Spain 10-Day Travel Itinerary
Passion, Art, and Sunshine – the ultimate journey through the heart of Spain
Spring or Fall for the most comfortable weather
$120-470 per day depending on style
Sagrada Família, The Alhambra, Royal Palace, Real Alcázar
Your 10-Day Spanish Route
Arrive in Madrid, check into hotel near Sol
Madrid
Prado Museum (masterpieces by Velázquez & Goya)
Paseo del Prado
Tapas crawl at Mercado de San Miguel & Plaza Mayor
Centro
💡 Pro Tip:
Prado Museum is free during the last two hours of opening daily (Mon-Sat 6-8 PM).
Royal Palace of Madrid & Almudena Cathedral
Palacio
Stroll through El Retiro Park & Crystal Palace
Retiro
Flamenco show in a traditional 'tablao'
Madrid
💡 Pro Tip:
Book Royal Palace tickets in advance to avoid the long entry lines.
AVE high-speed train to Seville (2.5 hours)
Atocha Station
Check into Santa Cruz neighborhood & Cathedral
Seville
Walk along the Guadalquivir River & Triana
Triana
💡 Pro Tip:
Book AVE tickets early for 'Promo' fares which are significantly cheaper.
Real Alcázar (Game of Thrones filming site)
Seville
Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park
Seville
Tapas dinner in the Jewish Quarter (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz
💡 Pro Tip:
The Alcázar is a UNESCO site and very popular - book weeks in advance.
Train or bus to Granada (3 hours)
Granada
Explore the Albaicín (old Moorish quarter)
Albaicín
Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás
Granada
💡 Pro Tip:
In Granada, you get a free tapa with every drink at most local bars!
The Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
Granada
Flight from Granada to Barcelona
Granada Airport
Dinner in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Barcelona
💡 Pro Tip:
Nazrid Palace tickets (within Alhambra) are timed - do not be late or you'll miss out.
Sagrada Família (arrive at opening)
Eixample
Park Güell & panoramic city views
Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia (Casa Batlló & Casa Milà)
Eixample
💡 Pro Tip:
Book Sagrada Família and Park Güell months in advance - they sell out daily.
Barcelona Cathedral & Picasso Museum
Gothic Quarter
La Rambla, La Boqueria Market & Barceloneta Beach
Old Town
Seafood paella dinner by the Mediterranean
Barceloneta
💡 Pro Tip:
Avoid eating directly on La Rambla - head two streets back for better quality and price.
Train to Montserrat Monastery
Montserrat
Hiking or funicular to the mountain peak
Catalonia
Return to Barcelona for a final farewell dinner
El Born
💡 Pro Tip:
The mountain views are spectacular - try to catch the Boys' Choir performance at the Basilica.
Last-minute shopping at El Corte Inglés
Plaça de Catalunya
Aerobús or taxi to BCN Airport
Airport
💡 Pro Tip:
The Aerobús runs every 5 minutes and is the most reliable way to the airport.
When to Go
✓ Pros:
Perfect temperatures, many festivals (Feria de Abril), blooming gardens
✗ Cons:
Easter week can be very busy
✓ Pros:
Warm sea for beaches, comfortable sightseeing, wine harvest
✗ Cons:
Slightly more rain in the north
✓ Pros:
Very affordable, clear sunny days in the south, no crowds at Alhambra
✗ Cons:
Cold in Madrid, rainy in Barcelona
✓ Pros:
Vibrant beach scene, non-stop outdoor events
✗ Cons:
Intense heat in Seville (40°C+), overcrowding in Barcelona
Spain Trip Budget Estimates (USD)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $700-1200 | $1500-2500 | $4500+ |
| Meals & Tapas | $250-400 | $600-1000 | $2000+ |
| Trains & Flights | $150-250 | $350-600 | $1200+ |
| Attractions & Tours | $120-200 | $300-600 | $1500+ |
| TOTAL (per person) | $1220-2050 | $2750-4700 | $9200+ |
Getting Around Spain
AVE high-speed trains are faster than flying for trips like Madrid to Seville
Purchase a T-Usual or T-Casual card for public transport in Barcelona
Renfe is the national train operator - their website can be tricky, use an app like Omio if needed
Walking is the best way to see the historic centers of Madrid and Seville
Taxis are reasonably priced and always metered in Spain
Avoid driving in cities - public transport and walking are much better
Avoid These Spanish Travel Pitfalls
Eating dinner at 6 or 7 PM (Spanish restaurants don't open until 8 or 9 PM)
Expecting a siesta everywhere (modern big cities don't fully close anymore)
Thinking 'Paella' is the only food (try regional specialties like Gazpacho or Cochinillo)
Not booking The Alhambra or Sagrada Família in advance
Underestimating the distance between Madrid and the coast
Assuming everyone speaks English outside of main tourist hubs