Cordoba, Seville & Granada

Madrid - Cordoba - Seville. We travel south through La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote, passing by Puerto Lapice, a village that still reflects the spirit of Cervantes’ famous tale. Continuing across the dramatic Despenaperros pass - the natural gateway into Andalusia - we enter a region shaped by centuries of Moorish, Jewish and Christian heritage. In Cordoba, we visit the extraordinary Mosque - one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe - and stroll through the narrow, whitewashed streets of the Jewish Quarter. Later, we continue by coach to Seville - approximately a two-hour journey.

This morning we enjoy a panoramic city tour of Seville, including entrance to its vast Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St Peter’s in Rome. We explore the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz, setting of the opera Carmen and closely linked to the legend of Don Juan. We also visit Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de Espana, built in 1928 as the centerpiece for the Ibero-American Exposition. The afternoon is at leisure to explore further, perhaps sampling local tapas or wandering through the city’s lively streets.

Seville - Granada. After breakfast, we travel east along the historic Caliphate Road towards Granada. En route, we pass vast olive groves that characterise the Andalusian landscape. Granada was the last stronghold of the Moorish kingdoms until 1492. We visit the world-renowned Alhambra and the beautiful Generalife Gardens - a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra.

In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Flamenco Zambra show for an insight into Andalusia’s passionate musical traditions.

Granada - Madrid. After breakfast, we transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Madrid, marking the end to an incredible 4-day journey through the south of Spain.