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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Madrid, Andalucia, and Lisbon

11-day independent rail vacation through Madrid, Granada, Seville and Lisbon

Illustration of Madrid, Andalucia, and Lisbon

Railbookers runs this 11-day, 10-night independent rail vacation across Spain and Portugal, starting in Madrid and ending in Lisbon. The route moves south by train to Granada, then Seville, before a motorcoach carries travelers on to Lisbon for the final three nights. Each stop includes at least two nights, so the days settle into a steady rhythm rather than a rush of one-night stands: two nights to explore Madrid and tour the Royal Palace, two nights in Granada that include a flamenco show and a skip-the-line visit to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, three nights in Seville built around the Alcazar and a local food tour, and three nights in Lisbon that close with a day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and the coast. It suits travelers drawn to Spanish and Portuguese history and food who want guided access to major sights without joining an escorted group.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Seville to Lisbon leg on day 8 is completed by motorcoach, not train, despite this being a rail vacation.
  • Railbookers doesn't name specific hotels in Madrid, Granada, Seville, or Lisbon in this package, only the number of nights and that breakfast is included.
  • Railbookers doesn't list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current availability with them before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Madrid

    Your Journey Begins in Madrid

    Upon arriving in Madrid, settle into your hotel for a two-night stay and take some time to explore the city. Wander through the bustling streets, visit iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this cosmopolitan capital. (Overnight in Madrid)

  2. Day 2overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Embark on a Madrid Highlights tour, where you'll discover the city's architectural marvels, historical sites, and cultural treasures. Enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Royal Palace, marvel at its opulent interiors, and learn about the fascinating history of Spanish royalty. (Overnight in Madrid)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Granada

    Madrid to Granada

    Depart Madrid in the afternoon by train and head to Granada. After checking into your hotel, indulge in an evening of passion and rhythm at a flamenco show, where you'll witness the captivating dance accompanied by soul-stirring music while sipping on complimentary drinks. (Overnight in Granada)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Granada

    Granada and The Alhambra Palace

    Prepare to be enchanted by the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens on a skip-the-line guided tour. Marvel at the intricate Moorish architecture, stroll through the fragrant gardens and soak up the breathtaking views of the city from the Alhambra's hilltop perch. (Overnight in Granada)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Seville

    Granada to Seville

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the train station. Board a train to Seville, the capital of Andalucia, where you'll spend the next three nights. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture, and explore its charming neighbourhoods, such as Santa Cruz and Triana. (Overnight in Seville)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Seville

    Seville and The Alcazar

    Discover the highlights of Seville on a guided tour, which includes visits to the iconic Alcazar, a stunning palace complex with lush gardens, and the impressive Seville Cathedral, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Immerse yourself in the architectural wonders and cultural heritage of this beautiful city. (Overnight in Seville)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Seville

    Seville

    Indulge in a culinary adventure with a food tour led by a local guide. Sample a variety of delicious Spanish dishes, from tapas to traditional desserts, and learn about the history and cultural significance of each culinary delight as you explore Seville's vibrant food scene. The rest of the day is yours to cross any remaining sights on your Andalucia bucket list. (Overnight in Seville)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Lisbon

    Seville to Lisbon

    Today, travel by motorcoach from Seville to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. After checking in at your hotel for a three-night stay, take some time to explore the city at your leisure. Discover the charming neighborhoods, admire the colorful tiled facades, and immerse yourself in Lisbon's vibrant atmosphere. (Overnight in Lisbon)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    After breakfast, join a guided city tour of Lisbon's highlights and delve into the city's rich history and culture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Rossio Square, while your guide provides fascinating insights into the city's past and present. (Overnight in Lisbon)

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Lisbon

    Sintra, Cabo Da Roca, Cascais and Estoril Day Trip

    On your final day in Portugal, embark on a guided small-group day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril from Lisbon. Explore the fairytale-like town of Sintra, visit Europe's westernmost point at Cabo da Roca, and soak up the coastal beauty of Cascais and Estoril. Immerse yourself in the natural and historical wonders surrounding Lisbon. (Overnight in Lisbon)

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lisbon

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Depart Madrid by train for Granada and end the evening at a flamenco show with complimentary drinks
  • Day 4Day 4: A skip-the-line guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, with views over Granada from its hilltop
  • Day 6Day 6: A guided tour of Seville's Alcazar palace complex and Seville Cathedral, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus
  • Day 10Day 10: A small-group day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril, taking in Europe's westernmost point

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Granada 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Seville 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lisbon Sightseeing tour of Madrid including Skip-the-Line at the Royal Palace Flamenco Show with drinks included in Granada Sightseeing Skip-the-Line tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada Sightseeing tour of Seville including Skip-the-Line at the Alcazar and Cathedral Local food tour in Seville with tastings included Sightseeing tour of Lisbon Day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril from Lisbon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, for the Madrid to Granada and Granada to Seville legs. The Seville to Lisbon leg on day 8 is completed by motorcoach instead.
Which trains are used?
Railbookers lists Renfe as the rail operator; the itinerary describes the Madrid-Granada and Granada-Seville legs simply as travel 'by train.'
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation. Several sightseeing stops, including the Royal Palace, the Alhambra, the Alcazar, a food tour, and a flamenco show, are guided, but travel between cities is unescorted.
What is included?
Rail travel as per the itinerary, hotel breakfasts for all 10 nights, a skip-the-line Royal Palace tour, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, the Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, a Seville food tour, a flamenco show with drinks, and a day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril.
How much walking is involved?
Railbookers doesn't give a walking level, but the itinerary describes guided tours through the Royal Palace, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, the Alcazar, and a Sintra day trip, all involving city and garden walking.

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