A perennial Explore favourite that combines Andalucia’s highlight cities with scenic walks in places of outstanding beauty. We spend several days enjoying the wild mountains of Cazorla, Ronda and Grazalema. Of course, no visit to Andalucia would be complete without seeing the beguiling Moorish architecture and gardens of Granada, Cordoba and Seville.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Seville
Arrive and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Orientation walk in Seville; Train to Cordoba
The capital of Andalucía overflows with life and variety. It has a popular quarter in Triana and a high-born area in Santa Cruz. Ramparts dating back to the 13th century, the Alcázar and the Giralda, all remind us of earlier Moorish occupation. Yet while the Alhambra was being built in Granada, the Christians occupied Seville, so many buildings reflect the Mudejar, a mixture of Moorish and Christian styles. After a free morning to wander we will take the afternoon train to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Córdoba was one of the most brilliant Moorish cities and is for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Arabs established themselves in Córdoba as early as 719AD, and before that the Romans had left their own mark here. The Roman philosopher Séneca (who was compelled to commit suicide by Nero) was born here.In the evening we suggest you take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing (optional).
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
In Cordoba
Like Granada, Córdoba has a wealth of treasures locked away in its back streets with secluded patios tucked behind delicate iron grills. The medieval synagogues in Córdoba and Toledo are the only two which remain in Spain today, Córdoba synagogue dates back to the 14th century. This morning we visit the renowned Mosque (Mezquita), an extraordinary and unique building where history has superimposed two faiths and erected two oratories on the one site (local guide optional). The early massive structure dates back to the 8th century, its roof supported by a forest of 850 coloured columns. Its jewel is the gleaming and superbly decorated Mihrab, which has survived in its original state. This afternoon you will have time to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Drive to Cazorla
This morning we drive by bus to the ancient town of Ubeda, set amid myriad olive groves on the borders of Andalucía and La Mancha (memories of Don Quixote!). Its fine cathedral, seignorial mansions and other edifices in golden stone give an idea of the reconstruction after its recapture from the Moors. We continue to Cazorla, an attractive mountain town nestling in a spectacular natural amphitheatre, overlooked by two Moorish castles. The steep, winding streets, whitewashed houses and balconied windows of its old quarter are full of character. An afternoon orientation walk immediately puts us in touch with the ‘real’ Spain.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
El Chorro walk
Cazorla forms a excellent base for walking in the surrounding Natural Park of the Sierra de Cazorla y Segura, a wild and rugged region, designated a conservation area on account of its dramatic beauty and wildlife. Those interested in a full day walk (6-7 hours approx) can join our tour leader on El Chorro walk. This involves an initial 2-3 hours’ climb, following a path to an isolated Franciscan monastery. We continue to the spectacular gorge of El Chorro where we stop to picnic and marvel at the aerial gymnastics of the local avian population. Our return route provides excellent views over the surrounding countryside. The dark olive groves and (in season) the crimson splashes of poppies against the scorched earth appear as an impressionist painting. Finally we descend the valley back to Cazorla.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Bus to Granada
In the morning we travel by charter bus to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The Arabic name ‘Al Andalus’ was given to the part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years. We include an afternoon orientation walk around the city which indicates the main points of interest including the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter where many Islamic traditions are retained, giving the city its characteristic look of white walls and narrow streets. From the highest point are spectacular views across to the Alhambra and Generalife with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. When dusk falls, we suggest a stroll around the old Moorish Quarter to see its illuminated patios.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Visit Alhambra; Free PM
A major highlight of our trip is our guided visit of the magnificent palace of the Alhambra. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline. We also visit the Generalife, one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world, which surrounds the summer residence of the Caliphs. It is possible to spend all day enjoying the Alhambra and Generalife, and those who wish to, may stay on after our visit.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Free day in Granada
There are many interesting parts of the city of Granada which warrant a closer look so today is left free for this further exploration. However you may also wish to explore outside the city, you could take a day trip by public bus into the Alpujarras to visit the white villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira. This can be done on public or charter bus depending on how many of you wish to go. In the Alpujarras you will be able to enjoy some short walks outside the villages.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9:
Train to Ronda
After a free morning in Granda we travel to Ronda by train. On arrival in Ronda we transfer to our hotel and enjoy an afternoon in one of southern Spain’s most attractive towns. Ronda is one of the original pueblos blancos (white towns). There will be time to wander the streets and marvel at the El Tajo gorge and visit the oldest bullring in Spain.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10:
Free time in and around Ronda
Today is left free, you may choose to spend more time exploring Ronda itself or going off for walks in the nearby countryside . A walk down into the gorge and strolling along the bottom of the rocks where the old town is built on gives you a very different vantage point of the town.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11:
Drive to Grazalema
This morning we will transfer to Grazalema, a delightful white village nestled beneath the limestone peak of San Cristobal, Grazalema is famous for hand-woven blankets first introduced during Moorish times and they are still made here on big old wooden looms. The village is a perfect base for walking. The Grazalema Parque Natural is one of the most stunning and ecologically important parks in Spain. The park is a micro-climate with the highest average rain fall in Spain and contains an ancient forest of Holm Oak and Montpellier Maple. You may get the opportunity to see buzzards and eagles soar high above, while mountain goats graze the mountain slopes. Those wishing to relax can ramble around the cobblestone backstreets whilst others might choose to go off for a walk into the hills.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12:
In Grazalema
Grazalema by many is viewed as the archetypal Sierra town, and its peaceful beauty is in perfect accord with its surroundings. Spending time in this village gives us the opportunity to try different walks though the rolling countryside and to nearby villages such as Benaocaz (4-5 hours). Spending time soaking up the atmosphere in the village square will give you a real taste of rural Spain and makes a fitting end to the walking part of our tour.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13 to 14:
Drive to Seville
Today, we head back to Seville where you have time for a last wander through the Santa Cruz area or perhaps one of the great parks in town. This afternoon and tomorrow is left free to further explore this fascinating city. During your stay we will visit the Alcázar, a marvellous example of mudejar architecture (guide optional). Queen Isabella constructed an extra wing from where she controlled Spain’s expansion into the New World of the Americas. You may wish to visit the Cathedral, the largest (in cubic capacity) in the world. Built in the Gothic style, it shows obvious Renaissance influences and its interior is striking in size and richness. There is a wealth of things to see and do in Seville from museums and the Expo 1992 complex to the splendid view from the Giralda tower; there is also the possibility of taking an excursion to the former Roman settlement of Italíca, birthplace of the Emperor Hadrian and at one time, the third largest Roman city in the world.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15:
Tour ends in Seville
The tour ends after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
