Three Cities of Andalucia

Arrive at your first hotel close to the port of Malaga, just 20 minutes’ walk to the nearest beach.

With so much to see and do in Malaga, we encourage you to take your time exploring this underrated city. As the birthplace of Picasso, we highly recommend visiting the Picasso Museum where hundreds of his works are on display. The city itself is home to many pieces of street art, making for a very interesting discovery, particularly to the north of Plaza Merced.One of the most important historic sites in Malaga is the Alcazaba (citadel). Constructed in the 11th century, the Alcazaba has served as both a defensive fortress and a royal palace; it also boasts incredible, sweeping views over the bay. Malaga’s cathedral is another must see, standing at 276 feet, the architecture is nothing short of stunning.In the evening, we can arrange a traditional tapas dinner within a winery should you wish (booked in advance).

Whether you want to spend your day discovering more of Malaga or venturing outside of the city, we have plenty of local advice. Relaxing on one of Malaga’s many beaches is also an option for today – the choice is yours!Visit Mercado Central de Atarazanas, the popular market home to hundreds of stalls with fresh Spanish produce or book yourself onto one of the regular wine tours in the city. A short, yet steep walk brings you to Mount Gibralfaro where the views of Malaga’s Old Town are unmatched, particularly at sunset – in our opinion, a must see whilst in Malaga.Within 1.5hrs on the bus, you can be in Nerja & Frigiliana. Nerja is a picturesque coastal town, sheltered by the mountains, but many people visit for the impressive Nerja Caves that contain the largest stalagmite in the world, towering above at 32metres. In contrast, nearby Frigiliana is often voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful villages in Spain. Distinctively Moorish, the old quarter welcomes you in with whitewashed houses, tapas bars, and narrow cobblestone streets with photo opportunities around every corner.

Take the train from Malaga to Granada (approx. 1hr 15mins) and onto your hotel located in the historic centre. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada has an incredible atmosphere filled with flamenco charm and a unique history of influence. Striking architecture and far-reaching viewpoints are surrounded by typical lush gardens, creating unforgettable corners of the city. It’s no surprise that one of its historic districts, Albaicín, is a World Heritage Site.

You simply can’t visit Granada without discovering the allure of the Alhambra. The Alhambra rises above the city like an imposing castle of reddish tones; we have arranged a guided group tour to give you a unique experience with expert knowledge. Originally designed for the military, it became a royal residence in the 13th century. The monumental complex also has an independent palace surrounded by beautiful orchards and lush gardens. Added to the World Heritage list in 1984 because of its universal beauty and exceptional expression of Moorish and Andalucian culture, the Alhambra proudly conveys the history of changes to this remarkable region – not to be missed!

Take the train from Granada to Seville (approx. 2.5hrs) and settle into your hotel before exploring this incredible capital of Andalucia. The central mosque of La Giralda is a city icon with a complex history, reflecting the cultural melting pot within Seville. A visit to the Real Alcázar (Royal Palace of Seville) is an extraordinary experience with fascinating history and architecture housed within its walls. Maria Lusia Park is another must see in Seville; this great urban park founded a new Spanish style of gardening which had a great influence on many public parks in the country, notable for its use of fountains, ponds, and beautiful ceramic tiles.In the evening, we have arranged a Flamenco Show in a traditional Tablao; the perfect introduction to the history and culture of Seville.

Enjoy more time exploring Seville or venture out to Jerez de la Frontera for optional wine tastings or traditional horse performances. We highly recommend visiting Plaza de España, the most famous square in Seville. Created for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929 to symbolise peace with former colonies, the 52 benches adorned with Andalusian tiles around the square represent all the Spanish provinces. The district of Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter and well worth a visit. Simply wandering the maze of narrow streets, terraces, and tapas restaurants, gives you a really feel for the authenticity of the area.You also have the option to enjoy a wine tasting or traditional horse performance in Jerez de la Frontera (booked in advance).

Wave goodbye to Seville with fond memories of Andalucia.