Best of Spanish Cities

3 Nights – Barcelona
3 Nights – Valencia
3 Nights – Madrid
2 Nights – Córdoba
3 Nights – Seville

This itinerary also works well as a road trip, with all drives under four hours and some just a couple. Having a car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and stop en route, making it easy to see more of the country along the way.

✈️ UK – Barcelona (3 nights): On arrival in Spain from the UK, you’ll commence your Spanish adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where you’ll find a lovely blend of beach and city life, plus some incredible architectural marvels.  The whole city is full of masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família, the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and the colourful Park Güell. Spend some time unwinding at the beach or, if you’re a football fan, head to Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, for a tour of the stadium.  The historic Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is a wonderful place to stroll around the medieval streets with its ancient Roman walls.  The main street, La Rambla, is lined with street performers, shops, cafes, and La Boqueria market.

🚆 Barcelona – Valencia (3 nights) From Barcelona you’ll take the scenic train ride to Valencia.  Begin your sightseeing with the more historic side of the city by heading to the Valencia Cathedral which houses a chalice that is believed to be the Holy Grail. To explore the modern side of the city, head to the City of Arts and Sciences, which features a planetarium, aquarium, and interactive museum.  For some relaxation, the lush greenery of Turia Gardens provides the perfect spot.  Or if you’d like to soak up the Mediterranean sun, try the Playa de la Malvarrosa for a bit of beachside R&R before you travel to your next destination.

🚆 Valencia – Madrid (3 nights): Moving on, you’ll hop on the high-speed train to Madrid.  The capital of Spain does not disappoint when it comes to impressive landmarks and buildings.  Make sure you visit the opulent Royal Palace, wander through the bustling Plaza Mayor and the iconic Puerta del Sol, the city’s central square. Art lovers will delight in the world-class collections at the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum, home to masterpieces by Picasso, Goya, and Dalí. Madrid is renowned for being home to two world-class football teams, so take your pick from a tour of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.  Madrid comes alive at night, whether that be along the lively Gran Vía, or the trendy Malasaña and Chueca areas.

🚆 Madrid – Córdoba (2 nights): You’ll hop back on the high-speed train to Córdoba, a city where Islamic, Jewish and Christian influences beautifully combine to create a stunning cityscape.   Head to the stunning Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage site thought of as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Spain. It features a forest of arches and columns and is famous for its stunning prayer niche (mihrab).  The winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, with the whitewashed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea are a lovely sight.  Plus, don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress-palace with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city and the Guadalquivir River. If you’re visiting in May, the Patio Festival allows a rare glimpse into the private residences of Córdoba, where you can view the residents’ beautiful floral displays and water features in their private gardens and courtyards.

🚆 Córdoba – Seville (3 nights):  To conclude your tour of some of Spain’s most iconic cities, you’ll take the high-speed train once again to the city of Seville, home to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Seville Cathedral.  Ascend the 35 ramps leading to the top of the Giralda Tower for some spectacular views of the city. The ramps were originally designed to allow horses to carry the muezzin to the top of the tower for the call to prayer.  Also make sure you explore the magnificent Alcazar Palace, a masterpiece of Mudejar architecture, and wander through the picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz with its narrow alleys and charming squares. When you’re not exploring the city’s sights, simply enjoy soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Seville, enjoying an authentic flamenco show, or relaxing at a café watching the world go by.

✈️ Seville – UK: On your final day, you’ll bid farewell to the enchanting cities of Spain and head back on your flight home to the UK.