Plan Your 7-Day Trip to Spain in 2024/2025 (5 Top Itineraries)

By Cynthia Li | Updated Apr. 16, 2024

7 days is a good span of time for a Spain trip. Typically, first-timers have a tour of Spain's golden triangle — Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville in central/southern Spain. Classic itineraries include two or three of these cities.

If you're planning a family tour, consider the kid-friendly city of Valencia as an alternative to Seville, where adults could also relive the pure joy of childhood. Alternatively, you could spend the whole week enjoying an in-depth exploration of the south or north of Spain.

The five itineraries below explore these popular options.

7 Days Spain Itineraries

1. Essence of Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville

  • Nights 1–2: Barcelona
  • Nights 3–4: Seville
  • Nights 5–6: Madrid

This 7-day itinerary would introduce you to the Golden Triangle of Spain. It is the most chosen classic itinerary for first-timers. Whether you're drawn to museums or prefer exploring historical landmarks, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural immersion and leisure time at your own pace.

You would start from Barcelona where your guide would lead you in appreciating Gaudí's famous masterpieces.

Then, you would head to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco, to dance with local dancers or enjoy a flamenco performance in a local tablao.

In Seville, you could also admire a perfect blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles, exemplifying the peak of Spanish Gothic art.

In addition, you would discover that some of the buildings are featured in world-renowned literary and cinematic works. For example, the Plaza de España served as a filming location for Star Wars, while the Royal Alcázar of Seville was featured in Game of Thrones.

Continue to Madrid to immerse yourself in Spanish royal heritage, renowned art museums, as well as mouthwatering foods.

Alternatively, opt for a half-day tour in Madrid and a day trip to Segovia or Toledo to explore their medieval castles and military history.

Explore our customizable classic: 7-Day Spain Essence Tour

2. Madrid and Barcelona for a Family with Kids (6–12 Years Old)

  • Nights 1–3: Madrid (a day trip to Segovia)
  • Nights 4–6: Barcelona

This itinerary is designed for families with children aged 6–12: making the most of your time in Spain, while minimizing the hassle of transitions between destinations. It offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, culinary experiences, and leisure activities in small towns.

In Madrid, you would learn about the monarchy's history by visiting landmarks and enjoying a day trip to a small town.

We cater to children's interests with a variety of options. If your children are captivated by fairy tales, such as Snow White, Segovia's castle offers a fantastic experience. Meanwhile, Toledo's castle is perfect for kids who dream of knights and exciting adventures. It's not just about learning military history, though, as it also offers thrilling zip-line adventures.

During your 3 days in Barcelona, delve into Antoni Gaudí's iconic designs, where vibrant colors and imaginative structures captivate young minds. Participating in a mosaic class allows children to get into Gaudí's spirit, fostering creativity and imagination alongside enjoyment. Your kids may also like the fairy-tale kingdom of Park Güell or a traditional paella cooking class.

Explore this idea more on 7-Day Madrid and Barcelona Tour for Families.

3. For a Family with Teenagers: Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona

  • Nights 1–2: Madrid
  • Nights 3–4: Valencia
  • Nights 5–6: Barcelona

Have you ever thought about diving into Spain's lively culture with the whole family? This itinerary is perfect for giving your kids an energetic vacation while giving the adults a chance to relive the joys of childhood.

Start your adventure in Madrid, the heart of Spain, where magnificent royal history comes alive for both adults and children. Don't forget to treat yourself to delicious Spanish churros at a time-honored shop that would delight the taste buds of both young and old alike.

Our next stop would be Valencia, where you could embark on an exciting e-bike tour to explore futuristic architecture and innovative discoveries. Indulge in Valencia's delicious seafood paella and uncover its secret recipe during an interactive cooking experience at its birthplace.

Beyond Gaudí's iconic buildings in Barcelona, for a vibrant modern experience, you could also get close to the football field of FC Barcelona at Camp Nou stadium, where the spirit for sports ignites in passion for the beautiful game.

Enjoy a vibrant family week in Spain tailored your way with 7-Day Spain Family Tour: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona.

4. Southern Spain Discovery with Madrid: Madrid, Córdoba, Granada, and Seville

  • Nights 1–2: Madrid
  • Night 3: Córdoba
  • Night 4: Granada
  • Nights 5–6: Seville

This itinerary is designed for enthusiasts of cultural history to visit the three southern cities of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, renowned as 'the three jewels of Andalucía'.

You could delve into Spain's history of cross-cultural fusion from the Moorish era to the Christian era. These cities, once part of the Moorish kingdom, boast rich historical heritage and cultural landscapes waiting for you to explore them. Begin your adventure in Madrid. Take a leisurely stroll through Madrid's majestic and historical neighborhoods to enjoy the local life.

Then, arrive in Córdoba, where you would be greeted by its most classic fusion of Arabian and traditional Spanish architecture, as well as its charming narrow old town streets and beautiful inter- generational gardens.

Immerse yourself in Granada and discover the original and final traces left by the Moors in Spain. This city has been profoundly influenced by Moorish architecture and culture. You would feel the rich and intricate atmosphere presented in Moorish architecture.

Visit Seville and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Seville's nightlife. Enjoy the passion of flamenco at a local tablao and an evening of delicious tapas at local bars.

During the day, you could visit the most iconic buildings showcasing traditional Spanish Renaissance and Baroque styles with Islamic architectural elements.

Find out more about this idea, see 7-Day Historical and Cultural Spain Tour.

5. Northern Spain Culinary Journey: Bilbao, La Rioja, and San Sebastián

  • Nights 1–2: Bilbao
  • Nights 3–6: San Sebastián (a day trip to Biarritz in France )

This itinerary is designed for couples and foodies, with a focus on the Basque region in northern Spain. The culinary highlights are placed in the middle and toward the end of the journey, with a relaxing beach day as the grand finale.

If you wish to experience the essence of Spain as well, this itinerary could be condensed into a 5-day trip to combine with Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville.

Start your journey in Bilbao. Explore the old town to discover local street food. Then, venture to the islet off the coast that's famous for its appearance in the Game of Thrones series.

Next, indulge in a wine experience in La Rioja, renowned as "the wine capital". Enjoy some wine tasting followed by a traditional Riojan-style lunch and a visit to a traditional winery.

Spend a day indulging in a culinary journey with a Michelin Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastián. Learn modern and traditional Basque cooking techniques from expert chefs. Afterward, enjoy a pintxos tour, sampling different types of pintxos and beverages, showcasing the unique tapas style of the Basque region.

Take the final day at your leisure to relax completely on the iconic La Concha beach.

If you're up for further exploration, we could also arrange a day trip to cross the border to Biarritz in France, where you could stroll through picturesque streets and enjoy the charming beach town ambiance.

For more, see 7-Day Spain Food Tour around San Sebastian.

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

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