7-Day Itinerary for Spain

Morning: Explore the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) with its narrow medieval streets and historic buildings. Visit Barcelona Cathedral and Plaza del Rey. Stroll down La Rambla, the famous pedestrian boulevard lined with street performers, flower stalls, and local cafés.

Afternoon: Visit Antoni Gaudí\'s masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Familia. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and unique architectural elements. Admire the stunning stained glass windows that cast colorful light throughout the interior.

Evening: Enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine at a local restaurant in the El Born neighborhood. Sample traditional tapas like patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and jamón ibérico, followed by a seafood paella. Finish with a glass of local cava or vermouth.

Morning: Discover Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece. Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure tickets to the Monumental Zone. Explore the colorful mosaics, unique structures, and the famous salamander statue while enjoying panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

Afternoon: Visit the Picasso Museum in the El Born district, home to one of the most extensive collections of artworks by Pablo Picasso, focusing on his formative years and Blue Period. Afterward, explore the trendy Born neighborhood with its boutique shops, artisan studios, and the impressive Santa Maria del Mar basilica.

Evening: Head to Barceloneta Beach to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. Take a post-dinner stroll along the promenade or relax with a cocktail at a beach bar.

Morning: Take a high-speed AVE train from Barcelona to Valencia (approximately 3 hours). Check into your accommodation and grab a quick lunch featuring local specialties like horchata (tiger nut milk) and fartons (sweet pastries).

Afternoon: Explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), designed by Santiago Calatrava. Visit the interactive science museum, the Oceanogràfic (Europe\'s largest aquarium), and marvel at the stunning architecture of the complex. Take photos of the eye-catching structures reflected in the surrounding pools.

Evening: Visit the Valencia Cathedral where the Holy Grail is said to be kept. Climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city. Explore the bustling Central Market (Mercado Central), one of Europe\'s largest fresh food markets, housed in a beautiful modernist building. End the day with a traditional Valencian dinner.

Morning: Explore the historic center of Valencia, including Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen. Visit the beautiful Baroque Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados and the Almoina Archaeological Museum to learn about Valencia\'s Roman past. Wander through the charming streets of the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood with its colorful street art and medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Gothic civil architecture. Admire the twisted columns and intricate ceilings of the Contract Hall. Afterwards, explore the National Ceramics Museum housed in the ornate Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas with its alabaster entrance.

Evening: Enjoy traditional Valencian cuisine for dinner, featuring the authentic paella valenciana (the original version with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables) at a restaurant in the Ruzafa neighborhood. After dinner, join locals for a paseo (evening stroll) along the converted riverbed of Turia Gardens, now a 9km long park.

Morning: Travel to Madrid by high-speed train (approximately 1.5 hours). Check into your accommodation and have a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros con chocolate at a historic café like San Ginés.

Afternoon: Explore the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Focus on the highlights like Las Meninas and The Garden of Earthly Delights. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park, rowing a boat on the lake or visiting the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), a magnificent glass pavilion often hosting art exhibitions.

Evening: Visit the opulent Royal Palace (Palacio Real), the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family with its stunning throne room and royal armory. Continue to the bustling Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid and the symbolic center of Spain. Enjoy dinner at a traditional tavern in the nearby Plaza Mayor, trying local specialties like cocido madrileño (chickpea stew) or callos a la madrileña (tripe stew).

Morning: Discover the historic neighborhood of La Latina, known for its narrow streets, traditional tapas bars, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the San Miguel Market for a gourmet food experience, sampling various Spanish delicacies. Explore the nearby San Francisco el Grande Basilica with its impressive dome and art collection.

Afternoon: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso\'s powerful Guernica and other modern masterpieces by Dalí and Miró. Continue to the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to complete Madrid\'s "Golden Triangle of Art," viewing its impressive collection spanning from the 13th century to the late 20th century. Take a coffee break at a literary café in the Barrio de las Letras, where Spanish literary giants once gathered.

Evening: Experience the passion of authentic flamenco at a traditional tablao (flamenco venue) like Corral de la Morería or Villa Rosa. Enjoy dinner while watching the powerful combination of dancing, singing, and guitar playing that defines this UNESCO-recognized art form. Afterward, join locals for a nightcap at a rooftop bar with views of Madrid\'s illuminated skyline.

Morning: Take a day trip to Toledo, the "City of Three Cultures" and former capital of Spain (30 minutes by high-speed train from Madrid). Begin with a panoramic view of the walled city from the Mirador del Valle. Enter the city through the impressive Puerta de Bisagra and wander through its winding medieval streets filled with artisan workshops specializing in damascene metalwork, a local specialty.

Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain\'s most important Gothic structures, with its elaborate altarpiece and sacristy housing El Greco paintings. Visit the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, exemplifying Toledo\'s multicultural heritage. Stop at a local shop to try Toledo\'s famous marzipan.

Evening: Admire the views from the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, the stone fortress that dominates the city skyline. Learn about Spain\'s military history at the Army Museum housed inside. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant overlooking the Tagus River, savoring local specialties like partridge stew or carcamusas (pork and vegetable stew). Return to Madrid in the evening to conclude your Spanish adventure.