Madrid and Andalusia in 11 days

Arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid - Barajas airport. Spend two days enjoying the top attractions of Madrid, the capital of Spain: the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, the Gran Vía, the Temple of Debod, the Puerta del Sol, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and shopping on the “Golden Mile” (Milla de Oro).  You can also go to see a show at the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), include the Retiro Park in your route or go to an amusement park. By the way, if you’re travelling with kids, you can visit the Warner Park, the Zoo Aquarium or the Museum of Illusions.  You’ll spend the two nights in Madrid.

Segovia: Take the high-speed train from Madrid-Chamartín station to the World Heritage City of Segovia (about half an hour away). Explore this medieval town. Don’t forget to visit the Alcazar, a castle which, with more than 2,000 years of history, was once a Roman fortress but also a fortress of Moorish Spain. Another must visit is the Roman Aqueduct, one of the most outstanding engineering works of the entire Roman Empire. You can stroll through the Segovia’s medieval streets and buy local souvenirs to take home. In the late afternoon, you can visit the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja or the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, which are located 20 minutes away from the city, by car or public transport. Toledo: Take the high-speed train to the World Heritage Site of Toledo, which will take about 40 minutes. The famous “City of Three Cultures” is an essential day trip from Madrid. Toledo is a must-see owing to all its historic churches, synagogues and mosques, which serve as a reminder of how Muslims, Jews and Christians once lived together in harmony here. You can visit the Mosques of Cristo de la Luz and El Salvador, as well as the Islamic baths of Tenerías and the Bisagra Gate. Don't miss the Alcazar and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Cuenca: Take the AVE/AVANT high-speed train from the Madrid-Atocha station to another city declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Cuenca (54 minutes). The town is ensconced on the cliffs of the Huécar river gorge and is famous for its Hanging Houses. Don't forget to take a memorable photo from the San Pablo bridge! Night in Madrid.

Take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha to Santa Justa station in Seville (two and a half hours). In the evening, don't forget to enjoy an exciting flamenco show. Night in Seville.

Spend the day exploring the capital of Andalusia. Home to a multitude of cultures over centuries, one can 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, a maze of little streets and whitewashed houses. On the bank of the Guadalquivir, the Torre del Oro is a symbol of the city. You can take a boat cruise on the part of the river that runs through the city. Overnight in Seville.

Take the AVE high-speed train from Santa Justa station in Seville to Cordoba Central (43 minutes). Cordoba is home to the imposing Great Mosque of Cordoba. Stroll through its streets and see an equestrian show at the Caballerizas Reales, or royal stables. You can also visit the Calahorra Tower or the palace-city of Medina Azahara. Don't forget to see the castle Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Roman Bridge. Night in Cordoba.

Take the AVE high-speed train from Cordoba to the city of Granada (an hour and 33 minutes), which is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and stands one hour from the sea. In the evening, visit the gypsy quarter, Sacromonte, which is known for its tradition of flamenco dancing. Night in Granada.

You can visit the Alhambra, an ancient Nasrid fortress that was home to sultans and kings. Today it is a World Heritage Site and you can roam around its beautiful gardens, the Patio de los Leones, the fountains and gardens of the Generalife and the Nasrid palaces. Also El Bañuelo, in the Albaicín quarter, one of the oldest and most complete Arab public baths that has been preserved in all Spain. In the evening, visit the gypsy quarter, known as Sacromonte, which is famous for its tradition of flamenco dancing. Night in Granada.

Take the AVE high-speed train to Antequera and then switch to the AVE high-speed train to Malaga (an hour and 35 minutes). Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is a charming port city brimming with history and culture: from the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle to the Roman Theatre and the Picasso Museum. Don't miss out on the shops offering everything from Andalusian handicrafts to high-end fashion! Night in Malaga.

Hire a car and head to the coastal town of Marbella, known for its luxurious lifestyle, but also for its charming old town. You may have heard of its marina, Puerto Banús, which is filled with luxury yachts, fine dining restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques. If you like, you can take the AVE high-speed train from Malaga to Antequera and switch trains there to head to the Andalusian town of Ronda. You can stroll through its cobbled streets. Walk across the stately New Bridge that crosses the gorge of El Tajo and enjoy spectacular views of the river. Also explore the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and the Lara Museum of Art, which hosts an amazing collection of historic artefacts. Night in Malaga.

Fly from Malaga airport or take the AVE high-speed train back to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station (2 hours and 40 minutes).