The South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucía 2025

• Explore La Mezquita, an immense mosque-cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Learn about olive-making and take in views of endless olive groves

In the morning, you visit La Mezquita, one of the most spectacular mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain. This world-famous construction boasts countless rows of decorated arches and a serene interior and is large enough to have a cathedral built inside it!

Next, we travel through rolling hills blanketed with the silvery-grey-green leaves of olive trees. It’s a sign you’ve entered the oil-producing province of Jaén. Savour the chance to learn how Spain’s ‘liquid gold’ is made at an olive oil production site.

We continue our journey south to the ruined hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota and arrive in Granada early evening, our base for two nights. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to La Mezquita, and Entrance to an olive oil production site

Optional Activities: Entrance to Fortaleza de la Mota

Accommodation: Hotel Porcel Alixares or similar, Granada

• Set your sights on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the inspiration for a great Spanish poet
• Become entranced by the ornamentation of the Alhambra Palace

You wake up in a city adorned with the most sensual palace of Europe, the Alhambra.

Follow in the footsteps of Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet and a theatre director who drew his inspiration from Spanish folklore, during our half day excursion.

To awaken your own literary creativity, we first head to the 20th-century villa in Huerta de San Vincente where he wrote many of his best works.

Then, you delve into the rugged landscapes of the Cumbres Verdes mountains on the forefront of the Sierra Nevada.

After a morning filled with poetry and vistas, you return to Granada at lunchtime.

Alternatively, you can spend the morning discovering the fusion of Arabic and Christian cultures in Granada.

Your afternoon is blessed with a visit to the Alhambra*. When you look at it, you’re transported to the tales of 1,001 Nights. Originally a fortress and then a palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site will seize your imagination.

You spend tonight in Granada. Use this time to discover tapas restaurants and more of the culinary delights. (B)

*Sometimes this day will be reversed, and you will visit the Alhambra in the morning.

Included Activities: Entrance to the Alhambra with audio guide included

Optional Activities: Lorca’s House Museum at Huerta de San Vicente

Accommodation: Hotel Porcel Alixares or similar, Granada

• Discover the charm of Ronda, the most stunning of the pueblos blancos
• Delve into a maze of cobbled streets in Arcos de la Frontera

Today is all about exploring the other faces of Andalucía; the beautiful wilderness and iconic pueblos blancos.

Your adventure takes you west through the landscapes of Malaga’s ‘Lake District’ before you reach Ronda. Precariously clinging to a steep cliff of the El Tajo Gorge, this commune captures your imagination with its literary connections and history full of outlaws. Stroll along the city walls, explore picturesque plazas, and enjoy your lunch.

You leave the rural part of the region and travel past Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park to Arcos de la Frontera. This stunning white town has it all: dramatic clifftop location, spectacular vistas, and an abundance of beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.

Cast a last glance over the Andalusian countryside and start your journey to Seville, your home for two nights. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Sevilla Macarena or similar, Sevilla

• Marvel at the allure of La Giralda and the Seville Cathedral
• Soak up the grandeur as you stroll through the Plaza de España
• Try the finest sherry in Jerez de la Frontera

Seville signifies the essence of Spain. This city will seduce you with its rich Moorish heritage, the orange trees, tapas and passionate flamenco.

Today it’s up to you to decide how to spend the day.

You can dedicate your time to discover the best gems of the city’s 80 chapels at the Seville Cathedral and marvel at La Giralda. Or go for a stroll along the bank of the Guadalquivir to admire the iconic Torre del Oro, a military tower dating back to the 13th century.

Alternatively, you can join our half day tour and travel to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy. It’s also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, famous for its specially-trained horses that star in incredible performances.

Whichever option you choose, spend the late afternoon and evening strolling through the shaded arches of the grand Plaza de España. Warning: with the hypnotic Flamenco performances, delicious tapas and buzzing bars, this city can keep you entertained till the small hours. (B)

Optional Activities: Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and Seville combination ticket (Cathedral and La Giralda)

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Sevilla Macarena or similar, Sevilla

• Soak up the sun in Huelva on the Costa de la Luz
• Wander through Tavira, one of the most charming towns of the Algarve

Say farewell to Seville and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andalusian countryside as you travel west towards the Costa de la Luz, a land of bright sunlight and golden sandy beaches.

You stop in the seaside city of Huelva, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip to find a western sea route to China and India.

Next, you cross the Portuguese border and stop at Tavira in the Algarve. Set on the River Gilão, this town exudes an irresistible charm and makes you want to discover its hidden corners. Wander through the cobblestone streets, cross an old Roman bridge and try Portuguese cuisine for the first time.

Take in the last views of the Algarve and journey north where laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening. (B)