Classic Spain – Easy Exploring in Sunny Andalusia

Tour Type:

Easy Exploring

Comfort Rating:

Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

10 Days

Come with us to discover the magical land of Andalusia! This area is one of the most fascinating in Spain, with diverse landscapes that encompass snow-capped peaks and arid desert landscapes, small sleepy whitewashed villages and vibrant historical cities. Encompassing most of Spain’s southern coast, Andalusia stretches from the windswept Atlantic coast in the west to the Mediterranean beaches in the east, and from Gibraltar on its southern tip to the ancient cities in the central plains. Andalusia embodies much of what the world thinks of as Spanish…flamenco, tapas, matadors and bullfights. Under Moorish rule for almost 700 years, Andalusia’s unique legacy is most evident in its iconic architecture, including such landmarks as the Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Cathedral of Seville, the largest in the world with 80 chapels! Not to be outdone by the history, the cuisine of the region is legendary, drawing on both the land and the ocean, and reflecting the diverse cultures who dominated this landscape over the centuries. On this tour you’ll enjoy a combination of historic cities, small towns, and the scenic countryside in between for an experience that truly captures the spirit of Andalusia. This 10-day small-group adventure is for between 10 and 20 people, which is a perfect size for the charming hotels and country inns we use.

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Day 1: Malaga

After arrival in Malaga today, make your way to your 4-star hotel situated in the heart of the old city center. This evening you'll meet your local guide and have a short orientation stroll through town as you make your way to your arrival dinner. Malaga is a beautiful seaside city with a laid-back, relaxed ambiance. It's also becoming famous as one of the centers of the food scene in Andalusia and southern Spain. Tonight you're in for a treat, as you'll feast on typical dishes that draw on the rich heritage and ample produce of the area. Andalusian cuisine is known for olive oil, fresh seafood, rich cheeses, fruits of all varieties (especially tropical) and amazing wines.

Day 2: Granada

This morning after breakfast you'll board your private coach and enjoy a relaxing morning ride through the scenic southern Spain countryside to Granada, situated at the foot of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. After checking into our 4-Star hotel in the heart of the city, the rest of the day we'll spend exploring this small city with an ancient past and a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. At midday we'll enjoy a lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Granada, then you'll have some free time to explore the winding streets and lovely squares of this charming city.
Tonight we'll enjoy an exciting Flamenco concert followed by a spectacular dinner of Andalusian specialties.

Day 3: The Alhambra

Today is a special treat, we'll have an expert local guide take us through one of the highlights of Spain...the massive palace and fortress complex known as the Alhambra and the Garden of the Generalife. Described by ancient poets as "A pearl set in emeralds", the Alhambra is a vast assortment of palaces and fortresses built for the Muslim emirs during the Nasrid dynasty, starting in the 13th century. Enduring through centuries of wars, invasions and restorations, the Alhambra today is a fascinating experience, not to be missed.

This afternoon and evening you'll have time on your own for shopping and wandering in this lovely Andalusian city. Granada has many jewels to offer: the enchanting labyrinth of narrow lanes in the Albaycín quarter, the streets lined with tea houses, and the impressive Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) and Cathedral. Or you can simply do as the locals do and watch the world go by with a coffee on one of the squares. Maybe there’s time for a relaxing bath at the Hamam with a massage?

Day 4: Olive Oil and Zuheros

This morning we'll have a scenic drive north into the heart of southern Spain's famous olive region. Here we'll have a fascinating tour of a local olive oil producer, complete with a in-depth tasting of their products. Afterwards we'll continue on to the picturesque village of Zuheros, in the Subbetica Natural Park, known for its local goat cheese and olive oil. You'll enjoy a short countryside walk this afternoon before settling in to your 4-Star country hacienda (set in a restructured olive oil mill) just outside the village. For the rest of the afternoon you can relax at the hacienda, (perhaps around the pool or the patio with its world-class views of the surrounding countryside),

As an option for this afternoon, instead of lazing around at the hacienda you can choose a more active experience and after the walk from Zuheros you can enjoy an easy one-hour bike ride from the hacienda to the nearby town of Cabra. You'll have a perfectly flat bike trail that winds through some of the area's most scenic landscape. Converted from an abandoned railway grade, the greenway cuts through picturesque Andalusian countryside, over metal viaducts and through endless olive groves. At Cabra you'll settle in to some excellent tapas and wine before riding back to the hacienda in our shuttle.

The kitchen at the hacienda is famous, so tonight we'll feast on regional specialties and wash them down with some of the excellent Spanish wines.

Day 5: Còrdoba

Today we'll enter Cordoba, one of the most historic and fascinating cities in all of Europe. Originally settled by the Carthaginians, Còrdoba was also ruled by the Romans and Moors, who both left their mark on the city. This morning we'll have a private guided tour through some of Córdoba's most fascinating spots. And of course we'll not miss one of the most famous sites of all, the Mezquita!
After our morning of tours you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to wander on you own. Right outside the door of your hotel you'll find a maze of tiny winding streets and countless shops and bars...a joy to explore! Tonight we'll meet again and our local guide will take us to one of their favorite Còrdoban restaurants, tucked away on a quiet side street, for another incredible meal. Perhaps afterwards you might want to follow the sounds of music to sample the night life Còrdoba has to offer.

Day 6: Ronda

Later this morning we'll settle into our private coach for a relaxing journey through the Andalusian countryside. We have a fascinating visit planned at one of the local wine producers, to understand how he produces his wine and also to enjoy some of his excellent vintages. After relaxing and recharging during our lunch stop at one of our favorite local restaurants, we'll check into our 4-Star hotel, unpack, freshen up and wander the village of Ronda, our home for the next two nights. Perched on a dramatic cliff with stunning views over the gorge below, Ronda has a charming town center, featuring an 18th century bull ring and a multitude of shops and bars. Later this afternoon we have a special treat, as we're going to visit a nearby farm famous for its Iberian hams, which are known all over the world. Here we'll enjoy a tour of their ham-curing rooms, then sit down to a home-cooked meal made from the organic products of the farm.

After dinner tonight, the town center of Ronda will provide an excellent place to wander...the Spanish like to stay up 'til the wee hours!

Day 7: Cooking in the Vineyard

You'll have the morning free to explore and discover Ronda. You'll find plenty of winding streets lined with interesting shops, and bustling squares full of both locals and visitors. Save some energy, though, because this afternoon we have some fun things planned!

It's said that you can best understand Andalusian culture through its food and wine, so today we'll dive into both as we roll up our sleeves to learn how to prepare some local specialties...all while IN a vineyard. Of course we'll spend time touring the winery and sampling the produce, then sit down to a delightful meal of our own efforts.

Day 8: Grazalema & Jerez de la Frontera

Today we drive to farther to the west into the Natural Park of Sierra de Grazalema, a wild place of gorges, peaks, whitewashed villages and very few people. The mountaintop town of Grazalema is worth a stop, if for no other reason you can wander, enjoy the views, and relax in the peaceful ambiance of the town square. Later we'll continue on to the town of Jerez de la Frontera. This area is one of the world's premier producers of sherry and brandy...so of course we'll need to visit a local winery for a tour, a tapas lunch, and a wine and brandy tasting of the vineyard's excellent production.

Later this afternoon we'll arrive at Seville, the capital of Andalusia, with one of the largest historic city centers in all of Europe, tracing its history back over 2000 years. We'll be staying in a small hotel in the Santa Cruz historical district, only minutes walking from their famous cathedral and the Alcazar..

Day 9: Seville

This morning we take a walk through the city, taking in its beautiful "Mudejar" architecture (a mixture of Christian and Moorish styles), the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the riverside with its Golden Tower. To get yet another perspective on the city, we'll board our private boat for a relaxing float down the Guadalqivir river, which runs through the heart of Seville. The afternoon is free for you to explore Seville on your own...enjoy the view from the top of the Giralda Tower, or maybe shop for some last minute gifts for the loved ones back home.

Tonight we gather at one of our favorite local eateries to enjoy a delectable farewell dinner. Toasts will be made, pictures exchanged, and adventures relived...all the while celebrating our time together in Andalusia! For those with late-night energy, the vibrant nightlife of Seville beckons!

Day 10: Adios Andalusia

Your Easy Exploring trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You have several options for onward travel. Seville has an international airport, and high-speed trains connect Seville with Malaga and Madrid.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Malaga - 4 Star Hotel Molina Lario: Hotel Molina Lario is a 4 star hotel exceptionally positioned in the center of Malaga right opposite the Cathedral and just a short distance from the port, the Picasso Museum and the city’s pedestrian district. The recently built hotel is formed by two refurbished 19th century buildings retaining their original facade and a third completely new building, combining to create a unique hotel in the hub of the city. Its 103 rooms exude comfort and tranquility, and every last detail is seen to. At the Restaurant & Bar you will find top quality cooking along with a long list of wines you can enjoy either in the calm of our outdoor terrace "El Patio" or at your leisure inside the restaurant.

Granada - 4 Star Hotel Villa Oniria: Villa Oniria is a charming hotel in the heart of Granada, located in an old Nineteenth-century mansion which was renovated following the architectural guidelines of old Andalusian palaces. Renovated by the the prestigious decorator Pascua Ortega preserving its historical character, its interior spaces portray a Neoclassical, warm and balanced style whereas its exterior has a garden with fountains and aromatic plants which leads to the interior courtyard and the hotel spa, an invitation to relax or to have a coffee or dinner whilst enjoying the sound of the water fountain.

Zuheros - 4 Star Hacienda Minerva: Minerva has a thousand and one attractions, but there are two that should be highlighted above the others. The building where it is located and its history on the one hand and the unique environment in which it is located on the other. The estate and buildings have been many things over the years...noble manor, working ranch and farm, olive mill, refined residence with frequent political and literary guests, eventually falling into ruin and abandoned...then meticulously restored into the small boutique luxury hotel with only 24 rooms. A stay here is like a taking a step back in history.

Cordoba - 4- Star Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia: This gorgeous boutique hotel boasts an excellent location. Its doors open out to the Jewish Quarter, within the vicinity of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Royal Stables, the 10th century Caliphate Baths and the synagogue. The establishment is just 200 metres from Cordoba's world-famous Mosque-Cathedral. The hotel encompasses 5 noble houses and its repurposing was carried out while showing maximum respect for the building's architecture and history, resulting in a uniquely charming hotel with all the services and facilities any guest could need in a beautiful setting where visitors will enjoy peace and quiet.

Ronda - 4 Star Hotel Reina Victoria: The hotel is settled in a unique environment, between a lovely pine forest in the middle of the town, very close to Ronda's landmarks and the famous Tajo de Ronda. Around the hotel, which has 95 fully equipped rooms, there's an amazing 3,000 sq meter garden in which our guests can enjoy their swimming pool and terrace. The Catalonia Reina Victoria hotel was built in 1906 in Victorian style and was the residence and workplace of the famous Czech poet Rainer Maria Rilke, whose room is nowadays a small museum. It has an easy access to the most famous Ronda landmarks, like the oldest bullring in Spain and the New Bridge. In the charming town center, which is just 500 meters away from the hotel, there are many shops, bars and restaurants.

Seville - 4 Star Hotel Becquer: Hotel Bécquer is owned by a family from Seville with broad experience in the hospitality field which goes back to the start of the last century, managing hotels in the cities of Madrid and Seville. Built in the old stately home of the Marquises of Las Torres, Hotel Bécquer offers an unforgettable stay in the old town and shopping area of Seville, enjoying an excellent location just 10 minutes away from the cathedral. Different elements of the aforementioned palatial home were used in the hotels constructions, such as the Renaissance-style bars at hotel reception, the bars that make up the gate of the interior bar, the coffered ceiling of the bar and of the Romantic room, the fireplace of the latter and the lead-stained glass windows and doors of the main hall. These additions were intended to be an inclusion of original and artistic elements in the hotel’s decoration, giving it a special and unique character.

• 1 night accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Malaga
• 2 nights accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Granada
• 1 night accommodations in a 4-Star hacienda in Zuheros
• 1 night accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Cordoba
• 2 nights accommodations in a 4-Star hotel in Ronda
• 2 nights accommodations in a 4-Star hotel in Seville
• 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
• Water and local wine at all meals (soft drinks and other beverages not included)
• 3 wine tastings
• Olive oil tasting
• Greenway bike ride
• Flamenco show, with dinner
• Cooking class, with dinner
• Guided tour of Cordoba, with entrance to the Mezquita
• Visit to ham producer
• Guided tour of Alhambra
• Private boat trip on the Guadalquivir river
• Guided tour of Seville with entrances to Cathedral and Alcazar
• All transfers during the tour
• Professional local guide/tour manager
• Local taxes
• All gratuities for meals, drivers, and local day-guides (except for your primary local tour guide/manager)
• A Lifetime of memories!

• Airfare
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Entrance fees not listed
• Gratuities for the primary local tour guide/manager
• Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Medical Insurance, (strongly recommended, call for details)