10-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour from Dubai to Barcelona and Madrid

Day 1: Arrival and Barcelona Introduction

Barcelona, Spain on May 17, 2025

10:00am

Arrival in Barcelona

Land in Barcelona El Prat Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and freshening up.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Enjoy a fresh and vibrant lunch sampling tapas, seafood, and local produce at the famous La Boqueria Market, open 8:00am to 8:30pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Stroll La Rambla and Gothic Quarter

Take a relaxed walk down La Rambla to explore street performers, shops, and then delve into the historic Gothic Quarter filled with medieval alleys and plazas.
EUR0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Barcelona Cathedral

Explore the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, open 8:00am to 7:30pm.
EUR9, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Dine at this popular tapas bar known for classic Catalan dishes and a lively atmosphere. Open till midnight.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Gaudí and Beach Day

Barcelona, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start your day with healthy, colorful breakfast dishes and great coffee. Open daily 8:30am to 5:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sagrada Família

Tour Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica with its breathtaking architecture. Book tickets in advance; open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR26, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Enjoy a variety of traditional Spanish and Catalan cuisine in a grand multi-restaurant space, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Park Güell

Explore the colorful mosaic tile works and whimsical architecture of Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, open 8:00am to 9:30pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind with a walk or rest on the sands of Barceloneta Beach, soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Majó

Savor fresh seafood dishes close to the beach in this traditional and highly-regarded restaurant. Open till 11:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 3: Art and History

Barcelona, Spain on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy excellent coffee and breakfast options in a bright space. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museu Picasso

Explore one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s artwork. Open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tapeo

Indulge in creative tapas and traditional dishes in a cozy setting near Picasso Museum, open noon to 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Montjuïc Hill

Take the cable car up Montjuïc Hill to visit the Magic Fountain, Montjuïc Castle, and enjoy panoramic views. Cable car open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

6:30pm

Magic Fountain Show

Enjoy the spectacular water, light, and music show at Magic Fountain (check showtimes, typically weekends from 9:00pm).
EUR0, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Martinez

Dine on paella and other Catalan specialties while enjoying a hilltop view. Open till 11:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 4: Barcelona Departure

Barcelona, Spain on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy traditional Catalan treats and hot chocolate to start your day. Open 7:30am to 8:30pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Casa Batlló

Tour Gaudí’s colorful modernist masterpiece with a stunning facade, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ciudad Condal

Famous for its tapas and lively atmosphere, this is perfect for a final Barcelona meal. Open noon to midnight.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Madrid by High-Speed Train

Take the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants station to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station, about 2.5h travel time.
EUR70, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and Evening Walk

Arrive in Madrid, check into your hotel, then enjoy a gentle evening stroll in the Plaza Mayor area.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample diverse Spanish small plates and drinks at this buzzing historic market, open till midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: Madrid Classics

Madrid, Spain on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Eat breakfast with views of the Royal Palace, open 8:00am to 11:00pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour Spain's lavish Royal Palace, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Taberna La Bola

Try the traditional cocido madrileño stew at this classic tavern, open 1:00pm to 12:00am.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Prado Museum

View masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and more. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Walk or row a boat on the Retiro Park lake, a green oasis in the city center.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine in the world’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig, open till midnight.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 6: Art and Culture

Madrid, Spain on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Try classic Spanish pastries in this historic bakery at Puerta del Sol, open 7:30am to 9:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Reina Sofía Museum

See modern art treasures including Picasso’s Guernica, open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Museo del Jamón

Taste a variety of Iberian hams and tapas in a casual setting, open 11:00am to midnight.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Gran Vía and Shopping

Explore Madrid’s bustling main avenue filled with shops, theaters, and cafes.
EUR0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Discover an incredible collection bridging old masters to modern art, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at El Sur

Enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas with a cozy atmosphere, open till midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick hotel breakfast before departure for a day trip.
EUR15, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Toledo

Take the train from Madrid to Toledo, about 33 minutes journey.
EUR15, 0h40m

9:15am

Explore Toledo Old Town

Wander the historic walled city notable for its medieval architecture, synagogues, mosques and churches.
EUR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Adolfo

Indulge in traditional Castilian cuisine with stunning views of the Tagus River, open noon to 10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Toledo Cathedral

Tour the grand Gothic cathedral, with impressive art and architecture, open 10:00am to 6:45pm.
EUR10, 1h15m

3:15pm

Visit El Greco Museum

Explore works by the famous painter El Greco in his former home, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Madrid

Take an evening train back to Madrid for dinner and rest.
EUR15, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Enjoy farm-to-table Spanish dishes emphasizing fresh produce and meats, open till 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 8: Relax and Local Experience

Madrid, Spain on May 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Panod

Try freshly baked croissants and artisan coffee, open 8:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Mercado de Antón Martín

Explore this local market for gourmet products and artisan foods, open daily 10:00am to 10:00pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at El Cisne Azul

Enjoy wild mushroom specialties and local dishes in this cozy spot, open noon to 4:00pm and 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit CaixaForum Madrid

See contemporary art exhibitions and vertical garden, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR6, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Malasaña Neighborhood

Explore this trendy neighborhood vibrant with street art, cafes, and boutiques.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sala de Despiece

Experience innovative Spanish cuisine in an industrial-chic dining space, open till midnight.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 9: Departure

Madrid, Spain on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before checkout.
EUR0, 0h45m

10:00am

Travel to Madrid-Barajas Airport

Transfer to airport for departure flight back to Dubai.
EUR30, 1h0m