Southern Spain by train in 9 days

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.

We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin enjoying the capital of Spain.

Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds and from anywhere come together.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and incomparable nightlife, Madrid surprises with quiet historic corners full of charm for strolls.

There, we will find centuries-old taverns with family traditions where friends gather for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers away from the more touristy circuits.

At the same time, this city has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting in Europe.

Greca Tip: As in any other large city, the center of Madrid offers a diverse variety of gastronomic venues to suit all tastes, where you can taste the traditional local tapas.

After a satisfying breakfast, you will have the entire day to leisurely explore Madrid at your own pace.

You have various options to make the most of your day. You can visit the prominent museums and archaeological sites, immersing yourself in their rich history.

Furthermore, you can use your free time to discover different neighborhoods in Madrid, such as the Conde Duque military quarters. This lively and bohemian neighborhood derives its name from the old barracks that once stood there. It offers a blend of modern and emerging shops with a vintage atmosphere.

While the Conde Duque neighborhood exudes tranquility, it stands in stark contrast to the vibrant energy found in Gran Via, the newly renovated Plaza de España, and Princesa Street, which define its southern boundaries.

No visit to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. We will visit the grounds together, skip the queues and immerse ourselves in the history of this beautiful place. 

Nowadays, it is the venue for the most important receptions of the Royal Crown. Find out which audiences, gala dinners and agreement signings have been held over the years. Stroll around the Plaza de Armas.

Marvel at the impressive tapestries and rooms decorated with elegant antique furniture. Follow your guide through the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room and the Gala Dining Room, among others.

Greca Tip: The Royal Palace of Madrid, with an extension of 135 000 m² and 3418 rooms, is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world.

After breakfast, you will make your way to the Madrid train station to board a high-speed train to Seville. Upon arrival, you will transfer on your own to your hotel in Seville. The rest of the day will be free for you to begin enjoying the city.

Seville is much more than its undeniable monumental charm. It's a city that comes to life in its streets and open spaces like the enormous Plaza de España, Parque María Luisa, or the avant-garde Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla).

You can savor the most authentic Sevillian atmosphere by going for tapas in historic neighborhoods, such as Alameda, Macarena, Nervión, Los Remedios, or Triana.

Trying "pescaíto" in adobo, "montaditos", the typical "caracoles" (snails), a fino (white wine), a "manzanilla" (sweet wine), or a well-chilled beer is essential during a day of tapas.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy flamenco in the numerous "tablaos" or at the neighborhood peñas.

After breakfast, you can enjoy a free day in this wonderful city to explore it at your own pace.

We recommend a visit to the neighborhood of Triana, one of the main pillars of Sevillian culture. Birthplace of flamenco singers (cantaor), dancers (bailaor), artists, and artisans, Triana is a neighborhood of master potters concentrated around Plaza del Altozano, next to the Triana Bridge.

You can take the opportunity to visit its traditional market and taste some typical dishes like "salmorejo" soup, croquetas, and other tapas.

In this same neighborhood, you'll find the Church of Santa Ana, which will surprise you with its architecture and history.

Very close by, you'll come across the Torre del Oro, an ancient military building on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. You can climb the tower and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the entire city.

In the afternoon, we recommend a visit to the Antiguo Convento de la Cartuja (Old Cartuja Monastery) and the Monasterio de Santa María de las Cuevas (Monastery of Santa Maria of the Caves), where you'll find the famous Museum of Contemporary Art of Seville.

Greca Tip: If you wish, you can add a visit to one of the city's flamenco "tablaos" and savor the famous Andalusian tapas during the first step of your booking process.

Early in the morning, after enjoying our breakfast, we will board a train bound for the magical city of Córdoba.

Its greatest emblem is its famous Mosque-Cathedral, originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, it became a Christian cathedral in the 13th century. The architecture of the mosque is impressive, with hundreds of columns and horseshoe arches.

Another prominent place is the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, an ancient royal palace dating back to the 14th century. It is known for its beautiful gardens and courtyards, as well as its history related to the Inquisition and the conquest of Granada.

Greca Tip: Córdoba is famous for its patios adorned with plants and flowers, which are especially beautiful during the Patio Festival held in May.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to the train station in Córdoba to continue our journey towards the magical city of Granada.

For several centuries, Granada was part of the Emirate of Córdoba and later the Kingdom of Granada, which was the last Muslim kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula before the Christian Reconquista.

The most iconic monument in Granada is the palace complex of the Alhambra, built during Muslim rule. It is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture and houses beautiful palaces, courtyards, and gardens.

Greca Tip: The cuisine in Granada also bears Arab influence, with dishes like "Cordero a la moruna" (Moorish-style lamb), couscous, and a wide variety of Arab sweets.

During our free day in the city, it is almost essential to explore the most visited place in Spain: the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will stroll through the beautiful palaces and gardens of this Nasrid fortress, which was once the residence of sultans and kings. Take the opportunity to take photos in the spectacular Nasrid Palaces and their Court of the Lions. And relax while strolling through the fabulous gardens and fountains of the Generalife.

In the afternoon, we can wander through Albaicín. This historic neighborhood is known for its narrow winding streets, white houses, and Moorish atmosphere. It offers spectacular views of the Alhambra from its viewpoints.

Greca Tip: Boabdil, whose full name was Muhammad XII of Granada, was the last Muslim ruler of Granada before the Christian conquest in 1492. It is said that Boabdil, after being defeated by the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon), left the Alhambra and looked back sadly at his palace and lost kingdom. At that moment, he supposedly uttered a curse or enchantment upon the Alhambra. Boabdil lamented the loss of his kingdom and, according to legend, said: "You weep like a woman for what you did not defend like a man."

After a nutritious breakfast, we will board our train back to Madrid.

During the journey, we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha, located on the Central Plateau of Spain, characterized by vast plains, farmlands, and landscapes of great beauty, especially in spring when the fields are covered with flowers.

Upon arrival in the capital, we will have free time to stroll through the city center or relax at our accommodation.

Greca Tip: The calamari sandwich is a fast-food classic in Madrid. This sandwich consists of fried squid on slices of crispy bread and is especially popular in the city's bars and taverns.

After a tasty breakfast, the tour will come to an end, hopefully full of unforgettable memories!

Having spent a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to help create and enjoy some more wonderful moments that you will cherish forever!

Have a nice trip! Or, as Spanish people say: "¡Buen viaje!".

Greca Tip: Extend your stay in Madrid by adding more nights when making your reservation!