

Traditional Granadian food close to city center open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Albayzín district

Wander the old Moorish quarter with stunning views of the Alhambra.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Mirador de San Nicolás

Enjoy sunset views of the Alhambra and city skyline.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Carmen Mirador de Aixa

Dine with spectacular views overlooking the Alhambra, open 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Alhambra exploration

Granada, Spain on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Light breakfast near Alhambra, opens at 7:00 AM.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tour of Alhambra Palace

Visit Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba Fortress. Tickets must be booked in advance; site opens 8:30 AM.
EUR16, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Enjoy Andalusian and Moorish cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, open noon to 4:00 PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Explore Renaissance architecture and royal tombs open 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Tapas stroll in Plaza Nueva

Experience free tapas with drinks in many local bars early evening.
EUR15, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Bodegas Castañeda

Lively atmosphere with traditional tapas and local wine, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Granada to Valencia trip

Granada to Valencia, Spain on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before travel.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel from Granada to Valencia by train

Train journey of approximately 5 hours with connection in Madrid; consider bus as alternative for faster route.
EUR40, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch on board or at Valencia station

Grab a quick meal before checking in at your hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Check-in and rest

Recover from travel and prepare for afternoon exploration.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Turia Gardens

Walk or bike through this lush park built on a former riverbed, open 6:00 AM to midnight.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Historic tapas bar with excellent wine selections, open 1:30 PM to midnight.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Valencia arts and beaches

Valencia, Spain on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Great place for artisanal pastries and coffee, open at 9:00 AM.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Explore the futuristic architecture including Oceanografic aquarium and science museum; opening 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR30, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Pepica

Classic beachfront restaurant known for paella, open noon to 4:00 PM.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Beach time at Malvarrosa

Relax or stroll along the sandy beach, open 24 hours.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Canalla Bistro

Innovative cuisine in a casual atmosphere, open 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Valencia to Barcelona

Valencia to Barcelona, Spain on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Central Bar in Mercado Central

Try local specialties in the bustling market, opens 7:00 AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel from Valencia to Barcelona by train

High-speed train taking approx 3 hours.
EUR40, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch near Plaça Catalunya

Enjoy diverse options at Cervecería Catalana open noon to 11:30 PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Check-in and brief rest

Prepare for afternoon sightseeing in Barcelona.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Sagrada Família

Gaudí’s iconic basilica, pre-book your timed tickets; open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR26, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Creative tapas by famous chef Adria, reservation strongly recommended; open 7:30 PM.
EUR50, 2 hours

Day 10: Barcelona modernism and Gothic quarter

Barcelona, Spain on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Traditional Catalan bakery café, opens 8:00 AM.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Park Güell

Another Gaudí masterpiece with colorful tilework and city views; open 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Fresh market food and tapas at this lively spot, open 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Gothic Quarter

Wander medieval streets, visit Barcelona Cathedral and shops.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Museu Picasso

See early works of Picasso in a beautiful medieval palace; open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Nacional

Multi-restaurant space offering traditional Spanish dishes, open 12:00 PM to midnight.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 11: Montserrat and tapas night

Barcelona, Spain on April 27, 2025

7:30AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for day trip to Montserrat.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Montserrat

Train and cable car ride about 1.5 hours total from Barcelona, explore the monastery and hiking trails; site open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
EUR25, 6 hours

3:30PM

Return to Barcelona

Relax after scenic mountain trip.
Included, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Rest and freshen up

Prepare for evening activities.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Tapas dinner at Bar Cañete

Highly regarded for vibrant atmosphere and gourmet tapas; open 1:00 PM to midnight.
EUR35, 2 hours

Day 12: Barcelona last day leisure

Barcelona, Spain on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Cafe

Modern café ideal for a relaxed start, opens 8:00 AM.
EUR9, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Casa Batlló

Gaudí’s colorful and whimsical modernist building, opening at 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Shopping and strolling Passeig de Gràcia

Experience luxury shops and modernist architecture along this iconic boulevard.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at El Nacional (if you want to revisit) or nearby restaurant

Enjoy a final meal sampling diverse Spanish cuisines.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Leisure time or visit beaches

Relax at Barceloneta beach or explore last-minute sights.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Departure preparations

Head to airport or train station depending on next destination.
Varies, Variable