Epic Family Adventure in Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Málaga & Barcelona - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Guided City Tour

Welcome to Spain! Your flight lands in the capital city of Madrid, a vibrant metropolis known for its art, culture, and history. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transport you to your accommodations, and after your family has a chance to regroup, it's time to get out and explore with a privately guided walking tour! 

Meet up with your expert local guide and walk to the Plaza Mayor, once the central marketplace of Old Madrid and a major hub for locals and tourists alike. See the statue of King Philip III, check out the souvenir shops, and let the kids enjoy the many street performers you're likely to see here. Your guide will share interesting facts and stories, with games and activities that will entertain kids and adults alike. And depending on the season, you may even be lucky enough to be at the plaza during one of their holiday events and markets! 

Stop at Lope de Vega Museum to see where the famous Golden Age writer once lived and worked, then continue to Jardines de Lepanto with its manicured trees, lawns, and walking paths. Stop for some delicious churros con chocolate at one of Madrid's famous churrerías, then end your tour at El Retiro, one of the largest parks in Madrid. Here, you'll find an artificial lake where the kids can spot turtles and swans, or you can rent a rowboat if you want to cruise around a bit. The park is also home to the Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace), a 19th-century conservatory used for art exhibitions.

Day 3:  Prado Museum Tour, Flamenco Dance Class

This morning, take an interactive, family-friendly private tour of the Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum). The experience will help the whole family appreciate the museum's art and history with fun activities, games, tasks, and stories. Designed for kids aged 6 to 12 years old, your guide will share little-known facts and anecdotes about the artists and their visions, and you'll have a chance to see works by artists like Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and more.

As you move through the museum, your kids will be tasked with activities to help them learn about the art and enjoy their museum experience, and your guide will use games and stories to explore individual pieces. Your little ones might be so inspired that they'll use all this newfound knowledge to create their own artistic masterpieces back home!

Later, learn all about the history of Spanish flamenco with a family dance class. The flamenco dance is considered a quintessential element of Spanish culture, and you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a fun and interactive exploration of this unique mix of dancing, music, and song. Learn the history behind the dance and try some dance moves alongside expert instructors and professional dancers, and after your lesson, participate in a show where you and the kids can show off your newfound skills! 

Day 4: Day Trip to Segovia: Hot-Air Balloon Ride & City Tour 

Take an adventurous day trip to the city of Segovia, located about an hour from Madrid and known for its ancient Roman aqueduct, Romanesque churches, and Gothic architecture. Your tour starts early in the morning, soaring across the city via hot-air balloon! Your family will get to watch the crew inflate the balloon, and after a safety briefing, you'll hop onboard and take to the skies. Cruise along at more than 3,000 feet (1,000 m) up, enjoying stunning bird's-eye views of the city at sunrise and passing by the aqueduct, cathedral, and Royal Alcázar.

Upon landing, celebrate the excursion with a light breakfast and glasses of sparkling cava for the adults. You'll also receive photos and videos taken during the flight and a certificate signed by your pilot. Then, it's time to explore Segovia on foot. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering plenty of historical sites to keep you and the kids entertained. A must-see stop includes the city's Roman Aqueduct, Spain's most important example of Roman engineering. It's also one of the world's best-preserved elevated aqueducts, built in the first century CE.

Visit the Segovia Cathedral and the fairytale-like palace, the Royal Alcázar, a picturesque fortress that clings dramatically to a cliff with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains as its backdrop. Enjoy free time at the palace, taking in the views and letting the kids burn some energy by running around the park. Then, in true Spanish style, sit down for a late lunch before heading back to Madrid. 

Day 5: Transfer to Toledo, Marzipan Workshop

You're off to historic Toledo today. A private driver will pick you up at your hotel in Madrid for the one-hour drive. Set on a hill above the Castilla-La Mancha region, this ancient city is rich in history. Its old medieval quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with architecture that showcases the Moorish influence, and you'll also find examples of Arab, Jewish, and Christian history throughout the city. Once you've gotten checked in at your hotel, learn more about Toledo's food and culture with a marzipan workshop.

The people of Toledo have been crafting natural almond marzipan since the 12th and 13th centuries, and your family will learn the history behind this sweet almond confection, working alongside local artisans as they share the secrets and specific methods for making the well-known dessert. The kids will enjoy making the marzipan and tasting the fruits of their labor, not even realizing how much they're learning about Spanish history, and you'll all have a sweet memento of your time in Toledo, not to mention a new recipe to wow friends and family! 

Day 6: Fire & Steel Sword-Making Workshop, Train to Córdoba

Toledo is known for the art of bladesmithing, and today your family will have the opportunity to learn more about this craft at a sword-making workshop. Observe a master swordsmith at work, and see the traditional techniques and production stages that make the Toledan blade so famous. During the class, you'll also learn about the history of Toledan steel and view several examples of blades from different regions and eras on the Iberian Peninsula. See renowned weaponry such as the Iberian falcata knife, The Cid's Tizona sword, and the swept hilts swords.

Once you've learned all about the sword-making process, it's time to create your own dagger. This hands-on part of the workshop allows you to try forging, tempering, and polishing steel yourself, with help from the experts and safety precautions. Choose from a dagger, dirk, or sword, and make it your own using your newfound skills. At the end of the workshop, you'll have a personalized (unsharpened!) dagger as a souvenir.

Afterward, you'll transfer to Córdoba, a train ride of about three hours. Located in the Andalusia region, this ancient city was originally founded by the Romans, with the subsequent Moorish conquest bringing Arab rule and what is now considered some of the most stunning examples of Moorish-Chritsian architecture, which includes the impressive mosque-cathedral, La Mezquita. You can take the family out to a local restaurant tonight or just rest and regroup.

Day 7: Mezquita, Alcázar & Jewish Quarter, Horseback Riding Adventure

Take your family on a journey through Córdoba's history with the help of a private guide. You'll learn about the city's storied past under Roman, Muslim, and Christian rule, starting with a visit to the Mezquita Cathedral. After being under Muslim rule for centuries, the Christians conquered the Iberian Peninsula, and most major cities removed the mosques and built cathedrals. But Córdoba decided to combine the two monuments, and you'll have a chance to see how the Islamic architecture blends perfectly with the decorative naves and Gothic-style ceilings. 

Next, you'll make your way into Córdoba's old Jewish Quarter, with its twisting streets and hidden corners. The kids will love the open courtyards and fountains, and the family can stroll through the beautiful gardens. From here, you can visit the Córdoba Synagogue, walk through the Calleja de la Hoguera (Bonfire Alley), and admire the art at the Capilla Mudéjar de San Bartolomé. Conclude your tour at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Alcazar of the Christian Kings), where you can see the Hall of Mosaics, Courtyard of the Women, and the Royal Baths.

If you'd like to see some of the sights outside of the city, head to the beautiful Cordoban countryside for a horseback riding excursion. Your ride starts in the small town of Villaviciosa de Córdoba, located about an hour from the city. Once the kids have gotten acquainted with the horses and you've been fitted with the proper gear, you'll start with a relaxing trot through the peaceful, rolling hills, taking you through open grasslands and olive groves. And if anyone in the family is a beginner rider, your guide will be there to answer questions and help you with the basics along the way. 

Day 9: Triana Pottery Class, Luxury Cruise on the Guadalquivir River 

Take a deep dive into local art and culture with a visit to Seville's arts district, Triana, for a ceramics workshop. The Triana neighborhood is known for its talents in flamenco dance, Azulejos ceramic tiles, pottery, and textiles, and your family will have a chance to learn more about this historic area and the artists that live and work here. You'll meet a local teacher, and after getting familiar with your supplies, you'll enjoy an introduction to the district's famed pottery through entertaining stories, facts, and unique anecdotes.

Watch a practical demonstration of Triana's traditional ceramic decoration techniques, and once you've got it down, you'll put your newfound knowledge to work and adorn your own piece of smooth tile. Your teacher will be available to answer questions and help guide you, and you can try different techniques to decorate a basin or ridge tile. Throughout the class, you'll all be learning new skills, and the kids can let their creativity flow, ending up with a perfect memento of Seville to take home. 

Later today, see more of the city with a relaxing river cruise. The Guadalquivir River is one of the longest in all of Spain and the only major navigable river in the country. Your tour takes you past some of the city's most notable sights, which include stunning views of Seville's waterfront and the beautiful bridges designed by renowned architects like Calatrava and followers of the famous Eiffel. Watch the bustling life on the riverbank as you relax with champagne and snacks, and the kids can keep an eye out for birds such as osprey or kites. 

Day 10: Tour Seville's Cathedral & Alcázar, Explore the Spanish Tapas Scene

See two of Seville's most important monuments today, the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar. You'll meet up with your guide in the morning, skipping the long lines and enjoying a personalized experience that digs deep into the city's history and heritage. Start at the cathedral (the world's largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and climb the bell tower, La Giralda, for incredible city views, then follow your guide through the picturesque Patio de Los Naranjos, the church's courtyard filled with orange trees.

From here, make your way to the Alcázar, originally a royal palace commissioned for King Peter of Castile, where you'll find more than 17 acres (7 ha) of grounds that the kids will love exploring. Walk through gorgeous greenery, fountains, and courtyards, and visit the tapestry-filled Gothic Palace, Baths of Lady María de Padilla, and the fascinating Mercury Pond, home to a school of friendly and curious fish that the kids are sure to find entertaining! Your guide will leave you with time to enjoy the gardens on your own, an opportunity for the family to relax amid the trees and fountains. 

By now, you're all likely to be hungry, so take a self-guided exploration into one of Seville's most well-known gastronomic treats—tapas! Seville is considered the birthplace of these delectable small plates, and many Spanish restaurants offer their own modern take on them. Start at La Brunilda, a tiny restaurant that prepares beautiful tapas with a modern twist. Then head to Casa Morales, where you'll find delicious tiny montaditos (sandwiches). Visit Ovejas Negras for contemporary dishes, then with the kids in mind, end at Kukuchurro for delicious churros con chocolate!

Day 11: Transfer to Málaga via Ronda

Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and take you on a scenic drive to the historic city of Ronda. One of Andalusia's famed Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), this is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the region, with breathtaking views and a huge river gorge that drops 383 feet (120 m) straight down. Enjoy a guided walking tour and family photo ops, then explore a bit on your own, taking in the medieval buildings and ancient Moorish architecture. 

After your afternoon tour, you'll get back on the road for the 1.5-hour drive to your final destination, the seaside town of Málaga, known for its beaches, culture, and lively atmosphere. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, and after you check in and relax, you're free to explore the city, walk down to the beach, or enjoy dinner at a local café. 

Day 12: Guided Family Treasure Hunt, Explore the Beaches of Málaga

Learn all about Málaga in a unique and fun way with a family treasure hunt! Rather than your typical walking tour, you and the kids will enjoy fun activities, hidden clues, and puzzles to solve as you learn about the city's history, culture, and architecture. Meet your guide at the city center's Plaza de la Constitución, and you'll receive instructions, an adventure kit, a treasure book, and GPS to direct you.

The route takes you along some of the city's most important sites, including the Alcazaba Moorish Castle, the Picasso statue, Teatro Romano (Roman Theater), and the famed Atarazanas Market. At each location, the kids can use the adventure kit to look for hidden clues and solve puzzles while learning about the history of the city. At the end of the hunt, you'll reach the final station, the "magical gardens." Here you'll find a personalized treasure chest, which the kids can open using all the clues they solved.

Later today, get in some beach time on some of the gorgeous stretches of sand that make Málaga so famous. The beaches here are easily accessible, and you can walk to spots like the popular Playa de la Malagueta right from the city center. This is a large beach with plenty of amenities, with gentle waves that the kids will enjoy. Other beach options include Playa Peñon del Cuervo, which has picnic tables and a barbecue area, or you can rent a car and make the 30-minute drive to Torre del Marre, a lovely beach resort area with a promenade, restaurants, and a kids' play area. 

Day 13: Fly to Barcelona, Kid-Friendly Gothic Quarter Walk

Your next destination is the city of Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region. This cosmopolitan city is known for its art, culture, and history and is a perfect blend of modern amenities, ancient architecture, and colorful neighborhoods. Catch the two-hour flight out of Málaga, then meet your driver, who will transport you to your hotel. After check-in, start your exploration of the city with a family-focused guided tour of Barcelona's oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. 

The tour begins with something that is sure to please the whole family: snacks! Your guide will take you to several traditional shops, including the oldest in Barcelona, and once inside, you'll taste local treats, including candy and typical holiday desserts, as well as that Spanish staple, churros con chocolate. Once you've sated your sweet tooth, continue through the quarter, stopping at sights such as the remnants of Roman Walls, built in the third century to protect the city, the Barcelona Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture, and the square of Plaça Sant Jaume.

Hear entertaining stories of the city's history, with fun games for the kids and an activity book that they can complete as they go. See the Roman Temple, then head to the Giants Museum to see the traditional papier-mâché masks and costumes used during local festivals. Enjoy a family-friendly theater performance that showcases the history of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, ending the tour at the medieval courtyards of Plaça del Rei, where the kids can run and play for a bit before returning to your hotel.

Day 15: Depart Barcelona

It's time to bid farewell to Spain. After breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport as you begin the journey back home or to your next destination. Safe travels!

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