Experience the essence of Andalucía, from its Roman, Moorish, and medieval monuments to its food, flamenco and penchant for fiestas; as you tour from southern shores to Sierra Nevada scenery, visiting vibrant Seville, Cordoba’s historic core, and grandiose Granada
Seville - 3 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Málaga - 1 night
One dramatically sited cliff-top town, two beautifully bucolic districts, and three richly historic cities all come together on this enthralling tour, to present every aspect of Andalucía.
The town is remarkable Ronda, set on either side of a plunging gorge, with the Puente Nuevo bridging the gap between its 15th-century ‘new town’ and the older Moorish area.
The two rural regions each boast a unique feature. Set high on the Sierra Nevada slopes, Las Alpujarras is known for its micro-ecology, the farming villages forming a fertile band of greenery between the snowline above and the dry scrubland beneath. Axarquía is famed for its micro-climate of reliably sub-tropical weather, supporting the area’s citrus groves and its claim of ‘the best climate in Europe’.
The three cities chart Andalucía’s history in their architecture, from Cordoba’s sixteen-arched Roman Bridge, and Moorish Mezquita mosque/cathedral; to Seville’s medieval Juderia lanes, 1920s Plaza de España, and modern Metropol Parasol; and perhaps the jewel in the crown, the ancient town of Illibris which became the Moorish city of Granada, its 14th century Alhambra ‘palace city’ replete with royal buildings and majestic gardens, its 16th-century confections including the cathedral.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guide
Enjoy a typical Andalucían tapas lunch at a private home (cortijo), located in the hills of Nerja overlooking the Mediterranean and Frigiliana village. Tapas (originating from the Spanish word ‘tapar’ to cover) can be served hot or cold and combined to create a full meal.
Day 1 Fly from London to Malaga. Travel to Ronda and tour its Moorish and medieval sectors divided by the dramatic El Tajo gorge. Continue to Seville for three nights at the 4-star Novotel Sevilla.
Day 2 Morning walking tour of Seville, visiting Seville’s most modern landmark, the Metropol Parasol, completed in 2011, then continue through cobbled alleys of the ‘Barrio de Santa Cruz’ former Jewish Quarter, view the huge Gothic cathedral, its iconic Giralda bell tower and the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and passing the city’s 18th-century bullring by the Guadalquivir River. With the rest of the day at leisure to perhaps visit the Real Alcázar. (B, D)
Day 3 Walking tour includes the Plaza del Museo, hemmed by the Museum of Fine Arts in its 17th-century former monastery, and home to a bronze statue of artist Bartolome Esteban Murrillo; continue to and visit the Plaza de España, built in 1929 and regally rimmed in Revival styles of Moorish, Baroque and Renaissance grandeur. (B)
Day 4 Travel to Córdoba for a city tour including the Jewish Quarter, its medieval maze of streets and alleys; and the most famous marker of Andalucía’s Moorish/Christian heritage, the vast ‘Mezquita’, a 16th-century cathedral within the 10th-century Great Mosque. Continue to Granada for three nights at the 4-star Hotel Tent. (B)
Day 5 A walking tour of Granada includes the 16th-century Royal Chapel, and introduces you to the city’s vibe and variety, where street stalls and flamenco bars intermingle with Moorish and Renaissance architecture, Islamic and Christian culture. Later, visit the Alhambra, where royal palaces, restful patios and reflecting ponds are equally complemented by fountains, orchards and waterfall stairways of the Generalife Gardens. (B)
Day 6 A scenic journey through the southern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains takes you to the rugged, rural landscapes of Las Alpujarras district. A clutch of villages clinging to the slopes, and formerly known for silk production, they sit in a high-altitude oasis of greenery, watered by the melting snow above, and overlooking the arid terrain below. Visit Capileira in the Poqueira Gorge, the second-highest village in mainland Spain, for a tasting of Serrano ham and a tapas lunch. Optional evening flamenco show (bookable locally). (B, L)
Day 7 Pass through citrus and olive groves of the Axarquía area, bordered by the mountains and the Mediterranean, blessed with a sub-tropical climate, and boasting tranquillity and old-world charm. Visit an olive mill and enjoy a Special Event lunch. Continue to Málaga for an overnight stay at the 4-star Soho Bahia Málaga Hotel. (B, L)
Day 8 Return flight to London. (B)
Notes
On occasion, the Alhambra may be visited on an alternative day.
Granada sightseeing involves some inclines and steps.
A well located 4-star hotel, 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Seville. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool (seasonal) and WiFi (free). 170 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel located on the edge of the city with restaurant, bar, spa, pool (seasonal) and WiFi (free). 136 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A centrally located 4-star hotel in the old town, a few minutes’ walk from Málaga’s port and art museums. Roof terrace, bar and WiFi (free). 40 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV.
A centrally located 4-star hotel in the old town, a few minutes’ walk from Málaga’s port and art museums. Roof terrace, bar and WiFi (free). 40 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV.
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £325
Extension Options
Extra nights – Málaga
Soho Bahía Málaga Hotel
(per night) £65
Single supplement £55
Departure transfer £23
Tour Only
Save £300
Arrival transfer included with group included
Departure transfer add £23
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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