This itinerary balances Spain’s most iconic destinations—Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and Seville—with authentic cultural experiences, world-class attractions, and efficient travel using high-speed trains. The route is designed for first-time travelers seeking to understand Spain’s regional diversity while maintaining a manageable pace.
Pre-Departure Planning Checklist (Before Your Trip)
3–4 Months Before:
- Apply for ETIAS (if traveling from a visa-exempt country after Q4 2026)
- Book accommodations for all four cities (2–3 months advance is ideal for shoulder season prices)
- Begin researching high-speed train tickets (AVE/Iryo open booking 60–90 days in advance)
2 Months Before:
- Book AVE/Iryo train tickets for all inter-city journeys when they become available (80–90 days before departure)
- Reserve major attraction tickets (Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, Prado Museum) to avoid long queues
- Book any optional tours (flamenco in Seville, guided Alhambra tours, etc.)
2 Weeks Before:
- Confirm all train reservations and accommodations
- Arrange airport transfers to your first city
- Download offline maps and translation apps
Budget Considerations for 2026
Accommodation Costs (per night):
- Barcelona: €80–€150 (mid-range); tourist tax €4–€11 additional
- Madrid: €70–€130 (mid-range); no tourist tax
- Granada: €60–€120 (mid-range); no separate tax
- Seville: €70–€130 (mid-range); no separate tax
Train Tickets (advance booking):
- Barcelona–Madrid: €7–€25 (AVLO) or €11–€40 (AVE/Iryo)
- Madrid–Granada: €26–€60 (AVE, advance)
- Granada–Seville: €15–€45 (AVE/regional)
- Barcelona–Seville (direct): €9–€100 depending on operator and timing
Attraction Costs:
- Sagrada Familia: €20–€25
- Park Güell: €14
- Prado Museum: €15
- Alhambra: €15–€20
- Real Alcázar (Seville): €12–€14
Total 10-Day Budget: €2,200–€3,800 per person (excluding flights), including accommodations, trains, attractions, meals, and tourist taxes.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona
Journey: Fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Getting to City Center (approximately 25 minutes):
- Train (Budget): Take the R2 Nord line from Terminal 2 (€5.50 one-way) to either Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations
- If arriving at Terminal 1, take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 2 first
- Taxi/Rideshare (Convenience): €30–€35 to city center
- Private Transfer (Comfort): €40–€60 (book in advance)
Afternoon/Evening in Barcelona:
- Check into your accommodation in Eixample (modern neighborhood), Gothic Quarter (historic), or Gracia (bohemian)
- Take a leisurely walk through the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral
- Visit Plaça Reial, a beautiful plaza surrounded by arcades
- Dinner in La Latina district or along Las Ramblas (though avoid tourist traps)
Overnight: Barcelona (Eixample or Gothic Quarter)
Day 2: Barcelona – Gaudí Architecture and Park Güell
Morning:
- Early start to Park Güell (7:00 AM recommended to avoid crowds)
- Park Güell features Gaudí’s mosaic-covered pathways, panoramic city views, and unique architectural elements
- Take metro Line 3 to Lesseps station and walk up (steep climb, 20 minutes) or take bus line 24
- Allow 2 hours for exploration
Late Morning/Afternoon:
- Visit La Sagrada Familia (book timed tickets in advance at least 1 month ahead, or buy at entrance if available)
- This unfinished basilica represents Gaudí’s masterpiece, with interior spaces as important as the exterior
- Allow 1.5–2 hours including potential queue times
Evening:
- Explore Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most famous avenue lined with modernist buildings
- Visit Casa Batlló (if time permits; tickets €25–€33)
- Dinner in the Eixample district
Overnight: Barcelona
Day 3: Barcelona – Museums and Beaches
Morning:
- Prado Museum is in Madrid, not Barcelona—instead, visit Picasso Museum in Barcelona (€13–€15) or Maritime Museum
- Alternatively, explore the Gothic Quarter more deeply, wandering medieval alleys
Afternoon:
- Barceloneta Beach: Take metro to Barceloneta station and relax at Spain’s most famous urban beach
- Pick up supplies at La Boqueria Market (a sensory experience of Spanish produce and street food) and picnic at the beach
- Enjoy tapas at beachfront bars
Evening:
- Watch sunset from Montjuïc (accessible by cable car or metro)
- Visit museums or exhibitions at the Montjuïc cultural complex
- Farewell dinner in Barcelona, perhaps at a Michelin-starred restaurant or traditional tapas bar
Overnight: Barcelona
Day 4: Barcelona to Madrid (via High-Speed Train)
Morning:
- Check out of your hotel
- Take metro or taxi to Barcelona-Sants Station (the main railway hub for national and international destinations)
- Allow 30 minutes for station arrival before departure
Train Journey (2.5–3 hours):
- Depart Barcelona-Sants: Check your booked time (typically 9:00 AM–2:00 PM options available)
- Arrive Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station (centrally located, making city access convenient)
- Train operators: AVE (Renfe), Iryo, or AVLO depending on your booking
- Onboard: Relax, enjoy views of the Spanish countryside, or enjoy included refreshments (depending on ticket class)
Afternoon in Madrid:
- Check into your Madrid accommodation (Retiro, La Latina, or Malasaña neighborhoods recommended)
- Walk to nearby Retiro Park, Madrid’s massive urban green space
- Explore the park’s Palacio de Cristal (crystal glass pavilion) and rowing lake
Evening:
- Dinner in La Latina district, known for traditional Spanish tapas and winding medieval streets
Overnight: Madrid
Day 5: Madrid – Art and Culture
Morning:
- Prado Museum (Spain’s premier art institution)
- Home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch
- Pre-purchase tickets online (€15, many free hours available Tuesday–Friday 6:00–8:00 PM)
- Allow 3 hours minimum (could spend entire day)
Afternoon:
- Royal Palace (Palacio Real) – Europe’s largest functioning royal palace
- Tour the opulent state rooms and extensive gardens
- Allow 1.5–2 hours
- Walk to nearby Templo de Debod (ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid) for sunset views over the city
Evening:
- Explore Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s historic central square surrounded by Renaissance arcades
- Dinner and drinks in one of the plaza’s atmospheric restaurants
Overnight: Madrid
Day 6: Madrid – Day Trip to Toledo
Morning:
- Day trip to Toledo (45 minutes from Madrid by regional train)
- Take regional train from Madrid Atocha station to Toledo (approximately €15–€20 return)
- Arrive in Toledo’s historic old town perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the Tagus River
Toledo Exploration (all day):
- Toledo Cathedral – One of Gothic architecture’s finest examples
- Alcázar Fortress – Military museum with panoramic city views
- Wander the medieval streets – Get intentionally lost in the narrow alleys; this is where Toledo’s magic lives
- Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes – Beautiful Gothic architecture
- Sunset exploration – Stay late and experience Toledo after day-trippers leave; the atmosphere is magical
- Optional: Visit El Greco’s former house/studio if time permits
Evening:
- Return to Madrid via evening train (approximately 8:00–9:00 PM)
- Light dinner upon return
Overnight: Madrid
Pro Tip: Many travelers regret not staying overnight in Toledo; if you have the time, consider spending one full night to experience the city after dark.
Day 7: Madrid to Granada (via High-Speed Train)
Morning:
- Check out of Madrid hotel
- Travel to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station
Train Journey (3.5 hours):
- Depart Madrid Atocha: Morning departure (typically 7:00 AM–11:00 AM)
- Arrive Granada Station
- This is the longest train journey of your itinerary; enjoy the scenic views through Castilian plains and approaching the Sierra Nevada mountains
- Advance booking ($26–$60 per ticket; book 60–90 days ahead for best prices)
Afternoon in Granada:
- Check into accommodation in Albaicín (UNESCO-listed medieval quarter) or city center
- Walk through the Albaicín neighborhood – narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and authentic atmosphere
- Stop at Sur Coffee Corner for refreshment and watch the city come alive
- Visit the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel (burial place of Catholic Monarchs)
Evening:
- Explore local tapas bars (Granada tradition: tapas are often free with drinks)
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant like FARALÁ RESTAURANTE
- Consider sunset from Mirador San Nicolás (free, panoramic Alhambra views)
Overnight: Granada
Day 8: Granada – The Alhambra Palace
Early Morning (this is critical):
- Book Alhambra tickets in advance (book online 1–2 months before, or buy at gate if available)
- Arrive at the Alhambra by 8:00–8:30 AM to beat crowds and secure best lighting for photography
- The Alhambra is Granada’s signature attraction—one of Europe’s most important Islamic palaces
Alhambra Exploration (4–5 hours):
- Nasrid Palaces – Intricate Islamic architecture with carved stucco, fountains, and geometric tile work
- Palace of the Lions – Most famous palace section with ornate courtyard
- Generalife Gardens – Serene gardens with fountains and vegetation overlooking the city
- Consider hiring a guide ($15–$25 per person) to understand the Islamic architectural significance
Afternoon:
- Rest and recover from morning exertion
- Visit Monasterio de San Jerónimo or El Bañuelo (historic hammam)
- Explore local markets and shops in the Albaicín
Evening:
- Optional: Attend a live flamenco performance (€20–€40, includes drinks)
- Granada’s flamenco is authentic, though less famous than Seville’s
- Dinner at a traditional Andalusian restaurant
Overnight: Granada
Day 9: Granada to Seville (via High-Speed Train)
Morning:
- Check out of Granada hotel
- Travel to Granada Central Station
Train Journey (2.5–3.5 hours):
- Options:
- AVE/Iryo: Direct high-speed service (2.5–3 hours)
- Regional/Bus: Slower but cheaper ($10–$20)
- Direct Barcelona–Seville AVE: If you’re considering a future alternate route, note that direct service now available via Ouigo starts at €9, with stops in Zaragoza, Madrid, Córdoba (6 hours total)
- For this itinerary, advance-book the direct AVE/Iryo ($15–$45)
Afternoon in Seville:
- Check into accommodation in Barrio Santa Cruz (historic district) or city center
- Walk through Santa Cruz neighborhood – narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, charming cafés
- Visit the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and site of Columbus’s tomb
- Visit attached Giralda Tower – climb for panoramic views over Andalusia
Evening:
- Explore Plaza de España, an architectural marvel built for the 1929 Exposition (recognizable from Star Wars films)
- Dinner in Santa Cruz neighborhood
Overnight: Seville
Day 10: Seville – Flamenco and Departure
Morning:
- Visit Real Alcázar (royal palace complex, built 1364) – ornate architecture blending Moorish and Gothic styles
- Allow 1.5–2 hours
- Tickets: €12–€14
Late Morning/Afternoon:
- Choose one option:
- Option A: Day trip to Córdoba (1 hour by train) – see the Mezquita (Islamic-Christian cathedral hybrid) and Roman Bridge, then return to Seville for evening
- Option B: Explore Triana neighborhood (historically gypsy quarter, birthplace of flamenco) – see traditional streets and local culture
- Option C: Visit Metropol Parasol (modern structure with rooftop views and restaurants)
Evening:
- Book a flamenco show and tapas tour in advance ($25–$50 per person)
- Authentic flamenco experience with live performers and traditional Spanish tapas
- Shows typically 9:00 PM–10:00 PM
Departure:
- If flying from Seville: Arrange airport transfer for your flight time
- If returning to another city: Take evening train to your departure city
Overnight: Final accommodation in Seville (or alternative city based on flight departure)
Transportation Summary
Inter-City Train Routes (all bookable at Thetrainline.com or Raileurope.com):
| Leg | Distance | Duration | Cost (Advance) | Best Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona–Madrid | 621 km | 2.5–3 hrs | €7–€40 | AVLO or AVE |
| Madrid–Granada | 415 km | 3.5 hrs | €26–€60 | AVE |
| Granada–Seville | 255 km | 2.5–3 hrs | €15–€45 | AVE/Regional |
| Madrid–Toledo | 75 km | 45 min | €15–€20 | Regional train |
Key Train Stations:
- Barcelona: Barcelona-Sants (main international/high-speed hub)
- Madrid: Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes (central location)
- Granada: Granada Central Station
- Seville: Seville Santa Justa Station
Pro Tips for 2026 Travelers
Tourist Tax Budgeting:
Remember that Barcelona charges €4–€11 additional per night depending on accommodation type, with increases planned through 2029. Budget this separately from accommodation costs. Málaga (Balearic Islands) charges €2–€4 nightly, but not applicable for this mainland itinerary.
ETIAS Preparation:
If traveling to Spain after October 2026, you’ll need ETIAS authorization. Apply during the launch period (Q4 2026) or grace period (transitional timeframe following launch). ETIAS is not required for early 2026 travel.
Train Booking Strategy:
- Book AVE/Iryo tickets 60–90 days in advance when prices are cheapest
- Book regional trains (Madrid–Toledo) 2–3 weeks ahead
- Use TheTrainline.com or Raileurope.com, not operator websites directly, for better customer service and identical pricing
Accommodation Booking:
- Book 2–3 months in advance for shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October)
- Choose neighborhoods: Barcelona (Gothic Quarter, Eixample), Madrid (La Latina, Retiro), Granada (Albaicín), Seville (Santa Cruz)
- Read reviews carefully regarding tourist tax policies
Attraction Reservations:
- Sagrada Familia: Book timed entry 1 month in advance to avoid 2+ hour queues
- Alhambra: Book 1–2 months ahead, arrive early (before 9:00 AM)
- Prado Museum: Pre-purchase online to skip queues
Optimal Timing:
- This itinerary works best in April–May or September–October (shoulder seasons with pleasant weather, moderate prices, manageable crowds)
- Avoid July–August (peak heat, maximum crowds, inflated prices)
- Winter (November–February) offers lower prices but reduced daylight and potential weather complications
Language and Communication:
- Download Google Translate and Offline Maps
- Many young people in Barcelona and Madrid speak English; fewer in Granada and Seville outside tourist zones
- Learning key phrases (please, thank you, excuse me, restaurant, train station) greatly enhances interactions with locals
Modifications for Different Interests
Art Lovers: Add extra time in Madrid for Reina Sofía Museum (modern art, Picasso’s Guernica) or extend time in Barcelona for Picasso Museum.
History Enthusiasts: Extend time in Toledo (stay overnight) and add Granada’s Monastery of San Jerónimo or Seville’s Archaeological Museum.
Food/Wine Focused: Add an overnight in Córdoba between Granada and Seville, explore wine region of La Rioja (requires separate route), or add cooking classes in any city.
Budget-Conscious: Use AVLO exclusively ($7–€15 base fares), stay in hostels (€25–€45 nightly), eat from markets and street food, visit free museums during designated hours.
Extended Trips (14+ days): Add Valencia (City of Arts and Sciences) between Barcelona and Madrid, or venture to Bilbao (Guggenheim Museum) in northern Spain via Barcelona.
This 10-day itinerary provides an authentic, manageable introduction to Spain’s diverse regions, combining world-class attractions with genuine cultural experiences while maintaining efficient train-based transportation and reasonable pacing.