10 Days in Spain - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Seville, Madrid, & Barcelona

This highlights tour of Spain allows you to travel to three distinct cities: Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Expect unique activities and local insights during your visits to each one.

You'll arrive in Andalusia's capital of Seville, a region defined by Moorish palaces and fortresses. On days one, two, and three you'll explore Seville on walking tours that will take you to landmarks like the 16th century Seville Cathedral, the palace/fortress of the Real Alcázar, the Plaza de Toros bullring, and the Santa Cruz neighborhood, located in the historic district. You'll also take a cruise on the Guadalquivir River to the ancient Triana neighborhood, which once was the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.

On day four you'll travel by private car to Córdoba, another historic town, where you'll enjoy a private tour of its Alcázar of the Catholic Kings, Mezquita pagan temple, and historic Jewish Quarter. Then it's off to Madrid. On days five and six you'll take walking tours of the city as well as a guided tour of El Prado, one of the most famous art museums in the world. 

Day seven you'll travel to Barcelona and celebrate with an evening guided food tour of the best tapas bars. Days eight and nine you'll take city tours that cover the highlights like the modernist/baroque La Sagrada Familia church, Barceloneta Beach, the Picasso Museum, the main pedestrian throughway of Las Ramblas, and Park Guëll, another masterpiece of Catalan-modernism design by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. On day 10 you will depart Spain from Barcelona. Learn more. 

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Madrid & Andalusia

This 10-day tour covers two areas—Madrid and Andalusia—allowing you to delve deep into the heart of each one. Not only will see the highlights of Madrid, but you'll venture deep into Andalusia, visiting not only its capital of Seville but other historic cities like Córodba and Granada. 

The adventure begins with your arrival in Madrid. The first three days are yours to discover this grand metropolis partially on your own and partially on a guided tour. Spend time at the Plaza Mayor, stroll expansive green spaces like El Retiro Park, and view masterworks like El Greco’s "Fable," and Goya’s "The Countess of Chinchón" at the El Prado Museum. You could also do some shopping on the boulevards of Gran Vía and Calle Serrano, and dine on tapas in historic neighborhoods like La Latina and Chamberí.

On day four you'll travel to Seville by train and stop en route in Córdoba. On a guided tour of the historic Old Town, you'll visit highlights like the Mezquita, Alcázar, and Jewish Quarter. On day five you'll take a guided bike tour of Seville. It follows a route passing the Plaza de Espana and Guadalquivir riverfront plus landmarks like the Metropol Parasol, a large mushroom-shaped sculpture with a honeycombed roof. Day six includes a walking tour of Seville followed by a flamenco show with tapas and drinks. 

Day seven you'll leave Seville on a journey east to Granada. It will take you through rolling hills and Andalusia's "white villages"—mountainside towns known for their whitewashed architecture. You'll visit postcard villages like Zahara de la Sierra and Ronda before arriving in Granada. Days eight and nine you'll tour the most famous sights in Granada, particularly the 9th-century palace/fortress complex, the Alhambra, which overlooks the city. On day 10 you'll depart Granada for the journey home. Learn more.  

Itinerary #3: Barcelona & the Costa Brava

There's much more to Catalonia than its capital of Barcelona, and you'll discover it on this coastal adventure. Sure, you'll experience the highlights of Barcelona, but you'll also travel north towards the border with France along the stunning Costa Brava. 

You'll arrive in Barcelona, the beating heart of Spain's Catalonia region. Its magnetism will draw you in immediately, and you'll want to head out and stroll the major thoroughfare of Las Ramblas. From here you can visit the Gothic Quarter and duck into a variety of world-class tapas bars for a bite and a beer. Days two and three involve walking tours of Gaudí's architectural landmarks like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, plus a stop-in at Barcelona's best local markets to sample fresh produce, cured meats, and cheeses. 

On day four you'll visit the 11th-century monastery of Monserrat, which sits 4,055 feet (1,236 meters) atop a mountain and offers panoramic views of the Catalan countryside. You'll follow this with a tasting at the area's boutique wineries. Day five you'll transfer to the coastal town of Begur; however, you'll first stop in Girona, a city that dates back over 2,000 years, and then Figueres, the birthplace of artist Salvador Dali. Here you'll visit the Dali Museum to see original masterworks donated by the artist himself.

Days six, seven, and eight will see you exploring the coastal trails of the Costa Brava in a variety of ways, including on foot, by kayak, and by mountain bike. This includes hikes along stunning coastal cliffs, visits to the best beaches, like Lloret de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell, and paddling around secluded coves. Day nine you'll partake in a wine tasting in the Empordà region, a smaller wine-producing area near Figueres. On day 10 you'll transfer to Barcelona and depart Spain. Learn more.

Itinerary #4: Food & Culture in Basque Country

On a foodie tour of Spain, you'll indulge in the cuisine that has an earned reputation for being some of the best in the world. This itinerary actually begins in Spain's capital, where you'll immerse yourself in Madrid's culture before heading north to Basque Country where museums, wine tours, and delicious local tapas await. 

On day one you arrive in Madrid. An immediate food tour of the city will set the tone for the rest of the trip as you bounce from one authentic tapas bar to another, enjoying a wide variety of these delicious appetizers/snacks/small plates as you go. Day two you'll take a guided tour of some of the oldest neighborhoods and landmarks in Madrid, including the Muslim Walls, the 200-year-old Teatro Madrid (Royal Theater opera house), Puerto del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and La Almudena Cathedral.

On day three you'll take a day trip an hour outside Madrid to Toledo, a well-preserved historic city that was the capital of Spain in the 16th century. Highlights include the former Roman palace of the Alcázar de Toledo, which sits perched atop the town. Day four you'll leave Madrid for Basque Country, first stopping in La Rioja. This is one of the most renowned wine-producing areas of the country, and over two days you'll visit winemakers, tour vineyards and wineries, and enjoy plenty of tastings. 

Day six you'll arrive in Basque Country at the coastal metropolis of San Sebastian. On a guided tour you'll see highlights like its beaches and historic center. On day seven you'll take a foodie tour where you'll visit the city's famous tapas bars. On day eight you'll travel to the nearby city of Bilbao, which is famous for the Guggenheim, the legendary museum designed by Frank Gehry. After a countryside tour on day nine, in which you'll visit a local farm, day 10 will see you leave from Bilbao and depart Spain. Learn more. 

Itinerary #5: Magic of Southern Spain

This beach holiday in southern Spain perfectly mixes relaxation, history, and culture. It's a comprehensive tour of Andalusia that not only includes stops in coastal hot spots like Málaga but the region's capital of Seville and all the way to Cádiz and the westernmost beaches.

Your adventure kicks off in Málaga, one of the more unheralded cities on Spain's famous Costa del Sol. Days one, two, and three are first class all the way. On day two, for example, you'll embark on a Michelin-star restaurant tour, while on day three you'll head outside town to the romantic mountaintop city of Ronda for a wine tour at a 16th-century convent-turned winery. That night you'll transfer a couple of hours to the western edge of Andalusia and the coastal city of Cádiz.

On day four you'll discover this colorful and historic city (it was founded by the Phenicians all the way back in the 11th century BCE) on a guided tour. You'll compliment the history walk with an evening food and wine tour, which is followed by a trip to the countryside the next day to see a traditional Andalusian horse ballet. Then you'll transfer to Seville, but the equestrian theme continues when on day six you'll take a horse-drawn carriage tour along the cobbled streets of the city's historic center. 

On day seven you'll transfer east to the city of Córdoba, which is famous for its historic Mudéjar architecture like the Mezquita and the Alcázar. On day eight you'll travel to Granada and tour its 9th century Alhambra, a grand palace/fortress that was once the stronghold of Muslim rule in Spain. Day nine is a return to Málaga for more great food, but this time you'll pay a visit to the Picasso Museum. After all, the cubist master was born in this city in 1881. On day 10 you'll depart Málaga and Spain. Learn more.

More Great 10-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Spain trip? Check out these other 10-day Spain itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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