3-Day Spain Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Spain tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffSpain travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Southern Spain Itinerary, incl. Cordoba and Seville

  Spanish landmarks shine in this tour of Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga. Marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Plaza de España, and Maria Luisa Park, with 4-star accommodation at Catalonia Santa Justa for around $400.

  

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  • Day 1

    Madrid to Cordoba to Seville (530km)

    Leave Madrid's city center at 8:00 AM to avoid heavy morning traffic. The 4-hour drive through La Mancha has limited rest stops so pack water and snacks. When you reach Cordoba visit the Mezquita-Cathedral between 2-4 PM when crowds are smaller and sunlight filters through the red-and-white arches. Walking the Jewish Quarter can be very hot in summer so bring water and sun protection. From there it's a 1.5-hour drive to Seville.

    
  • Day 2

    Seville Exploration

    Start your day at Maria Luisa Park to beat the heat. One visitor shared: "The Plaza de España was relatively quiet before 10 AM - perfect for photos without crowds, and the tilework is incredible in the morning light." When visiting the Giralda bell tower wear good walking shoes. The tower has ramps instead of stairs since it was originally built for horses to climb. If you take the Guadalquivir river cruise book it for sunset around 7 PM to get great photos of the Golden Tower. Plan to eat dinner before catching a flamenco show in the Triana neighborhood since performances start at 9:30 PM and run late into the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Seville to Costa del Sol (190km)

    Start your 2.5-hour drive to Costa del Sol before 9 AM to reach Malaga by lunchtime. The A-92 highway route shows off beautiful olive groves and white villages. Sit on the right side for the best views. The tour finishes in Malaga but you might want to spend extra time exploring the beaches. You can easily walk around the historic center and the Picasso Museum is just a short 10-minute walk from the main bus station.

    

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• 3 Day Southern Spain Itinerary, incl. Cordoba and Seville

  La Mancha's landscapes unfold on this 530km route from Madrid to Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral. Two nights in Seville reveal Plaza de España and Santa Cruz quarter, with return by AVE high-speed train. All for approx. $190 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Madrid to Cordoba to Seville

    Take the early bus from Madrid at 7:45 AM. Get breakfast before you leave since it's a long trip through La Mancha. When you reach Cordoba, visit the Mezquita-Cathedral during early afternoon when there are fewer tourists. The best time to photograph the striped arches is between 2-4 PM when sunlight streams through the windows. Take about 90 minutes to walk through the Jewish Quarter's winding streets. You'll then continue to Seville. Plan for a late dinner since most restaurants don't get busy until after 8:30 PM.

    
  • Day 2

    Seville Exploration

    Start at Plaza de España early to avoid the heat and get great photos of the ceramic tiles. Walk through Maria Luisa Park next - you'll appreciate the shade from Seville's strong sun. Visit the Cathedral and Giralda Tower before lunch. One visitor shared: "The climb up the Giralda is actually quite easy since it's ramps instead of stairs, but go before noon to avoid the worst of the heat." The Santa Cruz neighborhood looks beautiful in late afternoon light. If you want to see flamenco, book the 10:30 PM show. The performers are usually best at this time, and you can have dinner first. Look for shows in Triana instead of the city center for a more local experience.

    
  • Day 3

    Seville to Madrid

    Use your last morning well. Get to the Real Alcázar by 9:00 AM to avoid long lines - it opens at 9:30 AM. If you're taking an evening train back to Madrid, finish sightseeing by 3 PM. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Get to Santa Justa station 30 minutes early for security. Book your train tickets ahead of time, especially from March to May and September to October when they often sell out.

    

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• 3 Days in Northern Spain, incl. Madrid and San Sebastian

  A whirlwind 3-day tour spans 6 Spanish cities, from Madrid to Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Segovia Aqueduct, medieval Pedraza, San Sebastián's Mount Igueldo, and Burgos Cathedral, all for around $500.

  

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  • Day 1

    Madrid to Bilbao

    Start your day early in Madrid to get the most out of Segovia. Visit the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos viewpoint before 10 AM for optimal morning views of the Alcazar fortress. Get to the Roman Aqueduct early as tour groups fill the area by mid-morning. Spend 2-3 hours walking through the old town. Stop for lunch at Plaza Mayor where local restaurants serve excellent cochinillo (roasted suckling pig). Drive about an hour to medieval Pedraza. Park outside the town walls since the streets are too narrow for cars. Plan to arrive in Bilbao around 6 PM to explore the Casco Viejo. Note that most pintxos bars in the old quarter open at 7:30 PM for dinner.

    
  • Day 2

    Bilbao to San Sebastian

    Visit the Guggenheim right when it opens at 10 AM to avoid crowds. Head to La Ribera Market for lunch before 2 PM when vendors start closing up. It's a quick 30-minute drive to Guernica. Visit the Peace Museum, which closes at 5 PM in winter and 7 PM in summer. Stop in Hondarribia and catch sunset views of the fortified old town from the Marina neighborhood. San Sebastian is another 30 minutes away. If you're staying at Mount Igueldo, bring warm clothes since the bay breezes can get cool at night.

    
  • Day 3

    San Sebastian to Madrid

    Start your morning at Mount Igueldo. The first funicular usually starts running at 9 AM. Visit Miramar Palace gardens before 11 AM when crowds arrive. For an authentic pintxos experience, try Bar Nestor in the old town. Their famous tortilla is made only twice daily at 1 PM and 8 PM. The drive to Burgos takes about 4 hours. Plan your arrival before the Gothic cathedral closes at 7:30 PM (6:30 PM in winter). It's another 3.5 hours to Madrid. You might want to book late flights or stay an extra night to avoid rushing.

    

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