A Sampling of Spain & Coastal France in 7 Days

While you can definitely start your trip in the stunning city of Paris, we are going to jump ahead to the coast and land in Nice, France. After flying in, give yourself some time to adjust from the jet lag and take it easy by heading to your hotel and unwinding for a bit. This city is easygoing, beautiful, and oh so walkable. After you feel refreshed, take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais to the Old Town area and get lost along the streets and shops. From there, find yourself at the Michelin-rated Olive & Artichaut for a delicious tasting menu to start your trip on a delicious note.

Wake up refreshed and enjoy your complimentary breakfast through booking with Hyatt Prive—you’ll want to feel energized for the steps you’re about to take! Make your way over to the Colline du Chateau for a relaxing morning of taking in the views of the French Riviera. This climb will test your legs, but I promise the views of the coast are worth it! From there, make your way to Parc du Mont Boron to get a few more steps in and visit the historical forts and castles in the area. After all that walking, you definitely deserve a little R&R. Luckily, Nice is home to some of the best beach clubs, so it’s time to spend the afternoon along the water. I set up camp at Le Galet, but if you want the best of the best, make your way to Negresco Beach Club. To end your day, freshen up and head over to Bocca Nisse for dinner and cocktails on their rooftop.

After a taste of the French Riviera, let’s hop on a quick flight and make our way to what quickly became one of my favorite cities I’ve ever visited: Barcelona. The hype really is true—this place has it all. Architecture, beaches, amazing dining and bars, and top-tier hospitality, Barcelona is a one-stop shop to showcase the best of Europe. Check in to Grand Hotel Central in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and take it easy wandering the streets. From there, head over to Montjuic and explore the hill and its museums to get insight on Catalan history. After, end your day with delicious tapas at Babula Bar and a drink at one of Barcelona’s unique bars, Sips.

It’s day four and it’s time to truly immerse yourself in the stunning architectural style of Gaudi, with a few other stops too, of course! While semi-touristy, these architectural sites are a must and worth navigating the crowds. Prebook your time in the morning to visit the Sagrada Familia and simply bask in the light coming through the beautiful stained glass windows. From there, take a walk through the streets to Parc de la Ciutadella to enjoy the gardens and Cascada Monument. You’re right near the beach, so might as well stroll over to Gallito for tapas along the water! After that, make your way up La Rambla to Casa Mila and Casa Battlo to enjoy some more of Gaudi’s work, budgeting about an hour for each house. What a day! You’ve earned some fine dining, so book a reservation for Berbena—the food will speak for itself, I promise.

Barcelona is known for its incredible bar scene, but let’s switch it up today with a day trip out to Montserrat to visit the stone mountains and Spanish wine country. Your tour will pick you up in the Barcelona city center and take you to the beautiful town of Montserrat to visit the beautiful monastery before you visit a local vineyard. From there, you’ll enjoy tapas and a selection of local wines, where your guide explains the unique flavors and notes of each taste. Following the tour, you’ll make your way back to the city to enjoy a bottle of Cava at the rooftop pool of your hotel to relax, and then make your way to Park Guell at sunset for a final touch of Gaudi’s work with a view out to the city. After sundown, make your way to Cruix for some seafood paella for your last night in Catalonia.

Time to say goodbye to Catalan coast and make your way inland to Madrid. Rather than fly, enjoy a leisurely morning in bed and enjoy your breakfast, then pack up and head to Barcelona’s train station. You’ll speed by the Spanish countryside and find yourself in the capital city in just over two hours. Check in to the Thompson Madrid, just off Grand Via in the heart of the city, and start exploring from there! Give yourself time to once again get lost in the streets of the city, but be sure to stop at Chocolateria San Gines for some churros. During my stop in Madrid, day six was centered around a visit to the Eras Tour. While Taylor Swift might not be here for your visit, you should still make your way to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to see Real Madrid compete!

One last full day in the city! After breakfast, take a walk over to the Royal Palace and Campo del Moro gardens. Then navigate to the other side of the city, with maybe a lunch pit stop at Honest Greens, to explore El Retiro Park. Be sure to stroll through the rose garden and explore the winding trails! Cross the street and visit Museo del Prado to view the masterpieces by Goya and Velazquez. After a jam-packed morning and early afternoon, head back to the Thompson and get some sun at the rooftop pool. In the Spanish heat, a dip in the refreshing pool and a cocktail will be just what you need! But alas, your trip will be coming to a close and you should end it off with a Michelin star meal at Santerra. Splurge on the tasting menu and wine pairings to celebrate all the sights you’ve seen and steps you’ve taken—this meal will live in your memories forever, I promise!

Sadly, it is time to say goodbye. Enjoy one last breakfast and morning stroll, then make your way to Madrid’s architecturally stunning airport to fly back home.