Heart of Andalucia Journey Self-Drive

Arrive at Malaga airport and collect your hire car from the rental desk in the arrivals hall. You may wish to take a leisurely walk around Malaga’s city centre, where you can explore its museums, historic sites and vibrant restaurants. The port area offers a pleasant atmosphere, while just under 20 kilometres away, Torremolinos is a well-known beach resort famous for its long sandy shore and welcoming seafood restaurants. Overnight accommodation is arranged in Malaga or Torremolinos.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada and check in on arrival. You will have the day to explore this historic city and its greatest treasure – the Alhambra palace. Perched on Sabika Hill for over a thousand years, the Alhambra rose to prominence during the Nasrid dynasty, transforming from a fortress into the stunning royal complex seen today. We explore its cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings, including the Court of the Myrtles, the Hall of the Ambassadors and the Court of Lions, celebrated by medieval poets as a vision of paradise. We then visit the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, once a summer retreat for Nasrid emirs, where the gentle sound of flowing water adds to the serene atmosphere. Finally, we cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the Albaicín quarter, a Moorish-era neighbourhood with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses that climb towards viewpoints offering spectacular views of the Alhambra beneath the Sierra Nevada. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Granada at your own pace, capturing photographs of its most remarkable sights. We encourage you to design your own itinerary to discover the city’s rich heritage as the last Muslim stronghold in Spain. Granada’s Arab legacy is evident not only in the impressive Alhambra palace but also in the winding streets of the Albaicín neighbourhood, where you can immerse yourself in its historic atmosphere. Finally, visit the Corral del Carbón, the only surviving caravanserai in Spain, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we leave Granada and travel to Córdoba, once the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus at its peak. 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 tranquil Patio of the Orange Trees, shaded by a hundred trees and adorned with elegant arabesque doorways. Our visit continues to the former Jewish Quarter, where we see the 14th-century synagogue, a rare example of its kind in Spain. We stay overnight in Córdoba.

After checking in at your hotel, begin your day with a morning walk to explore Seville’s key sights. Visit the Royal Alcazar palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 10th century when it was a Moorish caliph’s residence. Over time, it has been extended with a blend of Moorish, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. We will admire the intricate arabesque carvings, colourful tilework, and the richly decorated halls, including the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, before strolling through the peaceful gardens. Next, explore Seville Cathedral, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s most iconic landmark with its soaring Giralda belfry. Originally a 12th-century mosque, it is now the third-largest church in the world, housing 80 chapels and over 700 religious artworks. We will see the impressive gilded altarpiece and the tranquil Patio of the Orange Trees. Finally, wander through Santa Cruz, Seville’s most charming old quarter and former Jewish neighbourhood, with its maze of whitewashed streets, alleys and hidden patios, each steeped in history. You may wish to enjoy a traditional tapas lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at your leisure exploring more of Seville’s vibrant streets and attractions. You might choose to revisit favourite spots or discover new corners of the city, enjoying its rich history, lively atmosphere and charming neighbourhoods. Overnight in Seville.

We leave Seville after breakfast and travel towards Malaga, with the option to stop in Jerez de la Frontera. This charming town is internationally renowned for its production of sherry wine and is also known for its Carthusian horses, bullfighting traditions, and as the birthplace of flamenco. Jerez hosts various cultural and motor racing events throughout the year. After exploring Jerez, we continue to the Malaga area where you will check in to your hotel for your final night in Andalusia.

On your final day, you will return the hire car near Malaga airport. The return procedure and exact drop-off location will be provided by the car rental company when you collect the vehicle on arrival. This concludes your journey through Andalusia.