Tailormade tour Andalusia and Madrid holiday by air and train Spain

7 nights/8 days

Madrid • Granada • Cordoba • Seville

This tailor-made Spanish rail holiday is the ideal way to travel to and around Andalusia. Begin your rail holiday by flying into Madrid, where you spend your first night. From here, travel by train to the southern region of Andalusia and journey by rail between three of its great cities – Seville, Cordoba and Granada.
Holiday price guide

Available year-round from £2,070 per person.

Luxury holiday to Andalusia and Madrid by air and train visiting the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Highlights

Madrid • Granada • Cordoba • Seville

Day by day

Fly from London to Madrid where you have most of the day to explore the city with its many attractive plaza and museums. You spend one night at the Hospes Puerta de Alcala in the city centre.

Leaving Madrid, travel by train arriving to Granada nestled at the edge of the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. There are several direct trains a day so you can choose the time you prefer at the point of booking. Spend two nights in the Hospes Palacio de los Patos in Granada. Granada is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. The Sierra Nevada and its wooded slopes form a beautiful backdrop, but the Alhambra palace is the key attraction. Originally constructed as a 9th century fortress, it has been changed and added to over successive centuries expanding the complex to include palaces, churches and mosques. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

We recommend that you pre-book a tour of the Alhambra which includes visits to the Royal Palaces, Gardens and Carlos V’s Palace. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Granada, perhaps strolling around its old quarter and trying the selection of tapas that are served free with drinks in Granada.

Leaving Granada and take the train to Cordoba arriving just over two hours later. Cordoba is set on the Guadalquivir river at the heart of rural Andalucia, and you spend two nights here at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio. The city has beautiful winding lanes, many historical attractions, restaurants and nightlife. From mid-April to mid-June the city is full of flowers when local residents open their gardens to the public for the Fiesta de los Patios.

A must-visit in Cordoba is the Mezquita - mosque-cathedral – this was the largest Islamic structure in Western Europe and a UNESCO protected site. In Cordoba there is also the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs and a Roman bridge.

Travel by high speed train from Cordoba – leaving mid-morning and arriving into Seville 45 minutes later. You spend two nights here at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza. Seville is the capital of Andalucia and Spain’s fourth largest city. The centre is formed of a maze of narrow lanes and hidden plazas. Key attractions of Sevilla are its art and architecture which includes Roman, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. Flamenco music and dance are at the heart of this city and it is not uncommon to hear people clapping the rhythm as you walk down the street, but even more popular are the sevillanas – the city’s own musical heritage.

Whilst in Seville, you could book a guided tour of the city which visits the main sights of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Other highlights of the city are largest Gothic cathedral in the world, a climb up the Giralda tower to see a panoramic view of the entire city, and a visit toTriana – the city’s historic gypsy quarter on the other side of the river.

Fly from Seville back to London (other airports are also possible). Alternatively, it is possible to return to the UK by train – please ask for details.

Special offers for this holiday>

I would like to thank you all in getting me home under difficult circumstances on Monday 6th June. I like to give special thanks and high praise for not only organising my rail ticket home, but also organising and communicating with me of my holiday itinerary arrangements on a number of occasions both on the phone and email.
Ms I, June 2022

Holiday price guide Prices from £2,070 high season (Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct) per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.

Holiday Code SNFR05

Luxury holiday to Andalusia and Madrid by air and train visiting the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Special offers for this holiday>

I would like to thank you all in getting me home under difficult circumstances on Monday 6th June. I like to give special thanks and high praise for not only organising my rail ticket home, but also organising and communicating with me of my holiday itinerary arrangements on a number of occasions both on the phone and email.
Ms I, June 2022

Holiday price guide Prices from £2,070 high season (Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct) per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.

Holiday Code SNFR05

Our prices include ● Scheduled flights with British Airways flights from London to Madrid, Seville to London, economy
● Rail travel from Madrid to Granada, Granada to Cordoba, Cordoba to Seville, first-class where possible
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Puerta de Alcala in Madrid
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos in Granada
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio in Cordoba
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room Las Casas del Rey de Baeza in Seville
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints

Our prices do not include ● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel

Luxury holiday to Andalusia and Madrid by air and train visiting the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Expressions Holidays includes these hotels in this touring holiday as suggestions, but they can be substituted by others in the same region, if you have a preference to stay elsewhere.
Hotels included in this tour

Special offers

Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.

I would like to thank you all in getting me home under difficult circumstances on Monday 6th June. I like to give special thanks and high praise for not only organising my rail ticket home, but also organising and communicating with me of my holiday itinerary arrangements on a number of occasions both on the phone and email.
Ms I, June 2022

Holiday price guide Prices from £2,070 high season (Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct) per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.

Holiday Code SNFR05

Luxury holiday to Andalusia and Madrid by air and train visiting the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Highlights of Andalusia

With 800km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from - facing the Atlantic are the long, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, extending south from the Portuguese border to Tarifa; covering the area between Malaga and Gibraltar is the famous Costa del Sol, known for its numerous beach resorts which range from the cheap and cheerful to exclusive luxury; to the south of Granada is the Costa Tropical, a stretch of coast with sandy coves and a pleasant microclimate; and to the east is the more rugged Costa de Almeria. A number of luxury resorts and hotels are located along each of these coastlines. Surrounding Granada is the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range where the Spanish mainland's highest peak can be found and home to white-washed mountain villages. In the far east of Andalusia is the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, the largest protected area in Spain where you can find hiking trails, mountain villages and many wild animals. Further south is The Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a land and sea reserve near Almeria which is home to unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife. In the west of the region is the Doñana National Park, an extensive area in the delta of the Guadalquivir River which includes marshland and sand dunes and is a breeding ground of the endangered Iberian Lynx. Thanks to the region's great variety in landscapes, culture and cuisine, a luxury holiday to Andalusia is sure to be a delightful experience.

Cultural highlights of Andalusia

Many of the Andalusia's cultural highlights can be found in the three Moorish cities of Cordoba, Granada and Seville, all of which are home to a number of excellent luxury hotels. Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of Muslim control during Andalusia's colonisation by the Islamic Empire. At the city's heart is the astounding Mezquita de Cordoba, a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral with endless Moorish arches, columns and glinting tiles of vibrant hues. Other highlights include the fascinating Jewish quarter and Roman ruins galore. Nearer the coast is Granada, where Islamic rule endured the longest and the magical Alhambra remains as a monument to this legacy. A 9th century palace fortress, it guards over the city from an elevated crag amongst vast, aromatic gardens. To the west, on the peaceful plains of River Guadalquivir, Seville quietly awaits discovery along with its three World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar palace, the gothic Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Other towns and cities of interest in Andalusia include Jerez de la Frontera, where you can visit the sherry bodegas which make the city famous and watch the dressage displays which are held at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art; Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe which is surrounded almost entirely by water; Ronda, a spectacular city which is split in half by a narrow gorge; Malaga, birthplace of Picasso and home to a Museum which displays a collection of his work; the small town of Baeza, where you can find stunning examples of Renaissance architecture; and Almeria, a coastal city which is dominated by the Alcazaba, the largest Moorish fortress in Spain. During your stay in Andalusia make sure to witness the seductive art of flamenco. Alluring, passionate and cathartic, it's easy to understand how this gypsy tradition has become one of the most familiar emblems of Spanish culture.

Festivals in Andalusia

There are a huge number of local festivals held in villages, towns and cities throughout Andalusia, many of which have a religious significance. 5 January: Three Kings parades, February: Shrove Tuesday Carnivals, February: Seville Tapas Fair, February to March: Jerez Flamenco Festival, March/April: Holy week celebrations, April to October: Seville Bullfighting season, April/May: Seville Spring Fair, April/May: Úbeda Classical Music Festival, Mid May: Jerez Horse Fair, June to July: Granada Music & Dance Festival, June - July: Cordoba Guitar Festival, August: Malaga Summer Fair, September: Ronda bullfighting festival, November: Granada Jazz Festival.

Gastronomy in Andalusia

Cuisine in Andalusia is diverse, varying throughout the region and combining Arabic flavours with more common Mediterranean ingredients such as seafood, olive oil and an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. As the birthplace of tapas, Andalusia is an excellent place to try the snacks which are often served free with drinks in Granada. Other Andalusian specialities include Serrano ham from the Sierra Nevada and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera, as well as dishes such as ‘Ajo blanco’ (a white gazpacho), ‘Espetos de sardina’ (roasted sardines), ‘Huevos a la flamenca’ (baked eggs with vegetables) and ‘Fritura de pescado’ (mixed fried fish).

Luxury holiday to Andalusia and Madrid by air and train visiting the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Highlights of Madrid

Numerous squares including the historic Plaza Mayor, the setting of bullfights and executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The Royal Palace, a lavish building which was constructed in the 1700s and is still used today for state occasions. The Prado Museum, one of the largest art galleries in the world which contains an impressive selection of Spanish paintings including works by Goya and El Greco. Reina Sofia Museum, displaying modern works including Picasso’s ‘Guernica’. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, based on a private art collection which illustrates the history of western art and includes pieces by Goya, Degas and Renoir. Retiro Park formerly used by the royal family and now a popular spot for relaxation. The Teatro Real, an important opera house with performances of opera and dance. Almudena Cathedral. Gran Vía, a famous street which is lined by theatres and shops. Debod Temple, an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid in the 1960s. The Santiago Bernabéu Football stadium, home to Real Madrid. El Rastro Market, an open-air flea market which is held on Sundays. Ventas Bullring where bullfights take place every week during the bullfighting season.

Other holidays you might be interested in...