Southern Spain Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,456 reviews)- Choose from 150+ Southern Spain tours
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Table of contents
- The best Southern Spain tour packages
- What people love about Southern Spain Tours
- Travel Southern Spain your way
- Best tour companies for Southern Spain tours
- Popular Southern Spain Cruise Ships
- Discover Southern Spain tours for every budget
- Southern Spain tours for every type of group
- Top Southern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern Spain
- Contact our Southern Spain travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern Spain Tours & Trips
The best Southern Spain tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
Colors of Spain - 8 Days
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised tour with many highlights. Tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable.”
Ana, traveled in July
The route winds through Southern Spain's highlights, from Merida's Roman ruins to Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral. Marvel at Seville's Maria Luisa Park, Granada's Alhambra, and Ronda's mountain views. Includes 7 nights at upscale hotels like Melia Lebreros and guided tours in English and Spanish.
Duration 8 days Destinations Madrid, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Malaga Age Range 4 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Click Tours From $2,991
28% Off- NZ$2,153You save $837
From Madrid to Barcelona
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The highlight of the tour for me was an impromptu visit to Sacermonte Cuevas in Alhambra to see 'freestyle' flamenco.”
Leslie, traveled in December
Your path leads through Southern Spain visiting Cordoba's ancient Mosque/Cathedral and Seville's iconic Plaza de España. Take in Granada's stunning Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens. Tour includes 4-star accommodations at Exe Sevilla Macarena and Abades Nevada Palace, with professional bilingual guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator VPT Tours From $1,516
10% Off- NZ$1,364You save $152
Southern Spain's treasures await, from Seville's Royal Alcázar to Granada's Alhambra Palace. Watch passionate flamenco performances, marvel at Córdoba's Mezquita, and ride through historic Albayzín. The tour features 4-star accommodations, expert guides, and priority access to major landmarks.
Duration 12 days Destinations Lisbon, Seville, Granada, Barcelona Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $7,310
2% Off- NZ$7,163You save $146
Colors of Charming Spain - 9 Days
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed the trip, next time will do Northern Spain.”
Carmen, traveled in October
Southern Spain unfolds from Seville's Giralda Tower to Ronda's dramatic cliffside setting. Marvel at UNESCO-listed Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra palace. Stay in premium hotels like Hilton Garden Inn Costa del Sol, with optional premium package including authentic tapas dinners and river cruises.
Duration 9 days Destinations Madrid, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Malaga Age Range 4 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Click Tours From $3,739
28% Off- NZ$2,692You save $1,047
Andalusia with Costa del Sol & Toledo
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The culture, people, way of life, history & places we explored didn't disappoint.”
Denise, traveled in February
Southern Spain's highlights shine: from Cordoba's historic Mosque to Granada's stunning Alhambra. Wander through Seville's Santa Cruz quarter, Ronda's dramatic views, and Toledo's UNESCO heritage. Enjoy 4-star comfort at Melia hotels with daily breakfast and expert guided tours.
Duration 5 days Destinations Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Marbella, Granada, Toledo Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,789
15% Off- NZ$1,521You save $268
What people love about Southern Spain Tours
- From Madrid to Barcelona
For my first tour. I really enjoyed the tour. Ofelia was our tour guide and she was with us the whole time if we needed anything. It was nice having someone there with us. We really enjoyed the places that were in the itinerary and the overall experience. I would highly recommend this tour. I felt the hotels at each location were good. I would recommend doing the flamenco shows. Con: The only thing that could have been better was the food, but all the activities and accommodations were great, which made up for it.
- Colors of Spain - 8 Days
3 Days there were no tours. The Tour needed to include more tours.
- Walking in Andalucia
I loved the variation of scenery each day, made even better by the excellent weather as it was sunny each day. It was clumsy going via Tour Radar to book an Exodus holiday so I'll book directly with Exodus in the future.
Travel Southern Spain your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Southern Spain. We have 32 adventures that vary from 4 days to 13 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursOur most popular Spanish exploration routes really get to the heart of the country. The Madrid-to-Barcelona journey spans 10 key stops over 8-9 days, kicking off with evening tapas crawls through Madrid's La Latina neighborhood and time at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Our customers love how the itinerary balances guided activities with free time in places like Córdoba, Seville and other historic cities. While some days do involve longer bus rides, the high-speed train connections help you make the most of each location. Another solid choice focuses on Madrid and Andalucia across 7 days - you'll dig deep into spots like the Royal Palace and Toledo's winding historic lanes. The cultural elements really shine through on these tours, though getting Alhambra tickets can be tricky so book well ahead.
Select from our extensive range of 120 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern Spain with our expert guides leading the way.
Our cultural routes weaving through Southern Spain take 8-9 days starting from Madrid, where evening tapas crawls in Plaza Mayor set the tone before diving into expert-led visits of Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral and Jewish Quarter. Tour members consistently tell us how much they appreciate having knowledgeable local guides at UNESCO sites, particularly when explaining the intricate fusion of Moorish and Christian architectural elements. The journey through Andalucia strikes an effective balance, with guided tours of Seville's cathedral and Santa Cruz quarter followed by free afternoons to wander and discover tucked-away plazas, narrow lanes, and peaceful courtyards. We've found that two-night stays in major cultural centers work exceptionally well, giving visitors proper time to explore Granada's Alhambra complex and also catch authentic flamenco performances in intimate venues. While some accommodations are positioned outside city centers, this arrangement allows access to both prominent monuments and lesser-visited cultural gems like the Roman amphitheater in Merida. Our travelers consistently confirm that the carefully planned route connecting Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville and also Granada delivers the ideal combination of expert guidance and genuine cultural experiences.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern Spain tours
Looking at these tour companies, it's worth noting that Europamundo gets mostly good marks for its tour planning and guide expertise, though there's often confusion about the extras and schedule changes that pop up along the way. People who've traveled with them mention having to ask multiple times about what's included and what's not. VPT Tours shows a bit of inconsistency - while some of their guides really shine, others seem to lack deep local knowledge. We've heard from travelers who felt their guides couldn't answer basic questions about the areas they were visiting. The food situation at Hotel Catolina in Seville comes up regularly in feedback, with many guests saying the dinner quality needs serious improvement. TourRadar works differently since they partner with local operators to run their tours. This can make things a bit complicated - you might book through TourRadar but end up with different companies handling different parts of your trip. Our customers sometimes tell us this leads to communication gaps and service that varies quite a bit from one leg of the journey to another. For those who prefer going their own way, Okay Car Rental has become quite popular. You get to control your schedule and make spontaneous stops, which many travelers really enjoy. Just keep in mind that some hotels they work with charge extra for parking - something that's caught quite a few people by surprise when checking out.
View operators
Popular Southern Spain Cruise Ships
Discover Southern Spain tours for every budget
Our budget-friendly 8-day Southern Spain tours hit the mark for travelers looking to see a lot without overspending. Starting in Madrid, you'll join local guides through Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and onto Toledo's winding medieval lanes. The setup gives you structured visits mixed with free time to wander - though keep in mind some hotels sit a bit outside city centers. Our Spanish-English speaking guides really shine when explaining the history at Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra. Many guests like the route south via Extremadura, where you'll pause at Merida's Roman sites before reaching Seville. Here you can explore the Santa Cruz quarter and maybe hop on a Guadalquivir river cruise. It's ideal if you want your first Spanish adventure to blend guided expertise with time to explore solo.
Southern Spain budget tours- Southern Spain luxury tours
Southern Spain tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
141 tours in Southern SpainExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern Spain. We have 141 adventures that vary from 3 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
21 tours in Southern SpainThe small-group tours across Southern Spain each bring something special to the table. Premium routes feature intimate Madrid tapas evenings and peaceful Alhambra Palace visits after the crowds leave, though our senior guests mention accessibility could be better at some hotels. The cultural immersion through Andalucia lets groups dive deep with private guides at Cordoba's Mezquita and Seville's Jewish Quarter, while leaving time to explore independently. Our travelers consistently highlight the local experts at major sites who make history come alive, explaining everything from the 850 striped arches of Cordoba, to the rich Moorish heritage in Granada's Albaicin neighborhood. The Madrid-Barcelona route combines guided visits with independent exploration effectively, though feedback suggests dropping Valencia would allow more time elsewhere. These tours shine in their thoughtful balance - you get expert-guided morning walks through Toledo's medieval streets, and then free afternoons to discover Seville's Santa Cruz quarter or catch an evening flamenco show at your own tempo.
Private / Personalized
26 tours in Southern SpainOur self-drive Andalucia tours give you the freedom to explore while we handle the logistics. The 7-8 day routes typically kick off from Malaga or Seville, with your rental car ready at arrival. Our travelers tell us they love setting their own schedule - whether that means an extra hour at a wine tasting or discovering a family-run olive farm. One route takes you through hilltop towns like Ronda on your way to Granada, where we'll set up your Alhambra visit. Another follows the Costa del Sol, winding through Malaga and Puerto Banús. The 4-star hotels are well-placed, though do note parking isn't always included in the rate. It's perfect for experienced drivers who want to mix major sites with countryside discoveries at their own speed.
Top Southern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Southern Spain tours give you much more to dig into, typically flowing from Madrid through Andalucia's cultural centers. These routes cover Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and also Madrid, with a good mix of guided visits and independent exploration. You'll get expert-led tours of Madrid's Royal Palace and Cordoba's Jewish Quarter, plus free time to wander at your own pace. Our local guides really come into their own at Granada's Alhambra and in Toledo's old town. Having two nights in Seville works particularly well - our travelers appreciate the extra time to explore the Santa Cruz quarter and catch some authentic flamenco in the evening. One practical note: some hotels sit a bit far from city centers, so it's worth checking the exact locations if that matters to you.
See all tours
Southern Spain's 10-day tours flow naturally from Madrid's Plaza Mayor through Toledo and deep into Andalucia's cultural landscapes. Our travelers tell us they particularly value how these journeys mix structured activities, like specialist-guided tours of Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral, with plenty of independent exploration time in places like Seville's historic Santa Cruz quarter. The evenings come alive with tapas crawls through Madrid's La Latina district, and sports enthusiasts can catch the excitement of Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. High-speed trains connect the major stops efficiently, while two-night stays in key destinations let you sink into local rhythms and customs. The journey often winds down on the Costa del Sol's Mediterranean shores, where you can process all you've experienced in a laid-back coastal setting. Our guests consistently mention how boat rides along Seville's Guadalquivir River, and visits to historic squares provide perfect pauses between intensive cultural experiences.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Malaga, Granada, Frigiliana, Nerja, Ronda, Cordoba, Seville, Estremoz, Lisbon, Sintra
Demographics
Young adults are drawn to those 10-day Madrid-to-Barcelona routes, which blend social vibes with cultural discoveries. The journey starts with evening tapas hopping through Madrid's La Latina district and takes you to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium where Real Madrid plays. Our guests often mention how well these tours mix guided activities with free time - you'll get expert tours through spaces like Córdoba's Jewish Quarter but also have evenings open to find your own path through the local nightlife. Along the way, you'll cruise Seville's Guadalquivir River and stop in upscale Puerto Banús. The high-speed trains keep you moving efficiently between destinations, skipping those long bus rides, and each hotel puts you right in the middle of city life. What sets these trips apart, according to many of our younger travelers, is how they combine historic landmarks, social experiences and also Barcelona's vibrant food and cultural scene as the perfect finale.
Our older travelers have given us really useful feedback about Southern Spain tours they enjoy most. The winning formula includes proper time at major sites - you'll get to properly explore the Alhambra and also Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral without feeling rushed. The 8-day tours from Madrid work particularly well, with active mornings and also relaxed afternoons. Travelers over 70 especially appreciate using the high-speed trains instead of long bus rides. While the Premium tours get good reviews for their central hotels, it's worth checking if rooms have walk-in showers instead of tubs. Having local guides at historical sites plus free time to explore places like Seville's Santa Cruz quarter and Toledo's medieval streets seems to hit just the right balance.
Southern Spain works really well for families - we've got several proven routes that keep both parents and kids happy. There's a solid 9-day tour from Madrid that starts with something special for the young ones: a visit to Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. If you're heading through Andalusia, the Roman amphitheater in Merida is a crowd-pleaser; our families tell us how the kids love seeing ancient history right there in front of them. The Granada tours hit a sweet spot with a mix of Alhambra gardens and free time to wander the Albaicín quarter. Over in Seville, we've found the combination of Guadalquivir River boats and evening flamenco shows keeps everyone interested. Many families like finishing up on the Costa del Sol beaches - it's a nice way to relax after all the cultural sites.
- Solo Travelers127 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples85 tours
- Seniors (50+)59 tours
Best time to visit Southern Spain
- Summer 2025
Summer brings extended daylight for exploring, though we plan carefully around the heat. We visit the Alhambra early morning before temperatures peak and focus afternoons on cool indoor sites like Seville's cathedral. The Madrid-Barcelona route works well in summer using comfortable air-conditioned high-speed trains. Our travelers really appreciate having hotels with pools this time of year - quite a few tours include stays near Malaga's beaches. The Costa del Sol portions offer nice breaks between cultural visits and evening programs come alive with outdoor flamenco shows and dinners in Plaza Mayor. Just keep in mind summer brings bigger crowds at major sites, so our guides time the visits strategically.
- 69 tours
- 69 tours
- popular 81 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall creates perfect conditions for discovering Southern Spain's cities and rural areas. The Colors of Spain route is particularly good now, starting in ancient Merida with its Roman amphitheater then moving to Seville as crowds thin out and temperatures drop. Our tours visit Cordoba in autumn when you can comfortably explore the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter. Driving through Extremadura shows off spectacular fall colors and we stop at family restaurants to try seasonal dishes. Another autumn favorite combines the Alhambra with visits to Ronda and also the Costa del Sol - September and October give you ideal weather for mixing culture and beach time. The Madrid-based routes take advantage of pleasant temperatures for extended walking tours through historic areas.
- 107 tours
- popular 111 tours
- 83 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter visits to Southern Spain work really well along the Classical Spain route - you'll start at Madrid's Plaza Mayor before heading south through La Mancha. The cooler weather makes exploring much more comfortable, especially in Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral and the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter. Another solid choice focuses on Andalucia with 5 days moving between Cordoba, Seville and Granada when tourist numbers are lower. The countryside between cities is peacefully quiet and our guides love sharing tales about the conquistadors who once lived here. Some travelers take the high-speed train to end their trip in Barcelona, mixing southern highlights with Catalan winter festivals. The mild temperatures mean you can still enjoy boat rides on Seville's Guadalquivir River and walks through Granada's historic Albaicín district.
- popular 75 tours
- 61 tours
- 66 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring really comes alive in Southern Spain as gardens burst into bloom. Our travelers particularly love exploring Madrid's Retiro Park and Toledo's hilltop panoramas before heading to Seville where orange blossoms fill the air in Santa Cruz quarter. Many tours time their Granada visits perfectly to see the Generalife Gardens at their finest - you'll get amazing photos of the fountains and flower displays. The walks through Cordoba's flower-decorated courtyards and patios are a highlight for many guests. Our Premium Spain tour includes spring olive mill visits near Granada where you can taste fresh oils and watch the new harvest coming in. Another great option adds countryside stops in dramatic white villages like Ronda, set high above valleys turned bright green in spring.
- popular 81 tours
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Contact our Southern Spain travel experts
Hannah
Expert in Southern Spain at TourRadar
Hannah is one of our seasoned Southern Spain Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Spain tours answered!
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern Spain Tours & Trips
What Makes Southern Spain Special?
Southern Spain's got this amazing mix of cultures you won't find anywhere else in the country. The Moors ruled here for centuries and left their mark everywhere you look - the stunning Alhambra palace in Granada and Cordoba's incredible Mezquita are perfect examples. When you combine this rich history with the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle gorgeous beaches and mountain views you get something really unique.
What Natural Areas Can You Visit Beyond the Cities?
The Sierra Nevada mountains are absolutely breathtaking and they're super easy to reach from Granada by bus or car. It's perfect if you want to escape the summer heat and the views are just incredible. There's also the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park which UNESCO named a Biosphere Reserve it's got these dramatic limestone cliffs and canyons plus beautiful white villages scattered throughout. You can drive there or take guided tours from Ronda or Seville. The Walking in Andalucia tour takes you through Grazalema starting from this lovely little village called Algamitas.
Which Hidden Gems Should You Visit?
The pueblos blancos or white villages are absolutely magical with their whitewashed houses and Moorish influence. Places like Zahara de la Sierra Arcos de la Frontera and Setenil de las Bodegas give you this amazing glimpse into real Andalusian life. You can reach them by car or local bus and the pace is so much slower than in the cities. There's this great Self-Guided Cycling tour from Seville to Cadiz that stops at Arcos de la Frontera which sits dramatically on top of a cliff.