21 day itinerary
Spain
Itinerary
Spain is a treasure trove of history, culture, and culinary delights. With 21 days to explore, you can dive deep into its rich heritage while savoring its diverse cuisine. Here’s a comprehensive itinerary that balances historical exploration with foodie experiences, sprinkled with a few splurges. Let’s get started!
Day 1-3:
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into a budget-friendly hotel or hostel in the .
- Afternoon: Stroll through the , visiting the and .
- Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar (try “Cervecería Catalana” for a variety of tapas).
Day 2: Gaudí and More
- Morning: Visit the iconic (book tickets in advance).
- Afternoon: Explore , another Gaudí masterpiece. Grab a picnic lunch from a local bakery.
- Evening: Splurge on dinner at “Tickets,” a Michelin-starred tapas restaurant (reserve ahead!).
Day 3: Art and Markets
- Morning: Visit the (free on Thursdays after 6 PM).
- Afternoon: Head to for lunch and sample local delicacies.
- Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show at “” (book in advance).
Day 4-6: Valencia
Day 4: Travel to Valencia
- Morning: Take a train to Valencia (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local paella restaurant (try “La Pepica”).
Day 5: Historical Valencia
- Morning: Visit the and climb the for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Explore the for lunch and local snacks.
- Evening: Stroll through the and have dinner at a casual eatery.
Day 6: Beach Day
- Morning: Relax at .
- Afternoon: Enjoy a beachside lunch at a chiringuito (beach bar).
- Evening: Try horchata and fartons for dessert at a local café.
Day 7-9: Granada
Day 7: Travel to Granada
- Morning: Train to Granada (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local taverna (try “Bodegas Castañeda”).
Day 8:
- Morning: Visit the (book tickets in advance).
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Enjoy a splurge dinner at “Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán” with views of the .
Day 9: Culture and Cuisine
- Morning: Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes.
- Evening: Enjoy your culinary creations for dinner!
Day 10-12: Seville
Day 10: Travel to Seville
- Morning: Train to Seville (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar (try “El Rinconcillo”).
Day 11: Historical Seville
- Morning: Visit the and climb .
- Afternoon: Explore the (book tickets in advance).
- Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show at “.”
Day 12: Parks and Palaces
- Morning: Stroll through and visit the .
- Afternoon: Lunch at a nearby café and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant (try “La Azotea”).
Day 13-15: Córdoba
Day 13: Travel to Córdoba
- Morning: Train to Córdoba (about 45 minutes).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local tavern (try “Bodegas Campos”).
Day 14: Explore Córdoba
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Stroll through the and visit the ancient synagogue.
- Evening: Enjoy a local dish, salmorejo, for dinner.
Day 15: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a bus to the archaeological site of .
- Afternoon: Return to Córdoba for lunch and explore local shops.
- Evening: Dinner at a casual eatery.
Day 16-18: Bilbao
Day 16: Travel to Bilbao
- Morning: Fly or take a train to Bilbao (consider a budget airline).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a pintxos bar (try “La Viña del Ensanche”).
Day 17: Basque Culture
- Morning: Explore the (Old Town) and visit the .
- Afternoon: Take a funicular to for stunning views.
- Evening: Splurge on a Basque dinner at “Zortziko” (reserve ahead).
Day 18: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Enjoy the beach and try local pintxos in the Old Town.
- Evening: Return to Bilbao for a relaxed dinner.
Day 19-21: Madrid
Day 19: Travel to Madrid
- Morning: Train to Madrid (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar (try “Casa Lucio” for their famous huevos rotos).
Day 20: Art and Culture
- Morning: Visit the (free entry in the evenings).
- Afternoon: Explore and grab lunch at a nearby café.
- Evening: Enjoy a splurge dinner at “Sobrino de Botín,” the oldest restaurant in the world.
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or visit the for snacks.
- Afternoon: Depart from Madrid.
Tips for Your Journey:
- Transportation: Use Spain’s extensive train network (Renfe) for efficient travel between cities.
- Food: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots; they often know the best hidden gems!
- Budgeting: Look for “menu del día” (menu of the day) options for affordable meals during lunch.
This itinerary offers a blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences while keeping an eye on your budget. Enjoy your adventure in Spain! ¡Buen viaje! 🌍✈️🍷
