Ultimate 2-Week Spain Adventure: Madrid, Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia & Cartagena

Day 1: Exploring Madrid

Madrid, Spain on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Savor traditional Spanish churros and hot chocolate at this iconic Madrid café, open from 6am-1am, perfect for a delicious start to the day.
EURO15, 1h

10:30am

Prado Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, open from 10am to 8pm.
EURO15, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a vibrant food market experience with a variety of tapas, fresh seafood, and local delicacies in this historic market, open until midnight.
EURO25, 1h

2:30pm

Retiro Park

Stroll through Madrid’s magnificent Retiro Park, enjoy the boating lake and the Crystal Palace, open from 6am to 10:30pm, ideal for relaxing and soaking in scenic views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the stunning Royal Palace, Europe’s largest by floor area, with lavish rooms and beautiful gardens; open from 10am to 8pm in spring.
EURO13, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, serving authentic Castilian cuisine including roasted lamb and cochinillo; open 1pm-11:30pm daily.
EURO50, 2h

Day 2: Madrid's Art & Culture

Madrid, Spain on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Try traditional pastries like napolitanas from this classic bakery located near Puerta del Sol, open from 7am to 8pm.
EURO10, 45m

9:30am

Reina Sofía Museum

Visit the leading modern art museum featuring Picasso’s Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró; open 10am-9pm.
EURO12, 2h

12:00pm

Walk through Gran Vía & Plaza España

Explore Madrid’s vibrant heart with shopping, architecture, and lively street scenes; a great way to experience local life.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Botánico

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes in a charming setting near the botanical gardens, open from noon to 11pm.
EURO30, 1h

3:00pm

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour

Imperative for football fans, tour Real Madrid’s home stadium, open 10am-7pm.
EURO30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Malasaña Neighborhood

Experience Madrid’s trendy area with street art, cafes, and bohemian vibe; best for afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Taste the famous Spanish dish Huevos rotos in this iconic restaurant, open 1pm-11pm.
EURO45, 2h

Day 3: Seville, Culture

Seville, Andalusia, Spain on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel Madrid to Seville

Take the early high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Seville (approx 2.5h).
EURO70, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Bar El Comercio

Try traditional churros and coffee at this famous Sevillian spot, open from 8am to 3pm.
EURO10, 45m

11:00am

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic city views; open 11am-5pm.
EURO10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas in the city’s oldest tapas bar, open noon to midnight.
EURO25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Real Alcázar of Seville

Explore this stunning Moorish palace with lush gardens, open 9:30am-7pm.
EURO13, 2h

6:00pm

Walk through Barrio Santa Cruz

Wander the charming old Jewish quarter with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Azotea

Dine on contemporary Andalusian cuisine with fresh local ingredients; open 1pm-11pm.
EURO40, 2h

Day 4: Granada & Alhambra

Granada, Andalusia, Spain on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Travel Seville to Granada

Take a morning bus or train to Granada (approx 3h).
EURO40, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Enjoy classic Spanish pastries and coffee near Plaza Nueva, open from 8am to 10pm.
EURO10, 45m

12:00pm

Alhambra Palace

Book tickets in advance for this UNESCO World Heritage site; explore majestic palaces, fortresses, and gardens, open 8am-8pm.
EURO15, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at Parador de Granada

Lunch with spectacular views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, serving regional Spanish cuisine.
EURO50, 1h30m

5:30pm

Stroll Albaicín Neighborhood

Explore Granada’s historic Moorish quarter with stunning viewpoints such as Mirador San Nicolás.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Taste traditional Andalusian dishes with a modern twist in a cozy setting, open until midnight.
EURO40, 2h

Day 5: Andalusian Charm & Travel to Valencia

Granada to Valencia, Spain on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Enjoy a light Spanish breakfast with coffee and tostada, preparing for travel day.
EURO10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Granada Cathedral

Quick visit to the iconic Renaissance cathedral in Granada city center, open 10am-7pm.
EURO5, 1h

11:00am

Travel Granada to Valencia

Take high-speed train or flight to Valencia (~5h by train, 1h flight).
EURO60, 5h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Valencia hotel

Settle in and refresh after travel in a centrally-located hotel.
Variable, 1h

5:30pm

Explore the City of Arts and Sciences Exterior

Walk around this futuristic architectural complex, open grounds, best at sunset for photos.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Carmela

Taste authentic Valencian paella near the beach, open 1pm-11pm.
EURO40, 2h

Day 6: Valencia's Art & Nature

Valencia, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Enjoy gourmet pastries and coffee in this popular café, open from 9am.
EURO15, 1h

9:30am

Oceanogràfic Valencia

Visit Europe’s largest aquarium featuring Mediterranean and oceanic ecosystems; open 10am-8pm.
EURO30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Central Market Valencia

Sample fresh local produce, seafood, and tapas in one of Europe’s largest food markets, open until 3pm.
EURO20, 1h

2:00pm

Turia Gardens and Bioparc

Walk or bike through the lush Turia Gardens, then visit Bioparc, a naturalistic zoo open 10am-7pm.
EURO25, 3h

6:00pm

Explore Old Town & Valencia Cathedral

Discover historic streets, Plaza de la Virgen, and climb El Miguelete tower for city views; Cathedral open till 7pm.
EURO8, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Riff

Savor contemporary Mediterranean fine dining with locally sourced ingredients, open 8pm-11pm.
EURO60, 2h

Day 7: Valencia to Murcia

Travel Day & Murcia on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light breakfast before travel, choosing fresh fruit and pastries.
EURO10, 1h

9:00am

Travel Valencia to Murcia

Take train or bus from Valencia to Murcia (approx 3.5h).
EURO30, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Pequeña Taberna

Try traditional Murcian tapas and seafood, open 1pm-11pm.
EURO25, 1h

2:00pm

Murcia Cathedral and Plaza Cardenal Belluga

Visit the stunning Baroque cathedral and the picturesque square with colorful façades, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Real Casino de Murcia

Tour this historic and architectural gem combining Gothic, Renaissance and modern styles; with guided tours available.
EURO5, 1h

5:30pm

Walk along Floridablanca Garden

Relax in Murcia’s oldest public park with scenic trees and fountains.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Pasaje de Zabalburu

Enjoy contemporary Spanish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open 8pm-11pm.
EURO40, 2h

Day 8: Murcia & Cartagena

Murcia & Cartagena, Spain on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Confitería La Flor

Try local pastries and coffee in this historic bakery, open 7am-8pm.
EURO10, 1h

9:00am

Travel Murcia to Cartagena

Short train/bus ride (approx 30-45min) to Cartagena.
EURO5, 45m

10:00am

Roman Theatre Museum

Explore the ancient Roman theatre and archaeological museum in Cartagena, open 10am-6pm.
EURO7, 1h30m

11:45am

Cartagena Port Walk & Naval Museum

Enjoy scenic views of the Mediterranean and visit the naval history museum, open 10am-6pm.
EURO5, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Puerto

Fresh seafood with Mediterranean flavors near the harbor, open 1pm-11pm.
EURO40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Castillo de la Concepción

Climb this hilltop fortress for extensive views and archaeology museum, open 10am-7pm.
EURO5, 2h

6:00pm

Explore Cartagena Old Town

Walk through beautiful plazas, historic buildings, and charming streets.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Mar de Cedros

Enjoy local rice dishes and fresh fish in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EURO35, 2h

10:00pm

Return to Murcia hotel

Travel back to Murcia for overnight stay.
EURO5, 45m

Day 9: Nature & Culture in Murcia

Murcia, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Jardín

Relax with breakfast overlooking Floridablanca Garden, open from 8am.
EURO15, 1h

9:30am

Salzillo Museum

Discover the works of Francisco Salzillo, famous Murcian Baroque sculptor; open 10am-6pm.
EURO5, 1h30m

11:30am

Day trip to Sierra de Espuña Natural Park

Enjoy hiking, nature trails, and scenic mountain views about 1-hour drive from Murcia.
Free, 4h

3:30pm

Return to Murcia and refresh

Rest and prepare for evening activities.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Plaza de las Flores & Murcian streets

Enjoy vibrant city atmosphere with street cafes and shops.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Salzillo

Experience traditional Murcian cuisine with a refined twist, open 8pm-11pm.
EURO45, 2h

Day 10: Relax & Explore Cartagena

Cartagena, Spain on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Más Bonita

Enjoy healthy breakfast options and pastries near the beach, open 9am-9pm.
EURO15, 1h

9:30am

Visit ARQUA National Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Explore fascinating underwater archaeological finds in a modern museum, open 10am-7pm.
EURO5, 1h30m

11:30am

Boat Tour of Cartagena Harbor

Take a scenic 1-hour boat tour to view Cartagena’s coastline and historic seafront.
EURO15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Los Habaneros

Delicious Mediterranean menu in a lively setting, open 1pm-11pm.
EURO40, 1h30m

2:45pm

Relax at Cala Cortina beach

Enjoy the sun and sea at this beautiful cove a short drive from Cartagena center.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Explore Cartagena’s street art and cafes

Stroll through artsy neighborhoods for local culture vibe.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Magoga

Michelin-starred dining offering creative takes on Spanish cuisine, open 8pm-11pm.
EURO70, 2h

Day 11: Murcia & Surrounds

Murcia, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Confitería Matías López

Local favorite for pastries and coffee, open 7am-8pm.
EURO10, 1h

9:00am

Murcia Museum of Fine Arts

Enjoy Spanish artworks spanning the Renaissance to modern periods; open 10am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Day trip to Cartagena’s nearby beaches or hiking routes

Choose from beaches such as Playa de Calblanque or nature routes nearby for scenic views and relaxation.
Free, 4h

3:00pm

Return and rest

Relax back at accommodation to recharge.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Evening stroll and shopping in Murcia

Explore local shops and artisan markets.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Cueva del Pato

Enjoy a memorable final dinner with local dishes and excellent atmosphere, open 8pm-11pm.
EURO50, 2h

Day 12: Departure

Murcia, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Pack

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and prepare for departure back to Dubai.
EURO10, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Murcia International Airport

Travel to airport for fly back to Dubai, estimated international flights via Madrid or Barcelona.
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