Spain beckons with a symphony of experiences—vibrant culture pulsing through ancient streets, architectural marvels that defy imagination, and cuisine that transforms every meal into a celebration. This seven-day journey by high-speed train connects three of Spain’s most captivating cities, each offering its own distinct personality and treasures.
Days 1-3: Barcelona – Where Modernism Meets Medieval Magic
Your Spanish adventure begins in Barcelona, a city that dances between the avant-garde and the ancient. The energy here is infectious, flowing from bustling Las Ramblas to quiet Gothic corners where history whispers from every stone.
Gaudí’s Barcelona: A Living Dream
No visit to Barcelona is complete without immersing yourself in Antoni Gaudí’s visionary world. The Sagrada Familia stands as his masterpiece—a basilica that’s been under construction for over 140 years yet remains breathtakingly unfinished. The intricate facades tell biblical stories through stone, while the interior forest of columns creates a cathedral unlike any other on Earth.
Park Güell offers a different side of Gaudí’s genius. Originally conceived as a residential development, it’s now a whimsical wonderland where colorful mosaics, organic architecture, and panoramic city views combine to create pure magic. The serpentine bench overlooking Barcelona provides the perfect spot to contemplate the city sprawling toward the Mediterranean.
Gothic Quarter: Medieval Mysteries
The Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gótico) transports you back centuries through its labyrinth of narrow alleys and hidden plazas. Here, Roman foundations support medieval buildings, while trendy tapas bars nestle between ancient churches. Plaza del Rey and Plaza Sant Jaume offer breathing space in this dense urban maze, perfect for people-watching over a glass of vermouth.
Evening is tapas time. Barcelona’s small plate culture encourages leisurely exploration—try patatas bravas at one bar, jamón ibérico at another, and finish with seafood at a third. Each establishment has its own personality and specialty, making bar-hopping both a culinary and cultural education.
Days 4-5: Madrid – Royal Grandeur and Artistic Treasures
The high-speed AVE train whisks you from Barcelona to Madrid in just over two and a half hours, trading Mediterranean energy for Castilian elegance. Spain’s capital presents a more refined face, with grand boulevards, world-class museums, and a royal heritage that spans centuries.
Art Capital of Europe
The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s finest art collections, with Spanish masters Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya prominently featured. Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Goya’s haunting “Black Paintings” represent just fragments of this artistic treasure trove. The museum’s manageable size allows for deep appreciation rather than overwhelming marathon viewing.
The Royal Palace showcases Spanish royal history through opulent rooms, priceless tapestries, and an armory that rivals any in Europe. The palace’s 3,418 rooms make it larger than both Buckingham Palace and Versailles, though only a fraction are open to visitors.
Green Spaces and Urban Life
Retiro Park serves as Madrid’s green lung, where locals and visitors alike escape urban intensity. The Crystal Palace, a 19th-century iron and glass pavilion, houses contemporary art exhibitions surrounded by gardens and peaceful lakes. Rowing boats glide across the park’s central pond while street performers entertain from shaded pathways.
Madrid’s cuisine centers around hearty, traditional dishes perfect for the continental climate. Cocido Madrileño—a chickpea-based stew with meat and vegetables—represents the city’s culinary soul. Served in three courses (soup, vegetables, then meat), it’s a meal that encourages lingering conversation and appreciation for simple, well-prepared ingredients.
Days 6-7: Seville – Andalusian Soul and Moorish Splendor
Another high-speed train journey carries you south to Seville, where Andalusian passion meets Moorish architectural legacy. The temperature rises, the pace slows, and the scent of orange blossoms perfumes the air.
Architectural Marvels
The Alcazar palace complex represents nearly a millennium of architectural evolution, from Moorish beginnings through Christian additions. Intricate tilework (azulejos) covers walls and fountains, while gardens provide cool respite with their geometric precision and flowing water features. Game of Thrones fans will recognize courtyards and halls used as filming locations for Dorne.
Seville Cathedral claims the distinction of being the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Its soaring nave and elaborate altarpiece inspire awe, while the Giralda bell tower—originally a Moorish minaret—offers panoramic views across the city’s red-tiled rooftops. Christopher Columbus’s tomb adds historical gravitas to this architectural triumph.
Santa Cruz: Romance and Tradition
The Santa Cruz neighborhood embodies romantic Spain through narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies. Orange trees line the streets, their fragrance intensifying on warm evenings when locals emerge for their evening paseo (stroll).
Plaza de España, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, combines Renaissance and Moorish revival styles in a semicircular embrace. Ceramic tiles represent each Spanish province, while the central fountain and bridges create one of Spain’s most photographed locations.
Culinary Finale
Seville’s cuisine reflects its Andalusian heritage and warm climate. Gazpacho—the cold tomato soup perfect for hot afternoons—originated here. Pescaíto frito (fried fish) showcases the region’s proximity to the coast, while flamenco bars serve sherry and small plates as passionate guitar music fills the air.
The Train Journey Experience
Spain’s high-speed rail network transforms travel into part of the adventure. AVE trains reach speeds up to 310 kilometers per hour while maintaining whisper-quiet comfort. Large windows frame changing landscapes—from Catalonian countryside to Castilian plains to Andalusian olive groves—creating a geographic education that flights cannot match.
Onboard amenities include comfortable seating, café cars, and reliable WiFi, making travel time productive or relaxing according to your preference. The punctuality and efficiency of Spanish trains rivals any in Europe, with city-center to city-center convenience that eliminates airport hassles.
Beyond the Highlights
Each city rewards exploration beyond famous sites. Barcelona’s beachfront and El Born district offer contemporary culture, while Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood pulses with nightlife and alternative art. Seville’s Triana district maintains traditional ceramic workshops and flamenco venues away from tourist crowds.
This seven-day journey through Spain by train offers far more than transportation between cities—it provides a window into Spain’s diverse regional cultures, architectural evolution, and culinary traditions. Whether you’re drawn by history, culture, art, or simply the joy of discovery, this Spanish adventure by rail delivers experiences that linger long after your return home.
From Gaudí’s Barcelona fantasies through Madrid’s royal elegance to Seville’s Andalusian soul, Spain reveals itself gradually, rewar