7-Day Spain Tour: Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona and Zaragoza from Madrid

Traveling through Spain’s most captivating cities in a week sounds ambitious—and it is. This 7-day journey takes you from Madrid to some of the country’s most photogenic and historically significant spots, including Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. The tour, priced at around $1,376.16 per person, offers guided visits, free time, and cozy accommodations, making it appealing for those eager to see a lot without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit top landmarks like the Alhambra and La Sagrada Familia—guided, of course, to get the most out of each site. Plus, the balance of guided tours and free exploration allows you to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.

A possible consideration is the amount of time spent on the bus—the itinerary involves quite a bit of driving, which can make some days feel rushed. This is common with quick tour circuits, so if you prefer slow, in-depth city stays, this might not suit your style.

This tour works best for travelers who want a broad overview of Spain’s highlights without sacrificing the chance to enjoy some authentic moments. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who appreciate guided insights and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Visiting Six Cities in One Week: A whirlwind but rewarding way to get a snapshot of Spain’s diverse regions.
• Guided and Free Time Balance: Guided tours of major landmarks complemented by optional free exploration.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned coach ensures a mostly comfortable ride between destinations.
• Landmark Highlights Included: Visits to the Alhambra, Córdoba’s Great Mosque, and Gaudí’s masterpieces.
• Accommodations and Meals: 3- or 4-star hotels with six breakfasts and three dinners included add value.
• Group Size and Flexibility: Up to 40 travelers, with a mix of guided and independent activities, suited for social but manageable groups.

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off in Madrid, where you meet your group early in the morning. From there, the journey swiftly moves southward into Andalusia, stopping in Cordoba to visit the Mezquita Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Spain’s most memorable sights with its stunning blend of Moorish and Christian architecture. As one reviewer pointed out, the guided visit to Cordoba’s Great Mosque is a highlight, and the experience is enhanced by local guides who bring the history alive.

Next, you head to Seville, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture. The catedral and Barrio Santa Cruz are on the itinerary, with free time for wandering or relaxing in Maria Luisa Park. The guided city tour here is thorough, and guides receive praise for their knowledge and care, with one reviewer describing their guide as “excellent.”

The Moorish Marvel: Granada and the Alhambra

From Seville, the tour travels east to Granada, where the Alhambra Palace steals the show. This UNESCO-listed site is as impressive as you’d expect—delighting visitors with its intricate Islamic design, lush gardens, and fascinating history. The guided visit to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens is a major selling point, and the experience is considered worth every penny. One traveler raved about how the sight inspired writers like W. Irving, emphasizing the cultural richness of this stop.

It’s worth noting that the Alhambra is a popular attraction, so booking ahead is advisable. The optional Flamenco show in Sacromonte adds a lively local flavor for those wanting an authentic Andalusian evening.

Moving North: Valencia and the Mediterranean Coast

After Granada, the tour takes you along Spain’s sunny Mediterranean coast, stopping in Valencia—a city famous for both its Paella and futuristic architecture. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a standout, with futuristic buildings like the Hemispheric and Oceanographic aquarium. The tour allows about three hours for this visit, giving you enough time to appreciate the modern marvels.

One review describes Valencia as a “vibrant city,” and the inclusion of free time means you can explore more of its old town or simply relax in the sunshine. The tour briefly passes through Murcia and Alicante, showcasing Spain’s diverse landscapes.

The Catalan Capital: Barcelona

The highlight for many is Barcelona, with its Gaudí masterpieces and Olympic sights. The guided city tour covers La Pedrera, Casa Milà, Montjuïc Park, and the Olympic Port. This city is a feast for the senses—both architecturally and gastronomically. You’ll see stunning views from Montjuïc, and the guide’s commentary adds context to each site.

One reviewer appreciated that guides “took good care” of the group and demonstrated extensive knowledge. The free afternoon allows you to explore more—perhaps visit a local tapas bar or stroll along Las Ramblas.

The Final Stop: Zaragoza

On the last day, you visit Zaragoza, a city rich in history on the banks of the Ebro River. The Basilica of Our Lady Pilar is a major site, offering impressive Baroque architecture. The free time here is a chance to wander the charming streets or take in the river views, with the tour ending back in Madrid.

Transportation and Accommodation

The use of an air-conditioned deluxe coach makes long days of travel bearable, though some reviews note the large group size (up to 40), which can feel a bit crowded. The hotels are either 3 or 4-star, with travelers generally finding the standards comparable, regardless of the grade selected. One review mentioned that “saving money on the standard rooms” might be a wise choice, as differences seem minimal.

Meals include six breakfasts and three dinners, often at local restaurants, giving a taste of regional cuisine. However, travelers should note that food and drinks outside those included are at their own expense.

Guided Tours and Free Time

The inclusion of guided visits at major landmarks like the Alhambra and Cordoba’s Great Mosque is invaluable, especially for first-timers. Guides are praised for their knowledge, making the history and significance of sites understandable and engaging.

However, some reviews mention minimal explanations in English and wish for more in-depth guidance, especially in larger cities like Barcelona. The free time each day is a big plus, allowing you to explore independently or simply soak up the local atmosphere.

The Balance of Value and Experience

At roughly $1,376, this tour offers good value considering the number of cities visited, guided tours, accommodations, and most meals included. It’s a time-efficient way to see Spain’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a guided structure.

That said, the bus-heavy schedule means long hours in transit—something to keep in mind if you prefer a slower, more immersive experience. Some reviews highlight the wasted time visiting two hotels per city; choosing hotels closer to city centers could help reduce this.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This itinerary is best suited for first-time visitors to Spain who want to get a broad overview of its most famous cities. If you enjoy guided history and architecture tours, you’ll appreciate the curated visits to sites like the Alhambra and Sagrada Familia.

It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind a touristic, structured experience and are comfortable with some bus travel. Food lovers will enjoy regional specialties, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty of postcard-worthy scenes.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day journey through Spain offers a solid introduction to its diverse regions, stunning landmarks, and vibrant city life. The guided tours are generally well-reviewed for their knowledgeable guides, making complex histories accessible and engaging. The mix of scheduled sightseeing and free time strikes a good balance—especially for travelers eager to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

The accommodations and included meals provide a convenient base, though some travelers might find the hotel standards comparable across different levels and question the value of the upgraded options. The transportation, while efficient, involves substantial time on the bus, which might be tiring for some.

Ultimately, this tour is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in Spain, covering a lot of ground with expert guidance, and are comfortable with a somewhat fast-paced schedule. It’s an excellent choice for first-timers or anyone wanting a structured, guided introduction to Spain’s most iconic cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour welcomes solo travelers, and most reviews mention making new friends along the way. The group size is manageable, and guides are attentive.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Most travelers found the hotels to be of 3 or 4-star standard, generally comfortable and conveniently located, though there’s little difference between the two levels according to some reviews.

What does the included price cover?
The tour price includes guided visits, hotel accommodations for six nights, round-trip coach transport, six breakfasts, and three dinners. Extra meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

How much free time will I have?
Every day offers some free time, especially in larger cities like Barcelona and Valencia, allowing for independent exploration or relaxing.

Are the guided tours worth it?
Most reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and care as a significant plus, making complex sites more understandable and enjoyable.

Is the travel pace too fast?
Some travelers mention long hours on the bus and a busy schedule that can feel rushed, especially when visiting multiple cities in a short span.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, which is reasonable but could be crowded during peak times or in popular sites.

Can I customize the hotels or upgrade?
You can choose between standard and superior hotel options, but reviews suggest the difference in quality is minimal. Upgrading may not be worth the extra cost.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund if done at least 6 days before the start date. Later cancellations are partial or non-refundable.

This 7-day tour offers an energetic primer on Spain’s most celebrated cities—perfect if you’re eager to see a lot in a short amount of time and enjoy guided insights along the way. With careful planning and a flexible attitude, you’ll come away with a solid sense of Spain’s diverse landscape, architecture, and culture.