Southern Spain Journey Self-Drive

Arrive at Seville airport and collect your car before setting out to explore the city. Visit some of Seville’s most renowned landmarks, including the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Royal Alcazar dates back to the 10th century, originally serving as a Moorish caliph’s palace. The cathedral, once a 12th-century mosque, is now the world’s third-largest church and features the iconic Giralda belfry. Wander through Santa Cruz, the city’s most charming historic quarter, known for its narrow whitewashed streets, archways and patios, each steeped in history. You may wish to enjoy a tapas lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a scenic drive to Jerez de la Frontera, passing through some of Andalusia’s most charming countryside. Along the way, you will 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 your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we set off for Ronda via a scenic inland route, passing hills of red earth dotted with olive groves. On arrival, explore the town’s well-preserved remains of five defensive walls, reflecting its turbulent history. Wander through the maze of whitewashed cobbled streets leading to the iconic New Bridge spanning the 120-metre-deep El Tajo Gorge. Discover Ronda’s architectural highlights, including Mudejar towers, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Visit the Gothic-Renaissance Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, built in the 1480s on the site of a former Moorish mosque, and step inside Casa de Don Juan de Bosco to see a traditional Andalusian house with eclectic modernist touches. We also visit Spain’s oldest bullring and its museum. Overnight in Ronda.

After breakfast, we explore the historic city of Granada, focusing on its most celebrated landmark – the Alhambra palace. Perched atop Sabika Hill, this remarkable complex has stood for over a thousand years, reaching its peak during the Nasrid dynasty when it was transformed from a fortress into a splendid royal palace. We visit the intricate gardens and tranquil courtyards designed to evoke ‘heaven on earth’, featuring cool fountains and detailed carvings. Highlights include the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, renowned for their exquisite honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we continue exploring Granada by crossing the lush ravine of the River Darro to reach the historic Albaicín quarter. This neighbourhood dates back to Moorish times and retains its original, intricate street layout. Wander through narrow cobbled alleys lined with tightly packed whitewashed houses, climbing towards several viewpoints that offer stunning panoramas of the Alhambra set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Córdoba and explore its historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus, Córdoba’s rich heritage is best seen in the Great Mosque, now a Catholic cathedral. We wander through the prayer halls, notable for their hundreds of marble columns and distinctive two-tone arches, and admire the intricately decorated mihrab and side chapels blending arabesque and baroque styles. We visit the tranquil Patio of the Orange Trees, shaded by around 100 trees, and appreciate the detailed arabesque designs on the exterior doorways. Our walk continues to the former Jewish Quarter, where we visit the 14th-century synagogue. We stay overnight in Córdoba.

After breakfast, we drive back to Seville, giving you the chance to revisit and enjoy the city at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore more of its historic streets, relax in a café, or shop for souvenirs, the day is yours to savour. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Seville as you drive to the car rental office to return your vehicle. From there, the shuttle service will take you to the airport in good time for your departure flight home.