8-Day Immersive Spain Itinerary: Cultural Marvels and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Madrid Arrival & Exploration

Madrid, Spain on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with traditional churros and hot chocolate at this iconic Madrid café open from 7am. It's a local favorite, perfect for energizing your morning.
EUR5, 1h

10:00am

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore Spain's premier art museum featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The museum opens at 10am and offers a deep dive into Spanish art history.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Taste a variety of Spanish tapas in this vibrant market near Plaza Mayor. The market is open all day, offering fresh and authentic local dishes.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll through Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s expansive central park, featuring gardens, a lake, and the Crystal Palace. It’s ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour this grand royal residence open until 6pm. It offers a fascinating insight into Spanish monarchy history and elegant architecture.
EUR13, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, famous for its roasted lamb and historic ambiance. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Toledo Day Trip

Toledo, Spain on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café del Fin

Enjoy a fresh Spanish breakfast with coffee and pastries before your journey to Toledo.
EUR7, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Toledo by train

Train departs from Madrid's Puerta de Atocha station; the journey takes about 33 minutes.
EUR20, 45m

10:00am

Explore Toledo Old Town

Wander through the medieval streets, admiring historic churches and synagogues, including the stunning Toledo Cathedral.
EUR10 (cathedral), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Ermita

Taste authentic Castilian cuisine with scenic views; dishes like venison are local specialties.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit El Greco Museum

Discover the works of El Greco, Toledo’s most famous painter in this charming museum open until 6pm.
EUR6, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Madrid by train

Relax on the train ride back; arrive in time for dinner.
EUR20, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at El Sur

Savor traditional Andalusian dishes with a cozy atmosphere in central Madrid; open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Segovia Day Trip

Segovia, Spain on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café in Madrid

Fuel up for the day with a light Spanish breakfast featuring tostada and café con leche.
EUR6, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Segovia by train

Depart Madrid Chamartín station; journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
EUR20, 1h15m

9:30am

Visit Segovia Aqueduct

Admire this iconic Roman aqueduct, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Spain.
Free, 30m

10:00am

Explore Alcázar of Segovia

Tour the fairy-tale castle with its armory and panoramic views; open 10am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Try the famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig) at this historic restaurant near the aqueduct.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Segovia Cathedral

Explore this impressive Gothic cathedral located in the main plaza, open until 6pm.
EUR4, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Madrid by train

Arrive back in Madrid for the evening activities.
EUR20, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine like huevos rotos in the heart of Madrid; open until late.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Seville Cultural Highlights

Seville, Spain on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Confitería La Campana

Taste traditional Andalusian pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery.
EUR7, 45m

8:30am

Travel from Madrid to Seville by high-speed train

AVE train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Seville Santa Justa, about 2h30m journey.
EUR50, 2h30m

11:15am

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

Explore the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda for stunning city views; open 11am-5pm Monday.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas in Seville’s oldest tapas bar, open all day.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Walk through María Luisa Park and Plaza de España

Relax amid lush gardens and admire the beautiful tiled architecture of Plaza de España.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Real Alcázar of Seville

Tour the exquisite Moorish palace and gardens; open until 7pm. Book tickets in advance.
EUR14, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Azotea

Relish modern Spanish dishes in a trendy atmosphere; open for dinner from 8pm.
EUR35, 2h

Day 5: Cordoba Day Trip

Cordoba, Spain on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café in Seville

Start with a light Andalusian breakfast to prepare for your day trip.
EUR6, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Cordoba by train

Depart Seville Santa Justa; train takes approximately 45 minutes.
EUR15, 45m

9:30am

Visit the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Explore this stunning mosque-cathedral famous for its striking arches, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Sample regional Cordoban cuisine in an elegant yet traditional setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll through the Jewish Quarter

Enjoy the narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and the Synagogue; a serene historic neighborhood.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Tour the gardens and fortress, open until 8pm. A glimpse into Cordoba’s medieval past.
EUR5, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Seville by train

Relax on your return trip to Seville and prepare for dinner.
EUR15, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Egaña-Oriza

Enjoy a gourmet Basque-inspired meal in Seville’s chic district; great for a refined last-night dinner.
EUR50, 2h

Day 6: Granada & Alhambra

Granada, Spain on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Grab a coffee and traditional tostada before early travel to Granada.
EUR5, 45m

8:00am

Travel from Seville to Granada by bus or train

Bus option recommended: approx 3h journey to central Granada.
EUR25, 3h

11:30am

Check-in and light lunch near hotel

Try local tapas and café fare close to your accommodation to rest after traveling.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Visit the Alhambra Palace

Explore the stunning Moorish fortress and gardens. Tickets must be booked in advance; open 8:30am-8pm in April.
EUR15, 3h

4:30pm

Explore Generalife Gardens

Wander through the beautifully landscaped summer palace gardens adjacent to the Alhambra.
Included with Alhambra ticket, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Enjoy Andalusian specialties with views over Granada's Albaicín neighborhood; open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 7: Valencia City & Beaches

Valencia, Spain on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at La Más Bonita Café

Relax with fresh pastries and coffee before departing Granada.
EUR6, 45m

8:00am

Travel from Granada to Valencia by train

AVE train and regional connection; approx 5h journey, plan accordingly.
EUR45, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Central Bar in Mercado Central

Sample fresh Valencian dishes like paella in the lively market atmosphere; open 10am-3pm weekdays.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this iconic modern architectural complex and museums, open until 7pm.
EUR30 (combined entry), 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Malvarrosa Beach

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the sandy beach and seaside promenade.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Pepica

Savor authentic Valencian paella right on the beachfront; open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Barcelona Highlights & Departure

Barcelona, Spain on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast with fresh ingredients to start your Barcelona day.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Valencia to Barcelona by train

High-speed train approx 3h; plan to arrive in time for sightseeing.
EUR35, 3h

11:30am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Tour Gaudí’s iconic basilica, a must-see landmark; open 9am-6pm. Pre-book tickets.
EUR26, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de La Boqueria

Taste fresh local produce and tapas in this bustling market on La Rambla.
EUR20, 1h

2:45pm

Stroll down La Rambla & Gothic Quarter

Explore historic streets, shops, and plazas with lively street performances.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Park Güell

Discover Gaudí’s colorful park with mosaic art and panoramic city views; open until 8pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervesería Catalana

Experience vibrant tapas dining popular with locals and visitors; open late.
EUR30, 1h30m