Andalucia in Detail
- 11 Days
- From £1,649
- Spain
- Fabulous Granada with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains
- Moorish architecture in Cordoba
- Cobbled streets and white-washed houses in Seville
- The hilltop town of Ronda
- Stopovers in Girona and Barcelona to break your rail journey
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private transfer from Ronda to Seville with a stop en route in Sentenil de las Bodegas
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord and connect to the Gare de Lyon where you will catch a high speed TGV south, across the Spanish border to Girona in Catalonia.
When you arrive, check in for an overnight stay at the modern Ciutat de Girona Hotel (or similar).
Spend a free morning exploring Girona before heading back to the station to board a train bound for Madrid. Arrive into the Spanish capital in the mid-afternoon and transfer onto a high-speed AVE Train to Cordoba. Once you arrive, make your way to your hotel, the Soho Boutique Hotel Capuchinos (or similar), where you will have a 2 night stay.
Once you have settled in, why not make your way into the historic centre of the city, much of which is now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Spaniards traditionally eat late, so you have plenty of time to find the perfect tapas bar or bodega for your evening meal.
A full day to discover the historic sites of this former Roman and Moorish capital. Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent Mesquita Cathedral Mosque, which dates back to the 8th century AD and reflects the fascinating history of this city.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Why not extend your holiday in Cordoba? Take in more of this fascinating city, visit Malaga, or even extend your trip to Tangiers in Morocco!
After a two and a half hour train journey, you will arrive into Granada where you have 2 nights at the Melia Hotel (or similar).
Granada is a fascinating Moorish city, set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains but only an hour’s drive from the sea. There’s plenty to see here, from the iconic Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens to the winding narrow streets of the historic Albaicín district, where you can enjoy tapas and flamenco as the sun goes down. The Alhambra Palace books up early, so please ask us to include skip-the-line tickets here if you’re planning to visit.
Leave Granada at lunchtime after a morning spent at leisure. Your four hour journey takes you through the landscapes of Andalucia to Ronda, perched above the deep El Tajo canyon. Stay overnight at the fabulous Parador de Ronda (or similar), on the edge of the gorge.
Make the most of your overnight stay and wander around the charming cobbled streets of La Cuidad, where Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles wandered before you.
After a leisurely start today, you’ll meet your private transfer driver at your hotel and take a drive through Andalucian countryside to Seville. Along the way, you’ll have a stop at the fascinating Setenil de las Bodegas (pictured), a village carved into a sheer rock face which has existed in some form for thousands of years.
Arriving in the late afternoon, settle in at the Dona Maria Hotel (or similar) before heading out to begin your exploration of the city. You will have 3 nights here.
Spend two full days in Seville, with its Moorish architectural gems, majestic Cathedral (the third largest in the world) and other stunning attractions. Be sure to allow time to simply wander around the beautiful old town of white washed houses and lanes lined with orange trees.
In the evenings, you might like to take a tapas tour or see a live flamenco show. If you would like to pre-book one of Seville’s tours or attractions, you can do so online here.
After an early breakfast in your hotel, head back to the station and catch a train to Catalan capital Barcelona, where you will stay overnight at the conveniently located Barcelo Sants Hotel (or similar).
Once you’ve checked in, spend the rest of the afternoon discovering the sights of Barcelona, including the markets of Las Ramblas, the exuberant buildings designed by Antoní Gaudi and the stunning Gothic Quarter.
Leave Barcelona this morning and take the TGV service back to Paris. Here, make an easy change by rapid metro to the Gare du Nord for your London-bound Eurostar.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Girona
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located a 10-minute walk from Girona’s main station in the centre of the city. Classically furnished bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi internet access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a safe. There is a restaurant on-site, offering a menu made from locally sourced ingredients and the hotel also features a professional spinning room.
Cordoba
With its great location in the heart of Cordoba’s Old Town area, this hotel provides the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions. Modern bedrooms are all fitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV. Enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar or a refreshing treatment in the wellness area, which also features a hot tub and sauna.
Granada
This elegant hotel is situated in the centre of historic Granada, 25 minutes’ walk from the Alhambra Palace. It offers classic-style rooms with a terrace overlooking the city. The hotel’s Generalife restaurant offers an extensive buffet breakfast and specialises in rice dishes. Guests can relax in the Albayzin bar.
Ronda
This Parador is situated in a spectacular spot in the heart of the city, beside Ronda’s emblematic Puente Nuevo. It is housed in the former town hall building, with unparalleled views of the Tagus River, a ravine 390 feet deep. You can go for a swim or sunbathe in the gardens by the swimming pool, taking in a cool drink alongside the gorge.
Seville
The Dona Maria Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Seville, with easy access to the Alcazar, Cathedral and all other attractions. With an outdoor swimming pool, stylish bar and free Wi-Fi access, the hotel has all the amenities guests need to unwind and relax. Bedrooms are decorated in a modern, classic style and come equipped with a TV, a safe, and a minibar.
Barcelona
This recently renovated and modern hotel is perfectly situated for rail travellers, as it is built on top of Barcelona Sants railway station. The hotel has a subtle space exploration theme and all the bedrooms have a large window with views of the city. Each also has an iPod dock, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a choice of two restaurants and a cocktail bar.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cordoba
The Hotel Hospes Palacio Del Bailio is a 5-star boutique hotel that occupies a 16th-century palace in the heart of the ancient city of Córdoba. It has an relaxing pool set in pretty gardens and a luxurious spa. The elegant rooms mix past and present. Some have original wall paintings, and all have flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Granada
The Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos is set in a 19th-century palace, 700 yards from Granada Cathedral. The beautiful Bodyna Spa offers a range of treatments. The hotel has 40 exquisitely decorated rooms, which have a contemporary design, while conserving the original décor of this historic property.
Seville
One of Spain’s most prestigious hotels, Hotel Alfonso XIII is located next to Seville’s Real Alcazares. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, gym and a typical garden courtyard with a fountain, and its elegant design includes Arabic-style arches and ceramic tiles. Rooms are individually decorated and feature air conditioning, a minibar, bathrobe and slippers.
