Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 6 days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Evening Tapas Experience

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at the nation's capital, you'll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to settle in before heading out to explore highlights like the Puerta del Sol, one of the city's most historic and expansive plazas. There's also Madrid's famous Fountain of Cibeles, with its 18th-century sculpture depicting Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, riding in a chariot pulled by lions.

In the evening, you'll dig into Madrid's culture on a two-hour walking excursion that stops at some great tapas bars. On this walk, you'll visit Barrio Las Letras, the "literary quarter." This historic neighborhood in the city center was once home to Spanish literary legends like Cervantes and Quevedo. Besides visiting some historical sites around here, you'll also stop at Calle Huertas for a bite at one of the many tapas bars that line the street.

Day 2: Private City Walk, Discover Madrid's Royal Legacy

Enjoy a half-day walk through Madrid led by an expert local guide today. Madrid has a long history, and today, the city adorns itself with that history in its architecture, public spaces, and culture. One area you'll visit that's awash in splendor is the Madrid de los Austrias. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Hapsburg Dynasty's first ruler, Charles I, and is home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, which was once the heart of Old Madrid.

You'll also visit the Royal Palace, the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll explore both the grounds and interior of this 3,418-room monument, entering the parade ground, the chambers of Charles III, several salons, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of the Crown, which displays Charles I's crown, scepter, and throne.

Later, you could visit El Retiro Park, the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and an artificial lake perfect for a boat trip. There are also must-visit gardens here, including the Jardín de Vivaces ("Garden of Vivacious Plants"), Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (inspired by the Andalusia region), and a garden home to over 4,000 roses. The best time to see these blooms is from May through June. 

Day 3: Drive to Seville via Córdoba, Guided City Tour

In the morning, you'll pick up your rental car and embark on a five-hour drive south from Madrid to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. It's a long drive, but you'll stop along the way for a guided tour of Córdoba, a city that dates back to Roman times. There's quite a bit to see in Córdoba, as it's a historical hodgepodge of Moorish, Gothic, and Jewish architecture.

On a guided walk, you'll visit many historical sights, including the breathtaking Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba), a pagan temple that was converted into the great mosque of the Ummayad caliphate. Later, it was transformed into a Catholic church.

You'll also meander around the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Within this historic neighborhood is the Córdoba Synagogue, which dates to 1315. After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the building served different functions. At one time or another, it was a hospital, a chapel, and a nursery school. After the walk, you'll continue to Seville, where you'll check into your hotel and will have the evening free.

Day 4: Cooking Class in Seville

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a cooking lesson in Seville. But this isn't any cooking class—it's a gastronomic odyssey in which you'll learn the secrets to traditional Andalusian cuisine under the one-on-one instruction of a professional chef.

First, you'll meet the chef leading you to a local market. Here, you'll browse the many stalls abounding with a variety of seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables. After picking up the necessary ingredients, you'll head to the cooking workshop, where your chef will teach you how to prepare a delicious meal. Accompanied by a glass of Andalusian sherry, you'll learn much about authentic Spanish recipes as you prepare your lunch from scratch.

After class is dismissed, sit down and enjoy your labor on a terrace table with views of the magnificent Gothic Seville Cathedral, and share a glass of wine with your teacher.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ronda via Arcos de la Frontera

After breakfast in Seville, you'll embark on a day trip through some of Andalusia's most enchanting locales. Take in the views as you drive through olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and around mountains, passing the region's Pueblos Blancos (White Villages)—ancient hilltop towns famous for their whitewashed buildings.

Your destination is Ronda, a historic city located atop a gorge in the Málaga province. It's a two-hour drive south from Seville, but you'll stop along the way in Arcos de la Frontera, one of the aforementioned white villages. On a walk with an expert guide, you'll meander the narrow cobbled streets, marveling at the Moorish towers and castles. Also, there are many points in town where you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Andalusian countryside below.

After the walk, stop at a local restaurant for a traditional Andalusian lunch paired with local wines. You'll then continue on to Ronda, arriving in the afternoon. This is one of Andalusia's most beautiful towns, famous for being built alongside a gaping river gorge that drops 393 feet (120 meters) straight down. The gorge bisects Ronda's old and new towns, which are connected by an 18th-century triple-arched Puente Nuevo, a bridge that affords great views.

You'll have time to explore Ronda on your own, taking in the views and visiting the medieval buildings and ancient Moorish architecture. Also here is the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Seville.  

Day 6: Depart Seville

In the morning, at the appropriate time, a driver will transfer you to the airport where you'll catch your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trip!

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