10 Days – 3 Cities of Spain: Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid

Arrive at Barcelona El Prat airport. Spend the next 2 days exploring this cosmopolitan city – the Gaudi architecture at the famous Sagrada Familia or Park Guell, strolling along the Las Ramblas, shopping on Paseo de Gracia or visiting Camp Nou stadium. Not to forget the exciting nightlife in Port Olympic area. Overnight in Barcelona.

Montserrat - Head out to the craggy heights of Montserrat mountain known for its unique pink formations, awe-inspiring views and a 1000-year old Bendectine monastery. You can either take a guided tour to Montserrat or take a train from Plaza Espanya. There are two ways to get to the top of Montserrat from Plaza Espanya - the most scenic and quickest way is to get off at the Aeri di Montserrat station from where you can take the cable car to to the top. The other option is to get off further ahead at Monistrol de Montserrat station and take the rack railway to the top.

Girona & Costa Brava - Travel through the scenic countryside to visit the colorful Roman city of Girona and discover its atmospheric Old Town. Continue to the coastal region of Costa Brava surrounded by unspoiled beauty. Enroute, visit the charming town of Pals as the well as the typical Spanish coastal village of Calella de Palafrugell. Enjoy the beaches, explore the quaint streets or just take in some Mediterranean sun!

PortAventura Park & Ferrari Land - Take the train that goes directly from Barcelona to PortAventura World (1 hour 10 minutes). Located on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, this is the largest family holiday attraction in Europe, operating 5 star and 4 star themed hotels. PortAventura World includes 3 parks: PortAventura Park, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park & Ferrari Land Park offering thrilling rides, shows and fun for the entire family!

Note: You may also choose to add an additional day by extending your stay at one of the themed hotels in PortAventura World.

Overnight in Barcelona.

Take the high speed train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaqin Sorolla station (3 hr 10 mins). In the evening, head down to the trendy Ruzafa neighbourhood. Overnight in Valencia.

Valencia offers beautiful beaches and historical sights – visit the Bullring of Valencia and the nearby sights in its Old Town including Mercado Central, Serranos Towers, the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Lonja de la Seda or the Silk Exchange building or its Gothic Cathedral. Overnight in Valencia.

Spend the day visiting the iconic City of Arts and Sciences housing a science museum, an opera house, a planetarium, the Oceanogràfic aquarium and many other activities that can take up the whole day. In the evening, head down to Malvarossa beach to end your day watching the sunset and enjoying some paella, which originates from the city itself.

You may also choose to rent a car and drive down to Peñiscola. With its castle perched on a rock overlooking the sea, it is considered as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain (1.5 hours). Or, drive to the many beach towns dotting the coast from Cullera to Denia. Overnight in Valencia.

Take the high speed AVE train from Valencia Joaqin Sorolla Station to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station (1 hr 40 mins). In the evening head out to the Gran Via to see a musical or Plaza de Santa Ana for great nightlife. Overnight in Madrid.

Spend the day exploring the key sights of Madrid, the capital of Spain – the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Gran Via, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and shopping on the Golden Mile. Overnight in Madrid.

Segovia - Take the high speed AVE/AVANT train from Madrid-Chamartin station to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia (27 mins). Explore this medieval city including a visit to the Roman Aqueduct and the Alcazar, stroll along its medieval streets and shop for local souvenirs. Post lunch, if you wish, take a taxi or public bus to visit the famous Palace and Gardens and blow-glass factory in neighbouring La Granja.

Toledo – Take the high speed AVANT train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to another UNESCO World Heritage city, Toledo (33 mins). Called the city of 3 cultures, explore this charming city on foot renowned for it’s Islamic, Christian and Jewish past. Toledo is also a great place to indulge in shopping for local handicrafts.

Cuenca – Check out and take the high speed AVE/AVANT train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to another UNESCO World Heritage city, Cuenca (54 mins), perched on the cliffs of the Huécar river gorge, and famous for its ‘Hanging Houses’ or Casas Colgadas. Don’t forget to snap a memorable picture on the suspended bridge, Puente de San Pablo!

Overnight in Madrid.

Take your return flight back home from Madrid Barajas Airport.

Extension to Benidorm from Valencia: You may also wish to extend your stay for 2 nights at the coastal resort of Benidorm, an hour and half from Valencia by car and 2 hours by direct train. Known for its excellent beaches, recreational activities and fantastic nightlife, Benidorm is one of the most popular beach  destinations in Spain.

Extension to Alicante from Valencia: You may also wish to extend your stay for 2 nights in Alicante, located 2 hours from Valencia by car and 2.5 hours by direct train. Relax on the white sandy beaches of the Costa Blanca, or explore its historic sights as you wander past whitewashed houses of its old town.