Day Trip to Córdoba & Carmona, Seville

Take a day trip to the picturesque and historic cities of Córdoba and Carmona. You'll start by strolling the streets of Córdoba, once the capital of Al-Andalus (the name for the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula). Enjoy learning about the city's rich Jewish history and visiting sites like the Mezquita-Catedral—a mosque and cathedral in one—and the Roman bridge built in the 1st century BCE. Then, your driver will take you to Carmona, one of Europe's oldest towns. Built atop a hill, Carmona offers incredible countryside views, and you'll visit sites like the historic market square of Plaza del Mercado and admire the tiled building facades.

Step back in time on this day trip to two of Andalusia's most historic cities. You'll start by being picked up by your driver at your hotel or apartment, then set off for Córdoba, a 1.5-hour drive from Seville. Along the way, enjoy scenes of Andalusia's countryside pass by, filled with rolling hills and olive groves. Once in Córdoba, you'll start your guided walk through the city's charming maze of stone streets and monuments. 

Córdoba's concentrated Old Town and Jewish Quarter is where you'll spend your time in the city. Famous for its narrow alleys and overflowing flower pots, this area is home to Islamic, Christian, and Jewish monuments detailing the city's unique and diverse history. As you stroll, your guide will share the details of how Córdoba was once the capital of Al-Andalus, the area of the Iberian peninsula under Moorish rule for over seven centuries. During the Reconquista, Christian kingdoms took over, which is why you'll see a mix of religious and cultural heritage in the city.

Your first stop will be the Mezquita-Catedral, the perfect example of this blended influence. Once the world's second-largest mosque, this structure dates to the 8th century and was converted to a Roman-Catholic church after the Reconquista. Inside, you'll find an impressive display of architecture and design. Admire the Hypostyle Hall with two-toned Islamic arches beside the cathedral with its decorative nave and Gothic-style domed ceilings. You'll also stroll through the courtyard covered with orange trees and admire the bell tower, originally the mosque's minaret. 

Next, walk under the Puerta del Puente to the Guadalquivir River. You'll notice how natural the river looks compared to other cities, and that's intentional with its ecological park and bird habitat. Cross the Puente Romano, a 1st-century-BCE bridge with its original arcades. You'll get some of the best city views from the other side of the bridge at the Torre De Calahorra.

Continue your walk back across the bridge and into the Jewish Quarter. You'll stop to learn about important sites and monuments, including the Estatua de Maimónides and the Córdoba Synagogue. Your guide will also show you a few of the city's typical patios, known as cordobeses, with colorful pots of flowers hanging from the walls. Some of the most picturesque streets in this area (and the Old Town) include the narrow Calle Judios, Calleja de las Flores, and Calleja del Pañuelo. You'll also stroll down Calle Cairuan, which borders the city's historic walls. 

End your time in Córdoba with a little independence. You'll have time to continue walking around on your own, stopping at traditional restaurants or bars to taste local delicacies like flamenquin (fried cheese rolls with veal and ham) or salmorejo (a refreshing chilled soup made with bread, tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic). You could also visit the Real Caballerizas, historic stables from the 16th century, or the Museum of Julio Romero de Torres, the artist known for portraying the beauty of flamenco.

On your way back to Seville, you'll stop in the hilltop town of Carmona, enclosed by Roman ramparts. The town's origins date back to the Neolithic period, and there are quite a few archeological sites in the city, including the Necrópolis Romana de Carmona. Your guide will also take you through Carmona's charming and twisting streets, stopping at a few of the main sites. Two city gates are worth a look: the Puerta de Córdoba, with its medieval architecture and countryside views, and the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla entrance. And before returning to Seville, admire the Iglesia de San Felipe and the Church of Santa María.

Once back in Seville, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.