Highlights of Andalucia
Experience Overview
Blessed with culture, history and abundant sunshine, Andalucia is an enthralling destination. Get swept up in flamenco, tapas and Moorish architecture on our tour that ticks off the greats from Granada to Cordoba and Seville. Along the way, tick off bucket-list sites including the Alhambra Palace and Cordoba's Mezquita and get off the beaten path in a traditional Andalucian village.
Cordoba - Discover Moorish architecture from the golden era of Al-Andalus at the Mezquita.
Sierra de Arcena - Walk through the rolling landscapes of southern Spain to see the white villages.
Seville - Explore this characterful city and the stunning UNESCO-listed Alcazar Palace.
Highlights
Discover stunning cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba|Walk amongst the hills and forests of the Sierra de Aracena|Enjoy the exquisite architecture and serene gardens of the Alhambra
Trip Details
Product Code: 20303
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public BusTaxiTrain
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: QAH
Starts: Spain
Finishes: Spain
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
- Hostal La Ninfa
- Hostal La Fuente
- Posada del Castano
- Hostal Sierpes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,590 ($199 /day)
Itinerary
Our tour starts today at Malaga Airport (AGP), from where we'll travel as a group to our first stop, Granada.
We'll gather at the meeting point at 15.45pm and take either a direct bus from the airport or a train into Malaga followed by a bus to Granada (a two-hour journey). The latest your flight can arrive is 15.15pm.
If your flight choice doesn't fit with our meeting time, you might prefer to travel to Granada by yourself. There are regular buses from both Malaga Airport and Malaga bus station, please ask us for additional joining information to plan your journey. If you're planning to travel to the hotel solo, remember to inform us so we're not expecting you at the airport.
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is a historical gem blessed with a fusion of Spanish and Muslim art and architecture including the Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the city's grand 16th-century cathedral.
For the next two nights, we'll be staying at Hostal La Ninfa in the quieter and historic El Realejo neighbourhood. Bedrooms are en-suite, cosy and simply decorated. They have a safe, television and hairdryer and free WiFi is available. It's perfectly located, just a 10-minute walk from the Alhambra and from the city centre and just beside the hotel is the Plaza Campo del Principe, where you can find restaurants and bars to sample tapas and wine this evening.
While we've packed in as many of the highlights as possible, our itinerary allows for little free time in Granada. If you'd like to discover more on your own, you might consider extending your stay for a night or two.
For the next two nights, we'll stay at Hostal La Ninfa, a simple, 2-star hotel in Granada's historic heart. Rooms are simply decorated with en-suite facilities - which include toiletries and hairdryers. There is a lift, so taking your luggage to your room is easy. The hotel also has free WiFi throughout. Breakfast is included, however, it's worth noting this is a very Spanish affair! If you'd prefer a heartier breakfast, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants within a stone's throw of the hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hostal La Ninfa
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
One of the highlights of our journey is our visit to Granada's iconic Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that overlooks the city. Built in the 13th century by Mohammed Iibn Nasr, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, the palace is considered one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture outside of the Arab world. You might also like to visit the Alhambra's Generalife Gardens that surround the summer residence of the Caliphs.
This afternoon, we'll have an orientation tour of the city, taking in some of the sites including the Albaicin, Granada's historic and atmospheric old Moorish quarter.
The Alhambra is an incredibly popular site and tickets sell out quickly. Depending on availability, it might be necessary to move our visit time to later in the day. It might also not be possible for all members of the group to visit in the same time slot. Your tour leader will communicate this on the day. Audio guides are available in the Alhambra for those interested, otherwise, the visit is unguided.
Please note, in order for our local agent to book the Alhambra tickets, we require full passport details for all passengers - these should be provided at the time of booking for the tickets to be confirmed. Last-minute bookings will be subject to availability.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hostal La Ninfa
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning, we'll have a couple of hours free to explore more of Granada. We'll then take a taxi to the bus station to catch the midday bus to Cordoba (a journey of around two and a half hours).
The once great capital of the Islamic caliphate of al-Andalus, Cordoba hides a wealth of treasures amongst its rambling back streets. This afternoon, we'll visit the city's crown jewel, the Mezquita - another of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Besides its astounding interior, which unites a unique blend of faiths, this sprawling yet serene place of worship also boasts a peaceful courtyard filled with orange and palm trees.
Tonight, we'll stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Cordoba. The hotel is typically Andalucian with rooms set around a garden patio. Rooms are en-suite with air-conditioning and televisions.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hostal La Fuente
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning is free for you to explore more of Cordoba at your own pace.
At around 1.30pm, we'll travel by train and then bus deep into the countryside of rural Andalucia, to the small village of Castano del Robledo, close to the Portuguese border.
Castano del Robledo is situated in the heart of the Sierra Aracena National Park, surrounded by the oak and sweet chestnut trees that the area is famous for. Much of this sweet little village has remained unchanged for centuries and many of its well-preserved buildings date back to the 16th century.
For the next two nights, we'll stay at the Posada del Castano, a simple guesthouse owned by our tour leader and run by his family (and family pets, who will be present throughout our stay). The accommodation is simple with characterful bedrooms - most are en-suite but some have shared bathrooms. You can relax after a day walking, in its courtyard and garden, on the terrace or in the comfortable upstairs lounge filled with books.
Accommodation:
- Type - Guesthouse
- Accommodation Name - Posada del Castano
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, we'll walk to the picturesque 'pueblo blanco' (white village) of Alajar, famed for the imposing 17th-century shrine of Arias Montano that occupies a rocky promontory high above the village. We'll return to Castano on foot (a total walking distance of 12 kilometres/7.5 miles).
This afternoon, if time allows, you might like to visit the town of Aracena, home to the famous 'Gruta de las Maravillas' (Cave of Wonders), set amidst one of the most spectacular cave systems in the country.
Accommodation:
- Type - Guesthouse
- Accommodation Name - Posada del Castano
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Lying to the northwest of Seville, the Sierra de Aracena is a remote western outlier of the extensive Sierra Morena and the quiet, easy-paced, way of life here remains definitively Andalucian. The wooded hillsides support a smattering of tiny, whitewashed villages, with rural economies still reliant on the production of quality cured hams, chestnuts, and cork.
We'll have a chance to enjoy more of this rural idyll today, with a walk to the nearby village of Galaroza, in the beautifully scenic Valley of the Ribera de Jabugo (walking distance is approximately 6.5 kilometres/4 miles). Our bags will be transported to join us in Galaroza and after lunch, we'll take taxis to Seville. It's worth noting that, while not particularly challenging, the walk does have some sharp inclines. It's mostly along even, wooded pathways with some areas of loose cobble.
On arrival in Seville, our tour leader will take us on an orientation walk, taking in the Jewish Quarter, Plaza Santa Cruz, Park of the Discoveries and much more.
For the next two nights, we'll stay at Hostal Sierpes, a simple hotel situated in a converted 17th-century mansion in the Santa Cruz district. It's perfectly located, around 150 meters/492 feet from the cathedral and the Real Alcazar. In typical Andalucian style, bedrooms are set around a courtyard, which is filled with wood carvings and traditional ceramics. Rooms and amenities are simple - each room has an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hostal Sierpes
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
The Andalucian capital can trace its ancestry back over 2,000 years. It's 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).
Today is free for you to perhaps choose to visit the Real Alcazar and the city's immense Gothic Cathedral. These attractions are popular, and tickets sell out very quickly, so we recommend booking online well before you travel. Please see the optional excursion information for further information.
Alternatively, you might like to walk through the city, taking in its beautiful Mudejar architecture, a mixture of Christian and Moorish styles. You'll find flamenco and ceramics workshops in the bohemian Triana neighbourhood, while in Encarnacion & Regina, you can see a much more modern side to the city with a visit to the Setas de Seville - an avant-garde parasol-like structure shaped like mushrooms.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hostal Sierpes
- Grade - Simple
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Seville.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Seville at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Seville Airport (SVQ), which is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
While we've packed in as many of Seville's highlights as possible, our itinerary only allows for one free day in Seville and the city has many museums, galleries and sites to see. If you'd like to discover more on your own, we recommend extending your stay by a night or two.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Melissa - Traveled, May 2025
Andalusia has long been on my list of places to go, and I was not disappointed. Our guide Craig was the best, so knowledgeable, engaging, he had a keen insight to the history, respect of the culture, and told fun stories. While I loved all of the cites, and did want to miss anything, it was great to have 2 days at Craig's home in rural Andalusia, with two great hikes to see the lovely countryside. We were lucky we had a small and very accommodating group that were eager to soak in the culture!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2025
Jude - Traveled, May 2025
Tremendous holiday. Explore were efficient and helpful during the booking process and in answering our queries regarding the trip. The holiday itself was a great way to get a sense of the beauty, culture and history of Andalucia. It’s a fast paced and busy tour, but huge fun, and we really enjoyed the mixture of city and rural locations. Craig, our tour leader, worked incredibly hard throughout to organise the content and travel logistics, and gave us a fascinating overview of the region - covering the history, the political, economic, cultural and geological context (and in a way that was funny, accessible and effortlessly erudite). Cities and countryside were all stunningly beautiful, the food and wine delicious. I’d heartily recommend the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
This is a full-on trip. You need energy and stamina with days starting early and ending late. Craig, our tour leader, was very knowledgeable and resourceful. He led from the front and coped calmly and compassionately in the event of an unfortunate accident to one of the party. Everything was as described and the optional activities very worthwhile. The main sights are breathtaking. Having the contrast of city and countryside worked well. Breakfasts are basic except at Craig’s own house, which was excellent, and all the accommodation clean albeit simple and occasionally noisy - ask for a quiet room away from street noise in the cities if you can. Craig offered an additional experience at the end of each day such as a walk in Granada to see the Alhambra floodlit or a visit to the oldest bar in Sevilla to sample sherry. Overall a fantastic and memorable experience which made me want to see more of Spain.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2025
Accommodations were very, very ‘basic’.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2025
A brilliant experience. Stunning Cathedrals, Palaces and views everywhere.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2025
I found the stay in the leader's house and village boring and felt that we could have spent at least one out of two days we spent there instead in Cordoba (where we stayed one night only) where there was far more to see and experience).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2025
Patricia - Traveled, November 2024
We had a great time in Andalucía! The area had been on my list for ages so I was thrilled to finally go and visit the Alhambra and the royal palaces. The Mezquita in Cordoba was wonderful. Another night there would have been great. We enjoyed the 2 nights spent in our Craig's property: it was very comfortable and the walking excellent. The breakfast was the best we had all week. The group gelled well; everyone was like-minded and friendly. Craig, our guide, was very knowledgeable and helpful. We were less keen on the Seville hotel, though it was well located. The breakfast was poor. Attractions in Seville were busy but we read the information provided in the trip notes, and booked the Alcazar and cathedral in advance. Travelling by public transport seemed efficient, though more time consuming than a private bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
What a great trip! Full on. Some long days. But what a way to tick off things on your bucket list. The accommodation was as expected, mixed: querky, comfortable and, at worst, indifferent. Eating out was excellent and not too expensive. We chose the trip because of the itinerary, which was brought to life at every stage by our guide who was one of the best we have had on any trip. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Spain and its fascinating history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Everything about this trip was excellent - all 3 of the cities were really impressive, it was nice breaking up touring the cities with a visit to the countryside and our fellow travellers were all great. Perhaps the best aspect was the tour leader Craig who was brilliant at bringing the history to life and would always have suggestions for extra things that we could do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2024
Caroline - Traveled, October 2024
Great trip--highly recommend! It was a quick trip, covering a lot of ground and history in a short time but it didn't feel rushed or as if we'd had to skip anything. The group was a good mix of nationalities and small enough to not feel like a herd (11). Unusually for group tours, Explore gives whole or half days to explore on your own--after introducing the group to the city/site and giving suggestions. This is great as some people like to stay longer at certain sites or prefer to check out something the other group members might not. My only concern with this strategy is that, on free days, you have to book your own tickets--no problem and may not even have to pre-book during non-busy times but during busy times it may be necessary to book several days in advance. Several people in our group hadn't pre-booked and missed out on some places--and I only pre-booked because I overheard others in the group doing so. Our guide, Craig, was absolute magic--full of great stories, so knowledgeable, very efficient yet quite easy going, full of recommendations for what to see and where to eat. And the best part of the trip for me was spending 2 days at his B&B in a small village--seeing first hand what rural Spain is like, plus 2 lovely hikes in the beautiful hills of Andalucia!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2024
Joanne - Traveled, September 2024
Fast paced but fabulous, and our guide Craig so knowledgeable. Loved every minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
