Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

• Arrival: Land in Madrid and transfer to your hotel (suggested: Centro or Salamanca district).
• Activities:
  • Walk through Plaza Mayor and enjoy tapas at San Miguel Market.
  • Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop

Overnight: Madrid (1/2)

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Day 2: Explore Madrid

• Morning:
  • Visit the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
  • Stroll through the Austrian Quarter and Puerta del Sol.
• Afternoon:
  • Tour the Prado Museum or Reina Sofía Museum (Guernica).
  • Relax in El Retiro Park.
• Evening:
  • Dinner in La Latina or Chueca.

Overnight: Madrid (2/2)

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Day 3: Train to Granada

• Morning:
  • Take an early high-speed train (Renfe AVE) to Granada (~3.5 hours).
• Afternoon:
  • Wander the Albaicín district and take in Alhambra views from Mirador de San Nicolás.
  • Explore Sacromonte and its cave houses.
• Evening:
  • Dinner Mirador de Morayma

Overnight: Granada (1/2)

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Day 4: Alhambra & Granada’s Historic Center

• Morning:
  • Visit the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens (book well in advance).
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel.
  • Explore the Alcaicería, the old Moorish silk market.
• Evening:
  • Leisurely dinner and stroll through the old town.

Overnight: Granada (2/2)

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Day 5: Córdoba in a Day

• Morning:
  • Train to Córdoba (~2 hours).
• Afternoon:
  • Tour the Mezquita-Catedral.
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter, Calleja de las Flores, and Roman Bridge.
  • Visit several charming patios, especially in spring.
• Evening:
  • Dinner in the historic center. If you enjoy grilled meats, try El Churrasco, if you prefer lighter Mediterranean fare, go for Regadera.

Overnight: Córdoba (1/1)

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Day 6: Arrival in Seville

• Morning:
  • Leisurely breakfast in Córdoba
  • Visit several charming patios, especially in spring.
• Afternoon:
  • Train to Seville (~45 mins). Check into a hotel near Santa Cruz or Arenal.
  • Visit Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower.
  • Explore the Archivo de Indias.
• Evening:
  • Visit El Rinconcillo – Seville’s oldest bar (founded 1670), great for classic tapas.

Overnight: Seville (1/3)

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Day 7: Royal Alcázar & Beyond

• Morning:
  • Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville (reserve tickets ahead).
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park.
  • Optional stop at the Metropol Parasol (Las Setas).
• Evening:
  • Wander through Barrio Santa Cruz
  • Check out La Bartola for dinner

Overnight: Seville (2/3)

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Day 8: Art, Culture & Local Flavor

• Morning:
  • Visit the Bullfighting Museum at Plaza de Toros.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Triana district
  • Optional: Relax and unwind with a massage and soak in the luxurious thermal baths at Aire Ancient Baths (book in advance)
• Evening:
  • Enjoy your final Andalusian dinner.
  • Attend a flamenco show (e.g., Casa de la Memoria or El Arenal).

Overnight: Seville (3/3)

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Day 9: Return to Madrid

• Morning or Afternoon:
  • Take the high-speed train back to Madrid (~2.5–3 hours).
• Evening:
  • Final dinner or prepare for late-night flight.
  • If flying next day, overnight in Madrid.

Overnight: Optional (Madrid)

Tips & Tricks

• If you have time, book a cooking class in Madrid making Paella or a selection of popular tapas – then enjoy your hard work with a glass or two of wine.
• Make sure you book Alhambra tickets well in advance, as well as tickets to the Alcazar in Seville.
• Bring your passport to the Alhambra along with your tickets, since they will verify that the name on your ID matches the name on the tickets.
• Dinner in Spain is late by American standards (8pm, 9pm, or even later), make sure to plan your meals out so you can wait to eat later and enjoy the wonderful vibes of a lively restaurant or bar.
• Recommended to plan out train times and purchase tickets in advance. You can guarantee a seat (especially if there are several people in your group) and fares are generally lower.