Complete 10-Day Spain Itinerary: Full Route & Tips

10-day complete Spain itinerary: summary

This 10-day itinerary covers Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona with a budget of €1,200–€1,500 per person.

This express route is designed for active travelers eager to experience the cultural diversity of the Iberian Peninsula, from the imperial majesty of the capital to the Mediterranean avant-garde. It’s ideal for those seeking a quick yet deep immersion in Spanish history, art, and gastronomy, making the most of the high-speed rail network to maximize sightseeing time.

Día	Ciudad Base	Highlights Principales	Traslado / Km
Día 1	Madrid	Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Palacio Real	–
Día 2	Madrid / Toledo	Museo del Prado, Catedral de Toledo	Madrid ↔ Toledo (75 km)
Día 3	Córdoba	Mezquita-Catedral, Sala de abluciones	Madrid → Córdoba (Tren AVE ~2h 15m)
Día 4	Sevilla	Barrio de la Judería, Catedral	Córdoba → Sevilla (143 km / Tren 45 min)
Día 5	Sevilla	Plaza de España, Real Alcázar	–
Día 6	Granada	La Alhambra, Albaicín	Sevilla → Granada (256 km / Bus ~3h)
Día 7	Valencia	Ciudad de las Artes, Centro Histórico	Granada → Valencia (Tren/Bus ~4h 30m)
Día 8	Valencia	Bioparc, Mercado Central	–
Día 9	Barcelona	Sagrada Familia, Gótico, Ramblas	Valencia → Barcelona (349 km / Tren 3h)
Día 10	Barcelona	Park Güell, Casa Vicens	–

Day 1: Madrid, the vibrant capital

Morning

• Breakfast at a Churrería: Start your day with hot chocolate and churros at a classic café near Puerta del Sol. Estimated price: €5–€8.
• Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía: Walking tour around Kilometer Zero and the city’s most famous shopping streets. Estimated time: 1.5 hours.

Midday

• Lunch: Tapas crawl around Plaza Mayor. Try the Bocadillo de Calamares (fried squid sandwich), a local classic featuring battered and fried squid rings. Average price: €15–€20.
• Royal Palace of Madrid: Visit the official residence of the Spanish monarchs (exterior or interior depending on time). Time: 1.5 hours.

Afternoon

• National Prado Museum: Immerse yourself in classical art (Velázquez, Goya). Advance ticket booking is essential. Admission price: ~€15.
• Retiro Park: A relaxing stroll alongside the large pond.

Evening

• Dinner: Traditional restaurant in the Las Letras neighborhood. Recommended options: Cocido Madrileño (a three-course chickpea stew) or Huevos Rotos with ham. Price: €25–€35.
• Nightlife: Drinks on the terraces of Calle Huertas.

Day 2: Toledo, the city of three cultures

Morning

• Transfer: Commuter train or bus from Madrid (South Station or Atocha). Duration: 30–50 min.
• Primate Cathedral and Alcázar: Visit the Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo (Toledo Primate Cathedral) and enjoy views from the Alcázar de Toledo.

Midday

• Lunch: Daily set menu in the historic quarter. Signature dish: Perdiz a la Toledana (partridge slow-cooked with wine and herbs) or Carcamusas (spicy pork stew). Price: €20–€25.

Afternoon

• Jewish and Mudéjar Route: Visit the Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca (Synagogue of Saint Mary the White) and the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz (Mosque of Christ of the Light).
• Snack: Buy Mazapán (marzipan) at a historic confectionery (e.g., Santo Tomé).
• Return: Head back to Madrid for the night or take an evening transfer southward (advanced option).

Evening

• Dinner: If returning to Madrid, enjoy a light tapas dinner. If staying in Toledo, choose a restaurant with views over the Tagus River.

Day 3: From the Meseta to Andalusia (Córdoba)

Morning

• Transfer: AVE train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to Córdoba-Central. Renfe connects Madrid with Córdoba in approx. 2h 15m.
• Mosque-Cathedral: Visit to the most iconic monument. Do not miss the Sala de abluciones de Almanzor (Almanzor’s Ablution Hall) and the Puerta Entrada Paraíso Arenal (Arenal Paradise Entrance Gate).

Midday

• Lunch: Tavern in the Jewish Quarter. Try the Salmorejo (cold tomato cream soup), or seasonal dishes. Price: €15-20.

Afternoon

• Monuments: Stroll past the Triunfo de San Rafael (Triumph of Saint Raphael) and visit the Monumento a Luis de Góngora (Monument to Luis de Góngora).
• Art: Brief stop at the Escultura de Eduardo Lucena (Eduardo Lucena Sculpture) near the river.

Night

• Dinner and Transfer: Early dinner in Córdoba. Train transfer to Seville (45 minutes) to sleep there and save time the next day.

Day 4: Seville, the Heart of Andalusia

Morning

• Cathedral and Giralda: Climb the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla (Seville Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) to see Columbus’s tomb and enjoy the views.
• Royal Alcázar: Walk through the gardens and palaces (Reservation required).

Midday

• Lunch: Tapas in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Recommended: Espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas, Arab influence) and Solomillo al whisky (pork tenderloin in whiskey sauce). Price: €20-30.

Afternoon

• Plaza de España and María Luisa Park: Tour the monumental square by boat or on foot.
• Palace of San Telmo: Exterior visit to this Baroque building, headquarters of the Government of Andalusia.

Night

• Dinner: Restaurant in the Arenal or Triana area. Option: Pescado frito (Pescaíto frito) (fried fish) or Gazpacho andaluz (Andalusian cold soup) if it is hot. Price: €25-35.
• Atmosphere: Flamenco show in an authentic tablao (e.g., Los Gallos or Casa de la Memoria).

Day 5: Deep Dive into Seville and Road to Granada

Morning

• Basilica of La Macarena: Cultural and religious visit.
• Itálica (Optional): If your flight/train is late, take a trip to the Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica (Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica, Roman ruins).

Midday

• Lunch: Last Sevillian tapas before departing.

Afternoon

• Transfer: Bus or rental car to Granada. Distance: 256 km. Estimated driving time: 2h 45min. By ALSA bus: approx. 3h 15min.
• Arrival in Granada: Check-in and initial walk around the center (Calle Recogidas or Gran Vía).

Night

• Dinner: Free tapas tour (local custom: order a drink and get a free tapa) on Calle Elvira or Plaza Nueva. Try the Habas con jamón (broad beans with ham).

Day 6: Granada, the Nasrid Legacy

Morning

• The Alhambra and Generalife: Priority visit to the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaríes) and the Alcazaba. It is crucial to buy tickets 2-3 months in advance. Time: 3-4 hours.

Midday

• Lunch: Restaurant in the Realejo or city center. Recommended dish: Plato Alpujarreño (potatoes, egg, ham, blood sausage). Price: €15-20.

Afternoon

• Albaicín and Sacromonte: Walk through the old quarter to the Mirador de San Nicolás to see the Alhambra at sunset.
• Snack: Moorish tea in the Albaicín’s tea houses.

Night

• Dinner: Plaza Larga area. Option: Tortilla del Sacromonte (for the brave) or Remojón Granadino (orange and cod salad). Price: €20-30.
• Atmosphere: Sacromonte Caves (Zambra) for intimate flamenco.

Day 7: From Granada to the Huerta (Valencia)

Morning

• Transfer: Train or bus to Valencia. This is the longest leg of the journey. Recommended option: Train with a change in Albacete or Madrid, or direct bus (approx. 4h 30m – 5h).

Midday

• Arrival in Valencia: Check-in and a quick lunch near the station or city center.
• Lunch: Arroz a banda or Paella Valenciana (remember: with chicken, rabbit, and green beans, no seafood). Price: €15-25.

Afternoon

• City of Arts and Sciences: Exterior visit to the Hemisfèric and the Prince Felipe Science Museum (Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe).
• Cathedral: Visit the Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Valencia) to see the Holy Chalice.

Night

• Dinner: El Carmen or Ruzafa area. Try the Esgarraet (roasted pepper and cod salad). Price: €20-30.
• Late-night snack: Horchata with Fartons at a traditional horchatería (e.g., Santa Catalina).

Day 8: Valencia, Nature and Science

Morning

• Bioparc Valencia: Immersion zoo. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
• Tribunal de las Aguas: If it is Thursday at 12:00, witness this historic trial at the Apostles’ Gate (Puerta de los Apóstoles).

Midday

• Lunch: All i Pebre (eel stew from the Albufera) at a specialized restaurant or near the port.

Afternoon

• Central Market: Shopping for local products and Modernist architecture.
• Malvarrosa Beach: Relaxing walk by the sea.

Night

• Dinner: Seafood tapas in the Port area or Calle Caballeros.
• Atmosphere: Drinks in the Russafa area, known for its alternative vibe.

Day 9: Heading to the Count’s City (Barcelona)

Morning

• Transfer: AVE or Euromed train. Renfe connects Valencia with Barcelona in 3h 00min. Distance: 349 km.

Midday

• Arrival in Barcelona: Check-in (Eixample or Gothic Quarter recommended).
• Lunch: Pa amb tomàquet with cured meats in the Gothic Quarter. Price: €15-20.

Afternoon

• Las Ramblas and La Boqueria: Tourist stroll and market visit (avoid eating inside; it is expensive).
• Gothic Quarter: Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça del Rei.

Night

• Dinner: Restaurant in El Born. Option: Escalivada or Calçots with romesco sauce (if in season). Price: €25-40.
• Atmosphere: Drinks in Port Vell or Poble Sec.

Day 10: Barcelona, Gaudí, and Farewell

Morning

• Sagrada Família: Priority visit to Gaudí’s unfinished basilica.
• Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul): Another magnificent example of Catalan Modernism.

Midday

• Lunch: Tasting menu or set meal in Gràcia. Dessert: Crema Catalana.

Afternoon

• Casa Vicens or Casa Museu Gaudí: Visit one of the houses designed by the architect.
• Final Shopping: Passeig de Gràcia before heading to the airport.

Evening

• Farewell Dinner: Restaurant with views or in Barceloneta (fresh seafood).
• Transfer: El Prat Airport for return flight.

Recommended Accommodation

For a mid-range budget, upper 3-star hotels or highly rated tourist apartments are recommended.

• Madrid: Sol/Gran Vía area or Malasaña. Range: €80-120/night.
• Córdoba/Seville/Granada: Near the historic center but on quiet streets to avoid noise. Range: €60-100/night.
• Valencia: Ruzafa or El Carmen area. Range: €70-110/night.
• Barcelona: Left Eixample or Gràcia (avoid Las Ramblas due to noise). Range: €90-140/night.

Transport Between Cities

The key to this itinerary is speed. It is recommended to buy train tickets (Renfe) at least 3 weeks in advance to secure “Promo” fares.

• Madrid – Córdoba: AVE train (2h 15m). Car option: 4h 30m (not recommended due to tolls and fatigue).
• Córdoba – Seville: AVANT train (45 min) or Car (1h 30min, 143km).
• Seville – Granada: No fast direct train. Recommended option: ALSA bus (3h 15m) or Rental car (2h 45min, 256km).
• Granada – Valencia: Complex leg. Fastest option: Direct flight (1h) or Bus/Train with transfer (4h 30m+).
• Valencia – Barcelona: Euromed/AVE train (3h 00min, 349km).

Estimated Budget

Average budget per person (excluding international round-trip flights):

• Accommodation (9 nights): €800 (average €90/night).
• Internal Transport (Trains/Bus): €250 (booking in advance).
• Food and Drink: €400 (€40/day including set menus and some special dinners).
• Entrances and Leisure: €150 (Alhambra, Prado, Sagrada Família, etc.).
• TOTAL ESTIMATED: €1,600 per person. This can be reduced to €1,200 by choosing quality hostels and eating more daily set menus.

Practical Tips

• Book the Alhambra NOW: Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces sell out months in advance. This is the critical point of the itinerary.
• Meal Times: In Spain, lunch is late (14:00-15:30) and dinner is late (21:00-22:30). Many kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00.
• Water and Heat: In Andalusia (Seville, Córdoba, Granada), summer heat is extreme. Always carry a water bottle and avoid the sun from 13:00 to 17:00.
• Safety: In Barcelona and Madrid, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas (Las Ramblas, Metro, Puerta del Sol). Do not leave your mobile phone on the table.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but leaving small change or 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated if the service was good.
• Sundays: Many shops and some museums close on Sunday afternoons. Plan shopping for Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it realistic to visit 7 cities in 10 days?

Yes, but it’s a fast-paced rhythm (“trip marathon”). This itinerary works because it uses high-speed trains (AVE) for long stretches and focuses on the highlights of each city. If you prefer a relaxed pace, we recommend skipping Valencia or Granada to spend more time in Andalusia.

What transport options connect the cities on this route?

The itinerary relies heavily on Spain’s high-speed rail network to maximize sightseeing time. For example, the AVE train connects Madrid to Córdoba in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, some legs like Seville to Granada utilize bus services taking around 3 hours. Always check current schedules on official transport websites, as times and availability may vary depending on the season.

What does the estimated total budget cover?

The estimated budget of €1,200 to €1,500 per person is designed for this express route. While daily food costs are outlined, with lunch around €15–€20 and dinner between €25–€35, the total sum typically covers main travel expenses. Consult the Estimated Budget section for a detailed breakdown and allocate extra funds for personal shopping or entrance fees.

Do I need to book attraction tickets in advance?

Yes, advance planning is crucial for major attractions mentioned in this guide. The text explicitly states that booking tickets for the National Prado Museum in Madrid is essential to ensure entry. Given the packed schedule designed for active travelers, securing passes for key sites online beforehand helps maximize your limited sightseeing time. Always verify requirements on official museum websites before your trip.