Andalucian Explorer by Rail

Andalucian Explorer by Rail

Discover the stunning seaside beauty and the exotic Moorish roots of Southern Spain’s Andalucian region on this eight-night holiday by air and rail. Your journey begins in Malaga, on Spain’s southern coast, where you’ll enjoy two days of sightseeing before journeying by train to Granada, Cordoba and the fascinating Andalucian capital of Seville. Experience all the best of Southern Spain with this journey to its most vibrant cities!

What's Included:

• Return flight from the UK to Malaga
• Rail travel throughout
• 2 nights’ total hotel stay with breakfast in Malaga
• 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Granada
• 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Cordoba
• 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Seville
• Skip the line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada
• Skip the line tour of Cordoba including the Mezquita and Alcázar
• Skip the line tour of Seville Cathedral and Alcázar

Day 1: Arrive In Malaga

Depart from the UK for your flight to Malaga, your gateway to Andalucia. On arrival in Malaga, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Malaga is a vibrant, culturally rich city blessed with a delightfully restored historic centre featuring a range of modern and traditional bars as well as a plethora of family-owned and contemporary shops. Perhaps wander around the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish castle with ramparts overlooking the city, visit the Picasso Museum for works by the famous artist who was born here, or relax in the tranquil surroundings of La Conception Botanical and Historical Garden, also with stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean coast. (Overnight in Malaga)

Day 2: Malaga to Granada

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, board the train for a scenic ride to Granada, which includes a transfer to the pretty city Andalucian city of Antequera. On arrival in Granada, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city of Granada and the surrounding Granada province is steeped in medieval history, and its fascinating Moorish architectural heritage draws thousands of visitors every year from around the world. Enjoy a meal of delicious tapas at a local bar, happen upon a spontaneous flamenco performance, or admire the street art that lines the narrow cobblestone boulevards. (Overnight in Granada)

Day 3: Granada

After breakfast this morning, immerse yourself in Spain’s Moorish past with your included entrance to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, the most popular attraction in the city and one of the most beloved monuments in all of Spain. With construction starting in the 11th century, and numerous additions and revisions over hundreds of years, the palace is now a painstakingly restored love letter to Moorish architecture. (Overnight in Granada)

Day 4: Granada to Cordoba

Journey by train to Cordoba via Antequera today, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. A smaller city than its Andalucian neighbors of Seville and Granada, Cordoba makes up for its lack of size with history, charm and more than a few spectacular sights. Make your way to Cordoba Old Town, with its glorious Mezquita and in the evening, discover the Plaza de las Tendillas with its excellent bars and restaurants. (Overnight in Cordoba)

Day 5: Cordoba

After breakfast this morning, explore one of Spain’s most celebrated historic monuments on a guided tour of the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Hear the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site from a local guide and marvel at the well-preserved architecture from many eras of Córdoban history. (Overnight in Cordoba)

Day 6: Cordoba to Seville

Board the train from Cordoba to Seville today, and on arrival in Seville, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. As the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, Seville is a historical masterpiece full of Islamic monuments, gardens and lively Flamenco festivals. Explorer the huge Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park, San Cruz Quarter, and Triana, the birthplace of flamenco. Admire the city's great architecture styles on display, from Islamic and Gothic to Rococo. (Overnight in Seville)

Day 7: Seville

After an early breakfast, miss the crowds with an early access tour of the spectacular Royal Palace of Alcázar and the magnificent Seville Cathedral – home to many riches of Spanish Colonialism as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Perhaps climb the steady slope to the top of La Giralda for an impressive view, or even atop the futurist Metropol Parasol for a unique photo opportunity. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a meal of tapas and sample other local specialties at one of the many pavement bars around the city. (Overnight in Seville)

Day 8: Seville to Malaga

Return to Malaga by train today and enjoy a final night in the city. Perhaps visit some of the sights you missed at the beginning of the trip, or revisit some of your favorites. (Overnight in Malaga)

Day 9: Depart Malaga

After breakfast, this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way back to the airport in Malaga for your return flight to the UK. Interested in spending additional nights in any of the destinations on this holiday, or even taking the journey in reverse? Just let one of our Rail Specialists know and we would be happy to help you arrange all the details.