Itinerary

Journey to Toledo

Your driver will collect you from the pick-up point and you set off on what promises to be an incredible 6 days of beauty, history and culture as you explore the South of Spain & Andalucía. Your first stop? Spain's former capital city of Toledo.

Arrive in Toledo

You arrive in Toledo mid morning and now have free time to start exploring! Sitting atop a hill and overlooking the Tajo River, this 2000 year old city used to be known as the ‘City of Three Cultures'. To get the real feel of the place, wander through the cobbled streets and try to spot the Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Christian cathedrals; these three communities lived side by side here for centuries. You'll have plenty of time to take the path less travelled as well as fitting in some of the city's iconic landmarks and wealth of cultural hot spots. We recommend: Gothic Cathedral, Alcazar fortress, churches and monasteries, The Jewish Quarter, El Greco (artist) museum.

Free Time to explore Toledo

You continue to enjoy your afternoon in Toledo with still so much to see and do. Don't forget to grab some lunch while you are here in one of the city's eateries. We recommend visiting Calle Alfileritos, full of bars and restaurants, located in the old townhouses giving them a warm and inviting atmosphere. You travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of the literary hero Don Quixote. Next, we enter one of Spain's most luscious regions: Andalucía. Mountains, deserts, plains, beaches – there's a reason we can't get enough. We'll keep this afternoon flexible, stopping for spectacular wow-moments before arriving at our overnight destination.

Free evening in Córdoba

You arrive in Córdoba, your home for the night, and it welcomes you with its bustling squares and delightful architecture. Drop off your bags and head out into the city to find a charming square to sit back, enjoy the food, the wine and watch the city come alive with locals out and about for the evening.

Head for Mezquita

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 striped arches, a serene interior, and is large enough to have a cathedral built inside it. Entrance with audioguide included in your tour.

Free Time to explore Córdoba

The rest of the morning and early afternoon is yours to take at your own pace and seek out what interests you most about this incredible city. Make sure you save time to grab some lunch before we depart Córdoba at 13.30pm and head to our next stop of the day, Fortaleza de la Mota.

Arrive at Fortaleza de la Mota

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. We continue our journey south to the ruined hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota, an imposing ‘north star' in the skyline, giving a window into the past of ‘Old Alcalá. Entrance to the fort is included and you'll receive a free audio guide to accompany you as you explore the perimeter walls, gates, churches and even an ancient fridge!

Free evening in Granada

The vibrant city of Granada is your home for the next two nights and what a destination if you are looking to get a real flavour of the Spanish culture and the passion of its people. The landscape of this city has been shaped by centuries of history and has a distinctly moorish influence in its architecture and art. This evening you will be most interested in its gastronomy and you will not be disappointed. Granada has more than enough choice to satisfy even the most discerning palette!

A morning in Granada

You wake up in a city adorned with the most evocative palace of Europe, the Alhambra, which is where we set off for this morning, starting a day spent enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Alhambra Palace

When you first take in this impressive structure, 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. Directly translated as ‘Red Castle' the Alhambra stands proud with views over the whole city below. Dating back all the way to the 9th century, discover the history and wander the courtyards observing the incredible examples of decorative Nasrid architecture around every corner. Entry to Alhambra and an accompanying audio guide is included in your tour.

Guadix Caves (Optional)

After lunch in Granada, you can choose how to spend your afternoon. Stay in the city for some free time, or join us for a visit to the unique Barrio de las Cuevas in Guadix, a historic neighbourhood of cave houses. This site was first inhabited by the Iberians, and later by the Romans. This maze of caves was an important city in the Roman Empire, as evidenced by coins of emperors like Caesar Augustus found here. Still curious? You can choose to learn more about the history by visiting the Gaudix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre, housed in original cave dwellings. There may be time for a photo stop of the Sierra Nevada mountains before you head back to Granada.

Free evening in Granada

Use your last evening in Granada to discover tapas restaurants, see if you can take in a flamenco show and embrace the delights of the nightlife.

The Road to Ronda

Today is all about exploring the other faces of Andalucía; the beautiful wilderness and iconic pueblos blancos. You travel west to El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range. You'll be amazed by the stunning limestone formations that have been formed over millions of years. Your adventure then takes you through the landscapes of Malaga's ‘Lake District' before you reach Ronda.

Free Time to explore Ronda

Stepping into the mountain top city of Ronda is like stepping straight into the fantasy novels of Tolkien. A city split into its old and new towns by a deep gorge, joined by the Puente Nuevo, a towering stone bridge. The drama of the landscape is evenly matched to its history, potted with tales of bandits, outlaws and warriors. You are free to explore the city and get off the beaten track. Walk down the steps to the base of the gorge to see the iconic bridge from a new angle, head to the bullring for a glimpse into this historical tradition or follow in the footsteps of literally legends like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells and soak in the charms of the bustling streets.

Olive Oil Farm Tour and Tasting

As you continue your day in Ronda, stroll along the city walls, explore picturesque plazas, and enjoy your lunch in one of the city's authentic eateries.Your driver will have some suggestions to help you find the perfect spot. By late afternoon it's time to move on and head to the source of Spains ‘liquid gold' with a visit to one of its famed olive oil farms. Here you will be treated to a tour and olive oil tasting which is included in your tour price.

Free evening in Seville

Cast a last glance over the Andalusian countryside and start your journey to Seville, your home for two nights. Seville is world famous for its tapas, flamenco scene and it's incredibly beautiful architecture, oozing the charm you would expect from this historic city.

Free day in Seville or an optional half-day tour

We know this city has alot to offer so we are leaving the decision up to you. Will you choose to spend the whole day here with the freedom to follow your own interests or will you join us on the road this morning to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy.

Jerez de la Frontera

If you decide to venture out of Seville for the morning with us then you will arrive in Jerez de la Frontera, a town inhabited since Palaeolithic times. The centuries of culture experienced in this pocket of Andalusia is felt in an endless list of things to see and do, but one particular speciality of the area attracts our attention…the sherry! Curios to sample the local produce? You can join us on a visit to a Sherry winery for a tour and tasting with accompanying snacks should you wish to quench your thirst. You will have time to enjoy the sights of the city after the tour before returning to Seville.

An afternoon in Seville

Your afternoon is free for you to decide how best to take in Seville. Maybe you will 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. In fact it is considered to be one of the most walkable cities in Europe so it's easy to see many of the most loved attractions. However you may choose to spend your afternoon you will not be disappointed in this gem in the crown that is Andalusia.

Your last night in Seville

Spend the 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 early hours.

Depart Seville

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.

Visit to Muelle de la Carabelas

You stop in the seaside city of Huelva, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip to find a western sea route to China and India. Here you'll visit the waterside exhibition, Muelle de las Carabelas, where you can see life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships. Entry to the historic docks and visitor center is included in your tour.

Cross into Portugal and lunch in Tavira

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 as you enjoy a leisurely lunch here.

Arrive in Lisbon

Take in the last views of the Algarve as you make your way towards the end of your tour and journey north where laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening. We hope your memories are rich with food, flamenco and friends.