Andalucia Highlights Journey Self-Drive

Arrive at Malaga airport and collect your rental car. Begin your visit with a leisurely walk around Malaga’s city centre, where you can explore its museums, historic sites, restaurants and the charming port area. If time allows, take a short drive to Torremolinos, a popular beach resort just under 20 kilometres away, known for its long sandy beach and excellent seafood. Overnight on the Costa del Sol.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada and check in on arrival. Begin exploring this historic city with a visit to the Alhambra palace, Granada’s most celebrated landmark. Perched atop Sabika Hill, the Alhambra has stood for over a thousand years and was transformed into a magnificent palace by the Nasrid dynasty. We explore the royal complex and its gardens, designed as a serene retreat with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Highlights include the Court of the Myrtles, the Hall of the Ambassadors with its elaborate honeycomb plasterwork, and the iconic Court of Lions, famed for its stunning Islamic artistry. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we continue exploring Granada with a visit to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens. This summer retreat of the Nasrid emirs features tranquil water channels and beautifully maintained greenery. We then cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to reach the historic Albaicin quarter. This ancient Moorish neighbourhood retains its original labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, winding uphill to several viewpoints that offer stunning panoramas of the Alhambra set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We stay overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we leave Granada and drive to Córdoba, once the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus. Here, we explore the remarkable Great Mosque, now a Catholic cathedral, renowned for its forest of marble columns and distinctive two-tiered arches. We admire the intricately decorated mihrab and the side chapels, which blend arabesque and baroque styles. We stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees, shaded by around 100 trees, and take in the detailed arabesque designs on the exterior doorways. Our walk continues to the former Jewish Quarter, where we visit the 14th-century synagogue. Afterwards, we drive to Seville and check in to our hotel for the night.

After breakfast, explore Seville on foot with a morning walk to some of the city’s most renowned landmarks. Visit the Royal Alcazar Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 10th century when it served as a Moorish caliph’s residence. Over time, the palace has been expanded to include a variety of architectural styles—from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Take in the intricate arabesque carvings, vibrant tilework, and the richly decorated interiors, including the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls. Wander through the peaceful, landscaped gardens before continuing to Seville Cathedral, another UNESCO site and the city’s iconic landmark. Originally a 12th-century mosque, it is now the third-largest church in the world, featuring 80 chapels and over 700 religious artworks. Admire the gilded altarpiece, which took 80 years to complete, and stroll through the serene Patio of the Orange Trees. Finally, explore Santa Cruz, Seville’s most traditional old quarter and former Jewish neighbourhood, with its maze of whitewashed streets, alleys and patios steeped in history. You may wish to enjoy a tapas lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to Jerez de la Frontera, travelling through some of Andalusia’s most charming countryside. Along the way, you’ll see traditional whitewashed villages known as pueblos blancos, Moorish fortresses, rustic farmhouses nestled in lush valleys, and historic hilltop towns perched on dramatic ridges. Upon arrival in Jerez de la Frontera, we check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave Jerez de la Frontera and drive through the striking landscapes of Andalusia en route to Malaga. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel, leaving you free to spend the remainder of the day at your leisure—whether exploring Malaga’s vibrant city centre or relaxing on its beaches. Overnight on the Costa del Sol.

On the final day, enjoy breakfast before returning your rental car at Malaga airport. The car hire company will provide details of the return procedure and designated drop-off area when you collect the vehicle on arrival. This concludes your journey.