How many days do you need in From Dubai to Barcelona?

This itinerary covers 9 days in From Dubai to Barcelona, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for From Dubai to Barcelona?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to From Dubai to Barcelona. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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

Find Hotels in Barcelona

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

Find Hotels in Barcelona

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

Find Hotels in Barcelona

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

Find Hotels in Barcelona

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

Find Hotels in Madrid

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

Find Hotels in Madrid

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

Find Hotels in Toledo

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

Find Hotels in Madrid

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

Find Hotels in Madrid

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Arrival and Barcelona Introduction

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Gaudí and Beach Day

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Art and History

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 4: Barcelona Departure

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Madrid Classics

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

5:00pm

8:00pm

Day 6: Art and Culture

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 7: Day Trip to Toledo

7:30am

8:30am

9:15am

12:30pm

1:45pm

3:15pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 8: Relax and Local Experience

9:00am

10:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

8:00pm

Day 9: Departure

8:00am

10:00am

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