7-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Spain in May 2025

Day 1: Madrid Culture Start

Madrid, Spain on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Enjoy the iconic Madrid churros with thick hot chocolate at this historic café, perfect to start your day with a local flavor.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore one of the world's premier art museums with masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco; the museum opens at 10:00am in May.
EUR15, 2h30m

12:00pm

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax in this vast green space featuring beautiful sculptures, lakes, and the Crystal Palace, ideal for enjoying the spring weather.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Taste a variety of fresh and traditional Spanish tapas from various vendors in this vibrant historic market.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

Visit the official residence used for state ceremonies showcasing stunning architecture and royal collections; open until 6pm in May.
EUR13, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening walk in Plaza Mayor

Experience the lively atmosphere at this historic square lined with cafes and shops as the sun sets.
Free, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, savoring traditional roast lamb and other Castilian dishes in an authentic setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Toledo Historic Tour

Toledo, Spain on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or café in Madrid

Start your day early with a light breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Toledo, about 30 minutes by train.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Train to Toledo

Travel from Madrid's Puerta de Atocha station to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its medieval architecture.
EUR13, 30m

9:45am

Visit Toledo Cathedral

Marvel at the Gothic architecture of this magnificent cathedral, one of the most important in Spain, open from 10:00am.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

Explore Alcázar of Toledo

Discover this historic fortress housing a military museum with impressive views over the city; open until 7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adolfo Restaurant

Savor traditional Manchego cuisine in a charming setting in the heart of Toledo.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk Historic Jewish Quarter

Wander narrow streets featuring synagogues and ancient architecture while learning Toledo’s diverse cultural history.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit El Greco Museum

See works by El Greco and learn about his influence on Spanish art; the museum operates until 7:00pm.
EUR3.50, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Madrid

Take the train back to Madrid and relax after a full day of cultural sightseeing.
EUR13, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Sur

Enjoy authentic Andalusian dishes in a cozy Madrid bistro known for excellent service and atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Seville Flamenco & History

Seville, Spain on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at La Cacharrería

Indulge in fresh coffee and creative breakfast options in this popular Seville café before starting your day.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Seville by high-speed train

Enjoy a comfortable 2.5-hour AVE train journey from Madrid to Seville with scenic views along the way.
EUR45, 2h30m

11:15am

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda for panoramic views of Seville; open from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Dine in the oldest tapas bar in Seville, sampling a variety of traditional Andalusian dishes.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Alcázar of Seville

Visit the breathtaking royal palace with exquisite Mudéjar architecture and lush gardens; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:30pm

Walk along Plaza de España

Enjoy the beautiful plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition with its fountains and colorful tiles.
Free, 45m

8:00pm

Flamenco Show and Dinner at Casa de la Memoria

Experience an authentic flamenco performance combined with a traditional Andalusian dinner in an intimate setting.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 4: Córdoba Mosque & Old Town

Córdoba, Spain on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de Palma

Start your day in Córdoba with classic Andalusian coffee and croissants in this well-loved café.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Train to Córdoba

Board a 45-minute train from Seville to Córdoba, famous for its blend of Roman, Islamic, and Christian heritage.
EUR15, 45m

10:00am

Visit Mezquita-Catedral

Explore the stunning mosque-cathedral featuring a mesmerizing forest of arches; open 10:00am to 7:00pm in May.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Enjoy hearty Cordoban specialties in a traditional Spanish tavern near the old town.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk the Jewish Quarter

Wander this atmospheric neighborhood with whitewashed alleys, flower-decked patios, and historic synagogues.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower

Walk the iconic Roman Bridge and visit the Calahorra Tower museum for city history; open until 7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Seville

Relax on the train ride back to Seville, preparing for the next day's journey to Granada.
EUR15, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Azotea

Savor modern Andalusian cuisine in a stylish yet cozy atmosphere in Seville.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Granada Alhambra & Tapas

Granada, Spain on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Have a quick Andalusian breakfast with coffee and pastries to kick off the day.
EUR6, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Granada by bus or train

Journey from Seville to Granada, approximately 3 hours by bus or train, arriving mid-morning.
EUR30, 3h

11:30am

Visit Alhambra Palace

Tour the spectacular Moorish palace complex with ornate Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens; book tickets in advance since it’s very popular. Open 8:30am to 8:00pm in May.
EUR14, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma

Enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes with views over the Alhambra and Granada’s Albaicín quarter.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Albaicín Neighborhood

Explore this UNESCO-listed old Moorish quarter with narrow winding streets and stunning viewpoints.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Mirador San Nicolas

Watch sunset and capture views of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner and Flamenco Show at Jardines de Zoraya

Combine a delicious dinner with passionate live flamenco in an atmospheric garden setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Valencia City & Beaches

Valencia, Spain on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before the journey to Valencia, around 5-6 hours by train from Granada.
EUR10, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Valencia by train

Board a long train journey through southern Spain offering scenic views; arrive mid-afternoon in Valencia.
EUR45, 5h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Marina Beach Club

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes on the beachfront with relaxing sea views.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore City of Arts and Sciences

Visit this futuristic architectural complex featuring museums, an oceanarium, and gardens; open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR30, 2h

5:30pm

Walk through Turia Gardens

Stroll the vast park built on a former riverbed, a serene green space winding through the city.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Navarro

Relish traditional Valencian paella in a family-run restaurant popular among locals.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 7: Barcelona Sights & Farewell

Barcelona, Spain on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding the high-speed train to Barcelona, 3.5 hours from Valencia.
EUR10, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Barcelona by train

Take the AVE train to vibrant Barcelona, arriving late morning to begin sightseeing.
EUR40, 3h30m

11:30am

Visit Sagrada Família

Tour Gaudí’s breathtaking basilica with its unique modernist architecture; best to pre-book tickets. Open from 9:00am to 7:00pm in May.
EUR26, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Sample fresh Catalan specialties and street food from various stalls in this famous market near La Rambla.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through Gothic Quarter

Discover winding medieval streets, shops, and historic plazas in central Barcelona.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along La Rambla and visit Columbus Monument

Experience the lively pedestrian boulevard and see the famous monument at the port area.
Free, 45m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at Can Culleretes

Dine at Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, enjoying traditional Catalan cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h
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