I am going on my first RS tour to Spain this coming October (2022). I have added an additional week on the end to do some exploring on my own. The last tour stop is Sevilla and I was considering a 1 or 2 day trip to Morroco and then a 1 day trip to Cordoba. After that I was planning to take the train back to Madrid and do some day trips from that city. Does anyone have any advise about travelling from Sevilla and/or Madrid for a few days independently. Thanks in advance, Nancy.
You need more than one or two days in Morocco. If you go, fly nonstop from Sevilla to Marrakesh, but direct flights are not daily. Marrakesh is a great jumping off point to explore other areas of Morocco. Don’t waste your time with a day trip to Tangier, I have yet met a person who liked it.
Cordoba is a direct 45-minute direct train ride from Sevilla’s Santa Justa station and is a good day trip option. You can then take a direct train from the Sevilla Santa Justa station to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station (3h). Good day trip options from Madrid by direct train are:
From Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station to Toledo (45 minutes). You can then jump on a bus and get off at Plaza de Zocodover.
From Madrid-Chamartin station to Salamanca (1h 45m).
From Madrid-Chamartin station to Segovia (2h).
From Madrid-Chamartin station to Avila (2h).
Thanks so much. I am now rethinking my travel to Morroco to follow your advice. And the day trips from Madrid are perfect.
If you wanted to dedicate the week to Morocco it can be done. Here is a recent RS Monday Night Travels episode about Morocco https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/morocco. If not you have good suggestions. Segovia is on your tour so no need to see that again. Sevilla is worth more time and Cordoba is underrated and deserving of an overnight if you can.