Seeing the Royal Alcázar AND Seville Cathedral on the same day is the ultimate Seville experience, but for a first-timer, it’s a logistical nightmare. You have to book two separate, hard-to-get tickets and wait in two famously long, hot lines.
This combo tour solves everything. In 3.5 hours, a local expert will guide you through both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
You’ll skip both lines, get the rich, connected history of both palaces (the Moorish and the Gothic), and finish by climbing the Giralda.
This is the most intelligent, efficient, and stress-free way to see the best of Seville.
Your “Must-Book” Highlights
- Skip-the-Line at BOTH Sights: Bypass the hours-long queues at the Royal Alcázar and the Seville Cathedral.
- Conquer the “Big 2” (or 3!): See Seville’s main UNESCO wonders—the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower—in one seamless 3.5-hour tour.
- Expert Local Guide: Get the hidden stories and context that self-guided visitors miss.
- See the Tomb of Columbus: Stand before the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus inside the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
- Climb the Giralda Tower: Your tour includes the ticket to climb the 35 ramps of the Giralda for the best panoramic view of Seville.
- Hear Everything: Personal audio headsets are provided, so you never miss a word your guide says, even in a crowd.
What You’ll Experience: Your 3.5-Hour Itinerary
1. The Royal Alcázar (The Real-Life Dorne)
Your guide will lead you past the queue and into the 1,000-year-old palace. You’ll see:
- The Mudéjar Palace: The jaw-dropping heart of the complex.
- The Patio de las Doncellas: The famous “Courtyard of the Maidens” with its tranquil reflecting pool.
- The Hall of Ambassadors: The stunning golden throne room, famous from Game of Thrones.
- The Gothic Palace: The contrasting Christian palace built just next door.
- The Alcázar Gardens: A quick look at the lush gardens where peacocks roam.
2. The Seville Cathedral (The World’s Largest Gothic Church)
Next, you’ll walk to the adjacent Cathedral—again, skipping the massive line. Inside, you’ll see:
- The Tomb of Christopher Columbus: Discover the story behind the four kings carrying his coffin.
- The Retablo Mayor (Main Altarpiece): The largest, most elaborate altarpiece in the world, dripping in gold.
- The Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard): The last remnant of the mosque that once stood here.
3. La Giralda (The Iconic Bell Tower)
Your tour concludes at the Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower (and the former minaret of the mosque). Your guide will set you up to climb it at your own pace.
- The 35 Ramps: There are no stairs! The tower was built with 35 wide ramps so the watchmen could ride a horse to the top.
- The 360° View: The reward at the top is the single best, most breathtaking panoramic view over all of Seville.
Expert Tips: What You MUST Know Before You Go
MEETING POINT: You will NOT go to the main Alcázar entrance. You will meet your guide at a specific, easy-to-find meeting point nearby (check your voucher for the exact location!). This is how you skip the line.
CRITICAL DRESS CODE: This is my most important advice. The Alcázar is relaxed, but the Cathedral is a religious site, so it has a strict dress code. You MUST cover your shoulders and knees. No tank tops, no strappy tops, and no short shorts or skirts. Bring a light scarf to drape over your shoulders—it’s the easiest solution.
BRING YOUR ID/PASSPORT: You must bring a valid photo ID or passport that matches the name on your ticket. This is a strict requirement for entry to the Alcázar.
FOOTWEAR: This is a 3.5-hour walking tour on ancient cobblestones. Wear your most comfortable shoes.
What’s Included
INCLUDED
- Skip-the-line entry ticket for the Royal Alcázar
- Skip-the-line entry ticket for the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower
- Licensed, expert local guide (in your chosen language)
- A 3.5-hour guided tour
- Personal audio headset system
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
- Food, drinks, or gratuities
- Access to the “Cuarto Real Alto” (Upper Royal Apartments) in the Alcázar