Highlights of Andalucia
Experience Overview
Marvel at the sights, sounds and smells of Andalucian country on this eight-day exploration of Spain’s south. Feast on a variety of region-specific tapas, explore historic hilltop villages and bask in the laidback and friendly atmosphere. Your highlights tour includes all the good parts of Seville, Ronda and Granada, while ensuring you have time to explore each destination at your own pace. Whether you are after a scenic hiking opportunity, or simply time to sit back and relax with a coffee or glass of wine, Andalucia has got everyone covered. You’ll soon realise why this Spanish region is known as one of the most beautiful.
Highlights
- Explore the 11th-century Alhambra Palace on a guided tour, discovering its fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles and magnificent gardens.
- Stay in Andalucia’s most enchanting cities, from Seville's lively streets to Granada's Moorish buildings and jaw-dropping views of Ronda.
- Sample sherry at a winery near Jerez – the birthplace of this fortified wine – and sample the finest jamon iberico and other delicacies over lunch in Granada.
- Take a flamenco class at Casa de la Memoria – an establishment in Seville dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of this iconic dance.
- Spend two nights in a stunning hotel on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park, enjoying dinners made from ingredients grown on-site.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3200
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMKS
Starts: Seville, Spain
Finishes: Granada, Spain
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,340 ($418 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Bienvenido a Sevilla. Welcome to Seville. There are no activities planned during the day, so you may arrive at any time before the important welcome meeting at 7 pm. If you do have time beforehand, take the opportunity to visit Barrio Santa Cruz – with its multicultural history, it is a great place to start. This neighbourhood was designed in medieval times to provide a shaded space from the Andalucian heat. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head out for a dinner with your group and sample some local tapas.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before heading on an orientation walk with your leader. Explore the maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and sun-speckled squares in Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter and El Centro. Pass by the grand gothic-style Catedral de Sevilla – the burial site of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda – built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. See the magnificent Alcazar Palace – one of the country’s most impressive and historic monuments. Then, you’ll take part in a flamenco dance class run by Casa de la Memoria – an organisation dedicated to preserving the folkloric tradition of Andalusian flamenco. Learn how this cultural centre preserves the artistic heritage of dance, the history of the dance school and the stories of the teachers while you practice a few fun moves. Maybe head to a flamenco show tonight or practice your moves after a late dinner.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Leader-led orientation walk
- Seville - Flamenco class (1 hour)
Optional Activities:
- Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre (3 EUR)
- Seville - Archaeological Museum (3 EUR)
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower (12 EUR)
- Seville - Real Alcazar (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, say goodbye to Seville and hit the road. Your first stop is a local winery near the city of Jerez. Here you’ll have the chance to sample some locally produced sherry, accompanied by tasty Iberico tapas. After the winery, travel to Grazalema. The village sits in the foothills of the Sierra del Pinar mountain range and will be your base for two nights. Settle into your accommodation, a charming hotel located on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park. Make the most of your stunning location this evening and enjoy dinner at your accommodation, made from produce grown on site and locally sourced meat and dairy.
Included Activities:
- Jerez - Sherry tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with an orientation walk around the whitewashed buildings and winding alleys of Grazalema. Then it's on to explore the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra. The awesome mountain-top location of this whitewashed village makes it visible for many kilometres. It's also known as the 'Moorish Eagle's Nest'. Your first stop, on the outskirts of the village, is Molino El Vinculo, a traditional, family-run ‘cold’ olive oil mill. Enjoy a tour of the factory and a tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil, and the locals enjoy it at all times of the day. It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy – gazpacho. Back in the centre of Zahara de la Sierra, your leader will take you up to the 15th-century watchtower from where you can marvel at the spectacular views over the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. Return to Grazalema where you’ll have time to relax by the pool or take a walk around the Natural Park before another included dinner at your accommodation
Included Activities:
- Zahara de la Sierra - Olive Oil Mill Tour & Tasting
- Grazalema - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to Ronda. This little town, perched on a mountaintop, is one of Spain's oldest villages, dating back to the 9th century BC, and arguably its most spectacular. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and visit the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the birthplace of modern bullfighting and one of the country’s oldest arenas. Stop off at several viewpoints along the Puerta de Almocabar, an ancient stone gate, and check out the Arab Walls while learning about the town’s Islamic heritage. In the evening, you might like to enjoy some tapas and a glass of crisp Spanish beer in one of Ronda's lively local eateries.
Included Activities:
- Ronda - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, continue to Granada by private vehicle, taking in views of Andalucia’s rich and diverse landscapes along the way. Arrive in the city and walk through the historic Christian cathedral district to witness the Moorish influence first-hand. In the afternoon you will be taking part in an exclusive local produce tasting at a small, family run delicatessen. Try local Iberian ham, different types of cheeses, jam, olive oil and other gourmet products from around Spain, including some wine. Afterwards there is the option to visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Alternatively, you can wander through the Alcaiceria (old silk market area). In the evening, you may want to go out on a tapas tour of the city, or head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville's version.
Included Activities:
- Granada - Leader-led orientation walk
- Granada - Local Produce Tasting
Optional Activities:
- Granada - Catedral de Granada (6 EUR)
- Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket and a guided tour is included in the trip and grants you access to the Palace and Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay on in Granada, we don’t blame you! Additional accommodation can be arranged when you book (subject to availability). Granada also has flight, rail and bus connections to major Spanish cities and other European hubs.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Meredith - Traveled, October 2023
The Andalusia trip achieved a great balance between visiting the major cities of the region and a rural experience which ended up being a real highlight of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Andrea - Traveled, September 2023
This trip did not disappoint. The Andalusian region was spectacular and we had an amazing group of travel companions led by an outstanding guide. Cannot recommend this trip enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Nick - Traveled, September 2023
This tour provides an excellent overview of the rich culture and history of Andalusia, with visits to the better known sites such as the Alhambra and Ronda, and time in the beautiful white villages of Grazalema. Our guide, Guiliana provided enthusiastic and informative leadership throughout
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Alison - Traveled, September 2023
Relaxed pace and saw places not really possible as a solo traveller on a time schedule. Guiliana was an excellent guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Stewart - Traveled, August 2023
Have recently completed that Intrepid Andalucia Spain trip with our guide Adrian. Could not have wished for a better experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Maureen - Traveled, August 2023
I am so happy that I chose the Intrepid “Highlights of Andalucia Tour” to experience the wonders of that region of southern Spain. Thank you to Leader Adrian for going above and beyond to make every day of the tour special. His rapport with our small group was first class and his knowledge of the area ensured many happy memories for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Louise - Traveled, August 2023
Our trip through Andalucia was incredible! The included experiences were fantastic and something I'd never be able to have arranged on my own. The stay in Grazalema Natural Park was better than I could have imagined. If you're lucky enough to get Adrian or Ana as your leader, you'll have a fabulous time! I absolutely loved this tour!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Timothy Lyndon - Traveled, July 2023
A very good introduction to Andalusia seeing all the top sights between Seville and Granada with some great food and wine tasting opportunities along the way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Paul - Traveled, June 2023
Andalucia is a great destination historically, culturally and gastronomically. Our Intrepid itinerary was a good selection from the overwhelming possibilities and our leader, Ignacio, helped us make the most of our time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Katherine - Traveled, September 2022
This really is such a fantastic way to see the Andalusia region of Spain. It was the perfect balance of guided parts of the trip and free time. Our guide Sergi was excellent! He was organised, helpful, insightful, kind and everything you could ask for in a tour guide. A perfect way to spend 7 days in this majestic part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2022
Michael - Traveled, July 2023
Spectacular scenery, lots of free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Joanne - Traveled, May 2023
Highlights of Andalucia is a comprehensive trip which I would recommend. The pace is relaxed and Intrepid make it easy to cover 3 key cities/towns (Seville, Ronda and Granada) in a week. Probably not the best value trip in their itinerary however the beauty of the region and the choices of things to do make it worthwhile. Consider a side trip to a winery (eg Badman) during the time in Ronda, it unexpectantly turned out to be a highlight of my trip. As always with Intrepid, the guides are exceptional; we had Elina and she could not have done more for the group. Absolutely fabulous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Christine - Traveled, February 2022
After two years of postponing this trip, I was finally able to start this adventure in February of 2022. Southern Spain has been on my bucket list for years and this trip was just perfect. I visited all the cities and places I've been reading about forever. At the last minute, the other travelers on my trip canceled. Instead of cancelling the trip, Intrepid honored their guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 person. I received a private tour with my leader Sergi and driver David. The silver lining to traveling during Covid… a private tour of an almost empty Alhambra – I won the travel lottery!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2022
Peta Gail - Traveled, December 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed the Highlights of Andalucia tour. The tour guide Sergi was very knowledgeable and interesting about every place we visited and he went out of his way to ensure our wishes were catered for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2021
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