12-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville with Top Attractions and Hotel Stays

Day 1: Barcelona Arrival & Gothic Quarter

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Arrival and check-in

Arrive in Barcelona and check into your centrally located hotel to prepare for exploring.
Varies, 1h

10:30AM

La Boqueria Market

Start with vibrant food stalls in La Boqueria, ideal for sampling fresh tapas and local flavours. Open 8am-8:30pm.
Free entry, food varies, 1h

12:00PM

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Explore narrow medieval streets, visit the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral and charming Plaça Reial.
Free, 2h

2:00PM

Lunch at Café de l'Acadèmia

Enjoy traditional Catalan dishes in this charming spot within the Gothic Quarter. Open 1pm-11pm.
Approx. 25 EUR, 1.5h

4:00PM

Barceloneta Beach Walk

Relax with a stroll along Barceloneta Beach promenade, soaking in Mediterranean views.
Free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Can Ramonet

Dine on fresh seafood and paella in a traditional beachfront restaurant. Open till 11pm.
Approx. 50 EUR, 2h
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Day 2: Gaudí Architecture Day

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Sagrada Família

Visit Gaudí’s iconic basilica showcasing extraordinary modernist design. Open 9am-6pm. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
26 EUR, 2h

11:30AM

Park Güell

Explore colourful mosaics and panoramic city views from this whimsical park designed by Gaudí. Open 8am-9:30pm.
10 EUR, 2h

2:00PM

Lunch at El Nacional

Sample a variety of Spanish cuisines in an elegant multi-restaurant setting on Passeig de Gràcia.
Approx. 45 EUR, 1.5h

4:00PM

Passeig de Gràcia Stroll

Admire Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà exteriors along this grand shopping avenue.
Free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Experience innovative tapas by Albert Adrià; booking is essential due to popularity.
Around 100 EUR, 2h
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Day 3: Montserrat Day Trip

Barcelona & Montserrat, Spain

8:30AM

Train to Montserrat

Take the train from Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya to Montserrat (approx. 1 hour), then cable car up to the monastery area.
Return train + cable car approx. 25 EUR, 3h

11:00AM

Montserrat Monastery Visit

Visit the basilica, see the Black Madonna, and wander scenic mountain trails.
Free, 3h

2:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Montserrat

Enjoy traditional Catalan dishes with views of the mountains.
Approx. 30 EUR, 1.5h

4:00PM

Return to Barcelona

Travel back to Barcelona for overnight rest.
Included, 1h
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Day 4: Last Barcelona Morning & Travel to Madrid

Barcelona to Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Morning Walk at Parc de la Ciutadella

Relax with a morning stroll in this beautiful park featuring a lake and ornamental fountain.
Free, 1.5h

11:30AM

Check-out & Train to Madrid

Take the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha, approx. 2h 30m journey.
60-90 EUR, 3h including transfers

3:00PM

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Settle into your hotel in central Madrid for the next 4 days.
Varies, 1h

4:00PM

Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor

Explore Madrid’s bustling heart with iconic squares and street life as an introduction.
Free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, famed for roast suckling pig and historic charm.
Approx. 40 EUR, 2h
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Day 5: Madrid Museums & Retiro Park

Madrid, Spain

9:30AM

Prado Museum

Spend your morning viewing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and other European artists. Open 10am-8pm.
15 EUR, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample a wide range of gourmet tapas in this heated market atmosphere near Plaza Mayor.
25 EUR, 1.5h

3:00PM

Retiro Park Relaxation

Enjoy boating on the lake or visit the stunning Palacio de Cristal within the park.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at La Bola

Taste the famous cocido madrileño (traditional stew) in a classic Madrid tavern.
Approx. 30 EUR, 2h
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Day 6: Royal Palace & Gran Via

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the official residence of the Spanish royal family with opulent rooms and gardens. Open 10am-8pm.
13 EUR, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at El Sur

Enjoy traditional Spanish dishes in a cozy neighbourhood restaurant near the palace.
20 EUR, 1.5h

2:00PM

Gran Via Shopping & Chueca District

Stroll along Gran Via for shops and theatres, then explore the vibrant LGBTQ-friendly Chueca area with cafes and bars.
Free, 3h

7:30PM

Flamenco Show & Dinner at Corral de la Morería

Experience authentic flamenco with dinner at one of Madrid’s most famous tablaos. Show begins at 8pm.
70 EUR, 3h
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Day 7: Travel to Seville & Evening Stroll

Madrid to Seville, Spain

9:00AM

Train to Seville

Board a high-speed train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Seville Santa Justa, approx. 2h 30m journey.
50-70 EUR, 3h including transfers

12:00PM

Check in and Lunch

Settle into your hotel near the city centre and enjoy lunch at El Rinconcillo, Seville’s oldest tapas bar.
25 EUR, 1.5h

2:30PM

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda for panoramic city views. Open 10am-6pm.
10 EUR, 2h

5:00PM

Barrio Santa Cruz Walk

Explore the charming old Jewish quarter with narrow winding streets and orange trees.
Free, 2h

8:00PM

Dinner at Eslava

Enjoy innovative Andalusian tapas in this popular and stylish venue.
40 EUR, 2h
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Day 8: Alcazar & Plaza de España

Seville, Spain

9:30AM

Real Alcázar of Seville

Tour this stunning Moorish palace and exquisite gardens, a World Heritage site. Open 9:30am-5pm. Book tickets in advance.
12.50 EUR, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at La Azotea

Indulge in contemporary Andalusian dishes, well-loved by locals and visitors alike.
35 EUR, 1.5h

3:00PM

Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park

Wander through the spectacular tiled plaza and expansive gardens, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Flamenco Show and Dinner at La Casa del Flamenco

Experience passionate flamenco music and dance paired with dinner. Show starts at 8pm.
60 EUR, 3h
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Day 9: Seville Free Day & Departure

Seville, Spain

9:00AM

Leisurely Morning

Take time to relax, explore local shops, or revisit favourite spots in Seville.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Bar Alfalfa

Casual dining with tasty tapas and friendly atmosphere before departure.
20 EUR, 1.5h

3:00PM

Transfer to Seville Airport

Head to the airport for onward travel connections or departure flight.
Taxi approx. 25 EUR, 30 min
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