Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Cadiz

Fly from the UK to Madrid, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Madrid is a safe, walkable city with an excellent public transport system, making it easy to get around even on your first day.

After settling in, enjoy a gentle orientation walk. Retiro Park, Gran Vía and the café terraces around Plaza Mayor are all within easy reach and perfect for stretching your legs after the flight.

This evening, dine at a traditional tapas restaurant. Most places serve small plates ideal for trying a variety of flavours - just remember that Spaniards tend to eat slightly later than in the UK, with many restaurants opening for dinner from around 8pm.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in central Madrid, like the 4* Vincci Soho or Radisson Blu Madrid Prado.

Today is yours to uncover the highlights of Madrid at your own pace.

You may wish to visit the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez, or explore the Royal Palace, with its opulent state rooms and beautifully kept gardens. Those seeking a slower start might enjoy browsing the artisan boutiques of Barrio de las Letras or sampling organic delicacies in the beautifully restored San Miguel Market.

Later, relax in one of Madrid’s leafy plazas with a cold drink, or explore the lively La Latina district, known for its winding lanes and independent eateries committed to sustainable, farm-to-table practices.

In the evening, you might like to book a flamenco show in a respected small venue that supports local artists.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in central Madrid, like the 4* Vincci Soho or Radisson Blu Madrid Prado.

This morning, make your way to Madrid Atocha Station, and travel by high-speed AVE train to Córdoba, a journey of just under two hours. Spain’s rail system is efficient, punctual and comfortable, making it a pleasant and environmentally friendly way to travel between cities.

On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon discovering Córdoba’s historic Judería. Lose yourself among its labyrinth of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled patios. You may also like to visit the tranquil Palacio de Viana, where a series of courtyards showcase centuries of local tradition.

As evening falls, stroll along the Roman Bridge and enjoy views of the Mezquita glowing above the Guadalquivir River.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in central Cordoba, like the 4* Hotel Madinat or 5* Hospes Palacio del Bailio

Enjoy a full day to soak up Córdoba’s extraordinary history and slower pace of life.

A must-see is the mesmerising Mezquita-Catedral, a former mosque turned cathedral with distinctive red and white arches and layered architectural styles. Afterwards, you might choose to visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, with its towers, pools, and orange gardens - ideal for a quiet afternoon walk. Alternatively, explore the Casa de Sefarad, a small museum dedicated to Sephardic Jewish culture, and discover the legacy of coexistence that defined medieval Córdoba.

In the afternoon, take time to unwind - perhaps at a local hammam (many of which now operate on sustainable geothermal systems) or relax at your hotel’s shaded terrace.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in central Cordoba, like the 4* Hotel Madinat or 5* Hospes Palacio del Bailio

Travel by rail to Seville in just under an hour. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an afternoon exploring the city’s lively heart.

The shaded gardens of Maria Luisa Park and the colourful tiled pavilions of Plaza de España offer a welcome retreat from the midday sun. This evening, dine at a local tapas bar that champions seasonal produce and traditional Andalusian recipes.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in Seville, like the 4* Melia Lebreros, Catalonia Santa Justa or H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel

Today is yours to explore Seville’s rich heritage at your own pace.

You might wish to visit the impressive Royal Alcázar, one of Europe’s oldest palaces still in use. Its cool, tiled chambers and lush gardens reflect centuries of Moorish and Christian influence. A short walk away lies the Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in the world and believed to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.

Later, wander through the vibrant lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, once the Jewish quarter, now a delightful maze of cafés, craft shops and hidden plazas. Stop for an artisan ice cream made with organic ingredients or browse for hand-painted ceramics created using traditional methods.

In the evening, you may wish to experience a flamenco performance in a small, intimate venue - many of which are committed to preserving the authentic art form by supporting local dancers and musicians.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in Seville, like the 4* Melia Lebreros, Catalonia Santa Justa or H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel

This morning, board a comfortable regional train for the coastal city of Cádiz. The journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and passes through peaceful countryside before reaching the sparkling Atlantic coast.

After checking in, enjoy a wander through Cádiz’s pastel-coloured Old Town or stroll along the seafront, where the Atlantic breeze provides a refreshing change from the inland heat. With beaches close to the centre, it’s easy to enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the sea.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in Cadiz, like the 4* Playa Victoria or Parador de Cadiz Atlántico

Spend a full day enjoying Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

You might walk the scenic coastal path that loops around the historic quarter, visit the grand Cádiz Cathedral with its golden dome, or wander through the lively central market where local producers showcase Andalucía’s coastal bounty.

For a taste of local culture, explore the La Viña neighbourhood, known for its cheerful taverns and traditional tapas. La Caleta beach offers a charming spot for a swim or a relaxed afternoon before an evening meal of fresh, sustainably caught seafood.

ACCOMMODATION: Any hotel in Cadiz, like the 4* Playa Victoria or Parador de Cadiz Atlántico

After breakfast, transfer to the airport (usually Jerez or Seville) for your return flight to the UK.

You’ll return home with warm memories of Andalucía’s generous hospitality, Moorish palaces, sunlit plazas and delicious regional cuisine.

The ideal time to explore Andalucia is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to early November), when temperatures are pleasantly warm and the cities are bathed in golden sunlight without the peak summer crowds. Spring brings fragrant orange blossoms in Seville and colourful patios in Córdoba to life, while autumn offers a milder climate perfect for strolling historic streets and hilltop viewpoints in Granada. Summers can be very hot, particularly inland, so visiting outside of July and August ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Spain. However, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic before you travel to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and to receive any personalised health advice.

Please note transfers from/to stations are not included. You can choose an accommodation near the station, use public transport or to call a taxi upon arrival.