One Week Itinerary: Spain
Experience the vibrant culture, history, and stunning landscapes of Spain with this week-long itinerary.
Day 1-2: Madrid
- Explore the Prado Museum to see works by Spanish masters.
- Stroll through the Retiro Park and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid.
- Walk along the Gran Vía and explore the bustling Plaza Mayor.
Transport: Take a high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Toledo (30 minutes).
Day 3: Toledo
- Visit the Toledo Cathedral and the Alcázar.
- Explore the old Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.
- See El Greco’s artwork at the Church of Santo Tomé.
Transport: Return to Madrid (30 minutes), then take a high-speed train to Granada (3-4 hours).
Day 4-5: Granada
- Tour the Alhambra and Generalife gardens (book tickets in advance).
- Discover the Albaicín neighborhood and Mirador de San Nicolás.
- Visit the Royal Chapel of Granada and the Granada Cathedral.
Transport: Bus or train to Seville (3 hours).
Day 6-7: Seville
- See the Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda tower.
- Explore the Real Alcázar’s Mudéjar architecture.
- Walk through the Santa Cruz neighborhood and Maria Luisa Park.
- Catch a flamenco show in the Triana district.
Travel Tips:
- Transport: Spain’s high-speed trains make traveling efficient. Book in advance for deals.
- Sightseeing: Consider city passes for discounts at major attractions.
- Dining: Embrace Spanish dining traditions—late lunch at 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm.
- Etiquette: Modest dress in religious sites; tipping is appreciated but not required.
This itinerary promises unforgettable experiences, blending the art, history, and charm of Spain’s most iconic cities.
A Two-Week Journey Through Spain
A two-week journey through Spain offers an opportunity to explore its diverse cultures, historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. This itinerary starts in Barcelona, ventures into the heart of Andalusia, explores the unique region of Basque Country, and concludes with the historic cities of Madrid and Toledo.
Week 1: From Barcelona to Andalusia
Day 1-3: Barcelona
- Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Sagrada Familia, stroll through Park Güell, and enjoy the beach at Barceloneta.
- Experience the magic of Montjuïc and the Picasso Museum.
Transport: High-speed train to Valencia, about 3 hours.
Day 4-5: Valencia
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, stroll in the Turia Gardens, explore the old town and the Valencia Cathedral, and try authentic paella.
Transport: High-speed train to Granada, about 3.5 hours.
Day 6-7: Granada
- Tour the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, wander through the Albaicín neighborhood, visit the Granada Cathedral, and enjoy a flamenco show in Sacromonte.
Transport: Bus or train to Seville, about 3 hours.
Week 2: From Seville to Madrid via Basque Country
Day 8-9: Seville
- Explore the Real Alcázar, see the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower, wander in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, and relax in Maria Luisa Park.
- Enjoy tapas in the Triana district.
Transport: Flight to Bilbao, about 1.5 hours.
Day 10-11: Bilbao and San Sebastián (Basque Country)
- In Bilbao: Visit the Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Town), and enjoy pintxos.
- In San Sebastián: Relax on La Concha beach, explore the Parte Vieja (Old Part), and hike up to Monte Igueldo for views.
Transport: Train to Madrid, about 5 hours from San Sebastián.
Day 12-13: Madrid
- Visit the Prado Museum, explore the Royal Palace, walk in the Retiro Park, and experience the vibrant squares of Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
Day Trip to Toledo
- Spend a day in Toledo, exploring its medieval streets, the Toledo Cathedral, and the Alcázar.
Transport: Train from Madrid to Toledo takes about 30 minutes one way.
Day 14: Departure from Madrid
Travel Tips:
- Transport: Booking high-speed train tickets in advance can save money. For longer distances or to save time, consider internal flights.
- Sightseeing: Many cities offer tourist passes that provide access to public transport and discounts at museums and attractions.
- Dining: Spain is famous for its regional cuisines. Try local specialties in each area, from Andalusian tapas to Basque pintxos.
- Cultural Etiquette: Lunch is typically the largest meal of the day, served late by international standards, around 2-3 pm, with dinner often after 9 pm.
This itinerary covers a broad spectrum of Spain's rich heritage, from the modernist architecture of Barcelona to the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, the unique Basque culture, and the historic grandeur of Madrid and Toledo, offering a fulfilling and diverse exploration of Spain.
A Three-Week Journey Through Spain
A three-week itinerary in Spain allows for an extensive exploration of its rich cultural tapestry, diverse landscapes, and historical depth. This journey starts in the vibrant city of Barcelona, winds through the historic heart of Spain including Madrid and Andalusia, before exploring the northern regions and concluding on the Mediterranean coast.
Week 1: Catalonia to Andalusia
Day 1-3: Barcelona
- Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Sagrada Familia, and enjoy the works of Antoni Gaudí at Park Güell and Casa Batlló.
- Stroll along La Rambla and relax on Barceloneta Beach.
Transport: High-speed train to Valencia, about 3 hours.
Day 4-5: Valencia
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, explore the old town and the Cathedral, and enjoy the beaches.
- Try traditional paella, the city's signature dish.
Transport: High-speed train to Granada, about 3.5 hours.
Day 6-7: Granada
- Tour the Alhambra and Generalife gardens.
- Wander through the Albaicín and visit the Granada Cathedral.
Transport: Bus or train to Seville, about 3 hours.
Week 2: Andalusia Exploration
Day 8-9: Seville
- Visit the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and Plaza de España.
- Explore the Triana neighborhood and enjoy a flamenco show.
Transport: Train to Córdoba, about 45 minutes.
Day 10-11: Córdoba
- Explore the Mezquita, wander through the Jewish Quarter, and visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Transport: Train to Madrid, about 2 hours.
Day 12-13: Madrid
- Visit the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Retiro Park.
- Explore the neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca.
Transport: Train to Salamanca, about 2.5 hours.
Week 3: Northern Spain and Mediterranean Coast
Day 14-15: Salamanca
- Explore the Old City, Salamanca University, and the two cathedrals.
- Enjoy the vibrant student atmosphere.
Transport: Train to Santiago de Compostela, about 4.5 hours.
Day 16-17: Santiago de Compostela
- Visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and explore the old town.
- Try Galician specialties like pulpo a la gallega (octopus).
Transport: Flight to Barcelona, about 1.5 hours.
Day 18-19: Costa Brava (based in Girona)
- Explore Girona’s medieval walls, Jewish Quarter, and take day trips to the Costa Brava beaches and towns like Cadaqués or Tossa de Mar.
Transport: Train back to Barcelona, about 1.5 hours.
Day 20-21: Return to Barcelona
- Spend any remaining time revisiting favorite spots or exploring areas like Montjuïc or the Picasso Museum.
Travel Tips:
- Transport: Utilize Spain’s extensive high-speed train network (Renfe AVE) for quick travel between major cities. For smaller towns or regions like Costa Brava, consider renting a car for more flexibility.
- Cuisine: Each region in Spain has its culinary specialties. Be sure to try local dishes and wines wherever you go.
- Cultural Etiquette: Meal times in Spain are typically later than in many other countries. Lunch is often from 2 pm, and dinner from 9 pm.
- Sightseeing: Many popular sites require advance booking, especially the Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Plan ahead to secure your visit.
This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Spain's historical cities, stunning architecture, diverse landscapes, and rich culinary scenes, ensuring a memorable and diverse journey through one of Europe's most vibrant countries.
