12-Day Ultimate Spain Adventure: From Vibrant Cities to Historic Wonders

Day 1: Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with the famous Spanish churros and hot chocolate, a traditional Madrid treat open from 7:00am to midnight.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Museo del Prado

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums featuring works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm; best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas at this lively market, perfect for taste-testing local flavors in a vibrant setting from 10:00am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Retiro Park

Relax in this beautiful park with its lake, sculptures, and gardens, open from 6:00am to 10:00pm — ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour Spain’s grand royal residence showcasing stunning interiors and gardens, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR13, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig, open from 1:00pm to 11:30pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Historic Toledo

Toledo, Spain on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Travel Madrid to Toledo

Take a fast 33-minute train from Madrid to Toledo departing early to maximize your day. Trains start service from 6:00am.
EUR14, 0h33m

9:00am

Breakfast at La Taberna El Botero

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with local specialties in Toledo’s old town from 8:00am onward.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Visit Toledo Cathedral

Marvel at stunning Gothic architecture and artworks; open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Explore Alcázar of Toledo

Visit this imposing fortress housing military archives and panoramic views, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Ermita

Sample traditional Manchego cuisine paired with lovely views, open from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Walk through Jewish Quarter & Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Discover Toledo’s multicultural history with a visit to this landmark synagogue open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Madrid

Take a comfortable train back to Madrid to prepare for next day’s journey.
EUR14, 0h33m

8:00pm

Dinner at El Sur

Enjoy cozy Andalusian flavors in Madrid with dishes like jamón ibérico, open from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 3: Segovia & Travel

Segovia, Spain on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Travel Madrid to Segovia

Catch the early train from Madrid Chamartín to Segovia-Guiomar station (approx 30 minutes), then a short bus to city center.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:45am

Breakfast at Panadería Cervantes

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee from this local bakery open from 7:00am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Segovia Aqueduct

Walk around the iconic Roman aqueduct, one of Spain’s best-preserved ancient monuments, open 24/7.
Free, 0h30m

10:00am

Tour Alcázar of Segovia

Explore the fairy-tale castle with towers and museum; open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR7, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Try the famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig) at this traditional Segovian restaurant, open 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Segovia Cathedral

Visit the Gothic cathedral known as the ‘Lady of Cathedrals,’ open 10:00am to 6:30pm.
EUR3, 1h

4:00pm

Travel to Barcelona

Return to Madrid by late afternoon high-speed train (1.5 hrs), then onwards to Barcelona by evening train (approx 3 hours).
EUR60, 5h

9:00pm

Dinner near hotel in Barcelona

Relax with a light dinner of tapas at Bar Cañete open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h

Day 4: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy Catalan pastries and their famous hot chocolate in this historic café open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sagrada Família

Discover Gaudí’s masterpiece basilica, open 9:00am to 8:00pm. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
EUR30, 2h

11:30am

Explore Park Güell

Wander through colorful mosaics and architectural details in this whimsical park. Open 8:00am to 9:30pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Paradeta

Feast on fresh seafood chosen yourself at this unique market-style restaurant open midday to 10:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along La Rambla & visit Boqueria Market

Experience Barcelona’s vibrant street and market atmosphere, open daily 8:00am to 8:30pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore Pablo Picasso’s early works in a medieval palace, open 10:00am to 7:00pm, closed Monday.
EUR15, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Cerveseria Catalana

Enjoy a wide variety of tapas in a lively setting; open 1:00pm-11:30pm for dinner.
EUR30, 2h

Day 5: Valencia & Beaches

Valencia, Spain on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel Barcelona to Valencia

Take a morning high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station (approx 3h 15m).
EUR40, 3h15m

11:00am

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Treat yourself to Argentinian pastries in Valencia’s city center, open from 8:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

12:00pm

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this modern architectural complex including a science museum and aquarium; open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR30, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Pepica

Enjoy authentic Valencian paella with a sea view at the beachside restaurant open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

4:30pm

Relax at Malvarrosa Beach

Unwind on the sandy beach with gentle Mediterranean waves, perfect for afternoon leisure any time.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Savor fine tapas and local wines in this historic tavern open 1:00pm to midnight.
EUR30, 2h

Day 6: Granada & Alhambra

Granada, Spain on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel Valencia to Granada

Depart early by train or bus for Granada—bus is about 5 hours, train combined route takes longer; bus recommended for direct journey.
EUR30, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Taste authentic Andalusian tapas in a bustling local setting open from 12:00pm to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Alhambra Palace

Tour the stunning Moorish fortress and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets must be booked in advance; open 8:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR15, 3h

6:00pm

Explore Albayzín neighborhood

Wander the historic Moorish quarter with panoramic views of the Alhambra, open to visitors day and night.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

Enjoy contemporary Andalusian cuisine with a cozy ambiance, open 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
EUR35, 2h

Day 7: Seville Culture

Seville, Spain on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel Granada to Seville

Morning bus or train (approx 3 hours) to Seville to maximize your day in the Andalusian capital.
EUR20, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Confiteria La Campana

Sample famous Seville pastries and coffee at this traditional café, open from 7:30am.
EUR6, 1h

11:30am

Visit Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda for city panoramas. Open 11:00am–5:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

One of Seville’s oldest tapas bars, serving classic Andalusian dishes since 1670, open 1:00pm to 11:30pm.
EUR20, 1.5h

4:00pm

Tour Alcázar of Seville

Visit this spectacular Moorish palace with lush gardens; open 9:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR13.50, 2h

7:00pm

Enjoy Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria

Experience intense Flamenco art in an intimate venue, shows start at 8:00pm.
EUR20, 1.5h

9:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Egaña-Oriza

Refined Basque and Andalusian cuisine in a stylish setting, open till 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 8: Córdoba’s Wonders

Córdoba, Spain on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel Seville to Córdoba

Short 45-minute train journey to Córdoba, enabling a full day’s exploration.
EUR20, 0h45m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Café

Start with Andalusian coffee and tostada in the historic city center, open from 8:00am.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Visit Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Explore the iconic mosque-cathedral combining Islamic and Christian architectures, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR11, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Taste traditional Cordoban cuisine in a historic winery setting open 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 8:30pm to midnight.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Walk through the Jewish Quarter

Explore charming narrow streets, shops and the synagogue, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Tour this medieval fortress with beautiful gardens and historic mosaics, open 8:30am to 9:30pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna Salinas

Enjoy classic Andalusian dishes in a rustic setting, open until 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 9: Return to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Travel Córdoba to Madrid

Take a high-speed AVE train from Córdoba to Madrid in just over 1 hour to relax and enjoy Madrid’s evening vibes.
EUR40, 1h15m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Enjoy breakfast close to the Prado with fresh baked goods and coffee, open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Reina Sofía Museum

See Picasso’s Guernica and modern Spanish art, open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at El Club Allard

Indulge in creative Spanish cuisine at this two Michelin-starred restaurant; open 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Advance booking required.
EUR80, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping in Gran Via

Enjoy a stroll and shop along Madrid’s buzzing main street, stores open till 9:00pm.
Free to browse, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Lhardy

Sample traditional Madrid dishes like Cocido Madrileño in this historic eatery, open till 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 10: Day Trip to El Escorial

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel Madrid to El Escorial

A 1-hour train journey from Madrid’s Chamartín station to enjoy the royal monastery and historic sites.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café 5

Light breakfast options and coffee close to El Escorial’s monastery, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 0h45m

10:15am

Visit Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Tour this vast Renaissance complex with palace, basilica, and library; open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR14, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Cueva

Traditional Spanish dishes and local specialties served in a cave-themed restaurant near the monastery, open 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:15pm

Return to Madrid

Head back by train to Madrid to enjoy the evening.
EUR12, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Plaza Mayor

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performances, and cafés in the historic square, open all day.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Botín (optional revisit)

Relish iconic Madrid dishes in a historic ambience, open till 11:30pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 11: Day at Leisure Madrid

Madrid, Spain on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Hip café offering breakfast specialties with fresh ingredients, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Tour Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Discover one of Madrid’s top museums with artworks spanning classical to modern, open 12:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesdays.
EUR13, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at StreetXO

Try innovative street-inspired cuisine by renowned chef David Muñoz, open 1:30pm to 3:00pm and 8:30pm to 11:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping or explore Malasaña district

Shop quirky boutiques or explore lively street art and cafés in one of Madrid’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramón Freixa Madrid

Enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience with creative Spanish cuisine, reservations essential. Open from 8:00pm.
EUR90, 2h

Day 12: Departure Day

Madrid, Spain on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before your departure.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Last minute souvenir shopping or Paseo del Prado walk

Take a final stroll along Paseo del Prado or pick up souvenirs nearby.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Madrid Airport

Arrive early for your flight home with ample prep time.
EUR30, 1h