Highlights
- Experience beautiful Seville’s vibrant streets and tranquil parks on a tour led by a local guide
- Visit to medieval Ronda - one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities
- Delight in delicious and authentic Tapas in Seville
- Fall under the spell of the stunning Alhambra, one of Europe’s most sensual and romantic palace and fortresses with entrance included
- Visit to Cordoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita probably the most beautiful Mosque ever constructed - entrance included
- Six nights in three-star superior and four-star accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast
- A welcome dinner on the first night to get to know your travelling companions
- Hotel porterage
Inclusions
- The price of this holiday is per person based on one person in a double/twin room for sole occupancy. The price includes:
- Six nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast plus dinner in your hotel on the first night
- Return flights and transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- All airport departure taxes
- All local accommodation taxes
- Hotel porterage
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- Not included in the price is the entrance to Seville cathedral which is approximately €12.00 (or €7 if you are over 65) and is payable locally
1
You will be met at the airport by a member of the team for our flight to Malaga. On arrival, a coach will transfer us to the hilltop town on Mijas, where we stay at the four-star Ilunion Hacienda del Sol hotel on the outskirts of town. Tonight we enjoy an informal welcome dinner at the hotel, where we will get a chance to meet and mingle with your dedicated tour manager, as well as other people also travelling on their own.
2
We enjoy breakfast in our hotel this morning before heading to the countryside of Andalucía and reaching spectacular Ronda. Built on a ridge high above an impressive gorge, there are few towns that impress at first sight. Our tour manager will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit, and perhaps also get your first taste of authentic tapas. We continue this afternoon through more dramatic countryside before arriving in beautiful Seville. We stay at the centrally located three-star superior Don Paco hotel – perfectly placed for you to take advantage of some great eateries with our fellow travellers.
3
Flamboyant, seductive, fascinating … Seville is all these and more. It is simply one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the world, with the serene River Guadalquivir flowing through its centre, a history spanning the centuries, a wealth of historic buildings, colourful back streets and peaceful parks. It has its origins in Roman times – the Emperor Hadrian, builder of the famous wall, came from here. During the 8th century the Moors arrived, stayed for five centuries and left a unique legacy still in evidence today. However, if one event changed Seville, it was the discovery of the New World and, fittingly, Columbus is buried in the imposing cathedral. Immense wealth poured in from Spain’s new empire and catapulted Seville into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe. Much of Seville was built during this time and it seems to have changed little in the last 500 years, with tiny twisting streets and hidden squares where the locals hide from the midday sun in high summer. Today, though, it possesses a vibrant, cultural spirit that is very special. The city of Figaro, this is the setting for another classic opera, Carmen. It’s also the home of flamenco, the origins of which are lost in the aeons of time. In short, this is the essence of Spain. After breakfast we have a tour of this beguiling city, during which we’ll see the awe-inspiring semi-circular Plaza de España, a fine example of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You’ll also see the Tower of Gold, so named as it was used to store plunder from the Americas, and much more. During the afternoon you’re free to explore Seville at your leisure, during this time you could visit the fortified palace of the Alcázar or the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is the final resting place of the great navigator, Christopher Columbus. Alternatively if you wish, you could take a cruise on one of the many river boats.
4
Seville offers such a diverse array of sights that today, you have a free day to do as much or as little as you wish. Explore the Alcázar in more detail, wander around the shops of the old Jewish quarter, take a picnic to Maria Luisa Park, or maybe enjoy a glass of fino sherry alfresco with some members of the group.
5
We leave Seville after breakfast this morning and we travel east to another icon of the area, Cordoba. The Moors used Cordoba as their capital city and it was here that they built Europe’s most beautiful mosque, the Mezquita. We will be joined once again by a local guide who will share the story of this magnificent structure and its intriguing history. Afterwards we will have ample time to explore the twisting streets of Cordoba and step out onto its iconic bridge, before we continue our journey to Granada, where we will stay at either the four-star Hotel Alixares just a few moments’ walk from the mighty Alhambra palace, or the four-star Hotel Porcel Sabica located in the heart of the town itself.
6
Granada enjoys a stunning location below the peaks of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. High above the city sits the Alhambra, regularly listed as one of the must-visit places in the world. During our visit we take in the vast gardens and the perfect courtyards, admiring the repeating arches and intricate tilework of the palace itself. The palace has become an icon for Moorish architecture, and it is easy to see why it is one of Spain’s most photographed locations.
7
On our final day, we enjoy breakfast in our hotel before the coach takes us to Malaga airport for our return flight home after a trip to remember.
4* Ilunion Hacienda Del Sol – Mijas
About the hotel Built in traditional Andalusian style with a country estate feel, this four-star hotel offers views of both the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Take a dip in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pools or relax with a drink in the garden overlooking the sea. Set in its own grounds, the hotel has a restaurant, bar and lounge area plus a sauna and even its own tennis court. All bedrooms are air-conditioned with an ensuite bathroom, telephone, TV, small fridge and safe. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Location The nearby village of Mijas can easily be reached by bus or taxi. There are plenty of restaurants, gardens and parks nearby for you to explore.
4* Alixares Hotel – Granada
About the hotel This hotel is set in its own delightful gardens and features an outdoor pool and terrace to relax and unwind. There’s a restaurant and bar area and the hotel is fully air-conditioned throughout. The Mirador Alixares observation deck is located behind the hotel and is the perfect place to observe the skyline of Granada as the sun sets on a fascinating day of exploring. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, a small fridge, safe, hairdryer, telephone, and TV. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Location Located near some of Spain’s most beautiful attractions, the hotel is close to the Alhambra Palace and the Jarines del Paraiso botanical gardens. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes nearby with the centre of Granada just a 15-minute walk away. Can I upgrade my room? Yes! Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the reservations team to request a room with a balcony or terrace.
4* Hotel Porcel Sabica
About the hotel The Hotel Porcel Sabica has a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and its own squash court. The comfortable bedrooms are designed with an elegant, minimalist feel and are all air-conditioned with a small fridge, safe, hairdryer, telephone and TV. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Location This hotel is in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the principal areas of interest, such as the cultural centre of Granada and the Botanical Garden of the University of Granada. Centrally located, there are plenty of parks, gardens, churches, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes in the area.
3* Don Paco - Seville
About the hotel This charming hotel is fully air-conditioned, with a restaurant and bar area. It features a delightful rooftop swimming pool and terrace area, offering panoramic views across the city. The spacious and stylish bedrooms have a telephone, TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. Location The Don Paco is just a 15-minute walk away from the centre of the Old Town, with plenty of shops and restaurants close by. The beautiful Hispalis Fountain is also nearby and would make a perfect photo opportunity as the sun sets.