This 8-day Spain itinerary combines Madrid and Barcelona, the two cities most requested by Arab travellers, with a day trip to Toledo. At the end of the page there is an alternative programme for Andalusia (Seville, Córdoba and Granada) for those interested in Islamic history. The schedule is written in a format suited to a visa file.
Best time to visit Spain
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) are best for Madrid and Andalusia, because summer inland is very hot. Barcelona and the coast also suit summer. Spanish visa appointments get busy before summer, so apply at least two months before you travel.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madrid | Arrival, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor | Flight to Madrid-Barajas | Hotel, Madrid |
| 2 | Madrid | Royal Palace, Prado Museum | Metro | Hotel, Madrid |
| 3 | Toledo | Day trip to the old town, returning in the evening | High-speed train (about 30 minutes) | Hotel, Madrid |
| 4 | Madrid | Retiro Park, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium | Metro | Hotel, Madrid |
| 5 | Madrid → Barcelona | Transfer, La Rambla | AVE train (about 3 hours) | Hotel, Barcelona |
| 6 | Barcelona | Sagrada Família, Park Güell | Metro | Hotel, Barcelona |
| 7 | Barcelona | Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta Beach | Walk | Hotel, Barcelona |
| 8 | Barcelona | Departure | Flight from Barcelona | — |
Getting around between cities
Spain’s high-speed rail network is one of the best in Europe: the AVE train connects Madrid and Barcelona in about 3 hours from Atocha station, which in practice is faster than flying once airport time is counted. Toledo is half an hour from Madrid, so you can visit it in a day without changing hotels.
Alternative: Andalusia in 7 days
| Days | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Seville | Real Alcázar, the Giralda, Plaza de España |
| 4 | Córdoba | The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, the old quarter |
| 5–7 | Granada | The Alhambra (book in advance), the Albaicín quarter |
Travel between the three cities by train or bus, arriving via Málaga or Seville airport.
Visa and trip documents
All nights are in Spain, so you apply to the Spanish embassy through BLS centres. Details are in our guide to the Spain visa from Saudi Arabia. Match your nights in Madrid and Barcelona with your hotel bookings, and your arrival and departure days with your flight reservation.
We prepare this itinerary or the Andalusia programme with your own dates, with hotel bookings in every city.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine both programmes in one trip?
Yes, on a 12 to 14-day trip, travelling between Madrid and Andalusia by high-speed train.
Do I need train tickets in my file?
The embassy doesn’t usually require them; stating your transport in the itinerary is enough.
Do I need to book the Alhambra in advance?
Yes. Tickets are limited each day and sell out early, especially in spring and summer.
