Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Spain, Self-Guided Barcelona Tour

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a private driver will take you and your family into the city. Settle in, and when you're ready, head out with the kids to explore. For a fabulous view of the area, take the Montjuïc Cable Car from the metro station near Olympic Park to the summit of Montjuïc—a 1,988-foot (606 m) high hill with a 17th-century castle at the top. It's a fun ride for the little ones, and the castle is an excellent place for a post-flight stretch of the legs, with plenty of features and history to capture the kids' imaginations. 

Afterward, immerse yourselves in Spanish heritage with a visit to Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum featuring over 100 recreated buildings in the style of traditional Spanish villages. Wander the craft stalls, grab a bite to eat at one of the cafés, and don't miss the Picasso drawings and ceramics at the site's modern-art museum. As the sun dips, make your way to the nearby Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, named for the dazzling display of water and colored lights that occur after dark. End your evening by sampling delicious tapas at one of the city's family-friendly restaurants. 

Day 2: Visit Park Güell & Sagrada Família

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for a captivating half-day tour of works by the famous architect and master of Catalan Modernism, Antonio Gaudí. First up is the UNESCO-listed Park Güell, perched atop Carmel Hill in north Barcelona. Little ones will be captivated by the two pavilions that resemble Hansel and Gretel's gingerbread house, and the whimsical surroundings set the tone for the rest of the park. Stroll the walkways and gardens and explore the enchanting features, including a fun mosaic dragon staircase.

The city's famous Sagrada Família is your family's next stop, and despite being unfinished, it is considered one of the best examples of Gaudí's unique style. Explore the interior while your guide reveals insights into the church's fascinating history and impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-Modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Don't miss the stained-glass windows, which orchestrate a symphony of color across the sky-high ceiling and towering columns, a dazzling sight for kids and adults alike. 

Finish your tour in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore as you wish. Dine at a nearby neighborhood restaurant or picnic at Ciutadella Park, where the kids can explore the sculptures, playgrounds, and the city's zoo. If the sun is out, head to Barceloneta Beach for a family swim and some downtime before toasting your European adventure with a glass of cava at one of the beachfront cafés. 

Day 3: Family Tour of the Gothic Quarter, Mount Tibidabo & Theme Park

This morning, introduce the kids to Spanish culture and history with a fun, family-friendly tour of the city's famous Gothic Quarter and trendy El Born neighborhood. Stroll the narrow cobbled streets and discover the hidden Temple of Augustus, a 2,000-year-old Roman ruin nestled in a quiet courtyard and unearthed by accident in the 19th century. Wander the grand palm-tree-lined Plaça Reial (Royal Plaza), with its elegant porticoes, and stop for a delicious mid-morning snack of churros con chocolate.

Continue exploring and soaking up the atmosphere as your guide leads the kids on a "dragon hunt" and regales the little ones with enchanting stories of Spanish legends and heroes. Then visit the intriguing Casa dels Entremesos (Museum of Giants) to see the enormous papier-mâché figures used in local festivals throughout the year. After you've worked up an appetite, enjoy lunch and a cool drink at one of the neighborhood restaurants while the excited kids get to practice some of the simple Spanish phrases they've learned from their guide.

In the afternoon, you and your family will head to the mountains in the city's north. It's a fun journey up to the 1,680 (512 m) peak of Mount Tibidabo as you and the kids board the funicular up to Barcelona's best vantage point. It's the perfect spot for a family selfie as you admire the views and take in the grand Temple of the Sacred Heart, Tibidabo's neo-Gothic marvel. Make the kids' day with a trip to the adjacent theme park, and as the sun sets, head to the famous Carrer de Blai—a street famous for its vast number of mouthwatering tapas restaurants.

Day 4: Train to Valencia, Guided Tour of the Historic Center

Embark on the next leg of your Spanish adventure this morning as you hop on a train for a three-hour journey to the charming city of Valencia on Spain's east coast. Settle in at your hotel and rally the kids for a family-friendly tour of the town. Get your bearings as your guide leads you to the town's historical center and see major landmarks, including the Plaza Del Ayuntamiento (the Baroque City Hall), the historic Mercado Central, and the 15th-century Gothic fortress of Llotja de la Seda. 

Break for refreshments and enjoy an agua de Valencia, a fruity citrus cocktail, while the kids try the local horchata (a sweet and creamy refreshing drink made with tiger nuts). End your tour with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valencia Cathedral, a remarkable 13th-century Gothic basilica in the heart of the Old Town. If the kids are hungry, you'll be spoilt for choice with options. Valencia is the undisputed home of paella, and your guide will be happy to recommend some of the best local spots. 

Day 5: Explore Valencia with the Kids

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with the family and spend the day discovering Valencia's attractions. Top of your list should be the City of Arts and Sciences, a unique leisure complex home to the interactive Prince Philip Science Museum and the world-famous L'Oceanogràfic aquarium. Stroll through the longest underwater tunnel in Europe and marvel with the kids at its various denizens of the deep, including mantas, sharks, and even beluga whales.

After lunch, relax in the lush surroundings of the vast Turia Gardens, one of Spain's largest urban parks. It's a delightful place for kids of all ages, and the impressive Gulliver Park play area features massive structures inspired by the characters of Jonathan Swift. Little ones will love channeling their inner Lilliputian as they climb onto the park's giant reclining figure's fingers, legs, and hair! In the evening, savor the city's sights with one last stroll around the Old Town before dining out in style at one of the local restaurants. 

Day 6: Train to Madrid, Free Afternoon

Pack snacks and head to the station this morning as you and your family catch a high-speed train to Madrid. Spain's family-friendly capital is awash with playground-filled plazas and quaint streets steeped in art, culture, and history. You'll get to see the main sights on tomorrow's tour, so unwind after the journey and take the kids to El Parque Retiro—a relaxing oasis created as a retreat for the royal family and opened as a park to the public in the late 1700s. It's the perfect spot to stretch the legs, let the little ones burn off some energy, and enjoy a bit of family downtime. 

If your kids are older and keen to delve deeper into the city's culture, there are plenty of options. Take in a show on Gran Vía, Madrid's answer to Broadway, where you'll find plenty of plays and musicals geared toward the whole family as well as numerous museums and art galleries. As dusk falls, sample Madrid's world-class culinary scene. From local family-friendly restaurants to the famous Botín (dating back to 1725 and listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world), you'll be spoilt for choice.

Day 7: Family Tour of Madrid's Royal Legacy

Spend the morning getting to grips with Spain's regal history and discover Madrid's iconic landmarks with a half-day city tour. Accompanied by your guide, stroll to the grand Plaza Mayor, once the central marketplace for Old Madrid and today a bustling hub for locals and tourists. Little ones will be enthralled with tales of royalty, artists, and explorers as you see sights such as the 17th-century statue of King Felipe III. Stop for a cold drink before discovering the gourmet San Miguel Food Market and the bustling Puerto del Sol, Madrid's central square.

Finish your tour with a kid-friendly visit to the 18th-century Royal Palace, a compelling mix of neoclassical and Baroque architecture and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Discover the crowns, swords, and jewels on display while your little ones channel their inner monarch and explore the Throne Room, Royal Armoury, and Hall of the Crown. Visit the stunning Painting Gallery with works by some of Spain's most notable artists and pop next door to the nearby Sabatini Gardens, where you and the kids can watch the changing of the guards. 

Afterward, grab some downtime back at your hotel or spend a few more hours at El Parque Retiro. If you didn't get the chance yesterday, hire a rowboat, enjoy a gentle paddle on the park's mirror-like lake, or visit the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, a beautiful rose garden home to over 4,000 blooms. In the evening, head to the Old Town and dine out in style as you recount the highlights of your trip so far.

Day 8: Family Day Trip to Toledo

Today's fun-filled day trip starts with 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.

Explore the historic sights with your knowledgeable guide and let the cobbled streets and Toledo's towering location above the Tajo River fire up the kids' imaginations as you make your way to a nearby foundry. Here you'll see where ancient blacksmiths forged Zorro-worthy swords, learn about the forging process and admire the famous Toledo steelwork of the blades on display. End your day with a hands-on marzipan workshop and tasting where you and the kids will learn how to confect this traditional Spanish treat—invented in Toledo and first made by the city's nuns.

Day 9:  Train to Seville, Half-Day City Tour

Your tour of Spain continues this morning with a 2.5-hour train journey south into Andalusia. Your destination is Seville, the region's charming sun-drenched capital on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Check into your hotel before meeting your guide and heading out for a half-day city tour.

First up is the 15th-century Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic church in the world. Fascinate the kids with stories of Christopher Columbus, whose tomb is held aloft by four statues in the church. Climb the famous belltower, La Giralda, for beautiful city views and spot the stylistic differences of the 12th-century pillar, initially built as a minaret for the Great Mosque. Then travel back to the era of the Christian conquest with a visit to the Alcázar of Seville, a 14th-century royal palace commissioned for King Peter of Castile.

Admire the intricate tile work and Mudéjar architecture as the little ones explore and recreate their own conquests in the palace's well-manicured gardens, with plenty of fountains and courtyards to see. Afterward, stroll the pretty, colorful streets of the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the city's former Jewish Quarter and the perfect spot to break for lunch and discover Seville's renowned gastronomy. Spend the rest of the day browsing the crafts markets and local shops, or return to your hotel for some downtime before dinner. 

Day 10: Family Visit to an Andalusian Olive-Oil Estate

Experience the Andalusian countryside today as you and your family meet your guide and drive to a historic olive oil estate 30 minutes outside Seville. Enjoy a warm welcome and a typical Spanish breakfast of churros, café con leche, and pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread), and hear about the estate's fascinating history. Learn how in the 17th century, Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil into the New World and see the centuries-old olive oil presses preserved from the 16th century.

While the kids play in the estate's wide open fields and meet the resident purebred Spanish horses, discover the on-site olive oil museum with over 150 varieties of olives from 13 countries. You'll learn about the characteristics and qualities of the olives and then have the opportunity to put your newfound knowledge to good use with an olive oil tasting. Spend time relaxing on the patio and enjoy the stunning views across the Andalusian countryside before returning to Seville.

Day 11: Family Day Trip to Ronda, 4WD Experience

Make treasured memories today as this morning, you and your family take a private transfer to Andaluisia's famed Pueblos Blancos, the ancient white villages nestled in the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. After an hour or so, you'll stop at Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most impressive. Task the kids with spotting the impressive Moorish castle perched above the town as you stroll the pretty streets dotted with whitewashed houses and colorful bougainvillea.

Hop back in the car, and it's just over a half-hour drive to the ancient city of Ronda. The town's dramatic setting above the El Tajo gorge seals its fascinating history and separates the 15th-century New Town and its legendary 18th-century Plaza de Toro (bullring) from its Islamic Old Town. To fully appreciate its storybook setting, you and the kids will enjoy an off-roading adventure as you clamber into a comfy 4WD and embark on an exhilarating excursion around Ronda's rugged terrain.

Your experienced guide and driver will navigate dirt paths through the gorge inaccessible by other types of vehicles before driving around the city and into Ronda's historic center. Stop to admire the spectacular views of the gorge and head down from the city for more off-roading routes before taking a break for refreshments. Eventually, you and the kids will make your way back to the town along the Tagus River, where you'll have time to shop for souvenirs. After a transfer back to your hotel, dine on traditional Spanish fare and raise a toast to your family adventures.

Day 12: Train to Madrid, Depart

It's time to say goodbye as after breakfast, you and your family take a private transfer to the station for your train to Madrid, in time for your flight home or to continue your European adventure. Safe travels!

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