Heart of Andalusia 11 Days, Self-drive

The passion, romance, mystique, beauty and history of Spain are nowhere more evident than in ancient Andalusia, the vast southern region whose name has become a byword for Spanish culture. Over this Eight-day fascinating self-drive tour, you will discover the cultural riches of Andalusia, from Phoenician times through the Roman, Muslim, Jewish and Christian periods. Visit spellbinding World Heritage sites such as the Alcazar and Cathedral in Seville, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and contemplate great views of the Alhambra in Granada.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Malaga & Costa del Sol: Enjoy utter relaxation in the beautiful coastal city of Malaga and surrounding gems.

Granada: Be dazzled by the jewel in Andalusia’s crown with a visit to the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, as well as a stroll through the ancient Albaicin district.

Cordoba: Wander around Cordoba’s former Jewish district, explore the old town, and get closer to the spirit of this mediaeval marvel.

Seville: Explore the elegant capital of Andalusia, visiting the world-famous Plaza de España, the former royal palace and cathedral as well as strolling through old Jewish quarter. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL MALAGA

Arrive to Malaga airport and pick up your hired car (head to the hall to meet with a rent-a-car representative). Perhaps take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, the port… Torremolinos is one of the most famous beach resorts in Spain and is just under 20km away from central Malaga. It is renowned for its long sandy beach and homely seafood restaurants to discover.

Overnight in Malaga/Torremolinos

Day 2: MALAGA – GRANADA (150 Km – 2 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival. In Granada you haveon day to explore the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada.

Overnight in Granada

Day 3: GRANADA

Have breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historic city of Granada while taking pictures of its greatest treasures. Create the rules and design the itinerary to explore the glorious ancient capital of the last Muslim state in Spain. Granada still has traces of its Arab past, the most notable is the impressive Alhambra palace. On the other hand, the winding streets of the Albaicín neighborhood are also a picturesque reminder of the days of the emirate, and today you can explore this fascinating neighborhood and learn all about its fascinating history. Finally, discover the Corral del Carbon, the only caravanserai left in Spain.

Overnight in Granada

Day 4: GRANADA – CORDOBA (205 Km – 2.5 hrs)

Depart from Granada to Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Wander through the colonnaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of exterior doorways. Continue the tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th century synagogue

Overnight in Cordoba

Day 5: CORDOBA

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy this day with your camera in hand to be able to see those places that this capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus as the archaeological site of Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara). Commanded to build in the middle of the 10th century by the first Caliph of Cordoba, Abd al-Rahman III, with the aim of establishing in it the royal residence and that of his government or simply stroll through its streets or prepare your trip the next day

Overnight in Cordoba

Day 6: CORDOBA – SEVILLE (160 Km – 2 hrs)

Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century, when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tilework and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included).

Overnight in Seville

Day 7: SEVILLE

Wake up to have breakfast at the hotel before going out to the streets of Seville and continue enjoying everything the city offers

Overnight in Seville

Day 8: SEVILLE – JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA (100 Km – 1.5 hrs)

Take to the road for a picturesque drive to Jerez de la Frontera, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in Andalusia, which is dotted with rustic villages known as pueblos blancos. See Moorish citadels, romantic farmhouses nestling in verdant valleys, historic hilltop hamlets and towns perched precariously on precipitous ridges. Arrive in Jerez de la Frontera and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Jerez de la Frontera

Day 9: JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA – RONDA (115 Km – 2 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Ronda, taking a scenic inland route, passing red earth hills dotted with olive plantations. On arrival, the well-preserved ruins of five defensive walls testify to Ronda’s turbulent past. Today, this history casts an enchanting spell over Ronda, which retains a beguiling timelessness in the maze of whitewashed cobbled alleys leading to the famous New Bridge over the 120-metre-deep El Tajo Gorge. Admire Mudejar towers, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches during your visit. Discover the imposing Gothic-Renaissance Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was built in the 1480s by the Castilian conquerors on the site of the Moorish great mosque, see what a traditional Andalusian house looks like inside with a visit to the eclectic-modernist Casa de Don Juan de Bosco and explore the bullring, the oldest in Spain, and its museum.

Overnight in Ronda

Day 10: RONDA – MALAGA (105 Km – 1.5 hrs)

Say goodbye to Ronda after a tasty breakfast at the hotel. We will drive through incredible Andalusian landscapes until we reach Malaga. Check in at the hotel and rest of the day enjoy this city or its beaches.

Overnight in Malaga/Torremolinos

Day 11: DEPARTURE MALAGA

End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle to the rent a car company near the airport. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.