Two Week Tour In Andalucia

Arrive in Seville and check-in at the hotel. The Andalucian capital can trace its ancestry back over two thousand years. It is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the three largest Old Towns in Europe (Venice and Genoa being the other two). Your time is free to make your first impressions of this lively city.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning we take a walk through the city, taking in its beautiful ‘Mudejar’ architecture (a mixture of Christian and Moorish styles), culminating in a visit to the Alcázar. This afternoon has then been left free, offering a chance to visit the city’s immense Gothic Cathedral, and perhaps even enjoy the views from the top of the Giralda Tower.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we take the 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. 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 afternoon 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. In the evening we suggest you take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing (optional).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This afternoon you will have time to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

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 Included meals: Breakfast

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 Included meals: Breakfast

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 Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

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 Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

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 Included meals: Breakfast

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 Included meals: Breakfast

 After a free morning in Ronda 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 Included meals: Breakfast

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 Included meals: Breakfast

Today we head back to Seville for our final evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast. If you are staying on you may wish to explore the city further, perhaps visit one of Seville's many museums.

Included meals: Breakfast