Seville: Alcazar & Cathedral Private Walking Tour with Tickets

Summary

Wander Seville’s Alcazar patios climb the Giralda tower and trace centuries of stories

You’ll wander Seville’s grand cathedral with its soaring ceilings and mysterious corners, climb the Giralda tower at your own pace for sweeping views, and explore every tiled patio of the Royal Alcázar with stories only a local guide can share. Each moment feels personal — especially when you pause under orange trees or catch laughter echoing through sunlit halls.

What’s the experience like?

“If you get lost in Santa Cruz, just follow the orange trees,” Carmen grinned as we squeezed past a couple of locals chatting in the shade. She’d been guiding here for years, but she still seemed genuinely excited to show us the Royal Alcázar of Seville. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and something sweet from a bakery nearby — or maybe that was just my imagination. Anyway, our private walking tour started right by the cathedral, which honestly looked even bigger up close than I’d expected. I kept craning my neck, trying to take it all in while Carmen pointed out tiny details I’d never have noticed alone (like how some stones are still from the old mosque). We slipped inside just as the bells finished ringing; it was cooler and quieter than outside, almost like stepping into another world.

I didn’t expect climbing the Giralda to be so… gradual? There aren’t stairs for most of it, just these wide ramps winding up and up — apparently so horses could go all the way to the top back in the day. My legs were grateful. When we finally reached the top, Seville spread out below us in every direction — white rooftops, flashes of green gardens, little dots moving through narrow streets. Someone nearby whispered about Columbus’s tomb being down below; Carmen told us there’s always debate about whether he’s really buried there or not. She laughed when I tried to say “Giralda” with a proper accent (I probably butchered it). That view is still stuck in my head.

The Alcázar felt like a maze — patios opening onto gardens, sunlight flickering off tiles that must’ve taken ages to make. Carmen explained how Christian and Islamic styles mix everywhere here; sometimes you can see both in one archway if you look closely enough. At one point we paused by a fountain where a cat was napping (not part of the official tour, but honestly a highlight for me). You can add on a walk through Santa Cruz at the end; we did, and got properly tangled up in those narrow lanes where every turn smells like orange blossom or frying oil from some hidden kitchen. It’s funny — I thought three hours would feel long but it went fast. Still thinking about those courtyards.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Seville Cathedral and Alcazar

• Explore Seville Cathedral
• See Christopher Columbus tomb
• Climb La Giralda tower
• Enjoy views from La Giralda
• Tour Royal Alcázar of Seville
• Discover Alcázar patios and gardens

Top questions

How long does this private walking tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Are tickets to Alcazar and Cathedral included?

Yes, admission tickets for both are included.

Is climbing the Giralda tower part of this tour?

Yes, climbing La Giralda is included after visiting the Cathedral.

Can I add a walk through Santa Cruz neighborhood?

Yes, an optional walk through Santa Cruz can be added at booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and sites are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in strollers or prams.

Will there be a local guide during the whole tour?

Yes, your private guide will accompany you throughout.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting point is near central monuments.

What’s included

Your day includes fast-track entry tickets to both Seville Cathedral (with access to climb La Giralda) and the Royal Alcázar of Seville, plus personalized assistance from an agent before your visit and your own private guide leading you between sites — all at an easy walking pace through central Sevilla’s historic heart.