Best of Spain's Cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walking Tour, City Bike Tour

Hola, and welcome to Barcelona, the vibrant and charming capital of Catalonia with Mediterranean beaches and a thriving culinary scene. Upon arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and get ready to explore the oldest part of Barcelona, the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter), with a private guide. Your 2.5-hour guided walk will take you through the district's 2,000-year history and past important sites like the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Nova, the Temple of Augustus, and Santa María del Mar, the "Cathedral of the Sea."

Day 2: Sagrada Família Tour, Train to Valencia, Culinary Tour

This morning, a private guide will lead you on an extended tour of the world-famous Sagrada Família, the Roman Catholic church, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Gain fast access to the popular monument and discover the church's fascinating history while admiring the details. From the top of the Torre de la Pasión, 19 stories in height, you'll have one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona.

 

From here, a private car will take you to the train station for your three-hour train ride to Valencia, a dynamic and culturally rich Spanish destination. On arrival, a private car will take you to your hotel. Drop your bags, then explore one of the 12 treasures of Spain—the City of Arts & Sciences. A guide will share details about the exterior of the buildings, then you'll venture up to one of Valencia's highest rooftops at sunset for a private wine and tapas experience with panoramic city views.

 

After dark, explore Valencia's foodie scene with a culinary tour through the city's historic Old Town. With the help of an enthusiastic local foodie, you'll experience local gastronomy with visits to beloved food shops and family-owned establishments. Visit a century-old horchateria (café), peruse a chocolate shop, and learn how to differentiate between two of Spain's most famous hams. You'll also pair cheese with cava, taste olives and olive oil, and learn how to make a traditional tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet) before ending with a turron (nougat) tasting and dessert wine.

Day 3: Surf or Standup Paddleboard Lesson, Bike Tour, Private Yacht Tour

Kick off your day on the water with a surfing lesson or standup paddleboard session. Whether you're a pro or a novice, your instructor will tailor the class to your level at one of Valencia's scenic city beaches. Then, the active adventure continues with a small bike tour. Feel like a local as you cycle across the city on a three-hour guided bike ride. Pass by the scenic Turia Gardens and historic bridges, twist through the Old Town, pause at Plaça de l'Ajuntament, visit the famous Central Market or Mercat Russafa, and pedal out to see the modern City of Arts & Science in a different light.

This afternoon, return to the water for a four-hour private yacht excursion along the scenic coast off Valencia. This aquatic adventure adds a little luxury to your Spain tour! Meet your captain and catamaran at the city's marina and set sail. Enjoy the views from the water while sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying simple tapas. Bring your swimsuit as you're invited to take a dip, play water games, and float on inflatable toys.

Day 4: Train to Madrid, Real Madrid Tour, Private Cooking Class

After breakfast, a private driver will collect you for a transfer to the train station, where you'll catch the 2.5-hour high-speed service to Madrid. On arrival, a private vehicle will meet you and take you to your hotel. Drop your bags and set out to visit the Santiago Bernabeú stadium—the home of the Real Madrid football (soccer) club. You'll see the field and locker rooms and visit the museum where the cups and medals are held. 

Later today, you'll learn the ins and outs of Spanish cuisine with a private cooking class held by a local chef. Start by visiting a local market to source your ingredients before you arrive at your host's kitchen to spend the afternoon cooking up a traditional Spanish feast. Together you'll prepare a three-course menu based on seasonal ingredients (and accompanied by Spanish wine, of course!). The menu might include Spanish staples like gazpacho, tortilla de patatas, or paella, and you'll receive the recipes so you can recreate a taste of Spain at home.

Day 5: Hike in Guadarrama National Park, Madrid History, Tapas & Taverns Tour

North of Madrid lies Guadarrama National Park, and you'll spend this half a day hiking through the spectacular landscape. Your mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for the hour-long drive to the huge ecosystem, which covers around 84,000 acres (34,000 ha). Here you'll find coniferous forests, high grasslands, rock fields, streams, seasonal waterfalls, lakes of glacial origin, and even snow. Your hiking route will be chosen based on your level, but you'll likely experience amazing views over the Castilian Plateau—and hopefully, you'll see mountain goats too.

Back in Madrid, it's time to hop between the century-old taverns and tapas bars that make this city distinct. A local foodie will take you across the city, combining Spanish food and history while you tick off the top sights. Listen as stories come to life as you squeeze into bustling tapas bars and drop through historic plazas that have shaped the city. You'll learn about kings and political wars with just as much passion as discovering the origins of the country's famed garlic shrimp and tomato bread.

Day 7: Private Guadalquivir River Cruise, Depart

Mark your final morning in Spain with a private cruise along Seville's Guadalquivir River. Enjoy a leisurely ride, savoring Spanish delicacies and sipping champagne or cold sherry as you admire the bridges and historical sites and the warm Andalusian sun shines down upon you. The river played a leading role in many historical moments, including when Ferdinand Magellan sailed his ships around the world in 1519. 

After the cruise, it's time to depart. Return to your hotel to collect your bags. A private driver will collect you for the half-hour ride to the airport in time for your departing flight home or onward journey. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other Spain itineraries, explore different ways to spend one week in Spain, or discover the best time to visit Spain.