Luxury 9-Day Relaxed Spain Road Trip Vacation from Madrid to Cuenca

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Spain begins when you reach Madrid, where you’ll stay for a total of 6 nights.

Madrid is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent plaza de España. Around 98,199 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Madrid offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Coque. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

El Social serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Madrid has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 944 reviews.

Sobrino de Botín is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,311 customers, Sobrino de Botín is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Madrid looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Salmon Guru, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,802 reviews.

El miniBAR offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Madrid. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Areia. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Spain! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Madrid at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Madrid, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 5 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Main Square. This incredible square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Madrid, the wonderful Market of San Miguel. This building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Royal Palace of Madrid. This royal palace has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,471 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Temple of Debod. This egyptian temple is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 44,446 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Madrid itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Madrid. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, La Mi Venta. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,658 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Madrid and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,124 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Lambuzo. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,622 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Sambhad cocktail bar terraza. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Sambhad cocktail bar terraza has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,029 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Spain gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Madrid and visit more of its attractions.

Madrid has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 4 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Museo del Prado, one of the top attractions in the city. This fascinating art museum attracts 3,497,345 annual visitors and is a must if you swing by Madrid. In fact, the incredible Museo del Prado has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 32,846 guests. Every year, around 671,078 visitors spend time marveling at this amazing art museum.

Another place of interest in the city of Madrid is the notable Puerta de Alcalá. The popular Puerta de Alcalá is a highlight of many travel packages in Madrid. As a matter of fact, this remarkable triumphal arch has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 43,833 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Madrid, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Take your time exploring this wonderful association football venue and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 120,158 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Madrid by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Madrid.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Madrid, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Arrabal Madrid is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Madrid-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,924 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Asador Real is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Asador Real proved an excellent choice for around 1,789 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Madrid is Restaurante Alabaster, which has an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 1,156 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Madrid, Del Diego Cocktail Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 1,245 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.6 over 5 stars by 966 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Harvey's Cocktail Bar may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,137 customers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Madrid and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain on a great note!

Day 4 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Spain gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Madrid and visit more of its attractions.

Madrid has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 46,855 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Crystal Palace. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 39,270 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Madrid is the notable El Retiro Park. The popular El Retiro Park is a highlight of many travel packages in Madrid. As a matter of fact, this remarkable urban park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 162,386 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Madrid, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Great Pond of El Retiro. Take your time exploring this wonderful park and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 22,242 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Las Ventas. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 29,501 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Las Ventas is something to look forward to in Madrid.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Madrid by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Madrid.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Madrid, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Madrid, Cafe Madrid. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 662 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Inclán Brutal Bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.6 over 5 stars by 7,713 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Madrid and end day 4 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain on a great note!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Segovia, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

This top sight attracts more than 754,946 people each year. Around 49,713 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing stone bridge that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 95,202 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain more memorable. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,635 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Spain is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Segovia. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Segovia and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Segovia that will make your self-drive tour in Spain more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Madrid for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Spain by eating at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Mas Al Sur, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Madrid is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,973 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Cervantes Cervecería, another well-known bar in Madrid. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,073 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Venta El Buscón. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers, Venta El Buscón is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Madrid.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Spain is all about!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cuenca, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Archaeological Park of Segóbriga is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,689 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Roman theater of Segóbriga. This unique roman theatre is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,400 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Belmonte Castle. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,390 visitors, this museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cuenca has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cuenca. In Cuenca, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,722 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurante Recreo Peral.

Locals also recommend Raff San Pedro as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Raff San Pedro as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,142 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at CASA MARLO. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 863 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Las Brasas. Las Brasas is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,335 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is La Ronería De La Habana. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,072 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Taberna Jovi. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Taberna Jovi is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 672 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Cuenca. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Cuenca, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,564 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Hotel Torremangana. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 4,807 guests, Hotel Torremangana is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 4-star Exe Cuenca offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Exe Cuenca is a top-rated budget hotel in Cuenca with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,799 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Cuenca. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cuenca, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum. This fossil museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Cuenca. The fascinating Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,372 travelers.

Cuenca is also home to the captivating Science Museum of Castilla La Mancha, a local museum and another popular attraction in the city. About 2,072 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary San Pablo Bridge is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Spain. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,784 travelers, San Pablo Bridge proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Ciudad Encantada. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing protected area and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,016 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Serrania de Cuenca. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating park and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 5,733 visitors have rated the famous Serrania de Cuenca an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cuenca, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Cuenca, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Cuenca is Trivio. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 777 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Restaurante Mesón Nazareno y Oro for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Cuenca. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.

Another alternative is Asador De Antonio. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 668 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cuenca. At Bar La Ponderosa, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,611 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at CAFE BAR PRINCESA, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,109 reviews.

La tasca del Arte is also one of the best places in Cuenca where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 831 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

On day 8 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Spain. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Spain.

You’ll spend 1 night in Madrid.

This square and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 3,189 visitors.

Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Spain, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Spain and discover the wonderful Community of Madrid.

While in Community of Madrid, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Royal Palace of Aranjuez. This royal palace and popular site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,506 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Community of Madrid.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Spain comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Madrid. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Madrid, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Madrid.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Spain with a toast at a top-rated bar in Madrid!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Madrid.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Madrid once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Spain on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Madrid or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Madrid and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.