9 days exploring Madrid, Barcelona and surroundings

Arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid - Barajas airport. Spend two days enjoying the top attractions of Madrid, the capital of Spain: the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, the Gran Vía, the Temple of Debod, the Puerta del Sol, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and shopping on the “Golden Mile” (Milla de Oro). You can also go to see a show at the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), include the Retiro Park in your route or go to an amusement park. By the way, if you’re travelling with kids, you can visit the Warner Park, the Zoo Aquarium or the Museum of Illusions. You’ll spend the two nights in Madrid.

Take the high-speed train from Madrid-Chamartín station to the World Heritage City of Segovia (about half an hour away). Explore this medieval town. Don’t forget to visit the Alcazar, a castle which, with more than 2,000 years of history, was once a Roman fortress but also a fortress of Moorish Spain. Another must visit is the Roman Aqueduct, one of the most outstanding engineering works of the entire Roman Empire. You can stroll through the Segovia’s medieval streets and buy local souvenirs to take home. In the late afternoon, you can visit the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja or the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, which are located 20 minutes away from the city, by car or public transport.

Toledo: Take the high-speed train to Toledo, which will take about 40 minutes. The famous “City of Three Cultures” is an essential day trip from Madrid. Toledo is a must-see owing to all its historic churches, synagogues and mosques, which serve as a reminder of how Muslims, Jews and Christians once lived together in harmony here. You can visit the Mosques of Cristo de la Luz and El Salvador, as well as the Islamic baths of Tenerías and the Bisagra Gate. Don't miss the Alcazar and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Cuenca: Take the high-speed train from the Madrid-Atocha station to another World Heritage City, Cuenca (about an hour away). The town is ensconced on the cliffs of the Huécar river gorge and is famous for its Hanging Houses. Don't forget to take a memorable photo from the San Pablo bridge! You can take the opportunity to try one of its typical dishes: “migas” with eggs or the garlic-based “ajo arriero”. Night in Madrid.

Take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to the Sants station in Barcelona (two and a half hours). In the evening, you can attend a musical show at the Gran Teatre del Liceu or at the Palau de la Música Catalana (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO).

Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter, Gaudí's famous architecture (his most famous works are the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá), the promenade of La Rambla and the neighbourhood of El Born. You can also visit the Camp Nou stadium, where FC Barcelona, one of the best football teams in the world, plays. If you feel like shopping, head to El Corte Inglés or stroll along Passeig de Gracia, with its many luxury brands. You can also travel to La Roca Village, which is 40 kilometres from the city. If you are travelling with kids, you can spend the afternoon at the city's Zoo, go to the Barcelona Aquarium or spend the afternoon at the TIbidabo amusement park. To get around the city, you can use the metro or public buses. You can find information here. Night in Barcelona.

Head to the rugged heights of Montserrat mountain, known for its unique pink formations, breathtaking views and thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery. You can take a guided tour of Montserrat from Barcelona, or you can go on your own and take a train from Plaza Espanya, in Barcelona, to Manresa. There are two ways to get to the top of Montserrat from Plaça Espanya: the most picturesque and quickest way is to get off at the Aeri de Montserrat station from where you can take a lift to the top. The other option is to get off further on at Monistrol de Montserrat station and take the rack railway to the top. Night in Barcelona.

Girona: it is an hour and 15 minutes by car from Barcelona. You can also get there by AVE high-speed train in 38 minutes or by medium distance train, which takes an hour and 20 minutes. You can visit the Arab Baths of this beautiful city, the houses on the river Onyar that can be seen from the Eiffel Bridge (designed by Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Tower of Paris), and the Cathedral. You can also climb the Wall and see the city from the heights. If you would like to go out for a drink, you can do so on the Rambla, a boulevard lined with restaurants, bars and small boutiques. Costa Brava: the best way to visit is by car. You can walk along part of the coast from Blanes to Cadaqués and discover small fishing villages such as Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu or Palafrugell. Enjoy the beaches, explore the picturesque streets or just soak up the Mediterranean sun! Night in Barcelona.

Take your flight home from Barcelona’s Prat Airport.