Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 8 days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Evening Tapas Tour

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 some 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, which features a sculpture completed in 1782 and depicts Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, riding in a chariot pulled by lions.

In the evening, dig into Madrid's culture on a food excursion featuring traditional tapas. A local expert guide will lead you on a two-hour walk through Barrio Las Letras, known as the "literary quarter." This historic neighborhood in the city center was once home to Spanish literature legends like Cervantes and Quevedo. Besides visiting some historical sights 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

Start your day with a walk through Madrid led by an expert local guide. The city has a long history, which you'll experience with its architecture, public spaces, and culture. Your guide will reveal how different periods influenced Madrid's neighborhoods and buildings. One area you'll visit is the Madrid de los Austrias, built in the 16th century and home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, which was once the heart of Old Madrid.

You'll also stop to admire the Royal Palace, the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll visit both the grounds and interior of this 3,418-room monument, exploring 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.

As a private excursion, the day can cater to your interests. One idea is to visit El Retiro Park, a 308-acre expanse of verdure and the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and an artificial lake. 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: Pick up Rental Car, Drive to Córdoba, City Walk

In the morning, you'll pick up your rental car and start your road trip, embarking on a four-hour drive south from Madrid to Córdoba, where you'll check into your accommodation. To stretch your legs after your journey, you'll enjoy a guided walk, visiting 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. In addition, you'll visit the Alcázar de los Reyes, a palace built in the 14th century. This is where Christopher Columbus met with the Catholic monarchs and was granted approval for his voyage west in search of the Indies. The terraced gardens, fish ponds, flower beds, and orange trees create great photo opportunities.

Day 4: Drive to Seville, Tapas Experience

After breakfast, you'll hit the road again for a two-hour drive west from Córdoba to Andalusia's capital Seville. Feel free to stop along the way to snap photos at historic sights like the medieval Castle of Almodóvar del Río or the village of Palma del Rio. Upon arrival in Seville, you'll check into your hotel in the city center.

In the evening, head to Seville's historic Old Town for a city excursion involving delicious tapas. You'll meet an expert guide who will take you to family-run taverns and recommend a wide selection of dishes to ensure you enjoy the experience like a local. Authentic tapas include acorn-fed Iberian ham, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in oil), and bacalao (salt cod). Of course, throughout the dinner, you'll pair the tapas with delicious local wines. 

Day 5: Half-Day Seville Experience

After breakfast, explore Seville with a local guide, starting with the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. You'll also see La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. There's a noticeable stylistic difference between the two structures, as this 12th-century pillar was initially built as a minaret for the Great Mosque back when the Moors ruled Andalusia.

Next, travel back to the era of the Christian conquest by visiting the Alcázar of Seville. This royal palace was commissioned for King Peter of Castile in the 14th century and was built over the site of a former Muslim fortress. It features well-manicured gardens, and the building is one of the nation's finest examples of Mudéjar architecture.

After stopping at the Alcázar, you'll walk to the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the city's Jewish Quarter. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many options for cafés and tapas bars. This is the perfect area to hang out after your walk or grab dinner later. You can also visit crafts markets and local shops where seasoned artisans produce intricate silverwork and elegant garment embroidery. 

Day 6: Drive to Granada, Hike the Caminito del Rey

After breakfast in Seville, you'll continue your road trip to Granada, passing through some of Andalusia's most beautiful areas. Take in the views as you drive through olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and around mountains, passing the region's famous "white villages," ancient hilltop towns famous for their whitewashed buildings.

Along the way, stop for some adrenaline-pumping hiking at the Caminito del Rey, a stunning network of walkways built along a deep gorge carved out by the Guadalhorce River. At times, the gorge reaches harrowing depths of 2,297 feet (700 meters). After putting on your safety equipment, you'll start your hike and enjoy incredible views down the gorge to the river winding through the valley. This one-way trail typically takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

Afterward, continue to Granada, where you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and recharge.

Day 7: Private Tour of the Alhambra, Ceramics Class

When the Moors ruled most of the Iberian Peninsula, Granada was the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain). You can see examples of this history in the form of Granada's most famous landmark, the Alhambra, which receives more than two million visitors annually. In the morning, you'll meet an expert guide for a private tour.

This imposing Muslim fortress dates to the ninth century, built atop a hill overlooking Granada. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492. After the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with grand halls and colorful flowers, fountains, and panoramic views of the Generalife Gardens.

Later in the afternoon, you'll enjoy a private ceramic tile-painting class with a professional artist. Granada is renowned for the quality of its ceramics, a long tradition that dates back to Moorish times. Your teacher is an accomplished local artist who will present you with a selection of designs and guide your technique as you create them on the tiles. At the end of the class, you'll glaze the tiles before firing them in a special kiln.

Day 8: Drive to Málaga, Depart Spain

After a leisurely breakfast, make the final stretch of your self-drive experience with a 1.5-hour journey from Granada to Málaga. This port city has been rejuvenated over the last few years and is quickly becoming a hotbed of culture, style, gastronomy, and art. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a self-guided walk of the city and visit famous sights like the Picasso Museum in the historic center. It's devoted to the cubist master, who was born in Málaga.

At the designated time, you'll transfer to the airport or rail station, drop off your rental car, and depart. Safe travels!

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