Day 1, Seville:
Arrive at Seville airport or train station where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Evening introduction to the wonderful capital of Andalucia, including a tapas tour and an authentic flamenco show in the heart of the medieval Santa Cruz district.
Day 2, Seville:
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Seville, one of the largest historical centers in Europe, and learn about the splendid architecture of different cultures that influenced it so greatly during its brilliant past. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral and Giralda Tower, the Reales Alcázares and the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.
The afternoon is free to explore Seville.
Evening free.
Day 3, Seville:
In the morning, depart for an 8 hour trip to Cordoba, the former capital of the Moorish kingdom of al-Andalus. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it consists of a beautiful network of small streets and squares all arranged around the city's impressive Mezquita. When Christians reconquered the city, they were so awed by the Mezquita's beauty that they left it standing and built their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, creating an extraordinary church-mosque. Cordoba's other treasures include a Roman bridge and an ancient Jewish synagogue (closed on Mondays). Enjoy lunch in the flowered courtyard of a typical Andalusian restaurant (additional cost), followed by free time to shop or further explore the old city.
NOTE: Includes an in-depth tour of the mosque-cathedral and the synagogue; lunch is not included in the price. Mondays a museum on Jewish life will be substituted for the synagogue (additional cost of € 5 per person).
Evening free.
Day 4, Jerez de la Frontera:
After breakfast, transfer to Jerez de la Frontera, and enjoy sightseeing along the way (8 hours). Stop in some of the most breathtaking white villages of Andalusia, including Arcos de la Frontera, often described as the most beautiful town in Spain. It is situated on top of a limestone ridge washed away on three sides by the Gaudalete River, the slopes of which contain rock-hewn chambers said to be ancient cave-dwellings. Take a stroll through its labyrinth of steep little streets and hidden corners, and then enjoy an Andalusian lunch in one of the many local restaurants or tapas bars (additional charge). Continue to Jerez de la Frontera, and check-in to your hotel.
Evening free.
Day 5, Jerez de la Frontera:
Jerez de la Frontera is known worldwide for its sherry and brandy production, and its fine Andalusian horses. Begin with a morning visit to the Royal Equestrian Horse School, an equestrian training school renowned for its magnificent dressage techniques, and witness the great talent and natural beauty of the thoroughbred Spanish horse. Lunch (additional charge) can be enjoyed at a typical Andalusian tapas bar. Tour the historic area of Jerez with its beautiful palm lined squares and Alcázar, former residence of Seville's caliphs during the long Moorish reign. Then visit the famous bodegas of Gonzalez Byass where you can enjoy a tour through sherry making history, taste a selection of sherries and learn about the heritage of this great Andalusian tradition.
Evening free.
Day 6, Jerez de la Frontera:
Visit the 'Siren of the Ocean' and oldest inhabited city of Europe, the peninsula of Cádiz, with a walking tour of its beautiful historical city center. Cádiz attained great splendor in the early 16th century as a launching point for the journey to the newly discovered lands of America. Many of the buildings in its picturesque central quarter reflect the city's overseas links, while a stroll through the lovely parks offers sweeping views of the bay. Stop at the picturesque Plaza de las Flores for lunch in one of the typical freiduras (additional charge) where you can buy delicious fried fish by weight to be savored on the terrace with a cool cervesa or sherry wine. Spend the afternoon exploring the city or relaxing on its beautiful beach. Return to Jerez.
Evening free.
Day 7, Granada:
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to Granada. In the afternoon, enjoy an in-depth 2 1/2 hour guided visit through the mighty compound of the Alhambra Palaces, built between the 13th and 15th centuries and declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Discover a labyrinth of magnificent halls and intimate courtyards decorated by rows of elegant arches, peacefully bubbling fountains and splendidly carved decorations. See the Palace of Charles V, an outstanding example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, and the 9th century Alcazaba fortress with its Torre de la Vela tower offering spectacular views of Granada. Continue your visit to the Generalife, a royal place of leisure and recreation with beautiful exotic gardens, stunning water features and the lingering aroma of jasmine to remind you of a grand Muslim past.
Evening free.
NOTE: Entry tickets to the Alhambra should be requested at least 60 days in advance. Should clients cancel or change the date of the tour, the tickets (€ 18 per person) are not refundable or transferable to another date, and will be charged to the client.
Day 8, Granada:
Enjoy a morning walking tour (2 1/2 hours) of the historical center of Granada with its great Christian and Moorish architecture and fascinating Arab quarter with shops, restaurants and tea houses. See the richly ornate Renaissance cathedral, dating to 1521 with its beautiful white and gold interior, the Royal Chapel and the remarkably preserved Arab baths that predate the Alhambra.
The afternoon is free to further explore Granada or browse the many shops of the Alcaicería for souvenirs of your visit.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Granada's best restaurants.
Day 9, Departure:
Transfer to Granada airport.
NOTE: Transfer to Malaga airport can be arranged at additional cost.
