Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
11.0Kg CO2e
Andalucia is a land of contrasts, known for its distinctive architecture, eclectic cities, and vast mountainous regions. Our tour of these three cities takes you from the coast of Malaga through the history of Granada and onto the shining star of Andalucia, Seville.
Beginning in Malaga, there's much to see in this artistic city beyond the popular beaches. Take your time to explore this lively city full of ambience and culture. As the birthplace of Picasso, we highly recommend visiting his museum, full of intriguing artwork. No visit to Malaga would be complete without admiring the Alcazaba; built in the 11th century this is an incredibly important historical site and not be missed when in Malaga. Spend your nights sampling the local tapas or join one of the many wine tours in the city.
Take the train from Malaga to Granada where you'll experience another unique city within Andalucia. Famous for the imposing Alhambra Palace, we've arranged a guided group tour for you to learn about the beauty and history of this monumental building from local experts. Full of flamenco flair with an incredible backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada has an incredible atmosphere.
Your tour of three cities ends in perhaps the most spectacular of them all, Seville. Here, we have arranged a Flamenco Show in a traditional Tablao so that you can become fully immersed in the Andalucian culture. Seville is a striking city with new discoveries around every corner, from the central mosque of La Giralda to the Royal Palace, you won't be short of extraordinary architecture. From Seville, you have the option to prearrange a wine tasting in Jerez de la Frontera, an area famous for its wines and traditional horse performances. End your Andalucian adventure on a warm Seville evening, with a tapas board and glass of chilled wine to keep you company.
Read more about this holiday in Sharon's recent Andalucian Adventure.
Arrive at your first hotel close to the port of Malaga, just 20 minutes' walk to the nearest beach.
You stay at Hotel Eurostars Astoria.
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Ideally located in the centre of Málaga, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Picasso Museum and 1km from the beach, Eurostars Astoria is a modern, friendly establishment with comfortable guestrooms equipped with hydro-massage bathtubs.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 stay at Exe Triunfo.
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Set in the heart of Granada, this hotel offers all the comforts you could wish for. The palaces, gardens and Andalusian art so characteristic of the Alhambra fortress are just a fifteen-minute bus ride, although you can also go there on foot enjoying the nice walk from the hotel to the fortress.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 Alcazar (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.
You stay at Hotel Eurostars Regina.
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Located in a building that emits Andalusian charm and the personality of the old Sevillian palace houses, Hotel Eurostars Regina has an indoor patio with a very calming atmosphere, in addition to an outdoor patio where the sound of its fountain, the colour and the aroma of its flowers reflects the spirit of Andalusian tradition.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 Espana, 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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$1100.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
11.0Kg CO2e
