It pains the Palace Tours desk to watch a guest land at noon and board at four. The train's two anchor cities are among Europe's most rewarding — give them their days, and let us build them properly.
Seville before: three nights, ideally
One day for the monumental core beyond the tour's scope — climb the Giralda, linger in the Alcázar gardens at opening time before the crowds (our Seville guide maps it). One evening in Triana, where flamenco lives in its own neighbourhood rather than on a stage. And one unscheduled morning for the city's greatest luxury: aimlessness among orange trees.
Madrid after: two nights minimum
The Prado deserves your freshest hours; the Retiro park your siesta; and dinner should be an old-school taberna crawl — Madrid rewards appetite more than itinerary. Day-trip temptation: you have seen Toledo with the train, so consider Segovia's aqueduct instead.
One booking, both ends
Hotels matched to the train's standard, private transfers timed to the platform, guides where wanted — Palace Tours attaches the whole frame to your reservation so the journey has no seams. It is the practical meaning of booking with the authorized source. Start with how reservations work or go straight to a specialist.
