Day 1: Arrival in Madrid – Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor
Morning: Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel. Start your exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest royal palace in Europe by area. Marvel at the lavish rooms, grand architecture, and the beautiful Plaza de Oriente nearby.
Afternoon: Walk to Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s historic main square, known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. Have lunch at a traditional tapas bar nearby, and don’t forget to try jamón ibérico or croquetas.
Evening: Stroll through the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its vibrant nightlife and tapas scene. For dinner, enjoy a tapas crawl at various bars, trying patatas bravas, pimientos de padrón, and more.
Day 2: Explore Madrid – Museums and Retiro Park
Morning: Begin your day at the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Afterward, walk to the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for more art spanning from the Renaissance to modern works.
Afternoon: Head to Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s largest green spaces. Rent a rowboat on the park’s central lake, visit the Crystal Palace, or explore the beautiful gardens.
Evening: Visit Gran Vía, Madrid’s bustling shopping street, for some evening shopping or simply enjoy the vibrant street life. Grab dinner at a local sangria bar or a cozy restaurant for classic Spanish dishes.
Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo
Morning: Take a day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of Spain (about 30 minutes by train). Visit the Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s most impressive Gothic structures, and explore the Alcázar of Toledo for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Wander through Toledo’s medieval streets and visit the Jewish Quarter. Don’t miss El Greco’s masterpiece, "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," housed in Iglesia de Santo Tomé.
Evening: Return to Madrid and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Head to Plaza de Santa Ana for a mix of traditional and modern dining options.
Day 4: Madrid to Seville
Morning: Take an early high-speed train to Seville (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head to Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and visit La Giralda, its towering bell tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Walk to the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning royal palace known for its Moorish architecture and lush gardens. Explore the beautifully tiled rooms and peaceful courtyards of this iconic landmark.
Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of this passionate dance. The neighborhood of Triana is a great place to catch an authentic performance while enjoying a traditional Andalusian dinner.
Day 5: Seville – Plaza de España and Barrio Santa Cruz
Morning: Start your day at the magnificent Plaza de España, an expansive square adorned with intricate tilework and surrounded by a scenic canal. Stroll through Parque de María Luisa for a peaceful break in nature.
Afternoon: Explore the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s old Jewish quarter, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and quaint plazas. Visit Casa de Pilatos, a 16th-century Andalusian palace with a blend of Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture.
Evening: Have dinner at one of the local tapas bars and try traditional dishes like salmorejo, gazpacho, and fried fish. Walk along the Guadalquivir River for a scenic night view of the city.
Day 6: Seville to Córdoba
Morning: Take a morning train to Córdoba (about 45 minutes). Upon arrival, head straight to the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, a stunning mosque-cathedral that beautifully blends Islamic and Christian architecture. Wander through the forest of red and white arches inside this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Stroll through the charming Jewish Quarter and visit the historic Córdoba Synagogue. Take a walk along the Roman Bridge and enjoy the peaceful views of the river.
Evening: Return to Seville for your final night. Enjoy dinner at a local tapas bar or try a riverside restaurant for a relaxed evening.
Day 7: Return to Madrid
Morning: Take a morning train back to Madrid (about 2.5 hours). Once back in the capital, spend your last few hours shopping in Salamanca, Madrid’s high-end shopping district, or explore the Rastro Market if you’re visiting on a Sunday.
Afternoon: Visit El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market, or take a final stroll through the city, revisiting your favorite spots. Alternatively, stop by Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, offering beautiful views, especially at sunset.
Evening: For your final night, have a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Madrid, enjoying views of the city's skyline and reflecting on your incredible journey through Spain.
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