Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Madrid and Complete Andalucia

Independent rail tour of six Andalucian cities from Madrid

Illustration of Madrid and Complete Andalucia

Railbookers' Madrid and Complete Andalucia is a 15-day, 14-night independent rail vacation across six southern Spanish destinations, starting and ending in Madrid. After a first night in Madrid, the direct train reaches Granada for two nights, including a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and an evening of flamenco and tapas in the Sacromonte neighborhood. Three nights in Cordoba follow, with a walking tour of the Mosque-Cathedral and a day trip by rail to Jaen for its cathedral and Arab baths. The train continues to Cadiz for two nights, then Seville for three, where a small-group tour covers the Royal Alcázar and cathedral, and a full-day trip visits Ronda's White Villages and El Tajo gorge. The trip closes with two nights on the coast in Malaga and a final night back in Madrid. It suits travelers who want a deep, multi-city tour of Andalucia by rail, mixing included guided experiences with time to explore each base on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 in Madrid is unguided beyond the hotel check-in; sightseeing such as the Prado museum is left to your own initiative.
  • The Ronda day trip's transport is not specified as rail in the evidence, unlike the Jaen day trip, which explicitly runs on a scenic rail line.
  • 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 make your way to your hotel and check-in for one-night. Perhaps pop into the Prado museum to see one of the world's best art collections? (Overnight Madrid)

  2. Day 2railovernight: Granada

    Madrid to Granada

    Take the direct train to Granada and head to your hotel. Explore the winding narrow streets and in the evening perhaps wander up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for a breath-taking view of the Alhambra Palace at dusk. (Overnight Granada)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Granada

    Granada

    Today discover the iconic Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens on your included tour, then in the evening enjoy Flamenco and Tapas in the Sacromonte neighbourhood, the home of Flamenco. (Overnight Granada)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cordoba

    Granada to Cordoba

    Depart Granada on the direct train to Cordoba where you will be staying for three-nights. Take a stroll around the city and in the evening head to Plaza de la Corredera for some delicious tapas in the most unique and breath-taking surroundings! (Overnight Cordoba)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Cordoba

    Cordoba

    Enjoy a walking tour today taking in the gems of this ancient city. The famous arches of the Mosque-Cathedral are mesmeric, whilst the old Jewish Quarter and the Alcazar are rich in stories. Enjoy an ice cream whilst crossing the ancient Roman bridge, or just relax and soak up the history of this great city. (Overnight Cordoba)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cordoba

    Jaen Day Trip

    Take the scenic rail line to Jaen, where you will be met by a guide who will show you all you might need to know in this secret Andalusian highlight. Renowned for its Olive oil production and beautiful architecture, a visit to the cathedral and vast Arab baths are a must! Take the train back to Cordoba for your final night here. (Overnight Cordoba)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cadiz

    Cordoba to Cadiz

    After breakfast hop onto the train again, and head south to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the world inhabited since around 1100 BC. The city is surrounded by water so the seafood here is the freshest there could be and dinner on the beach is a lovely way to spend the evening. (Overnight Cadiz)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Cadiz

    Cadiz

    Tour the city today with your included Hop-on-Hop-off pass, learning about the 1000's of years of history in these romantic, windy streets. Be sure to check out the Museo de Cadiz for an amazing selection of ancient artefacts, and the recently refurbished Roman theatre. (Overnight Cadiz)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9railovernight: Seville

    Cadiz to Seville

    Board the train to Seville today and make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Its vast history steeped in Spain's colonial riches and Islamic heritage make the city an artistic and cultural centre of southern Spain, with a very comfortable climate. (Overnight Seville)

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Seville

    Seville

    Discover the key sights of this great city today with a small group tour, including entrance to the Royal Alco¡zar, cathedral and towering Giralda. You also get to experience the grand Plaza de Espana and the evocative Jewish quarter. Later, the Mercado Lonja del Barranco is an easy fix for dinner by the river. (Overnight Seville)

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11overnight: Seville

    Ronda Day Trip

    Embark on a fascinating day trip today to one of Spain's oldest and most beautiful cities, Ronda. On the way explore Andaluco­a's White Villages and wonderful wildlife, sample local olive oil before learning all about the amazing mountain top location and its incredible impressive Bull ring. Return to Seville and enjoy your final night here. (Overnight Seville)

    Meals: B

  12. Day 12overnight: Malaga

    Seville to Malaga

    Head to the coast today for two-nights in Malaga and settle in to enjoy the beautiful beaches and rich layers of history. (Overnight Malaga)

    Meals: B

  13. Day 13overnight: Malaga

    Malaga

    Enjoy learning about this great destination today with your Hop-on-Hop-off pass. head up to the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro to discover its Moorish history and be sure to check out the impressive Roman Amphitheatre. In the evening wander through the old town and take your pick of the local tavernas for some local wine and tapas. (Overnight Malaga)

    Meals: B

  14. Day 14railovernight: Madrid

    Malaga to Madrid

    After breakfast take the train to Madrid for a one-night stay in the Spanish capital. Take a stroll through the picturesque Puerta del Sol and stop by the impressive Royal Palace. (Overnight Madrid)

    Meals: B

  15. Day 15rail

    Your Journey Ends in Madrid

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home, or speak to one of our sales consultants if you would like to extend your holiday elsewhere. B Flash Sale Save Big on Rail Journeys Save up to $500 per couple on rail, hotels, and sightseeing when you book a vacation during the Railbookers Savings Event. Trip Details Trip Highlights Enjoy some Tapas and people watching on Puerta del Sol in Madrid Tour the Alhambra Palace and watch an authentic Flamenco show in Granada, the home of Flamenco Discover the layers of history of beautiful Cordoba Tour charming Jaen and its grand cathedral Wander the ancient streets of Cadiz and revel in the fresh Atlantic air Marvel at the riches of orange tree lined Seville Be amazed by El Tajo gorge and the legendary bullring of Ronda Get your culture fix in Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso What's Included Rail Travel as per the itinerary 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Granada 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cordoba 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cadiz 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Seville 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Malaga Alhambra Palace guided tour Flamenco show and dinner in Granada Half day walking tour in Cordoba including skip the line tickets to Mesquita, and the Alcazar Jaen day trip with guided tour Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Cadiz Small group tour of Seville including the Alcazar and cathedral Small group full day tour to Ronda Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Malaga Trains Renfe Renfe is the national rail operator for Spain, often operating cross-border services with the French and Portuguese Railways. Learn more Options for Your Railbookers Vacation Travel Onboard an Iconic Train Add Extra Nights in Any Destination Take a Roundtrip Journey or Experience a Trip in Reverse Combine Set Itineraries or Create Your Very Own Handpick Your Hotels, Sightseeing, Restaurants, and More Extend your River Cruise See a rail vacation you like, but think it would be even better with an extra day at the beginning or end of the journey? Or an extra day in between in a different destination? Or do you think a vacation would be better in reverse? Discover more options to customize your rail vacation today! Make it Your Own Other Vacations You Might Like Flash Sale Madrid, Andalusia, and the Al-Andalus Train from Madrid Madrid Aranjuez Toledo Alcazar San Juan Merida Caceres Jerez De La Frontera Cadiz Jerez De La Frontera Cordoba Seville Granada Madrid More 13 Days From $11,759 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Madrid, Andalusia, and the Al-Andalus Train from Seville Madrid Granada Seville Cordoba Cadiz Jerez De La Frontera Zafra Caceres Merida Alcazar San Juan Toledo Aranjuez Madrid More 13 Days From $11,469 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Classic Spain Madrid Seville Cordoba Granada Malaga Barcelona 15 Days From $2,319 pp Trip Details Didn't find what you were looking for? Loading... Search OR Contact Us

    Meals: D

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, followed by an evening of flamenco and tapas in the Sacromonte neighborhood
  • Day 6A day trip on the scenic rail line to Jaen, taking in its cathedral and Arab baths
  • Day 10A small-group tour of Seville covering the Royal Alcázar, the cathedral, and the Giralda tower
  • Day 11A full-day trip to Ronda, passing Andalucia's White Villages before reaching El Tajo gorge and Ronda's historic bullring
  • Day 13Hop-on, hop-off exploring of Malaga's Alcazaba, the ruined Gibralfaro, and the Roman Amphitheatre

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Granada 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cordoba 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cadiz 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Seville 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Malaga Alhambra Palace guided tour Flamenco show and dinner in Granada Half day walking tour in Cordoba including skip the line tickets to Mesquita, and the Alcazar Jaen day trip with guided tour Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Cadiz Small group tour of Seville including the Alcazar and cathedral Small group full day tour to Ronda Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Malaga

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel as per the itinerary is included, covering most city-to-city transfers, including a day trip to Jaen on a scenic rail line.
Is this trip independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation with several included guided or small-group tours, including the Alhambra, Cordoba, Jaen, Seville, and Ronda, plus hop-on, hop-off passes in Cadiz and Malaga.
What hotels are included?
2 nights in Madrid, 2 in Granada, 3 in Cordoba, 2 in Cadiz, 3 in Seville, and 2 in Malaga, all with breakfast.
What day trips are included?
A guided day trip by rail to Jaen from Cordoba, and a small-group full-day tour to Ronda from Seville, passing Andalucia's White Villages.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
An Alhambra Palace guided tour, a flamenco show and dinner in Granada, a Cordoba walking tour with skip-the-line tickets, hop-on, hop-off passes in Cadiz and Malaga, and small-group tours of Seville and Ronda.

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