12‑Day Spain Itinerary: Madrid & Andalucía

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Morning: Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid‑Barajas Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through the historic Plaza Mayor and enjoy a quick lunch of tapas.

Evening: Stroll along the vibrant Gran Vía, admire the illuminated façades, and dine at a traditional Spanish restaurant.

Day 2: Travel to Seville

Morning: Catch a high‑speed AVE train to Seville (≈2.5 h). Check‑in at your hotel in the Santa Cruz district.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda tower for city views.

Evening: Experience a lively dinner of tapas in the atmospheric Alameda de Hércules area.

Day 3: Seville Highlights

Morning: Explore the royal Alcázar of Seville, wandering through its Moorish patios and gardens.

Afternoon: Wander across the expansive Plaza de España and relax in the adjacent Parque de María Luisa.

Evening: Attend an authentic flamenco show in a local tablao, followed by a late dinner.

Day 4: Day Trip to Córdoba

Morning: Take a fast train to Córdoba (≈45 min) and head straight to the iconic Mezquita‑Cathedral.

Afternoon: Meander through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, visiting the historic synagogue.

Evening: Return to Seville and enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel.

Day 5: Journey to Granada

Morning: Board a morning train to Granada (≈3 h). Settle into a boutique hotel overlooking the Alhambra.

Afternoon: Explore the charming Albayzín neighbourhood, with its white‑washed houses and stunning viewpoints.

Evening: Sip wine at a rooftop bar while watching the sunset over the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.

Day 6: The Alhambra Experience

Morning: Tour the magnificent Alhambra Palace, admiring its intricate stucco work and courtyards.

Afternoon: Wander the lush gardens of the Generalife and enjoy the fragrant orange trees.

Evening: Dine on Andalusian specialties in the historic Paseo de los Tristes area.

Day 7: Day Trip to Ronda

Morning: Travel by bus to Ronda (≈2 h). Marvel at the dramatic Puente Nuevo spanning the gorge.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Ronda Bullring and the adjoining museum.

Evening: Return to Granada for a relaxed night, perhaps enjoying a nightcap at a local tavern.

Day 8: Málaga Coast

Morning: Take a short train ride to Málaga (≈1 h). Relax on the sunny Playa de La Malagueta.

Afternoon: Discover the artistic side of the city at the Picasso Museum, celebrating the native master.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at the bustling Muelle Uno waterfront promenade.

Day 9: Return to Madrid

Morning: Catch a high‑speed AVE train back to Madrid (≈2.5 h). Check‑in at your central hotel.

Afternoon: Unwind with a stroll through the verdant Retiro Park, rowing on the lake.

Evening: Explore the lively nightlife of the Malasaña district, sampling craft cocktails.

Day 10: Madrid’s Cultural Gems

Morning: Visit the regal Royal Palace of Madrid and its impressive Hall of Audiences.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in world‑class art at the Prado Museum, focusing on Velázquez and Goya.

Evening: Savor a gourmet dinner in the historic Plaza de Santa Ana area.

Day 11: Day Trip to Toledo

Morning: Take a 30‑minute train to the UNESCO‑listed city of Toledo and explore the medieval streets.

Afternoon: Visit the breathtaking Toledo Cathedral and the historic Alcázar museum.

Evening: Return to Madrid and enjoy a leisurely walk along the illuminated Gran Via.

Day 12: Departure from Madrid

Morning: Use any remaining time for last‑minute shopping at the El Rastro market or a quick coffee in the Plaza de Oriente.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Spain’s vibrant culture.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Plaza Mayor – 1 h – €0 (free)
• Gran Vía – 2 h – €0 (free)
• AVE Madrid–Seville – 2.5 h – €80
• Seville Cathedral & Giralda – 2 h – €12
• Alcázar of Seville – 3 h – €13.50
• Plaza de España – 1.5 h – €0
• Flamenco Show – 2 h – €30
• Train to Córdoba – 45 min – €30
• Mezquita‑Cathedral – 2 h – €10
• Train to Granada – 3 h – €45
• Albayzín – 2 h – €0
• Alhambra Palace – 3 h – €14
• Generalife Gardens – 2 h – €8
• Bus to Ronda – 2 h – €15
• Puente Nuevo – 1 h – €0
• Ronda Bullring – 1.5 h – €10
• Train to Málaga – 1 h – €12
• Picasso Museum – 2 h – €9
• AVE Granada–Madrid – 2.5 h – €80
• Retiro Park – 2 h – €0
• Royal Palace – 2 h – €13
• Prado Museum – 3 h – €15
• Train to Toledo – 30 min – €13
• Toledo Cathedral – 1.5 h – €10
• Alcázar of Toledo – 1.5 h – €5
• Misc. meals, local transport & tips – 12 days – €250
• Total Estimated Cost: €739.00

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a full day in the Costa del Sol for beach relaxation or a visit to the historic city of Cádiz. To shorten the trip, you could skip the day trips to Ronda and Toledo, using that time for deeper exploration of Madrid or a relaxed pace in Sevilla and Granada.