Join this memorable eight-day tour of Andalusia to see, feel, and understand the passion, romance, mysticism, beauty, and history of Spain, because nowhere are these features more evident than in this ancient southern region. During this fascinating tour, discover the cultural riches of Andalusia, from the inspiring Phoenician times to the Roman, Muslim, Jewish and Christian periods, while visiting spellbinding World Heritage Sites in Seville, Cordoba and Granada.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Costa del Sol: Relax and explore the spectacular beauty of Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most famed and beautiful coastlines.
Seville: Discover the charming capital of Andalusia with a panoramic tour of the city. Admire its interesting architecture and learn all about its glorious past.
Cordoba: Wander around Cordoba’s former Jewish district, explore the old town, and get closer to the spirit of this mediaeval marvel.
Granada: Enjoy a fascinating tour of the Albaicin Quarter. Admire its architecture, learn about its rich history, and let its mesmerising beauty dazzle you.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MALAGA – BENALMADENA/COSTA DEL SOL
After landing at Malaga Airport and taking the transfer to your hotel in Benalmadena/Costa del Sol, spend the rest of your first day in Andalusia exploring this new location at your leisure. Malaga is the largest coastal city in the south of Spain, brimming with history, culture and local gastronomy. You can either venture out into the streets to start discovering the many delights it has to offer at your own pace or simply relax at the hotel while making the most of the available amenities.
Overnight in Benalmadena/Costa del Sol
Day 2: BENALMADENA/COSTA DEL SOL – RONDA – SEVILLE (230km – 3h)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart towards Ronda. On arrival, admire the well-preserved ruins of five defensive walls testifying to Ronda’s turbulent past. Today, this history casts an enchanting spell over Ronda, retaining a beguiling timelessness in the maze of whitewashed cobbled alleys leading to the famous New Bridge over the 120-metre-deep El Tajo Gorge. Admire the Mudejar towers, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches during your visit. Discover the imposing Gothic-Renaissance Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, built in the 1480s by the Castilian conquerors on the site of the Moorish great mosque. Afterwards continue to Seville where you will check in at your hotel and spend the night.
Overnight in Seville
Day 3: SEVILLE
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before stepping out into the streets of Seville, the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s most renowned cities for its authentic Spanish atmosphere and impressive architecture. Discover the vibrant heart of Seville on this guided tour of the city center. Explore the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and historical charm. Stroll through the lush Maria Luisa Park, a green oasis filled with exotic plants, fountains, and vibrant tiles. Finally, visit the iconic Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Marvel at its grand architecture, intricate altarpieces, and the Giralda Tower with panoramic views over the city. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to continue discovering all the things that make Seville special at your leisure.
Overnight in Seville
Day 4: SEVILLE – CORDOBA – GRANADA (320km – 4hrs)
Say goodbye to Seville after breakfast at the hotel and depart for your next destination: Cordoba. Begin your journey in Cordoba, exploring the city center and its crown jewel, the Mezquita (Great Mosque), with the insights of a local guide. Once the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus, Cordoba flourished as a center of art, culture, and learning. This legacy is palpable in the Mezquita, a magnificent fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture that now serves as Cordoba's cathedral. Wander through the vast colonnaded prayer hall, lined with hundreds of marble columns linked by distinctive two-tone arches, and marvel at the intricately designed mihrab and side chapels, blending Arabesque and Baroque styles. Relax in the tranquil Patio of the Orange Trees, where the shade of 100 trees and the sounds of water fountains create an oasis-like atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue on to Granada, where you’ll check in for the night.
Overnight in Granada
Day 5: GRANADA
Eat up your breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historical city of Granada while snapping photographs of its greatest treasures. Your day begins with some free time during which you make the rules and design the itinerary for exploring the glorious former capital of the last Muslim state in Spain. Granada still boasts traces of its Moorish past, the most notable one being the stunning Alhambra palace. Then again, the winding streets of the Albaicin Quarter are also a quaint reminder of the days of the emirate, and today you will get to explore this mesmerising neighbourhood and learn all about its fascinating history. Lastly, discover the Corral del Carbon, the only caravanserai remaining in Spain.
In the afternoon, meet with a knowledgeable local guide for an immersive experience at the Alhambra Palace and its stunning Generalife gardens. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, learn about the Alhambra’s fascinating history, from its origins as a Nasrid palace to its transformation into a Spanish royal residence. Step into the Generalife gardens, a tranquil escape filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and graceful fountains.
Overnight in Granada
Day 6: GRANADA – NERJA – BENALMADENA/COSTA DEL SOL (230km – 3h)
After breakfast at the hotel depart to Nerja, a small fishing and agricultural village in Málaga. It is the last town, East of Málaga and its unique mix of sea and mountain makes Nerja a very special charming place. Admire the breath-taking views of the “Balcón de Europa”, a balcony above a cliff that looks over the sea. Stroll through the white-washed houses and pebbled streets. Enjoy the village on your own and have lunch in one of its multiple restaurants. Having eaten, continue towards your hotel in Benalmadena, back to where your adventure originally started.
Overnight in Benalmadena/Costa del Sol
Day 7: BENALMADENA/COSTA DEL SOL
Have an early breakfast at your hotel to charge your batteries for a day cleared of plans and schedules; today is for you to relax and enjoy this location at leisure. Put your feet up at your hotel or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go out and discover what this little town nestled between the bay of Malaga and the Mijas mountain range has to offer. Or why not have the best of both worlds: rest in the morning – and why not even enjoy a siesta after lunch? – before heading out in the afternoon to relish the surprising south of Spain in the manner that suits you best.
Overnight in Benalmadena/Costa del Sol
Day 8: DEPARTURE BENALMADENA/COSTA DEL SOL
After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Andalusia as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Malaga Airport, where you will catch your flight to your following destination. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime – have a safe journey!
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
