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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Paradors of Andalucía: Granada to Seville

Seven-day Andalucía escorted tour through five historic cities and two Paradors

Illustration of Paradors of Andalucía: Granada to Seville

Great Rail Journeys operates a seven-day escorted tour of Andalucía that begins in Málaga and concludes near Seville. The tour is built around stays in two of Spain's historic Paradors: a 4-star hotel in Antequera for the first three nights, then the Parador de Carmona, a fortress palace built on the ruins of a 14th-century Moorish castle, for the final three nights. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with independent exploration. On Day 2, you travel by train to Ronda to tour the 1485 bullring and the El Puente Nuevo bridge above the El Tajo Gorge. Day 3 combines a morning at leisure in Antequera with an afternoon visit to Granada's UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace and gardens, culminating in dinner in the Moorish Quarter. Day 4 includes a tour of Córdoba's Mezquita mosque-cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. Day 5 is free in Carmona to relax at the Parador's terrace and pool. Day 6 offers a guided tour of Seville, including the Real Alcázar Royal Palace, followed by a sherry tasting at Bodegas Góngora, Spain's second-oldest winery. Breakfast is included daily; five dinners are part of the package. The tour suits history lovers, couples seeking a mix of structure and leisure, and food-and-wine travellers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is GBP 340 (USD 454), which is 17 percent above half the double-room price, notably higher than typical.
  • Lunches on most days are independent; only on Day 6 is free time provided to find lunch in Seville.
  • Day 5 dinner in Carmona is not included; the evening is free to dine at local restaurants of your choice.
  • The tour group may include up to 30 people, so it is not a small-group experience.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Parador de Antequera, Antequera

    Fly to Andalucía and the Parador de Antequera

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at London Gatwick before boarding a flight to Málaga. On landing, transfer by coach to the Parador de Antequera, which overlooks the historic town of Antequera, around an hour's drive north of Málaga. Check in, enjoy a welcome drink, and unwind before dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Parador de Antequera, Antequera

    Touring remarkable Ronda

    After breakfast, travel by rail to Ronda. Time to find lunch independently before an afternoon guided tour taking in the iconic bullring (Plaza de Toros, home of Spain's Real Maestranza de Caballería dating to 1485) and the dramatic El Puente Nuevo bridge standing high above the El Tajo Gorge. Return by train to Antequera for dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Parador de Antequera, Antequera

    Granada and the magnificent Alhambra

    Morning at leisure to explore Antequera at your own pace, including the ruined Alcazaba fortress. Afternoon visit to Granada and the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace complex, including the 14th-century Generalife gardens. Free time in the Moorish quarter (Albaícin) followed by an authentic Andalucian dinner at a traditional restaurant with views of the Alhambra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Parador de Carmona, Carmona

    Córdoba and the Parador de Carmona

    Leave Antequera after breakfast by coach to Córdoba. Entrance included to the famous Mezquita mosque-cathedral. Free time to explore the ancient streets, flower-filled courtyards, and the Jewish Quarter. Continue to the Parador de Carmona, a historic fortress palace built on the ruins of a 14th-century Moorish castle. Welcome drink on arrival followed by dinner at the Parador's restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Parador de Carmona, Carmona

    A day at leisure in Carmona

    Free day to explore Carmona. Enjoy panoramic views from the Parador's terrace and swimming pool. Nearby attractions include the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, the ancient Puerta de Sevilla, Plaza de San Fernando, the Archaeological Complex, and the Teatro Cerezo. Dine independently this evening at local restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Parador de Carmona, Carmona

    Seville sightseeing & sherry tasting

    Coach to Seville for a guided walking tour including Plaza de España, the Gothic cathedral, and the Real Alcázar Royal Palace (entrance included) with its elaborate interiors, patios, and gardens. Free time for lunch. Afternoon visit to Villanueva del Ariscal for a sherry tasting at Bodegas Góngora (founded 1682, Spain's second-oldest winery), tasting four varieties of sherry. Return to the Parador for the final dinner of the holiday.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    After a leisurely final morning in Carmona, transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel by train to Ronda and tour the Plaza de Toros bullring, built in 1485, and the El Puente Nuevo bridge high above the El Tajo Gorge.
  • Day 3Visit the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace complex in Granada, including the 14th-century Generalife gardens, followed by dinner with views of the palace in the Albaícin.
  • Day 4Enter the Mezquita mosque-cathedral in Córdoba, then continue by coach to the Parador de Carmona, a fortress palace built on the ruins of a 14th-century Moorish castle.
  • Day 6Tour Seville's Plaza de España, Gothic cathedral, and the Real Alcázar Royal Palace with its elaborate patios and gardens, then taste four varieties of sherry at Bodegas Góngora.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Málaga, Seville to London Gatwick
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Entrance to the Alhambra
  • Entrance to La Mezquita in Córdoba
  • Entrance to the Real Alcázar (Royal Palace) in Seville
  • Sherry tasting at Bodegas Góngora
  • Welcome drink at Parador de Antequera
  • Welcome drink at Parador de Carmona

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Lunches
  • Dinner on Day 5 (free to dine independently in Carmona)
  • Optional flight upgrades
  • London hotel stays
  • UK rail connections

Questions travellers ask

What trains are included?
The tour includes one return train journey from Antequera to Ronda on Day 2. All other travel between cities is by coach or flight.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager who accompanies the group from departure at London Gatwick through the entire seven days.
Which hotels are used?
The first three nights are at the Parador de Antequera, a 4-star hotel in Antequera. The final three nights are at the Parador de Carmona, a 4-star historic fortress palace in Carmona.
What is included in the price?
Included are return flights from London Gatwick to Málaga and from Seville to London, six nights' accommodation in the two Paradors, breakfast each day, five dinners, all rail and coach travel, a UK Tour Manager, guided tours with entrance fees to the Alhambra, Mezquita, and Real Alcázar, and a sherry tasting at Bodegas Góngora.
When does the tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys operates six departures in 2026 and 2027: September 2026, April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Seville and Ronda, free exploration of cities, and visits to multi-room palace complexes. You will also have leisure time at each hotel. Most days mix guided activities with independent time, though some afternoons require several hours on foot.

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