Moorish Andalucia
Day 1:Join tour Seville
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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: None
Day 2:Orientation walk in Seville
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 Alcazar. 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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Train to Cordoba
Today we take the train to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Cordoba was one of the most brilliant Moorish cities and is for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Arabs established themselves in Cordoba as early as 719 AD, and before that the Romans had left their own mark here. The Roman philosopher Seneca (who was compelled to commit suicide by Nero) was born here. Cordoba has a wealth of treasures locked away in its back streets with secluded patios tucked behind delicate iron grills. The medieval synagogues in Cordoba and Toledo are the only two which remain in Spain today, Cordoba 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. Single Room Available. Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4:In Cordoba
This afternoon you will have time to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Drive to Cazorla
This morning we drive by bus to the ancient town of Ubeda, set amid myriad olive groves on the borders of Andalucia 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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6:El Chorro Walk
Those interested in a full day walk (6 to 7 hours approximately) can join our tour leader on El Chorro walk. This involves an initial 2 to 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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Bus to Granada
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 Albaicin, 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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Visit Alhambra; Free PM
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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Train to Ronda
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: Simple Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Free time in and around Ronda
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: Simple Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Drive to Grazalema
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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: In Grazalema
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 to 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
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Drive to Seville
Today we head back to Seville for our final evening.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 14:Tour ends in Seville
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
Contact us for detailed itinerary
Cultural Tour of Andalucia
A perennial Explore favourite that combines Andalucia's highlight cities with scenic walks in places of outstanding beauty. We spend several days enjoying the wild mountains of Cazorla, Ronda and Grazalema. Included walks are graded easy to moderate. Of course, no visit to Andalucia would be complete without seeing the beguiling Moorish architecture, patios and gardens of Granada, Cordoba and Seville.
Tour Highlights:
Seville - The expansive royal palace of the Alcazar
Cordoba - The remarkable arcaded hall of the unusual mosque-cathedral of Mezquita
Cazorla - Authentic mountain town full of character
Granada - The Moorish Alhambra Palace and beautiful Generalife gardens
Grazalema Park - Picturesque limestone peaks surrounding the 'Pueblo Blanco'
Included meals:
13 Breakfast
0 Lunch
0 Dinner
Transport:
Bus, Train, Public Bus, Taxi
Accommodation:
9 nights Standard Hotel
4 nights Simple Hotel
Tour Staff:
Driver(s), Explore Tour Leader
Group Size:
Generally 10 - 16
Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. Please ensure you have read the latest Tour Notes before booking or travelling on your tour.