Spain itinerary: tapas, beaches and ancient fortresses

Barcelona: Dream beaches and Catalan flair

Barcelona is known for its beaches, its paella, its impressive architecture and its Catalan flair. Enjoy the city and everything it has to offer on the first stop of this tour. Blending old-world charm with modernity, the city's architecture ranges from the famous Sagrada Família to Park Güell and Barcelona Cathedral to Montjuïc Castle.

Watch a magical fountain show at the Font Màgica, wander through the Gothic Quarter, enjoy the sand and sun on one of the many beaches and treat yourself to tapas, whether at the authentic La Cova Fumada, Sensi Tapas or Sensi Bistro.

Your taste buds will thank you later. Stroll along the famous La Rambla, buy local produce at the Boqueria Market and catch a flamenco show. When you leave Barcelona, you'll only have scratched the surface of Spanish customs and cuisine. On to Valencia!

Valencia: Paradise for orange lovers

Valencia is a charming Spanish city with narrow cobbled streets, medieval buildings, glittering sandy beaches and turquoise water. Explore amazing art galleries and enjoy the sight of countless orange trees. Valencia is famous for its oranges, which you absolutely have to try – whether as whole fruit, in a glass of orange juice or in the special Valencian Agua de Valencia cocktail.

Valencia is also known for its very own paella, made with rabbit and chicken rather than the usual seafood. This paella is so tasty and so sacred to the region that there's even an official body that decides what can go into a Valencian paella and be called one. Who knew?

During your stay in Valencia you can explore the city on foot or by bike, or put together your own tour. Visit the Central Market and bring an empty stomach so you can feast on the delicious food. Cycle through the Turia Gardens, one of the largest city parks in the country. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences or admire the architecture along the old riverbed. If you're into art, be sure to visit the free Museu de Belles Arts de València to see famous Spanish artists such as El Greco and Goya.

Toledo: Charming old town

Toledo is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. At the heart of the city is the walled old town. It's wonderfully preserved – big enough to get lost in its winding cobbled streets, yet small enough to find your way back to the Plaza de Zocodover. Around every corner you'll discover a pretty little shop or a grandma doing her laundry.

The Primate Cathedral of Toledo is a key landmark in the old town that you'll always find your way back to. It's an impressive example of Spanish art and architecture, as is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Watch the sunset from the Mirador del Valle, visit the El Greco Museum and delve deeper into the area's Moorish influences at the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and the Puerta de Bisagra.

Madrid: Art, green spaces and the best food ever

Madrid is full of life, energy and culture. The city boasts exquisite art galleries, historic buildings and museums. All around you you'll find 16th- and 17th-century art and architecture. The Prado is the first place to go for works dating back as far as the 12th century. A must for art lovers, the Prado Museum houses the finest collection of European art, Renaissance masterpieces and original Goyas.

Madrid also has plenty of lush green gardens, such as Retiro Park, and big squares where the locals gather. Enjoy a shopping stroll along the Gran Vía or grab a few Napolitanas de Chocolate from La Mallorquina on the Puerta del Sol.

See how kings once lived at the Palacio Real (the Royal Palace), or treat yourself like royalty and order from the food stalls at the Mercado San Miguel. And don't forget to grab a tortilla española (a Spanish potato omelette) – you'll find it all over the city!

Ávila: Walled wonder

Ávila is a World Heritage city, surrounded by many breathtaking architectural landmarks. It welcomes you with a fairytale atmosphere, enchanting castles and picturesque views.

One of the city's most striking features is its impressive city walls, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other architectural wonders in the city include the Basilica de San Vicente, the Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás and the Cathedral of the Saviour (Ávila Cathedral).

Spain is known for its festivals and fairs, and Ávila has a handful of its own. In early September, Spain's largest medieval fair takes place in the heart of the city – or plan your trip around Easter to experience a whole week of celebrations during Semana Santa.

León: A stop on the Camino de Santiago

León, known as a popular stop on the famous Camino de Santiago, greets you with countless impressive sights, historic buildings, remarkable museums and cathedrals as soon as your train pulls in.

As you stroll through the city or walk part of the Camino, you can visit the Basilica of San Isidoro and the incredible Monastery of San Marcos. It houses a museum, a church and an amazing luxury hotel that's worth a night's stay – or at least a visit.

Enjoy a drink or some tapas in the Barrio Húmedo, a neighbourhood known for its food and drink. And if you haven't had enough of Gaudí in Barcelona, Casa Botines is another of the Gaudí works scattered across northern Spain.

Bilbao: The Basque Country

San Sebastián: Surfer Paradise

San Sebastián, with its azure water and gentle hills along the coast, is one of the most picturesque places in Spain. People may come here for the beaches, the surfing and the jazz and film festivals, but many also come for the food. This city is a gastronomic destination that truly doesn't disappoint. Spend an evening in the many pintxos and wine bars the city has to offer, or treat yourself to a fine meal at one of its six Michelin-starred restaurants.

Soak up the sun on La Concha beach or, from May to August, take a boat to Santa Clara Island to hike or swim. Visit the Catedral del Buen Pastor, walk from the city centre up to Mota Castle or ride the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo, where you'll have a gorgeous view over the bay of San Sebastián.

We hope you've eaten enough tapas and pintxos, drunk enough Spanish wine, soaked up enough sun and enjoyed the sights and culture of Spain.