7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Spain: Madrid to Barcelona and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Enjoy traditional Spanish churros and rich hot chocolate at this famous spot open from 7am, a perfect start to your Madrid adventure.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour one of Europe's largest palaces showcasing stunning architecture and royal history; open from 10am.
EUR14, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Plaza Mayor

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid's iconic square filled with cafes and street performers.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savour a variety of Spanish tapas and fresh seafood in this lively market dining experience, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the Prado Museum

Marvel at one of the world's finest art collections featuring Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open until 7pm on Sundays.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Stroll or boat on the lake in this expansive and peaceful green space in central Madrid.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world's oldest restaurant, famous for its roast suckling pig and traditional Castilian cuisine, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Madrid Museums & Flamenco

Madrid, Spain on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and pastries near the Prado Museum, opening at 8am.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Admire contemporary masterpieces including Picasso’s Guernica; open from 10am on Sundays, so a good time to get ahead.
EUR12, 2h

11:30am

Stroll Gran Vía

Enjoy shopping and people-watching on Madrid's bustling main street filled with architecture and theatres.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Botánico

Taste modern Spanish dishes in a charming setting near the Botanical Gardens, open till 4pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore a diverse collection of art from medieval to modern, open till 7pm.
EUR13, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

Experience authentic flamenco dance and music with optional dinner; show starts at 7:30pm.
EUR60, 2h

Day 3: Day Trip Toledo

Toledo, Spain on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Toledo

Catch an early train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Toledo; journey takes about 33 minutes.
EUR15, 33m

8:30am

Breakfast at Café del Fin

Enjoy traditional Spanish breakfast in the historic town center, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Toledo Cathedral

Tour the stunning Gothic cathedral renowned for its architecture and art; open from 10am.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the fortress offering panoramic views and historical exhibits, open till 7pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Ermita

Sample regional Castilian cuisine with views overlooking the Tagus River, open from 1pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through the Jewish Quarter

Discover narrow streets, synagogues, and quaint shops reflecting Toledo’s rich multicultural history.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Madrid

Train back to Madrid, relax after a full day of exploration.
EUR15, 33m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Back in Madrid, try the famous huevos rotos (broken eggs) in this classic eatery, open till 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Seville Highlights

Seville, Spain on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Seville

Morning AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Seville taking approximately 2h30m.
EUR50, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Bar El Comercio

Enjoy typical Andalusian pastries and coffee in a bustling traditional café, open from 8am.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda for majestic city views; open from 11am.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Savor classic tapas in Seville’s oldest tapas bar dating back to 1670, open till late afternoon.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Real Alcázar

Tour this exquisite palace complex blending Moorish and Christian architecture, open till 5:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

5:30pm

Stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz

Wander the quaint Jewish quarter’s narrow alleyways with picturesque squares and orange trees.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Egaña-Oriza

Enjoy innovative Basque and Andalusian fusion dishes in an elegant ambiance, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Granada & Alhambra

Granada, Spain on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Granada

Morning bus or train from Seville to Granada around 3h journey.
EUR25, 3h

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Grab coffee and light snacks near the city center, open from early morning.
EUR7, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Alhambra Palace

Explore the breathtaking Nasrid palaces and gardens of this Moorish fortress; confirm tickets in advance, open 8:30am-8pm.
EUR14, 3h

3:30pm

Walk in Generalife Gardens

Relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens adjacent to the Alhambra with stunning views.
Included with Alhambra ticket, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Albaicín Quarter

Wander the historic Moorish quarter's narrow streets and viewpoints over Alhambra.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma

Dine on Andalusian cuisine with spectacular views of the Alhambra, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 6: Valencia City & Beaches

Valencia, Spain on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Valencia

Catch a morning train from Granada to Valencia, around 5 hours travel. Alternatively consider an early flight.
EUR50, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Pepica

Enjoy traditional Valencian paella by the beach, a must-try local dish, open from noon to midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore City of Arts and Sciences

Marvel at this futuristic complex including the Oceanografic aquarium, open 10am-8pm.
EUR38, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Malvarrosa Beach

Dip your feet or unwind on this popular sandy beach close to the city center.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Sample creative tapas and fine wines in a historic tavern open until midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Barcelona

Early train or flight from Valencia to Barcelona, approximately 3.5 hours by train.
EUR45, 3h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy a modern twist on breakfast dishes in a popular local café, open from 9am.
EUR12, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Sagrada Família

Explore Gaudi's iconic basilica with stunning architecture and ongoing construction; opening hours 9am-8pm.
EUR30, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Cal Pep

Indulge in vibrant seafood and tapas in this lively spot near Barcelona’s Old Town, open until 3:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

4:00pm

Walk down La Rambla & Visit Boqueria Market

Stroll this famous street bustling with shops and street performers, and sample fresh food at the market.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Gothic Quarter

Discover historic streets, charming squares, and medieval architecture near La Rambla.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Experience Michelin-starred tapas by award-winning chef Albert Adrià, reservations essential, open till midnight.
EUR60, 2h