Madrid to Andalusia, Self-drive

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Spain over eight days travelling from Madrid in the centre to Seville in the southwest during this memorable self-drive tour. Travel deep into the country’s Roman and Moorish heritage, exploring the lands of the ancient kingdoms Castile and Al-Andalus, as you journey back in time to the medieval mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths. Visit some of the world’s most dazzling palaces and awe-inspiring churches, synagogues and mosques, admire the works of great artists and behold magnificent monuments that have withstood the ravages of time. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Madrid: Visit Europe’s largest palace and the Reina Sofia Museum, where Picasso’s harrowing Guernica is among the masterpieces on display.

Granada: Stroll the mesmerising streets of Granada, and be dazzled by the jewel in Andalusia’s crown, the Alhambra.

Seville: Explore the elegant capital of Andalusia, visiting the world-famous Plaza de España, the former royal palace, and cathedral, as well as strolling through its old Jewish quarter.

Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID

Arrive at Madrid airport, pick up your car and drive to your hotel. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, as well as numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which houses some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2: MADRID

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Discover all the main sights and attractions driving through famous locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the Gran Via. Visit the Royal Palace - Europe’s largest - and the Reina Sofia Museum of modern and contemporary art. The Royal Palace has more than 3,000 rooms and the appearance of those seen during the guided tour is an eclectic mix, ranging from cluttered Victorian to exotic oriental décors. Works of art by great masters such as Caravaggio, Velazquez and Goya adorn the walls while period furniture graces every room. The lavishness and opulence of the interiors stand in contrast to the sober baroque and neo-classical exterior, which faces the Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. The Reina Sofia Museum boasts one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Admire works by Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso, whose vast and haunting Guernica is complemented by an exhibition of other works and resources, which help put the iconic painting in context. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3: MADRID – CÓRDOBA (400Km – 4hrs)

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, Head towards Cordoba in Andalusia, and check in at the hotel on arrival. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. 

Overnight in Cordoba.

Day 4: CÓRDOBA – GRANADA (210km – 2.15hrs)

Discover Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Take your time to wander through the colonnaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of the exterior doorways. Explore the old town’s whitewashed patios and narrow alleys bedecked with plants and flowers while strolling towards the former Jewish Quarter and visiting the former synagogue. Continue to Granada for check-in at the hotel. 

Overnight in Granada.

Day 5: GRANADA – SEVILLE (250km – 2.45hrs)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historic city of Granada and visiting its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace, the seat of the last Moorish emirs in Spain. For more than a thousand years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the Moorish-era Albaicin quarter. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada. Continue to Seville for check-in at the hotel. 

Overnight in Seville.

Day 6: SEVILLE

Explore Seville after indulging in breakfast at the hotel. You can discover some of the city’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar palace and the cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Barrio Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood and the former Jewish quarter. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways, and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios, and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque. Admire the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea, with its glorious Giralda belfry, Seville’s most iconic symbol. Head over to the magical Maria Luisa Park to discover its two impressive squares, Plaza de España, with its beautiful tiles, elaborate redbrick towers, bridges, and canals, and Plaza de America, which is flanked by a number of magnificent neo-Gothic and neo-Mudejar palaces. 

Overnight in Seville.

Day 7: SEVILLE – MADRID DEPARTURE (530km – 5hrs)

Begin your last day in Seville with a tasty breakfast. Then, drive to Madrid airport to return the vehicle and catch your departure flight back home. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain and Andorra though a warm jumper and jacket are advisable in the cooler months. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.