Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Family Food Tour

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a private driver will take you and your family into the city, where you can check into your hotel and unwind. If tummies are starting to rumble and the kids are eager to explore, then this afternoon's family-focused foodie tour is just the ticket. Discover the city's sights and famous landmarks as you introduce the younger ones to a city where family dining isn't just welcomed but embraced.

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to a famous bodega-turned-tapas bar. Toast the start of your European holiday with an aperitif while the little ones tuck into a variety of kid-friendly fare, including a selection of locally cured hams, cheeses, olives, and other Spanish delicacies. Next up is a stroll around Barcelona's stunning Gothic Quarter. Marvel at La Sagrada Família and the city's 13th-century Cathedral of Barcelona as your friendly and entertaining guide keeps the kids occupied with a variety of fun and interactive activities. 

Wind your way through the narrow cobblestone streets and continue your tasting adventure with must-try tapas, including patatas bravas (fried potatoes with aioli), gambas (prawns), mussels, chorizo, and tasty croquettes, a guaranteed hit with the kids. Enjoy a glass of the local wine, and finish your foodie tour with Spain's famous crema Catalana, a sweet custard made with oranges and cinnamon, similar to a creme brûlée. Afterward, return to your hotel in anticipation of tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 2: Family Tour of the Gothic Quarter, Ascend Mount Tibidabo

Today you'll continue your exploration of Barcelona's medieval Gothic Quarter and its trendy El Born neighborhood. Enjoy strolling its narrow cobbled streets and discovering its highlights, but you'll do so on a two-hour tour geared toward families—that means a little extra fun "discovering" some of the most important monuments.

After meeting your guide, walk down the streets and enjoy the rich history as you pass Roman ruins, the grand Plaça Reial, and the Cathedral, which more than justifies a second viewing. Kids will have a blast as they take part in a "dragon hunt," learn about Spanish legends, visit candy stores, and stop at the Casa dels Entremesos, a "museum of giants" home to costumed, paper mache figures that locals parade around the city during Corpus Christi celebrations. 

After the tour, you'll head to the mountains in the city's north. Here you'll board a funicular elevator and ascend to the peak of Mount Tibidabo, which sits at an elevation of 1,680 feet (512 m). Besides the incredible views, the whole family will love visiting the grand Temple of the Sacred Heart Basilica and the adjacent theme park, which was inaugurated in 1905 and features carnival attractions, rides, and a Ferris wheel. 

Day 3: Train to Valencia, Tour the Historic Center

Bid farewell to Barcelona as you hop on a morning train bound for the city of Valencia. After a three-hour journey, you'll arrive at one of the most beloved cities on the Mediterranean coast. From the train station, transfer to your hotel and settle in before meeting your local guide for a half-day tour of the city.

Valencia is unique in that modern buildings exist alongside a well-preserved historic center. There's also a distinct culture here that reveals itself in the city's gastronomy—after all, this is the place that gave the world paella. In Valencia, a perfect pastime is strolling by the historic churches and castle ruins of the city center while breaking for refreshments. For kids, the local horchata (a sugary drink made with tiger nuts) steals the show, but adults might prefer agua de Valencia (a champagne/liquor/orange juice cocktail).

On a walking tour of the historic center, you'll visit the major highlights, including the Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, where Valencia's Baroque City Hall is located. Kids will love walking through the many stalls at Mercado Central, which, having opened in 1839, is one of the oldest municipal markets in Europe. Other stops include the 15th-century Llotja de la Seda, a Valencian-Gothic fortress that was once a financial center when Valencia dominated the silk trade, and the UNESCO World Heritage Valencia Cathedral, a 13th-century basilica. Your local guide will cater all these sites to the younger travelers, keeping them entertained with stories, tales, treats, and exciting monuments! 

Day 4: Family Activities & Flavors of Valencia

It wouldn't be a family trip to Valencia without visiting the City of Arts and Sciences. This architecturally unique complex covers nearly 75 acres (30 ha) and is where families could easily spend all day. The grounds feature an IMAX theater, the interactive Prince Philip Science Museum, an open-air oceanographic park, and one of the most-visited aquariums in the world. L'Oceanogràfic, as it's known, is a celebration of the Earth's oceans and faithfully recreates the most vital marine ecosystems. It's the largest aquarium in Europe, with its longest underwater tunnel, where kids can observe animals like mantas, sharks, and even beluga whales.

After an exciting morning at the museums and aquariums, enjoy a stroll through Valencia's historic streets in search of a traditional paella lunch. Alternatively, you could stay at the City of Arts and Sciences and dine in its rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Next, enjoy a leisurely walk around the Turia Gardens and the impressive Gulliver Park. The gardens are actually a long green space on the site of the dry bed of the Río Turia that encircles the city and is popular with cyclists, joggers, and families. Gulliver Park is a play area where children can have fun climbing on massive structures inspired by "Gulliver's Travels." 

Day 5: Train to Madrid, Explore the City

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll transfer to the train station and embark on a 3.5-hour journey to the nation's capital. Upon arrival in Madrid, check into your downtown hotel and then have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace. Tomorrow will be the grand tour of this historic metropolis, so you might want to opt for more leisurely activities this afternoon and evening. 

Perhaps you could take in a show! Gran Vía is Madrid's answer to Broadway, and on it, you'll find plenty of theaters showcasing plays and musical productions, many of which suit family outings. Past kid-friendly options have been "El Rey León" (The Lion King) and "Aladdin: The Musical." Needless to say, the options for culture in this city are vast, and you could also visit museums, art galleries, and live music venues if the mood strikes. For example, Madrid's most important museum, El Prado, provides an excellent kids' tour with a scavenger hunt. 

When night falls, indulge in Madrid's world-class culinary scene. If you want to dine amid history, head to the city center and Botín, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world—it first opened its doors in 1725. Kids are always excited to eat here, and adults will love it, too. 

Day 6: Family Tour of Madrid's Royal Legacy

Today you and the family will be honorary royalty and enjoy a tour of Madrid's royal legacy led by an expert local guide. Over the course of its long history, Madrid has seen many different eras, and today the city adorns itself with that rich history in its architecture, public spaces, and culture. One area you'll visit that's awash in regal splendor is Madrid de los Austrias, built in the 16th century and home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, which was once the heart of Old Madrid. Today, this is a kid-friendly square with street performers, street food, and lots of room to run around.

Of course, your little royals will explore the Royal Palace, which was the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll tour the exterior and interior of this 3,418-room monument of luxury, entering the parade grounds, the chambers of Charles III, several salons, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of the Crown, which displays Charles I's crown, scepter, and throne.

After the tour ends, consider a visit to El Retiro Park. This 308-acre (125 ha) expanse of foliage is the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and an artificial lake perfect for a family boat trip. There are also must-visit gardens here, including the Jardín de Vivaces (Garden of Vivacious Plants), Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (inspired by the Andalusia region), and a garden home to over 4,000 roses (best to see these blooms from May through June). Kids love visiting the tiny house known as Casita del Pescador and exploring the Crystal Palace, a structure made almost entirely of glass with free art exhibitions.

Day 7: Day Trip to Toledo & Zipline Experience 

This morning, you and the kids will take a half-hour train ride south of Madrid to Toledo, a historic city that served as Spain's capital in the 16th century. Described in the Middle Ages as the "city of the three cultures," legend has it that Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted, with remnants of monuments of the three faiths, found throughout the city. These include the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo, and the Moorish Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, which dates to the 12th century.

However, it's Toledo's scenic location atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo that will capture the kids' imagination, particularly when they learn they'll be flying across the river by zipline! Located in the heart of the city's Old Town, Fly Toledo is home to Europe's longest urban zipline at 590 feet (180 m). After a full safety briefing, it's time for you and the kids to fly like a bird as you soar over the river and admire the incredible views of the Puente de San Martin (San Martin Bridge) and the city's medieval skyline. 

After several rides on the zipline, it's back down to earth with a wander through the cobbled streets as you grab a cool drink and a bite to eat. Depending on energy levels, you have several options. Continue the adventure vibe with a visit to a nearby foundry, where ancient blacksmiths forged swords worthy of Zorro and today showcases the city's famous steel production. Those with a sweet tooth won't want to miss a marzipan tasting. The traditional Spanish confectionary, invented in Toledo and first made by the city's nuns, is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. 

Day 8: Train to Seville, Private City Tour

After a leisurely breakfast with the family, transfer to the train station and board your 2.5-hour journey to Seville, the capital of Andalusia and a historical metropolis in its own right. After checking into your hotel, you'll head out to enjoy the best of Seville on a family-friendly tour, witnessing this remarkable city through your kid's eyes. Your private tour includes fun activities, entertaining stories, a tasty treat, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy trivia questions, fun facts, treasure hunts, and new words in the local language, all ways to show kids how delightful Seville can be! 

You'll start by visiting the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman Catholic church, and the Alcázar of Seville. This royal palace was commissioned for King Peter of Castile in the 14th century and built over the site of a former Muslim fortress. It features well-manicured gardens, and the building is one of the nation's finest examples of Mudéjar architecture. 

Next, walk to the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the Jewish Quarter. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars with plenty of kid-friendly food options. In the evening, head to Seville's historic Old Town for delicious tapas at family-run taverns and authentic flamenco, a musical style birthed right here in Andalusia. Tip: choose a seat near the back so your kids can have a little fun dancing! For dinner, feast on local delicacies like acorn-fed Iberian ham, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in oil), bacalao (salt cod), and plenty of kid-friendly grub, including patatas bravas, croquettes, and Spanish omelet.

Day 9: Family Day Trip to Ronda

Get ready for an adventure you and your kids will never forget! A driver will meet you in the morning for your journey from Seville to the ancient white villages nestled in the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. About an hour into the trip, you'll stop at Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most impressive villages in the region. Sitting atop a mountain, this town was a Moorish outpost until the early 15th century. You can see remnants of this in the form of the iconic castle perched atop the rocky mountaintop just above the town.

From here, you'll drive a short way to Ronda, an ancient city dating back to the sixth century when the Celts first settled it. It's a storybook locale carved out of a mountain and situated over a deep gorge, one of the country's most unique and dramatic cities. You won't be exploring on foot; instead, you and your crew will enjoy an exciting off-roading experience.

Trade your private car for a 4WD buggy and embark on an-off road excursion of the rugged terrain around Ronda. Your guide will drive you along dirt paths through the gorge that is inaccessible by any other type of vehicle. You'll then go around the city, passing through Ronda's historic center and by its ancient Plaza de Toros (bullring), Puente Nuevo, and Mirador de Ronda. There will, of course, be plenty of stops to admire the spectacular views of the gorge.

Day 10: Return to Madrid, Depart

It's time to say farewell. After a train ride back to the capital of Madrid, you'll transfer by vehicle to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. This concludes your great Spanish adventure. Adiós!

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