7-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander to Valladolid, Madrid, and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Santander city beach aerial panoramic view
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Spain.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Santander, 1 night in Valladolid, 2 nights in Madrid, and 1 night in Vitoria-Gasteiz, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Spain. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Santander, Valladolid, Madrid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Bilbao. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Spain you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Santander, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Spain, including the stunning Museo del Prado and El Retiro Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Spain. From the magnificent Main Square to the breathtaking Market of San Miguel and Royal Palace of Madrid, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable plaza de España and learn more about the unique Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Santander, Valladolid, Madrid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Bilbao, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Spain. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Spain.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Spain.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Spain has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Spain. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Spain extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Spain today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander / 2 nights
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of Valladolid skyline, Spain.Valladolid / 1 night
Vitoria-Gasteiz - city in SpainVitoria-Gasteiz / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao

Map

Attractions

Photo of Retiro Park that is a city park in Madrid's Retiro district.El Retiro Park
Plaza Mayor, Sol, Centro, Madrid, Área metropolitana de Madrid y Corredor del Henares, Community of Madrid, SpainMain Square
Photo of the Santiago Bernabéu aerial view football stadium in Madrid, Spain.Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Photo of Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. Mercado San Miguel of Madrid is one of the most popular landmark in Madrid, Spain.Market of San Miguel
Photo of entrance to the Prado Museum in Madrid at this time, a sunny day with blue skies and clouds.Museo del Prado
Photo of Plaza de España in Seville Spain.Plaza de España
Photo of the Royal Palace of Madrid through the gardens, Spain.Royal Palace of Madrid
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina SofíaMuseo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
photo of the Puerta de Alcala is a monument in the Independence Square at morning in Madrid, Spain.Puerta de Alcalá
photo of aerial view of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial near Madrid, Spain.Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Centro Botin, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro Botin
“Puerto de Navacerrada” Ski Station
Photo of Colorful and modern Bilbao Bridge, Basque Country, Spain.Zubizuri
Photo of Fountain in Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park at night - park in Bilbao, Vizcaya, Basque Country, Spain.Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
Federico Moyua enparantza, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainFederiko Moiua enparantza
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, Santander, Cantabria, SpainMuseo Marítimo del Cantábrico
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Indautxu, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainMuseum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
Photo of View of plaza porticada square in Santander, Spain.Plaza Porticada
Parque Atlántico de Las LlamasLlamas Park
photo of Photograph taken at the Felipe II Chair and as the background of the town of El Escorial and its Monastery in Madrid Spain.Silla de Felipe II
Parque de Mataleñas
Frailes Garden

Travel details

Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Santander - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Santander - arrival day

  • Santander - Arrival Day
  • More
  • Plaza Porticada
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Santander. You’ll stay in Santander for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Santander has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Plaza Porticada. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,395 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Santander, Cadelo Restaurante. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Santander is Restaurante Los Peñucas. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,136 customers.

Locals recommend Bodega del Riojano as one of the best restaurants in the city of Santander. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,195 customers.

Santander also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Santander is La Magnolia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,129 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Santander is Little Bobby. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 920 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 2 - Santander and Valladolid

Day 2

Day 2 - Santander and Valladolid

  • Santander
  • Valladolid
  • More

Drive 257 km, 2 hours 52 min

  • Centro Botin
  • Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
  • Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
  • Parque de Mataleñas
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Spain, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Santander. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Valladolid. You’ll stay in Valladolid for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Santander’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Santander, start your day with a visit to the amazing Centro Botin. This much-appreciated art museum and attraction is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. Each year, around 111,096 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico. This maritime museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,771 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor to make the most of your road trip across Spain. The spectacular Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

The lovely Parque de Mataleñas is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,724 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Santander has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Valladolid. Valladolid offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular La Parrilla De San Lorenzo. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,433 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurante Jero is another top restaurant in Valladolid we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,796 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous La Tasquita is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,612 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Valladolid, the fantastic Villa Paramesa. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,082 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 3 - Collado Villalba and Madrid

Day 3

Day 3 - Collado Villalba and Madrid

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 234 km, 3 hours 25 min

  • “Puerto de Navacerrada” Ski Station
  • Frailes Garden
  • Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
  • Silla de Felipe II
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Valladolid and embark on a scenic drive to Madrid, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Valladolid and Guadarrama Basin before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Valladolid. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Parque Campo Grande. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,850 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Plaza Mayor. This attraction, a beloved square, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,713 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Valladolid is the stunning Plaza de Zorrilla. This square and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,590 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable “Puerto de Navacerrada” Ski Station. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 12,637 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Frailes Garden. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,686 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This monastery and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,732 visitors.

The lovely Silla de Felipe II is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,833 visitors have left this human-made geographic feature an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Guadarrama Basin, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Madrid. When you arrive in Madrid you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Salmon Guru. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,802 customers.

Locals also recommend Coque, another of the best restaurants in Madrid. Coque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at El Social. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 944 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit El miniBAR to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Madrid, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Areia. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Areia has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 4 - Madrid

Day 4

Day 4 - Madrid

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 9 km, 44 min

  • Museo del Prado
  • El Retiro Park
  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Main Square
  • Market of San Miguel
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip across Spain, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Madrid. You’ll stay in Madrid for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Mercader, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Madrid. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 510 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Madrid is the 5-star Eurostars Suites Mirasierra. The hotel is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,903 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Madrid is the 3-star B&B Hotel Madrid Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,888 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Madrid, like the outstanding Museo del Prado. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors and gathers around 3,497,345 every year.

El Retiro Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Madrid. This incredible attraction is an urban park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Madrid is the extraordinary Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 46,855 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Main Square. Around 152,388 visitors have given this square an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Market of San Miguel. Market of San Miguel is a popular building, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 106,296 travelers.

Come to Madrid prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Madrid.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Sobrino de Botín, after your day of exploring the city of Madrid. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,311 customers.

El miniBAR is another of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid is Areia. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers.

Locals recommend James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid, one of the best bars in the city of Madrid, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,124 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Madrid, Lambuzo. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,622 customers.

Sambhad cocktail bar terraza is also one of the best bars in the city of Madrid. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Spain.

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Experiences

Day 5 - Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Day 5

Day 5 - Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz

  • Madrid
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz
  • More

Drive 356 km, 4 hours 7 min

  • Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Plaza de España
  • Puerta de Alcalá
  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Madrid and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. You will stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Madrid is the amazing Royal Palace of Madrid. This attraction is a royal palace that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,471 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible square, plaza de España. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 98,199 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Madrid is the outstanding Puerta de Alcalá. This popular triumphal arch and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 43,833 visitors.

The spectacular Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating association football venue and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Madrid by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try PerretxiCo, one of the best restaurants in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

Locals also recommend El Toloño taberna as one of the best restaurants in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. El Toloño taberna is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,240 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz is The Bost jatetxea. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,103 customers.

After dinner, visit Aldapa Taberna, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,324 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 6 - Oviedo and Santander

Day 6

Day 6 - Oviedo and Santander

  • Santander
  • Bilbao
  • More

Drive 169 km, 2 hours 30 min

  • Zubizuri
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Vitoria-Gasteiz and embark on a scenic drive to Santander, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Vitoria-Gasteiz. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Plaza Virgen Blanca. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,751 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible La Florida. This attraction, a beloved urban park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,409 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Vitoria-Gasteiz is the stunning Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. This catholic cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,503 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Oviedo and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Bilbao has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Zubizuri. This attraction is a footbridge that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Guggenheim Museum. This museum building and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,815 reviews. This site welcomes approximately 530,967 yearly visitors.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Federiko Moiua enparantza. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

The lovely Doña Casilda Iturrizar park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,643 visitors have left this park an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Bilbao, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Santander. When you arrive in Santander you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like La Bombi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,500 customers.

Locals also recommend La Magnolia, another of the best restaurants in Santander. La Magnolia is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,129 customers.

After dinner, visit La Barruca de Calderón to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Santander, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,014 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Abel (Chelo y Quique). This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bar Abel (Chelo y Quique) has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,300 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 7 - Santander - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 - Santander - departure day

  • Santander - Departure Day
  • More
  • Llamas Park
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Santander before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Llamas Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Santander. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,849 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Santander and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Santander at Restaurante Posada Del Mar before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurante la Mayor for your last chance at a meal in the city of Santander. The Restaurante la Mayor restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 921 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Santander. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

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