7-Day Spanish Road Trip: Barcelona to Madrid with Extended Madrid Stay

Day 1: Explore Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Kick off your trip with classic Catalan pastries and churros with hot chocolate at this traditional café.
EUR15, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Take in Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece and admire its extraordinary architecture and stained glass.
EUR26, 2 Hours

12:00PM

Explore Park Güell

Discover colorful mosaics and sweeping city views in Gaudí's whimsical park.
EUR10, 2 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Nacional

Sample a variety of Spanish dishes in an elegant, multi-cuisine food hall.
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Walk the Gothic Quarter

Wander historic alleys and visit landmarks like Barcelona Cathedral.
Free, 2 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Savor classic Catalan flavors at Barcelona's oldest restaurant.
EUR35, 2 Hours

Day 2: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy creative, fresh brunch dishes at this popular café.
EUR20, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Tour Casa Batlló

Explore another phenomenal Gaudí building famed for its unique design.
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

11:30AM

Stroll La Rambla

Absorb the lively atmosphere filled with street performers and local vendors.
Free, 1 Hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bodega 1900

Enjoy creative tapas inspired by traditional recipes.
EUR30, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Visit Picasso Museum

View an extensive collection of Picasso’s early works and his connection to Barcelona.
EUR12, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean sun and sea.
Free, 3 Hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Experience innovative Michelin-starred tapas in a lively setting.
EUR100, 2 Hours

Day 3: Drive to Valencia

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pans & Company

Grab a quick, fresh sandwich or wrap before your journey.
EUR10, 30 Minutes

9:00AM

Drive Barcelona to Valencia

Enjoy the 3-hour scenic Mediterranean drive to Valencia.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 3 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Central Market

Taste fresh Valencian products including authentic paella and horchata.
EUR20, 1.5 Hours

1:30PM

Tour City of Arts and Sciences

Explore Valencia’s epicenter of science, nature, and architecture.
EUR38, 3 Hours

4:30PM

Walk Turia Gardens

Stroll or bike through the lush gardens in the old riverbed park.
Free, 1.5 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Ciro

Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine to end your day.
EUR40, 2 Hours

Day 4: Granada Visit

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dulces de Granada

Start with traditional Spanish sweet treats at a local bakery.
EUR8, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Drive Valencia to Granada

Travel a scenic 5-hour drive southward to Granada.
Fuel approx. EUR40, 5 Hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Chikito

Enjoy classic Andalusian dishes at this beloved Granada restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Visit Alhambra Palace

Explore the renowned Moorish palace and beautiful gardens, a must-see UNESCO site.
EUR15, 3 Hours

6:30PM

Explore Albaicín

Walk through the historic Moorish quarter with stunning views of the Alhambra.
Free, 2 Hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Arrayanes

Savor authentic Moroccan flavors reflecting Granada’s diverse heritage.
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

Day 5: Seville Highlights

Seville, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Casa de la Memoria

Relish a traditional Andalusian breakfast near your hotel.
EUR10, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Drive Granada to Seville

Enjoy a relaxed 3-hour drive to the vibrant city of Seville.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 3 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Taste traditional tapas at one of Seville’s oldest bars.
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

1:30PM

Visit Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Tour Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda tower for views.
EUR10, 2 Hours

3:30PM

Explore Alcázar of Seville

Wander through exquisite palatial Moorish architecture and gardens.
EUR12, 3 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Egaña-Oriza

Dine on refined Basque cuisine in an elegant dining setting.
EUR60, 2 Hours

Day 6: Córdoba Discovery

Córdoba, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Ronda

Enjoy churros and hot chocolate to start your day.
EUR12, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Drive Seville to Córdoba

Take a short picturesque 1.5-hour drive to Córdoba.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1.5 Hours

10:30AM

Visit Mezquita-Catedral

Visit the iconic mosque-cathedral featuring stunning Islamic and Christian architecture.
EUR10, 2 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taberna Salinas

Enjoy traditional Córdoba specialties in a cozy taberna.
EUR20, 1.5 Hours

2:30PM

Stroll Jewish Quarter

Wander the scenic streets filled with history and quaint shops.
Free, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Explore castle grounds and serene gardens near the city center.
EUR8, 2 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Noor

Relish innovative Andalusian-inspired dining in a chic setting.
EUR70, 2 Hours

Day 7: Madrid Arrival

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Start your Madrid adventure with fresh pastries and quality coffee.
EUR10, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Drive Córdoba to Madrid

Enjoy a smooth 2.5-hour drive to Spain's lively capital.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 2.5 Hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Taste diverse Spanish delicacies at this iconic food market near Plaza Mayor.
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

1:00PM

Visit Royal Palace

Tour Spain's official royal residence, admiring lavish interiors and gardens.
EUR12, 2 Hours

3:00PM

Walk Retiro Park

Relax amidst beautiful greenery and the lake in Madrid’s biggest park.
Free, 2 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Enjoy traditional Castilian dishes at the world's oldest restaurant, a perfect start in Madrid.
EUR40, 2 Hours

Day 8: Madrid Culture

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Have a coffee and light Spanish breakfast near the Prado Museum.
EUR10, 1 Hour

9:00AM

Visit Prado Museum

See masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and other great Spanish painters.
EUR15, 3 Hours

12:30PM

Lunch at El Botánico

Dine in a garden-themed restaurant offering traditional and modern Spanish cuisine.
EUR30, 1.5 Hours

2:00PM

Tour Reina Sofía Museum

Admire iconic modern art, including Picasso’s Guernica.
EUR12, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Explore Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol

Shop and experience the bustling heart of Madrid.
Free, 2 Hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Botín

Return for another exceptional Castilian meal in the historic ambiance of Botín.
EUR50, 2 Hours

Day 9: Relaxed Madrid Day

Madrid, Spain

8:30AM

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Savor the famous Napolitanas, a delicious pastry loved by locals and visitors alike.
EUR8, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore one of Europe’s finest art collections spanning centuries and styles.
EUR13, 2 Hours

12:00PM

Brunch at Federal Café

Enjoy a stylish brunch with excellent coffee and healthy options.
EUR18, 1.5 Hours

1:30PM

Afternoon shopping at El Rastro Market

Browse this famous open-air flea market for unique souvenirs and antiques (Sundays only).
Free, 2 Hours

4:00PM

Visit Temple of Debod

Discover this ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, offering great sunset views.
Free, 1.5 Hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sala de Despiece

Savor modern Spanish cuisine with an interactive culinary experience to close your trip.
EUR55, 2 Hours