10-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Spain

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on April 17, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with traditional churros dipped in hot chocolate at this iconic cafe, open from 6 AM to midnight.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore Spain's premier art museum with masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open 10 AM - 8 PM; consider arriving early to avoid crowds.
EUR15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas and fresh food in this lively historic market, open until midnight.
Variable, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through Retiro Park

Relax in this scenic park, visit the Crystal Palace, and rent a rowboat on the pond. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Walk through these iconic city squares to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid's historic center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant specializing in roast suckling pig and lamb, open from 1 PM to 11:30 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Toledo by train

Catch an early Renfe train from Madrid to Toledo; journey takes about 33 minutes.
EUR13, 0.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit Toledo Cathedral

Explore this stunning Gothic cathedral considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Open 10 AM - 6 PM.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Alcázar of Toledo

Tour this historic fortress with great views over Toledo. Open 10 AM - 6 PM.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Abadía

Enjoy traditional Castilian dishes like marzipan and game meats in an atmospheric setting.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wander the Jewish Quarter

Discover winding streets, historic synagogues, and artisan shops. Free to explore at your own pace.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Madrid

Catch train back to Madrid in the late afternoon and relax.
EUR13, 0.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Taberna La Bola

Try the classic Cocido Madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew, served in this local favorite, open until 11 PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Day Trip to Segovia

Segovia, Spain on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Segovia by train

Take an early AVE or regional train from Madrid to Segovia, about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on train type.
EUR13-20, 0.5-1 hours

9:30AM

View Segovia Aqueduct

Marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Segovia, open to public 24/7.
Free, 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Segovia Alcázar

Tour the fairy-tale castle with panoramic views. Open 10 AM - 6 PM; indoor exhibits included.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Savor the famous roasted suckling pig, a Segovia specialty. The restaurant is open 1 PM - 5 PM and 8 PM - 12 AM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk through Segovia Old Town

Explore charming narrow streets, visit the Gothic cathedral, and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Madrid

Head back to Madrid by train and prepare for evening departure to Seville next day.
EUR13-20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Casual Dinner near hotel

Opt for a light tapas dinner at El Sur, a popular spot offering a variety of Spanish small plates, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1 hour

Day 4: Travel to Seville and Sightseeing

Seville, Spain on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Travel Madrid to Seville by AVE train

Board a high-speed train (2.5 hours) to Seville; trains start at 6 AM; book advance tickets for best prices.
EUR50-70, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and relax

Arrive at hotel and take some time to rest before starting to explore.
Varies, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

Tour the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda for city views. Open 11 AM - 5 PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Dine at Seville’s oldest tapas bar enjoying traditional Andalusian cuisine, open 12 PM - 1 AM.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Stroll through the Barrio Santa Cruz

Wander the lovely old Jewish Quarter’s narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax in Maria Luisa Park

Enjoy the landscaped gardens and fountains including the Plaza de España, open until sunset.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Egaña-Oriza

Savor refined Andalusian cuisine with an excellent wine selection; dinner service starts at 8 PM.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 5: Day Trip to Córdoba

Córdoba, Spain on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Córdoba by train

Board an early train from Seville to Córdoba; journey takes around 45 minutes.
EUR20, 0.75 hours

9:00AM

Visit the Mezquita-Catedral

Explore this breathtaking mosque-cathedral with its forest of columns; open 10 AM - 6 PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk through the Jewish Quarter

Enjoy charming alleys, whitewashed houses, and artisan shops in this historic area.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Dine on classic Cordoban dishes such as salmorejo in a traditional setting, open noon to midnight.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Explore this medieval fortress and its beautiful gardens, open 9 AM - 8 PM.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Seville

Take the late afternoon train back to Seville for dinner and rest.
EUR20, 0.75 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Azotea

Taste innovative tapas creations in this modern eatery open until 11 PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Granada and Alhambra

Granada, Spain on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Travel Seville to Granada by bus

Morning bus ride taking about 3 hours; start early to maximize sightseeing time.
EUR25, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and quick refresh

Arrive in Granada and settle into your accommodation before heading out.
Varies, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas with a lively atmosphere; open until midnight.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tour the Alhambra

Visit this iconic palatial complex and UNESCO site renowned for its stunning Moorish architecture; timed tickets required, open 8:30 AM - 8 PM.
EUR15, 3 hours

5:00PM

Walk in the Albaicín Quarter

Explore Granada’s old Moorish neighborhood with narrow streets and spectacular views of the Alhambra.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma

Dine with views of the Alhambra, sampling traditional Granada dishes; dinner from 7 PM onwards.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Valencia Exploration

Valencia, Spain on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Granada to Valencia by train

Board an early train with a transfer in Madrid; total travel about 5 hours, so prepare for a travel day.
EUR60, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Central Market

Explore one of Europe's largest fresh food markets offering Mediterranean delights, open until 3 PM.
Variable, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Tour this futuristic complex with museums, aquarium, and park; open 10 AM - 9 PM.
EUR25, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Turia Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike through this expansive green park stretching through the city.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Pepica

Taste authentic Valencian paella by the seaside, open 1 PM - 11 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Valencia to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Travel Valencia to Barcelona by train

High-speed train journey taking about 3 hours.
EUR30-50, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and brunch at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy creative and fresh brunch options in a trendy setting before heading to sightseeing.
EUR15, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Sagrada Familia

See Gaudí’s unfinished basilica, a must-see Barcelona landmark; open 9 AM - 6 PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Park Güell

Wander the colorful park showcasing Gaudí’s architecture; open 8 AM - 9 PM.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll La Rambla and Gothic Quarter

Discover Barcelona’s historic heart with shops, plazas, and street performers.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine in Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente

Enjoy a typical Spanish breakfast of coffee and croissants near Passeig de Gracia.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

Tour Gaudí’s stunning modernist buildings, open 9 AM - 8 PM.
EUR25 each, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Nacional

Sample a variety of Spanish regional dishes in an elegant multi-restaurant space.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Montjuïc Hill

Explore the castle, gardens, and museums with city views, open 10 AM - 6 PM.
EUR5-12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Magic Fountain Show

Enjoy the nightly water and light show at the Magic Fountain, generally running 8-9 PM (check exact times).
Free, 1 hour

8:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Pla

Celebrate your last night in Spain with modern Mediterranean dishes at this intimate restaurant, open until 11 PM.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 10: Return to Madrid / Departure

Madrid, Spain on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Travel Barcelona to Madrid by AVE train

Early morning high-speed train (3 hours) to Madrid for departure or last minute shopping.
EUR50-90, 3 hours

10:30AM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

See Picasso’s Guernica and other modern art pieces; open 10 AM - 9 PM.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lhardy

Traditional Madrid specialties in a historic setting, open 12 PM - 5 PM.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Last minute shopping or stroll Gran Via

Walk along Madrid’s famous shopping street for souvenirs and final sightseeing.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Prepare for departure

Head to the airport or train station to end your Spanish adventure.
Varies, Depends on travel