Four nights split between Madrid and Seville turns the Valencia Marathon into the anchor of a proper Spain trip: the capital's museums and December lights first, while legs are still recovering, then softer, warmer walking in Seville once they are not.
Getting There
High-speed AVE trains run from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla to Madrid in roughly 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours, among the fastest city-to-city connections in the country. From Madrid, onward AVE services continue south to Seville; check the current timetable, as journey times and frequency vary by time of day.
Madrid: Days 1-3
Madrid in December runs its own Christmas lights display along Gran Vía and around Puerta del Sol, alongside the usual case for the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, three major collections within walking distance of each other. The pace here should stay gentle for the first day or two: museums are naturally low-impact on tired legs, and Retiro Park offers flat, easy walking for anyone wanting to move without pushing.
Seville: Days 3-4
The AVE south from Madrid puts Seville within reach for the second half of the trip, and the city's flat, walkable centre suits legs that are recovering but not yet fully restored. Orange trees line the streets even in December, and the Real Alcázar and Cathedral anchor a compact old town that does not demand the hill climbs of some other Andalusian cities. Plazas and tapas bars reward slow wandering rather than a fixed itinerary.
Where to Stay and Eat
Central Madrid, around Sol or Huertas, keeps the museums and Gran Vía within walking distance. In Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter puts the Cathedral and Alcázar on the doorstep. Tapas culture in both cities suits recovery eating better than a single heavy restaurant meal: small plates, spread across an evening, ordered as appetite allows.
Suggested Rhythm
Race Sunday, then Madrid Monday to Wednesday, Seville Wednesday to Saturday, flying home from Seville or looping back through Madrid depending on onward connections.