11 Days – Madrid & Andalucia

Arrive at Madrid Barajas airport. Spend the next 2 days exploring the key sights of Madrid, the capital of Spain – the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Gran Via, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and shopping on the Golden Mile. Overnight in Madrid.

Segovia - Take the high speed AVE/AVANT train from Madrid-Chamartin station to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia (27 mins). Explore this medieval city including a visit to the Roman Aqueduct, the Alcazar, stroll along its medieval streets and shop for local souvenirs. Post lunch, if you wish, take a taxi or public bus to visit the famous Palace and Gardens and blow-glass factory in neighbouring La Granja.

Toledo – Take the high speed AVANT train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to another UNESCO World Heritage city, Toledo (33 mins). Called the city of 3 cultures, explore this charming city on foot renowned for it’s Islamic, Christian and Jewish past. Toledo is also a great place to indulge in shopping for local handicrafts.

Cuenca - Take the high speed AVE/AVANT train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to another UNESCO World Heritage city, Cuenca (54 mins), perched on the cliffs of the Huécar river gorge, and famous for its ‘Hanging Houses’ or Casas Colgadas. Don’t forget to snap a memorable picture on the suspended bridge, Puente de San Pablo!

Overnight in Madrid.

Take the high speed AVE train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to Seville´s Santa Justa station (2.5 hours). In the evening, don’t forget to take in an exhilirating Flamenco performance. Overnight in Seville.

Spend the day exploring the capital of Andalucia, a must see city on a trip to southern Spain. Visit its Cathedral and admire its lovely bell tower, the Giralda, or the stunning palace complex of the Reales Alcázares or get lost in the charming Santa Cruz district. Overnight in Seville.

Take the high speed AVE train from Seville’s Santa Justa station to Cordoba Central (43 mins). This World Heritage city, once the capital of the Umayyad caliphate is home to the stunning Great Mosque of Cordoba. Step back in history, as you walk around the old Jewish quarter, stop for a picture on the Roman bridge, discover the colourful patios/courtyards full of flowering plants or enjoy an equestrian show at the Royal Stables. Overnight in Cordoba.

Take the high speed AVE train from Cordoba Central to Granada (1 hr 33 mins), located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and an hour from the sea. In the evening, do visit the gypsy quarter, the Sacramonte district, known for its cave houses and flamenco dancing. Overnight in Granada

Known for the UNESCO World Heritage site of the beautiful Alhambra Palace & Generalife gardens and the Albaicín district, Granada is a rich cultural city with a wonderful and lively atmosphere, full of tapas bars and Arab inspired tea rooms. Overnight in Granada.

Take the high speed AVE train to Antequera and then change to the AVE train to Málaga (1 hr 35 mins). The capital of the Costa del Sol, the most famous stretch of coastline in Spain, Málaga is a lovely port city that is brimming with history and culture from the Alcazaba to the Roman theatre and the Picasso museum. Don’t forget to hit the shops offering everything from Andalusian handicrafts to high end fashion and enjoy the lively nightlife the city offers! Overnight in Málaga.

Rent a car and head to the seaside town of of Marbella, known for the luxurious lifestyle it offers but also for its charming old town centre. Its probably most famous for its marina, Puerto Banús, full of luxury yachts, haute cuisine restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques. Head further to explore the famous beach resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos or Estepona.

You can also either take a high speed AVE train (2.5 hours) or take a guided trip to the typical Andalucian town of Ronda and take a walk along its cobbled streets and the stunning New Bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge.

Overnight in Málaga.

Fly out of Málaga Airport or take the high speed AVE train back to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station (2 hrs 40 mins).