Madrid, Costa de la Luz & Seville - 9 Days

Days 1-2: Arrive in Madrid, Explore

Welcome to Spain! Once you arrive at the Madrid airport or train station, you'll catch a transfer to your hotel to settle in. The rest of the day (and tomorrow) is free time to explore at your leisure. You can start by experiencing the famous El Prado museum, housing one of the world's finest collections of European art. Visit the highlights of the collection, such as Velazquez's "Las Meninas," El Greco's "Fable," and Goya's "The Countess of Chinchón." 

There are plenty of barrios (districts) to check out, as well. Go shopping on Calle Serrano or Gran Via, or visit El Rastro market if you happen to be in the city on a Sunday. If you want to see more art, the Reina Sofia, Sorolla, and Thyssen Bornemisza museums await. Another more outdoorsy option is to paddle a rowboat or stroll through El Retiro Park—or simply watch the city go by from a café in the Chamberi district. If you prefer a guided tour, you can find several options by foot, bicycle, or even electric scooter. 

At night, make sure to check out the late-night tapas scene since Madrid is known for being one of the culinary capitals of Europe. The picturesque barrio of La Latina in the center of Madrid is home to a tremendous variety of tapas bars, most of them dotted along its liveliest streets: Cava Baja and Cava Alta. Madrid is also known for its nightlife, with more bars than any other city on earth, including upscale cocktail lounges and nightclubs that spin tunes until dawn.

Day 3: Train to Seville, Drive to Conil de la Frontera

This morning, after breakfast, it's time to transfer to Seville by either flight or high-speed train. Upon arrival, you'll collect your rental car and grab some lunch in town before heading south toward the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) and the seaside town of Conil de la Frontera. This is where you will spend the next few days relaxing and exploring the beaches and villages in the area.

The drive takes under two hours as you wind past ancient cities like Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera (you'll have more time to visit them in the coming days). Once you arrive at your hotel in Conil, take the rest of the afternoon to hit the beach and go for a swim or explore the town's historic squares, charming shops, and laid-back way of life.

Days 4-6: Explore Conil & Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz runs from the ancient city of Cádiz down to the closest point in Europe to the African continent. This is also the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Over the next few days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the seaside towns, villages, and beaches that stretch up and down this coastline. Don't miss the family-friendly towns of Tarifa and Zahara de los Atunes, the stunning beaches of Bolonia, Caños de Meca, or El Palmar, among many others. Be sure to stop for a seafood lunch in a beachside bar or local restaurant and take in the views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Gibraltar. And if you're lucky, you can even see across to Africa on a clear day.

You can also take a guided tour of the nearby city of Cádiz, surrounded by water on the Iberian peninsula. Cádiz is said to be the oldest city in Western Europe, and it has been invaded and inhabited by an enormous number of western civilizations. There are more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, traditionally used for spotting ships, and the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, featuring Baroque and neoclassical elements. 

Another option is to tour Jerez, home to sherry wine and the Royal School of Equestrian Art. Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes grown outside of Jerez de la Frontera. After fermentation, the wines are fortified with an additional spirit (also made of grapes) to increase their final alcohol content.

Day 7: Drive to Seville, Return Rental Car

This morning, set off from Conil de la Frontera and make the return two-hour trip to Seville, where you can drop off your rental car. You can take a taxi to your accommodation in the center of Seville.

Once you've settled in your hotel, step out into Seville's meandering streets. This beautiful city is known for its architecture, and the historic center is easy to explore. The Centro (central zone) is where you'll find the cathedral, the Alcázar, Calle Sierpes, and Plaza Nueva. You can also stroll down the elegant pedestrian shopping streets for ultimate people-watching opportunities.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Seville

Today starts with a tour of Seville's most emblematic landmarks. Your private guide will collect you from your hotel to show you the numerous historical gems that make Seville special. You'll visit such sites as the magnificent Alcázar with its Mudéjar (neo-Moorish) palaces and oasis-like gardens, the Catedral de Seville, also known as the largest gothic building in the world, and the neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter.

Your guide will be on hand to answer all your questions. At the end of the tour, you'll even drop into one of their favorite tapas bars, where you can receive further local recommendations. Following the tour, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to continue exploring Seville at your leisure.

Day 9: Train to Madrid, Depart Spain

It's time to say adiós to Spain! You'll transfer to Seville's Santa Justa station this morning to take the high-speed train to Madrid's Atocha station (about 2.5 hours). With comfortable seating and refreshments on board, this is an excellent mode of transportation for longer distances in Spain. On arrival in Madrid, you'll be transferred to Madrid Barajas Airport to connect with your departure flight. Safe travels!

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