Ultimate 13-Day Spain Adventure: Madrid to Barcelona Itinerary

Begin with a visit to the stunning Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro). Enjoy a morning stroll, visit the Crystal Palace, and take a boat ride on the lake. For breakfast, head to La Bola Taberna, a historic spot known for its traditional Spanish cuisine.

Explore the contemporary side of Madrid at the Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia). Afterward, have a leisurely lunch at Taberna La Carmencita, a charming restaurant with a vintage vibe, serving up delicious Spanish fare.

As the sun sets, take a guided tour of the Atletico de Madrid Museum & Stadium (Wanda Metropolitano), a must-visit for football fans. For dinner, enjoy the lively atmosphere and excellent food at Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market with a wide variety of gourmet offerings.

Take a day trip to the historic city of Toledo. Explore the medieval streets, visit the Toledo Cathedral (Catedral de Toledo), and enjoy panoramic views from the Toledo City Walls (Murallas de Toledo). For breakfast, try the famous marzipan at Dulcería de San Idelfonso.

Have a traditional Spanish lunch at El Sur, known for its authentic Andalusian cuisine. Afterward, visit the El Greco Museum (Museo del Greco) to learn about the life and works of the famous painter who called Toledo home.

Return to Madrid and relax with a drink at Círculo de Bellas Artes, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. For dinner, indulge in the innovative cuisine at DiverXO, a three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its avant-garde dishes.

Begin your journey to Sevilla with a hearty breakfast at La Primera, a modern restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. After breakfast, take a stroll through the historic Madrid de los Austrias (Habsburg Madrid) neighborhood, known for its beautiful architecture and charming streets.

Explore the cultural heart of Madrid at the Matadero Madrid, a contemporary arts center housed in a former slaughterhouse. Enjoy a light lunch at StreetXO Madrid, the casual counterpart to the renowned DiverXO, offering a fusion of Asian and Spanish flavors.

Arrive in Sevilla and check into your hotel. For dinner, head to Abantal, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Andalusian cuisine in a stylish setting. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Guadalquivir River and enjoy the evening ambiance of the city.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views of the city. For breakfast, enjoy the local favorite, churros with chocolate, at Bar El Comercio.

Explore the royal palace of Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla), a stunning example of Mudejar architecture. Afterward, have a traditional Andalusian lunch at Enrique Becerra, a classic spot known for its excellent cuisine and historic ambiance.

As the sun sets, take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic center of Sevilla, passing by landmarks such as Plaza de España and Triana. For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a gourmet food market with a wide variety of stalls offering local and international cuisine.

Take a day trip to the historic city of Córdoba. Visit the magnificent Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba) and explore the charming streets of the Jewish Quarter. For breakfast, try the local specialty, salmorejo, at Taberna Salinas.

After lunch, visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and its beautiful gardens. Then, take a leisurely walk across the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) and enjoy the views of the city and the Guadalquivir River. For a sweet treat, stop by Heladería La Fiorentina for some of the best ice cream in Córdoba.

Return to Sevilla and relax with a flamenco show at La Casa del Flamenco, an intimate venue where you can experience the passion and artistry of this traditional Spanish dance. For dinner, enjoy the innovative cuisine at Oriza, a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a beautiful historic building.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the city at your own pace. You may want to visit some of the local markets, such as Mercado de Triana or Mercado de la Encarnación, to experience the vibrant food and culture of Sevilla. For breakfast, try the delicious pastries at La Cacharrería.

For lunch, indulge in the fresh seafood at Cervecería Giralda, located in the heart of the city. Afterward, you can choose to relax in one of the beautiful parks, such as Parque de María Luisa, or visit some of the lesser-known museums and cultural spots, like the Casa de la Ciencia de Sevilla or the Palacio de las Dueñas.

As the day winds down, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Guadalquivir River with Cruceros Torre del Oro. Take in the views of the city from the water as you sip on a refreshing drink. For dinner, head to Taberna del Alabardero, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Spanish cuisine and elegant ambiance.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at La Azotea, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. After breakfast, take a walk through the Parque de los Principes, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Sevilla, before beginning your journey to Granada.

Arrive in Granada and check into your hotel. For lunch, try the innovative tapas at La Tana, a local favorite known for its excellent food and cozy atmosphere. Afterward, take some time to relax and settle in before your evening activities.

Experience the magic of the Alhambra at night with a guided tour of the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife Gardens. After the tour, enjoy a special dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Veleta, where you can savor traditional Andalusian dishes with a modern twist.

Begin your day with a visit to the Albaicin, the ancient Moorish quarter of Granada. Explore its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, and enjoy panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. For breakfast, stop by Panaga, a charming café with a variety of pastries and local specialties.

Afterward, visit the Carrera del Darro, one of the most picturesque streets in Granada, and then explore the Sacromonte, the traditional gypsy quarter known for its cave houses and flamenco tablaos. For lunch, head to Los Diamantes, a popular spot for its fresh seafood and excellent tapas.

In the evening, take a guided tour of the Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada) and the Royal Chapel of Granada (Capilla Real), where you can see the tombs of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. For dinner, enjoy the elegant atmosphere and fine dining at Jardines de Zoraya, a restaurant with live flamenco performances.

Take a break from the city and enjoy a day in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. You can choose to go hiking, mountain biking, or simply relax and take in the stunning alpine scenery. Pack a picnic or stop by a local café for a mountain breakfast before you head out.

After a morning in the mountains, return to Granada and visit the Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias), where you can explore interactive exhibits on astronomy, biology, and more. For lunch, try the innovative cuisine at La Oliva, a restaurant with a focus on local and organic ingredients.

As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk through the Plaza Nueva and the nearby streets, where you'll find a variety of shops, boutiques, and artisanal stores. For dinner, head to La Borraja, a cozy restaurant with a menu that changes daily based on the freshest ingredients available.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Café de las Horas, a charming café with a vintage ambiance. After breakfast, take a walk through the Paseo de los Tristes, a beautiful promenade with views of the Alhambra and the Darro River, before beginning your journey to Valencia.

Arrive in Valencia and check into your hotel. For lunch, try the paella at La Pepica, a historic restaurant located on the beach, known for serving some of the best paella in the city. Afterward, take some time to relax and settle in before your evening activities.

Explore the vibrant Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, and performing arts venues. Enjoy a guided tour of the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, and then have dinner at Restaurante Vertical, a Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Start your day with a visit to the Valencia Cathedral (Seu) and the Torre del Micalet, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. For breakfast, try the local specialty, horchata, and farton at Horchatería Santa Catalina, a historic spot known for its refreshing drinks and pastries.

Afterward, explore the Central Market (Mercado Central), one of the largest and oldest in Europe, and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage site. For lunch, head to Casa Montaña, a classic spot known for its excellent wine selection and traditional Spanish dishes.

In the evening, take a guided tour of the City of the Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), and then enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Albufera Natural Park, where you can see the unique wetland ecosystem and enjoy a traditional paella dinner at La Matandeta.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Valencia at La Riua, a cozy restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. After breakfast, take a walk through the Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia), a beautiful park that stretches through the heart of the city, before beginning your journey to Barcelona.

Arrive in Barcelona and check into your hotel. For lunch, try the innovative Catalan cuisine at Disfrutar, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its creative dishes and elegant presentation. Afterward, take some time to relax and settle in before your evening activities.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Barcelona with a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) and the El Born (La Ribera), two of the city's most historic and lively neighborhoods. For dinner, enjoy the elegant atmosphere and fine dining at Enigma, a restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, and then end the night with a cocktail at Dry Martini, one of the best cocktail bars in the city.