Planning a 12-Day Trip to Spain in 2024/2025 (3 Top Itineraries)

With 12 days, you would have ample time to explore Spain's most iconic cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Afterward, you could choose one to two additional destinations based on your interests. For example, Valencia and a castle city would offer a family-friendly vacation. The Catalonia region is perfect for a honeymoon getaway and the Basque region is a paradise for foodies.

• 1. Highlights of Spain with Malaga for a Family Trip
• 2. Romantic Southern Spain and Catalonia for Couples
• 3. A Culinary Journey: Classic Spain with Basque in North

Highlights of Spain with Malaga for a Family Trip

• Nights 1–3: Barcelona
• Nights 4–5: Madrid
• Nights 6–7: Valencia
• Nights 8–9: Seville
• Nights 10–11: Malaga

This itinerary is perfect if your family is planning a summer vacation to Spain. It not only delves into the iconic Golden Triangle cities, but also includes family-friendly Valencia before concluding the trip with a beach stay.

Have an interactive experience that brings you face-to-face with the rich football history, iconic moments, and the club's achievements of FC Barcelona in Camp Nou stadium.

You would have the chance to see many famous football stars' jerseys and trophies up close, such as Messi's and Cruyff's jerseys, as well as the trophies won by the team in the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga.

Immerse yourself in a fun learning atmosphere with a treasure hunt at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Explore the majestic palace while engaging in a game-based quest to uncover secrets and anecdotes about the Spanish royal family. This interactive experience would make history come alive.

Explore Valencia on an e-bike tour to discover futuristic buildings and engage in interactive science experiences. This activity is designed to captivate and inspire children. Don't miss the chance to join a delightful paella workshop with your children, highlighting the joy of crafting seafood rice dishes in the hometown of paella.

Watch street artists perform flamenco dances or musical pieces. Your family could also row a boat along the canals surrounding Spanish squares. Renting a vintage carriage to tour the old town, accompanied by the clip-clop of horse hooves, you could enjoy the journey as though you were traveling in the ancient times of Seville.

The finale is Malaga, renowned as the birthplace of the famous painter Picasso.

Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Malaga offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and diving. Don't miss the chance to experience Malaga's beaches, where large rocks mingle with fine sand under its privileged climate, ensuring sunny weather all year round.

12-Day Spain Adventure for Families with TeensUnleash Your Family's Inner Explorer

Romantic Southern Spain and Catalonia for Couples

• Nights 1–3: Madrid (with a day trip to Cuenca)
• Nights 4–6: Seville
• Night 7: Granada
• Nights 8–9: Barcelona
• Nights 10–11: Girona or Begur (with day trips to Besalú and Figueres/Cadaqués)

This route is designed for couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and honeymoons, or those who share a love for art. The tour encompasses visits to the Golden Triangle cities and must-see attractions, featuring the majestic royal Madrid, artistic Barcelona, and traditionally Spanish Seville. Moreover, it extends to exploring their distinctive surrounding towns, offering medieval charm and paying homage to the great world-class artist Salvador Dalí and his works.

After visiting Madrid, you could head to the nearby town of Cuenca. The Hanging Houses, perched on the cliff's edge are iconic buildings. Dining inside the Hanging Houses would allow you to experience a blend of visual and culinary delights. Cuenca is also a medieval-style mountain town, perfect for hiking and leisurely strolls. You would feel like you've stepped into a magical world when wandering through the colorful houses, peculiar rock formations, and canyon landscapes.

Dive into the passion of flamenco in Seville, then continue your journey to Granada's luxurious Moorish noble Arab baths with your loved one. Imagine being surrounded by candlelight within well-preserved Moorish historical buildings. Experience relaxing massages and mental tranquility in a romantic atmosphere. It would be a dreamy setting for a memorable experience with your partner.

After visiting Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona, you could step into the setting of Westworld and Game of Thrones with your partner in Besalú. This small town has kept its medieval charm, which you would discover as you stroll along its winding streets. Well-preserved Romanesque bridges and squares would make a visit feel like you've traveled through time with your partner.

The last destinations are Figueres and Cadaqués. If you have an interest in art or are a fan of Salvador Dalí, you could visit his museum, birthplace, and hometown during this trip. Step into Dalí's fantastically-bizarre world with your loved one, while experiencing pure Mediterranean charm together. Experience surreal and theatrical creations.

12-Day Tour of Spain's History and ArtJourney Through Art & Time

A Culinary Journey: Classic Spain with Bilbao, La Rioja, and San Sebastián

• Nights 1–3: Madrid (a day trip to Segovia)
• Nights 4–5: Barcelona
• Nights 6–7: Bilbao
• Nights 8–11: San Sebastián (with a day trip to Biarritz in France)

This itinerary is designed for foodies. You could enjoy local cuisine while visiting the landmarks in Madrid and Barcelona. Then, head to the Basque region in northern Spain. The culinary highlights are concentrated toward the middle and end of the journey, with a relaxing beach day as the grand finale.

If you want to delve deeper into classic Spain, you could consider condensing the Basque region itinerary into a 5-day trip without a day trip to France and focus on the Golden Triangle cities.

While exploring Madrid, don't miss tasting the iconic Iberian ham and indulging in churros at the local markets. In Segovia, visit a fairy-tale castle and try the delicious roast pig and lamb dishes recommended there.

Bilbao is the hub of the Basque region, offering traditional Basque seafood rice, Basque-style grilled beef steak pintxos, and more delicacies for you to savor. Afterward, consider exploring the islet off the coast, famous for its appearance in the Game of Thrones series.

Next, indulge in a wine experience in La Rioja, renowned as "the wine capital". Enjoy some wine tasting followed by a traditional Riojan-style lunch and a visit to a traditional winery.

Spend a day indulging in a culinary journey with a Michelin Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastián. Learn modern and traditional Basque cooking techniques from expert chefs. Afterward, enjoy a pintxos tour, sampling different types of pintxos and beverages, showcasing the unique tapas style of the Basque region.

Enjoy the final day at your leisure to relax completely on the iconic La Concha beach with the best-reputed sand in Europe.

If you're up for further exploration, we could also arrange a day trip to cross the border to Biarritz in France, where you could stroll through picturesque streets and enjoy the charming beach town ambiance.