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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Barcelona and the Highlights of Andalucia

8-day rail trip through Barcelona, Andalucia, and Madrid

Illustration of Barcelona and the Highlights of Andalucia

Railbookers operates this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation through Spain, connecting Barcelona, Granada, Seville, and Madrid by Renfe train. The trip opens with two nights in Barcelona, including a small-group tour of the Sagrada Familia. A train leads to Granada, where an escorted evening in the Sacromonte quarter includes a flamenco show with tapas, followed by a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. From Granada, the high-speed RENFE line reaches Seville for a tour of the Plaza de España, the Royal Alcázar, and the Cathedral, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The journey ends with a single night in Madrid, reached by the AVE train, with a small-group tapas and wine tour to close the trip. This is a self-guided journey with pre-arranged tours layered in, suited to travelers who want the history and architecture of Andalucia without planning each train connection themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator does not publish specific hotel names or star ratings for this package; confirm the properties with Railbookers before booking.
  • The final stop in Madrid is a single night, shorter than the two-night stays in Barcelona, Granada, and Seville, so sightseeing there is limited to one evening and morning.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Welcome to Barcelona! On arrival make your way to the hotel for a two-night stay, then head out to explore the city with your Hop-on Hop-off pass.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Beat the crowds this morning on a small group tour of the Sagrada Familia, then continue to explore this great city with your Hop-on Hop-off pass.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Granada

    Granada

    Take the train to Granada today and head to your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening you are escorted to the caves of the Sacromonte quarter for an authentic Flamenco show including tapas and drinks.

  4. Day 4overnight: Granada

    Granada and The Alhambra Palace

    Enjoy exploring the narrow streets of Granada independently today, but also tour one of the treasures of the world in the Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Seville

    Seville

    After breakfast at your hotel take the direct train to Seville, and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a stroll down to the river perhaps or admire the impressive Metropol Parasol.

  6. Day 6overnight: Seville

    Seville

    This morning embark on a tour of the absolute highlights of Seville, including the impressive Plaza de Espana, San Telmo Palace, Royal Alcázar and huge Cathedral and see the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Board the highspeed Ave train to Madrid this morning, then check-in at your hotel for your final night's stay. In the afternoon perhaps visit the Prado museum or the Puerta del Sol. This evening enjoy a very small group tapas and wine tour led by a local.

  8. Day 8rail

    End Of Tour

    Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home, or speak to any of our Rail Experts about extending your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3An escorted evening visits the caves of the Sacromonte quarter for a flamenco show with tapas and drinks.
  • Day 4A guided tour visits the Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens after a morning exploring Granada's streets independently.
  • Day 6A tour of Seville's highlights takes in the Plaza de España, San Telmo Palace, the Royal Alcázar, and the Cathedral, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
  • Day 7The high-speed AVE train reaches Madrid for a final evening that includes a small-group tapas and wine tour.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Barcelona
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Granada
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Seville
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid
  • Hop-on Hop-off pass in Barcelona
  • Skip the line Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona
  • Authentic Flamenco show with tapas and drinks in Granada
  • Small group tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens in Granada
  • Small group tour of Seville including skip the line Royal Alcázar, and Seville Cathedral
  • A local Tapas and Wine tasting tour in Madrid

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, Railbookers includes rail travel on Renfe, including the high-speed AVE train to Madrid.
Is this trip guided or independent?
A self-guided rail journey, though most cities include a pre-arranged small-group tour, and day 4 in Granada is left for independent exploring.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Barcelona, Granada, Seville, and Madrid.
What is included?
Rail travel, hotels with breakfast, a Sagrada Familia tour, a flamenco show with tapas in Granada, an Alhambra Palace tour, a Seville highlights tour, and a tapas and wine tour in Madrid.
How many nights in each city?
Two nights each in Barcelona, Granada, and Seville, and one night in Madrid.

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