Seville has a look, feel, and flavor all its own!
There is a particular enchantment to be found in the second cities of Europe. The smiles and handshakes seem to come more readily, the pace of life slows just a little. Travelers enjoy a slice of local life, the peek behind the cultural curtain flung wide open. Madrid and Barcelona are top destinations for good reason: the museums are first class, the architecture never ceases to amaze, the culinary scene rich and varied. But, if time and schedule allow, take a scenic sojourn south to Seville. A seamless 2-hour train journey from Madrid whisks visitors away to a different side of Spain—Andalusia, the southern region of Spain where Seville is located, has a look, feel, and flavor all its own, beckoning visitors to relax and enjoy.
Speaking of relaxation, there is no better place to start than Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza, a hotel bursting with Andalusian charm and hospitality. No sterile white hotel room here—pops of color beckon at every turn. Tropical plants, flowers, and aqua-blue shutters dot the pathways through the property, which feels more like a quaint neighborhood than a hotel. The central atrium offers serene tranquility – a delight to find in such a central location. There is much to do and see in Seville, but once checked in, block a bit of time on the itinerary to enjoy the rooftop pool with a glass of tinto de Verano.
Food in Seville is a love language, a connection to heritage and history. The Seville Secret Food Tour combines all the best ingredients about traveling in Spain: a local guide with a tangible passion for his home, delicious tapas and drinks perfected over generations, and a stroll through off-the-beaten path neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist trail (hence the name secret food tour). Pack an appetite and indulge!
Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, Mudejar. The architecture throughout Seville tells the story of the many cultural shifts and religious upheavals throughout Andalusian history. This private tour takes guests to the iconic landmarks of Seville, starting with the cathedral—the largest Gothic church in the world. Climb the bell tower for 360-degree views of the city beyond, before exploring the Royal Alacazar—the former Moorish palace, which dates back to the 10th century. Finally, wander the quaint streets of the Santa Cruz district, Seville’s medieval Jewish quarter, where cozy tapas bars and local shops beckon.
Whether first-time travelers or seasoned explorers, Seville offers the perfect blend of history, beauty, and relaxed vibe that makes for an ideal stop on any Spanish itinerary. I explored Seville first as a university student, again on a familiarization trip as a travel agent, and most recently, in September with my partner. Visiting this city through different stages of my life, and being enchanted by the city every time, only further reinforced the magic of Seville.
This itinerary takes travelers through Madrid’s royal landmarks, Seville’s Moorish architecture, and the historic cities of Ávila, Segovia, and Córdoba, concluding with a visit to the picturesque white villages of Andalusia.
Explore the best of the Iberian Peninsula with this vibrant ten day trip to Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon with Europe Express.
Spend two weeks visiting some of the most beautiful and interesting areas in Spain. This itinerary packs a punch in terms of history and culture – but it also has down time, moments for relaxation, sunning on the beach and listening to flamenco. It features large capital cities, seaside towns and historic villages. While visiting…
Kelsey is the Partnership Marketing Manager at Europe Express, where she develops B2B marketing strategies and designs educational programming for key partners. Her career has taken her all over the world, from working as a travel advisor in California and New Zealand, to a (kilted) tour coordinator in Scotland. She spent five years as a sales manager for guided vacations companies like TTC Tour Brands and G Adventures, and although she has been to 46 countries, the bucket list never gets shorter! She loves cooking, concerts, spoiling her dogs, and renovating her funky 1970s house. Her favorite cities in the world are Edinburgh, Scotland and Lisbon, Portugal.
