What would be an example itinerary between Madrid and Barcelona?

A standard 8-day route begins with two days in Madrid where travelers explore the lively Plaza Mayor and historic Royal Palace. The journey continues to Toledo's medieval streets then moves to Cordoba to see the grand Mosque-Cathedral. Two days in Seville allow time for the Cathedral and Santa Cruz district. The route includes Granada's famed Alhambra Palace Valencia's modern City of Arts and Sciences and ends with two full days in Barcelona at the Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. As one TourRadar traveler described: "The pace was perfect - we had enough time in each city to see the main attractions while also having free time to explore on our own. Particularly loved the evening in Madrid's Plaza Mayor and the morning tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter."

What are the most common destinations visited between Madrid and Barcelona?

The route between these two cities typically includes stops in Seville Granada Valencia Cordoba and Zaragoza. Most travelers spend time at Granada's Alhambra Palace explore Cordoba's Jewish Quarter and visit Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences. Each stop typically includes 1-2 nights to see key sites. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The itinerary was great covering all major highlights. We particularly loved seeing the contrast between Granada's Moorish architecture and Barcelona's modernist buildings like the Sagrada Familia."

What is the average price I can expect to pay for a Madrid to Barcelona tour?

Tour prices range from USD 1100 to USD 5200 with most options falling between USD 2500-3500 based on duration and what's included. The 8-day Classical Spain tour starts at USD 1110 (USD 139 daily) while premium options like Insight Vacations' Northern Spain tour costs USD 4250 (USD 386 daily). Prices generally cover stays at 4-star properties such as NH Madrid Ribera and Hilton Barcelona plus guided tours and select meals. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The tour provided good value considering the quality of hotels and included experiences."

What are the average tour lengths for tours from Madrid to Barcelona?

Most routes take 8-15 days with the sweet spot being 11-12 days for complete exploration of key sites. The Classical Spain tour covers 10 destinations in 8 days while longer journeys like the Treasures from Spain and Portugal span 15 days visiting 24 locations. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The duration of the trip was the right amount of time for me. We added 2 days at the beginning and the end because we knew the 8 day trip was going to be busy."

What is the average distance covered for a tour from Madrid to Barcelona?

Tours cover between 1200-1800 kilometers (745-1120 miles) depending on the chosen route and stops. While the direct path between Madrid and Barcelona spans 620 kilometers (385 miles) most tours take scenic detours through southern Spain and along the Mediterranean coast. Transport includes modern coaches and high-speed trains with services like the Classical Spain using rail for longer stretches. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The travel times between cities were manageable and the comfortable coaches made the journey enjoyable while taking in Spain's diverse landscapes."

What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary between Madrid and Barcelona?

A common 5-day schedule includes: Day 1 - Madrid arrival and evening Plaza Mayor walk; Day 2 - Madrid sightseeing at Royal Palace and Retiro Park; Day 3 - Travel to Zaragoza's Cathedral-Basilica then Poblet Monastery before reaching Barcelona; Day 4 - Barcelona highlights including Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter; Day 5 - Morning in Barcelona before departure. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The Madrid to Barcelona route via Zaragoza gave us a perfect mix of historical sites local culture and architectural wonders. Having two nights in each major city allowed enough time to explore."

Madrid to Barcelona Tours

Find adventures that start in Madrid and then finish in Barcelona. Trips from Madrid to Barcelona are most popular in April, with the most tours doing this route then.

10 best Madrid to Barcelona tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
4.2 (20 traveler reviews)
"Interesting locations along the way with local guides to provide information. Buses were very comfortable."
Peter, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Madrid, Trujillo, Lisbon, Fatima, Caceres, Seville, Cordoba,Ronda,Torremolinos,Granada,Valencia,Barcelona+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
10% Off
From $1,827
US$1,644per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Southern Spain
4.6 (63 traveler reviews)
"Tour was a good mix of group time, solo time, up time and down time. Highly recommend!"
lisa, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Barcelona
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,199
US$1,649per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Discovery of Spain & Portugal - 15 days
3.7 (34 traveler reviews)
"The overall experience was magnificent. The tour has delivered the best quality care and utmost sightseeing."
Jeanette, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Madrid, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela,Viana do Castelo,Porto,Fatima,Aveiro,Lisbon,Merida,Seville,Cordoba,Granada,Valencia,Barcelona+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Click Tours
25% Off
From
US$3,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Spanish Delights, 7 days
4.2 (19 traveler reviews)
"The places I stayed, the things I've seen…. Priceless!"
Stephen, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Torremolinos, Granada,Valencia,Barcelona+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
15% Off
From $1,297
US$1,103per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
9-Day tour From Madrid to Barcelona through Andalusia and the Mediterranean Coast
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"The tour offers an overview of each city, you have to do your homework and book extra tours."
JOHN, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Julia Travel
15% Off
From $1,995
US$1,696per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Spain
4.2 (20 traveler reviews)
"A memorable trip offering insight into a fascinating, colourful country with a unique history and vibrant, warm culture."
Linda, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Madrid, Granada, Ronda, Tarifa, Seville, Cordoba, Valencia,Barcelona+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Andalucia
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$4,630per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Northern Spain Explorer
4.4 (12 traveler reviews)
"The amazing variety of pinches. The food in San Sebastian especially."
Robert, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Madrid, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Laguardia, Pamplona,Zaragoza,Barcelona+2 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
15% Off
From
US$2,990per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Treasures of Spain and Portugal (End Barcelona)
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"Enjoyed everything about our tour."
Robert, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Zamora, Santiago de Compostela,Porto,Fatima,Lisbon,Seville,Granada,Guadix,Valencia,Peniscola,Barcelona+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $4,650
US$4,185per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Spanish Culture - 9 Days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The places we visited were very interesting. He made the tour."
Murray, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Madrid, Toledo, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Valencia,Barcelona+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Click Tours
20% Off
From $2,180
US$1,744per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Classical Spain (without Alhambra) (10 destinations)
3.3 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Madrid, Museo del Prado, Granada, Malaga, Marbella, Ronda,Seville,Costa del Sol,Zaragoza,Barcelona+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
20% Off
From
US$1,258per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Madrid and Barcelona
3.9 (103 traveler reviews)
"Great trip with excellent guides."
Judith, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Madrid, Zaragoza, Poblet, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
20% Off
From
US$620per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Charming Spain - 9 Days
3.7 (50 traveler reviews)
"Thank you very much for the perfect trip."
Naomi, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Madrid, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Valencia,Barcelona+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Click Tours
20% Off
From
US$2,120per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Flavors of Spain: A 11 Day Journey Through Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Wonderful Holidays did an absolutely amazing job of pulling together a fantastic trip."
Courtney, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Madrid, Seville, Granada, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
15% Off
From $4,289
US$3,646per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Classical Spain (10 destinations)
3.9 (94 traveler reviews)
"It was a wonderful experience for us. We enjoyed it."
Obaydullah, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Madrid, Museo del Prado, Granada, Seville, Malaga, Ronda,Marbella,Costa del Sol,Zaragoza,Barcelona+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
15% Off
From
US$1,291per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Spanish Experience (End Barcelona)
4.3 (38 traveler reviews)
"An amazing tour and I highly recommend it. Just get those walking shoes on."
PaulBlackbeard, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, Guadix, Valencia,Peniscola,Barcelona+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $1,725
US$1,553per person
Price based on Shared Room
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