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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Madrid and Andalucia

Independent rail tour of Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, and Seville

Illustration of Madrid and Andalucia

Railbookers' Madrid and Andalucia is an 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation across four Spanish cities, starting in Madrid and ending in Seville. After a first night in Madrid exploring the Plaza Mayor, day 2 brings a Renfe train ride from Atocha station to Granada for two nights, where the included walking tour covers the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. The train continues through the countryside to Cordoba for two nights, taking in the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Mosque-Cathedral, plus an included flamenco show. A final train ride past Andalucia's orange groves leads to Seville for two nights, closing with an early-access tour of the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Most days between train rides are left free for independent exploring rather than group touring. This suits travelers who want to move through several Andalucian cities by rail at their own pace, with a handful of arranged experiences rather than a fully escorted schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most days are unguided, independent sightseeing; only the Alhambra walking tour, the Cordoba flamenco show, and the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar visit are included as arranged experiences.
  • The evidence for this listing does not include specific departure dates; confirm current scheduling and availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Madrid

    Your Journey Begins in Madrid

    Welcome to Madrid! On arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Head out to explore the vibrant capital of Spain, maybe strolling to the Plaza Mayor, where you can sit down in one of the many cafes lining the square. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Bakery House, which dominates the area, or just soak in the lively atmosphere. Madrid is renowned for its many art galleries, so why not pay a visit to the Prado Museum and take a look at the impressive collection of inspiring artworks? (Overnight in Madrid)

  2. Day 2railovernight: Granada

    Madrid to Granada

    After breakfast, make your way to Atocha station and board the train, gliding through Spain's sweeping scenery to Granada. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon discovering the narrow alleys of the Bib-Rambla district or wander over to the historic neighbourhood of Albaico­n for some spectacular views of the massive Alhambra fortress. (Overnight in Granada)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Granada

    Granada

    Immerse yourself this morning in Spain's Moorish past with your included entrance to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, the most popular attraction in the city and one of the most beloved monuments in all of Spain. With construction starting in the 11th century, and numerous additions and revisions over hundreds of years, the palace is now a painstakingly restored love letter to Moorish architecture. (Overnight in Granada)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cordoba

    Granada to Cordoba

    Board your train and meander through the striking countryside to Santa Ana, for your train to the historic city of Cordoba. On arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend time roaming the picturesque alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, dominated by the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, with its colossal Roman columns and impressive interior. (Overnight in Cordoba)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Cordoba

    Cordoba

    After breakfast this morning, shop until you drop in the Plaza de las Tendillas, where you will also find a large number of cafes perfect for a refreshing drink and people watching. You can also pay a visit to Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, an ancient Roman fortress dating back to the 8th century, and relax in the bordering garden, which is among the city's most beautiful green spaces. This evening enjoy the ancient passions of Flamenco with a 2hr show included at Tablao Flamenco El Cardenal. (Overnight in Cordoba)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Seville

    Cordoba to Seville

    Continue your adventure to Andalucia by catching a train to Seville and gaze in awe as this region's typical orange groves pass by your window. Arrive in Seville and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your exploration in the Parque de Maro­a Luisa, one of the many green havens in Seville. Relax by the pond or admire the evening sun illuminating the buildings of Plaza de Espana. Also situated here is the Museum of Art and Traditions, where you can view remarkable collections of ceramics or the interesting photo archive. (Overnight in Seville)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Seville

    Seville

    After an early breakfast, miss the crowds with an early access tour of the spectacular Royal Palace of Alcázar and the magnificent Seville Cathedral – home to many riches of Spanish Colonialism as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Perhaps climb the steady slope to the top of La Giralda for an impressive view, or even atop the futurist Metropol Parasol for a unique photo opportunity. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a meal of tapas and sample other local specialties at one of the many pavement bars around the city. (Overnight in Seville)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Seville

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Consultants will be happy to assist you with the details. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Renfe train ride from Madrid's Atocha station through Spain's countryside to Granada
  • Day 3A skip-the-line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, construction of which began in the 11th century
  • Day 4Exploring Cordoba's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, dominated by the Mosque-Cathedral with its Roman columns
  • Day 6A train ride from Cordoba to Seville past the region's orange groves
  • Day 7An early-access tour of the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Madrid 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Granada 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Cordoba 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Seville Skip the line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada 2hr Flamenco show in Cordoba Early access tour of Seville Cathedral and Alcázar including tickets

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel as per the itinerary is included, covering Madrid to Granada, Granada to Cordoba, and Cordoba to Seville by Renfe train.
Is this trip independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation. Most days are self-guided, with three included experiences: the Alhambra tour, the Cordoba flamenco show, and the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar visit.
What hotels are included?
1 night in Madrid, 2 nights in Granada, 2 nights in Cordoba, and 2 nights in Seville, all with breakfast.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A skip-the-line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, a 2-hour flamenco show in Cordoba, and an early-access tour of Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar including tickets.
How much walking is involved?
City sightseeing on foot, including the Alhambra walking tour, the old towns of Cordoba and Seville, and a climb to the top of La Giralda tower.

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