Spain Classic Rail: Barcelona to Granada
High-speed rail connects Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Granada—the ultimate trunk line for first-time visitors to Spain.
No driving required. Travel from the Mediterranean coast to the interior and then to Andalusia. Stay three nights in Barcelona, two nights each in Valencia and Madrid, stop for a half-day in Córdoba, and continue to Seville and Granada. A fast-paced itinerary with frequent city changes, perfect for first-timers. It avoids the long journey from Granada to Valencia, and Málaga and the beaches are not included.
July and August are extremely hot in Andalusia; accommodation in Seville is tight during Holy Week and the April Fair.
Day by day
Day 1 · Stroll through Barcelona Old Town
Barcelona（Gothic Quarter & La Rambla、La Boqueria Market、Barcelona Cathedral、Santa Maria del Mar）
Check in to the Old Town upon arrival. Attractions are within walking distance; no public transport is needed today.
Stay: Gothic Quarter
Day 2 · Gaudí Architecture Day
Barcelona（Sagrada Família、Casa Batlló、Casa Milà (La Pedrera)、Park Güell）
Take the metro and walk. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes between Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia, and Park Güell.
Sagrada Família and Park Güell require timed-entry tickets booked in advance.
Stay: Gothic Quarter
Day 3 · Montserrat Day Trip
Barcelona（Montserrat Monastery）
Take a suburban train from Plaça d'Espanya for about 1 hour to the foot of the mountain, then transfer to the rack railway or cable car. Return in the evening.
Stay: Gothic Quarter
Day 4 · Train to Valencia Old Town
Valencia（La Lonja de la Seda、Mercado Central、Valencia Cathedral & Micalet）
The direct train from Barcelona to Valencia takes about 3 hours. Choose a morning departure and explore the Old Town on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Old Town (Cathedral and Central Market)
Day 5 · City of Arts and Sciences & Lake Sunset
Valencia（Turia Gardens、City of Arts and Sciences、Albufera）
Take a city bus to the City of Arts and Sciences (about 20 minutes). In the evening, take a bus or charter a car to Albufera Lake (about 40 minutes).
Stay: Old Town (Cathedral and Central Market)
Day 6 · High-Speed Rail to Madrid Museums
Madrid（Prado Museum、El Retiro Park、Plaza Mayor）
Take the high-speed train from Valencia to Madrid (about 2 hours). Walk to the Prado Museum and El Retiro Park in the afternoon.
Stay: Puerta del Sol Area
Day 7 · Toledo Day Trip
Madrid（Toledo、Royal Palace of Madrid）
Take the high-speed train from Atocha Station to Toledo (about 30 minutes). Return to Madrid in the afternoon and walk to the Royal Palace.
Stay: Puerta del Sol Area
Day 8 · Stop in Córdoba & Continue to Seville
Córdoba（Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba、Jewish Quarter of Córdoba、Roman Bridge of Córdoba）
Take the high-speed train from Madrid to Córdoba (about 2 hours). Continue to Seville in the evening (about 45 minutes).
Book tickets in two separate segments; confirm luggage storage options in advance.
Stay: Santa Cruz
Day 9 · Royal Alcázar & Seville Cathedral
Seville（Real Alcázar of Seville、Seville Cathedral & La Giralda、Barrio de Santa Cruz、Plaza de España, Seville）
Walk all day. It takes about 20 minutes from Barrio Santa Cruz to Plaza de España.
The Royal Alcázar requires timed-entry tickets booked in advance.
Stay: Santa Cruz
Day 10 · Triana & Transfer to Granada
Seville（Triana） → Granada（Albaicín、Mirador de San Nicolás）
Explore Triana in the morning. Take a direct train to Granada (about 2 hours and 40 minutes); daily departures are limited.
Book afternoon trains early; you can have dinner in Albaicín to catch the sunset.
Stay: Plaza Nueva Centre
Day 11 · Alhambra & Departure
Granada（Alhambra, Granada、Granada Cathedral、Royal Chapel of Granada）
Take a city minibus to the Alhambra (about 15 minutes). After the visit, return to the city and transfer to a train or bus to depart.
Alhambra tickets are highly sought after; book a morning slot as early as possible before departure.