Southwest Spain (Cáceres, Mérida, Seville, Córdoba) 6-Day Trip Itinerary

Car Rental Pickup

Pick up your rental car in Madrid, ensuring you have a comfortable vehicle suitable for a long road trip.

Book your rental car in advance for better rates and availability. Consider a GPS or a reliable map app.

Drive to Cáceres

Begin your road trip by driving southwest from Madrid to the historic city of Cáceres in Extremadura.

This scenic drive takes you through the Spanish countryside.

Check-in Parador & Lunch

Arrive in Cáceres, check into the historic Parador, and enjoy a traditional Extremaduran lunch.

Explore Cáceres Old Town

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Cáceres, admiring its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visit the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Santa María, and the Co-cathedral of Santa María.

Dinner in Cáceres

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Cáceres, savoring local specialties like 'Torta del Casar' cheese or Iberian ham.

Drive to Mérida

After breakfast, depart Cáceres for Mérida, another UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Roman ruins.

Mérida Roman Theatre & Amphitheatre

Explore the magnificent Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, two of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Spain.

Purchase a combined ticket for access to multiple Roman sites.

National Museum of Roman Art

Visit the impressive National Museum of Roman Art, housing an extensive collection of artifacts from the Roman city of Emerita Augusta.

Lunch in Mérida

Enjoy lunch near the Roman sites in Mérida.

Drive to Carmona (near Seville)

Embark on a longer drive south towards Andalusia, specifically to Carmona, a charming hilltop town near Seville, where your next Parador awaits.

Check-in Parador de Carmona

Check into the magnificent Parador de Carmona, set in a 14th-century Moorish fortress with panoramic views over the countryside.

Dinner at Parador de Carmona

Dine at the Parador's restaurant, enjoying Andalusian cuisine while taking in the stunning views.

Drive to Seville

Drive from Carmona to the vibrant city of Seville.

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Visit the majestic Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and climb the Giralda bell tower for panoramic city views.

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the Giralda ramp.

Royal Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning Royal Alcázar, a magnificent royal palace complex featuring Mudejar architecture and beautiful gardens.

Absolutely essential to book tickets online well in advance, as capacity is limited.

Tapas Lunch in Seville

Enjoy a traditional tapas lunch in the Santa Cruz quarter, savoring classic Sevillian dishes.

Stroll through Santa Cruz

Get lost in the charming narrow streets and hidden patios of the former Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.

Return to Parador de Carmona

Drive back to your Parador in Carmona to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Dinner in Carmona

Dine at the Parador or explore local restaurants in Carmona for an evening meal.

Drive to Seville

Head back to Seville for another day of exploration.

Plaza de España & Parque María Luisa

Visit the magnificent Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, and stroll through the beautiful adjacent Parque de María Luisa.

Explore Triana District

Cross the Triana Bridge to explore this vibrant and authentic neighborhood, known for its ceramics, flamenco, and lively market.

Lunch at Triana Market

Enjoy a casual lunch at the Mercado de Triana, sampling fresh local produce and tapas.

Torre del Oro & River Guadalquivir

Visit the Torre del Oro, a historic watchtower on the bank of the Guadalquivir River, and enjoy views of the city from the riverside.

Evening Flamenco Show (Optional)

Experience an authentic flamenco show in one of Seville's renowned 'tablaos'.

Book in advance, especially for popular venues.

Dinner in Seville

Enjoy your final dinner in Seville before heading back to Carmona.

Return to Parador de Carmona

Drive back to Carmona.

Drive to Córdoba

Depart Carmona and drive east to Córdoba, another jewel of Andalusia.

Córdoba Mezquita-Cathedral

Visit the iconic Mezquita-Cathedral, a breathtaking blend of mosque and cathedral architecture, showcasing centuries of history.

Book tickets online in advance. Modest dress is recommended.

Explore Jewish Quarter (Judería)

Wander through the narrow, flower-filled streets of Córdoba's charming Jewish Quarter, visiting the Synagogue and exploring the artisan shops.

Lunch in Córdoba

Enjoy a traditional Córdoban lunch, trying specialties like Salmorejo or Flamenquín.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a historic fortress with beautiful gardens, known for its role during the Reconquista.

Consider purchasing tickets online to save time.

Walk across Roman Bridge

Take a leisurely stroll across Córdoba's ancient Roman Bridge, offering fantastic views of the Mezquita and the city.

Check-in Parador de Córdoba

Check into the Parador de Córdoba, which offers stunning views and a tranquil setting slightly outside the city center.

Dinner at Parador de Córdoba

Enjoy dinner at the Parador, featuring local Córdoban cuisine, or head back to the city center for more options.

Drive to Toledo

Begin your drive from your last overnight stop in central Spain towards the historic city of Toledo.

Enjoy the scenic Spanish countryside.

Toledo Cathedral

Explore the magnificent Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture.

Admire its impressive altarpiece, choir, and the stunning sacristy with El Greco's works.

Consider booking tickets online to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.

Lunch in Toledo

Enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch at a local restaurant in Toledo's charming old town.

Sample regional specialties like 'Carca Musa' or marzipan.

Many restaurants offer daily set menus (Menu del Día) which are great value.

Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the Alcázar, a stone fortification located on the highest point in Toledo.

It now houses the Army Museum and the Regional Library of Castilla-La Mancha.

Panoramic Views from Mirador del Valle

Drive up to the Mirador del Valle for breathtaking panoramic views of Toledo, especially beautiful with the setting sun. Capture memorable photos of the city's iconic skyline.

Return Drive to Madrid

Begin your final leg of the road trip, driving from Toledo back to Madrid.

This concludes your six-day journey through the southwest of Spain.