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Map of Highlights of Andalucia including Spain

Andalucia is a feast for your eyes (and tastebuds)

Marvel at the sights, sounds and smells of Andalucian country on this eight-day exploration of Spain’s south. Feast on a variety of region-specific tapas, explore historic hilltop cities and bask in the laidback and friendly atmosphere. Your highlights tour includes all the good parts of Seville, Ronda and Granada, while ensuring you have time to explore each destination at your own pace. Whether you are after a scenic hiking opportunity, or simply time to sit back and relax with a coffee or glass of wine, Andalucia has got everyone covered. You’ll soon realise why this Spanish region is known as one of the most beautiful.

Start
Seville, Spain
Finish
Granada, Spain
Destination
Spain
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMKS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the 11th century Alhambra Palace on a guided tour, discovering its fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens.

  • Stay in Andalucia’s most enchanting cities, from the lively streets of Seville to the Moorish buildings of Granada and jaw-dropping views of Ronda.

  • Sample sherry at a winery near Jerez, the birthplace of this fortified wine, and sample the finest jamon iberico and other delicacies over lunch in Granada.

  • Visit the spectacular mountain-top village of Zahara de la Sierra and enjoy an olive oil tasting at a local family-run mill.

  • Spend two nights in a stunning hotel set on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park, enjoying dinners made from ingredients grown on site.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The Andalusian landscape is very hilly and mountainous. This trip is a great opportunity to discover remote villages, but some people may find the area's topography very demanding.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40C/104F). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

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Spain-Seville_food

Itinerary
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Hola! Bienvenido a Sevilla. Welcome to Seville. There are no activities planned during the day, so you may arrive at any time before the important welcome meeting at 7 pm. If you do have time beforehand, take the opportunity to visit Barrio Santa Cruz – with its multicultural history, it is a great place to start. This neighbourhood was designed in medieval times to provide a shaded space from the Andalucian heat. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head out for a dinner with your group and sample some local tapas.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading on an orientation walk with your leader. Explore the maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and sun-speckled squares in Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter, and El Centro. Pass by the grand gothic-style Catedral de Sevilla, the burial site of Christopher Columbus, the Giralda, built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville, and the magnificent Alcazar Palace, one of the country’s most impressive and historic monuments. The afternoon is yours to explore these sites further – the gardens of the Alcazar Palace are particularly impressive. Tonight, you can join the Sevillanos (Seville locals) and soak up the ambience of the city as it comes alive after dark. The locals usually dine late, so embrace their schedule. Perhaps round off your evening with an optional flamenco show; your leader will offer you some history of this unique dance style.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seville - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
  • Seville - Archaeological Museum - EUR3
  • Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR10
  • Seville - Real Alcazar - EUR14
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, say goodbye to Seville and hit the road. Your first stop is a local winery near the city of Jerez. Here you’ll have the chance to sample some locally produced sherry, accompanied by tasty Iberico tapas. After the winery, travel to Grazalema. The village sits in the foothills of the Sierra del Pinar mountain range and will be your base for two nights. Settle into your accommodation, a charming hotel located on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park. Make the most of your stunning location this evening and enjoy dinner at your accommodation, made from produce grown on site and locally sourced meat and dairy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerez - Sherry tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Begin your day with an orientation walk around the whitewashed buildings and winding alleys of Grazalema. Your next stop is Molino El Vinculo, a traditional, family-run ‘cold’ olive oil mill. Enjoy a tour of the factory and a tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil, and the locals enjoy it at all times of the day. It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy – gazpacho. Then it's on to explore the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra. The awesome mountain-top location of this whitewashed village makes it visible for many kilometres. It's also known as the 'Moorish Eagle's Nest'. Your leader will take you up to the 15th-century watchtower from where you can marvel at the spectacular views over the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. Return to Grazalema where you’ll have time to relax by the pool or take a walk around the Natural Park before another included dinner at your accommodation
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zahara de la Sierra - Olive Oil Mill Tour & Tasting
  • Grazalema - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Zahara de la Sierra - Molino El Vinculo Villa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to Ronda. This little town, perched on a mountaintop, is one of Spain's oldest villages, dating back to the 9th century BC, and arguably its most spectacular. Settle into your rooms with a view over the Puente Nuevo bridge crossing the wondrous El Tajo Canyon, famous for the buildings that precariously perch on its rim and the stunning waterfall which spills into the Guadalevin river below. As tempting as it may be to sit in your hotel all afternoon and soak in this epic view, there’s so much to discover here! Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and visit the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the birthplace of modern bullfighting and one of the country’s oldest arenas. Stop off at several viewpoints along the Puerta de Almocabar, an ancient stone gate, and check out the Arab Walls while learning about the town’s Islamic heritage. In the evening, you might like to enjoy some tapas and a glass of crisp Spanish beer in one of Ronda's lively local eateries.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ronda - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

Bullfighting is illegal in most countries, but remains legal in some areas of Spain. While supporters consider bullfighting an art form or cultural event, and in a recent court ruling has even been declared to be part of Spain's 'national heritage', we discourage our travellers from support things activity due to the pain, fear and discomfort the animals experience during these public shows. Please see our stance on animal welfare for further details: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare

After breakfast, continue to Granada by private vehicle, taking in views of Andalucia’s rich and diverse landscapes along the way. Arrive in the city and walk through the historic Christian cathedral district to witness the Moorish influence first-hand. In the afternoon you will be taking part in an exclusive local produce tasting at a small, family run delicatessen. Try local Iberian ham, different types of cheeses, jam, olive oil and other gourmet products from around Spain, including some wine. Afterwards there is the option to visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Alternatively, you can wander through the Alcaiceria (old silk market area). In the evening, you may want to go out on a tapas tour of the city, or head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville's version.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Granada - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Granada - Local Produce Tasting
Optional Activities
  • Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR5
  • Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket and a guided tour is included in the trip and grants you access to the Palace and Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to high demand and to be able to control visitor numbers, local authorities have implemented a timed ticket slot system for the Alhambra Palace. Depending on your departure date the time of your group's visit can vary. Passport details will be checked at the entrance, so make sure you bring your passport with you today.

There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay on in Granada, we don’t blame you! Additional accommodation can be arranged when you book (subject to availability). Granada also has flight, rail and bus connections to major Spanish cities and other European hubs.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Seville - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jerez - Sherry tasting
  • Zahara de la Sierra - Olive Oil Mill Tour & Tasting
  • Grazalema - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Zahara de la Sierra - Molino El Vinculo Villa
  • Ronda - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Granada - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Granada - Local Produce Tasting
  • Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Andalucia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name and passport details at the time of booking so that we can secure Alhambra entrance tickets for you. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure. In some cases, without these details, we may not be able to obtain entrance tickets for you.

Essential trip information

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