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Trip Summary
Heritage Tours Private Travel has designed a trip tying together all of Spain’s sunniest and most colorful southern cities. Begin your journey in sun-drenched Marbella—a gem on Spain’s spectacular Costa del Sol. Afterwards, head to Granada to enjoy private touring of the legendary Alhambra and then a special evening tour (with a local resident) of Granada’s ancient Moorish neighborhood, the Albaicin. Continue on to the scenic renaissance town of Ubeda, with an opportunity to stop in the historic town of Jaen along the way. Private touring is included in the picturesque city of Cordoba along with the colorful city of Sevilla. Conclude your journey with a visit to Andalucía’s white villages—quaint small towns that dot the region’s scenic hills and valleys. Spend the last evening in Ronda, the most renowned of the White Villages, combining all that’s great of Andalucía’s beautiful landscapes and its charming cities.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Upon your arrival in Malaga pick up your mid size automatic rental car equipped with an English GPS unit (trips with four passengers will have a full size car). From here you will drive to Marbella on the Costa del Sol, where you will check into the charming hotel La Villa Marbella. It is located in the city’s historic and quaint center and is a short walk from the sea and marina.
Overnight: Marbella
Day 2:
You will have the day at leisure with your rental car to explore the many towns and beaches along the Costa del Sol. You might drive east along the coast to Malaga, about forty five minutes away. Pablo Picasso was born here in 1881. You can tour the Museo Picasso, a beautifully designed museum housing the private collections of Picasso’s family. You can continue to the Alcazaba (a Moorish castle), which overlooks Málaga from a hilltop. Further east is Nerja where you can stroll along the Balcón de Europa, a seaside promenade built on the site of a Moorish castle.
Overnight: Marbella
Day 3:
This morning you will drive to Granada. En route, we suggest you stop in the village of Antequera, which contains traces of the Bronze Age and its native Iberians. When you arrive in Granada, check in at the Hesperia Granada. Located in the heart of Granada’s historic section, this beautiful hotel occupies a renovated building with traditional Andalucían architecture. This evening, you will meet a long-time resident of Granada who will lead you on a walk through the old Moorish Quarter, the Albaicin.
Overnight: Granada
Day 4:
Today you will meet your expert guide for a private tour of the famed Alhambra and the gardens of Generalife (the summer residence of the Nasrid kings). The Alhambra comprises a unique complex of fortified palaces, courtyards and gardens. Wander through the Moorish Palaces of the Nasrid dynasty and see the beautiful Courtyard of the Lions. You might spend the remainder of the day exploring Granada on your own. Things you may wish to visit include the Cathedral, the sacristy (containing paintings by Boticelli and Roger van der Weyden), or the Alcaicería (the site of the Moorish silk market).
Overnight: Granada
Day 5:
This morning drive to Ubeda. En route you may wish to visit the historic town of Jaen. Highlights in Jaen include the Museo Provincia (containing a collection of sculptures dating to the 5th century B.C.), Jaén’s beautiful architecture, 11th century Arab Baths, the Renaissance Cathedral and finally the Moorish castle situated atop Mount Santa Catalina (built in the 9th century). When you are ready, continue to the beautiful renaissance town of Ubeda. Check in at the Las Casas del Consul which is surrounded by lovely courtyards and centenarian walls. In Ubeda, stroll through the town’s Renaissance plazas and admire the facades of its palaces and churches; some streets offer wonderful views of the rural landscape. You might visit the Plaza Vázquez de Molina, the town’s central square. From here you can continue to the Sacra Capilla del Salvador, an elaborate church. Near Calle Valencia you will find the potters’ quarter; here you will see traditional dark green pottery, Úbeda’s trademark.
Overnight: Ubeda
Day 6:
This morning you will drive to Cordoba where you will check in at the quaint Hospedería de El Churrasco. After some time to refresh you will meet our expert guide for a half-day private tour. Highlights of your tour include the Grand Mosque (dating from 785) one of the last medieval quarters of Europe, and the city’s famous oft-hidden patios (courtyards). You will have the remainder of the day at leisure. You might wish to visit the Museo Arqueólogico or the Palacio del Marqués de Viana (a mansion that features twelve landscaped patios).
Overnight: Cordoba
Day 7:
This morning drive to Sevilla where you will check in at Las Casas del Rey de Baeza, a serene boutique hotel surrounding a courtyard. Once you get settled, you will meet our expert guide for a private half-day walking tour. Highlights of your tour include: the third largest Cathedral in Christendom (also the largest Gothic building in the world), the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Alcázar Palace, and the Barrio de Santa Cruz (formerly the Jewish neighborhood, now Sevilla’s most fashionable quarter). Once your tour concludes you will have the day at leisure. Places you may wish to visit include: The Casa de Pilatos, The Palacio de Lebrija (containing Roman mosaics from the nearby Italica ruins), Calle de las Sierpes (a great street for local shopping), Sevilla’s chocolaterias, the Parque de María Luisa and the Museo Arqueológico (considered to be one of the best in Spain).
Overnight: Sevilla
Day 8:
You will have the day at leisure. You may wish to visit places you did not see yesterday in Sevilla. Optional: for dance lovers, we can arrange a two-hour private flamenco dance lesson at one of Sevilla’s most respected academies of flamenco (optional upgrade, not included).
Overnight: Sevilla
Day 9:
This morning drive to Ronda. En route you may wish to visit some of the picturesque Pueblos Blancos, or White Villages. These traditional whitewashed settlements dot the region’s hills and valleys, interspersed with olive groves.
Feel free to stop in places that arouse your curiosity. Some of the Pueblos you may wish to visit include (all are on the way to Ronda): The village of Grazalema (famous for its wildlife), Jerez de la Frontera (famous for its production of sherry), or Arcos de la Frontera (one of the most aesthetically striking white villages). Once you arrive in Ronda, check in at the Parador de Ronda, enjoying a spectacular clifftop location with vistas of the surrounding countryside. You can wander the small streets of Ronda’s old quarter, where you will notice distinctive wrought-iron balconies and whitewashed homes. You might see the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful bullrings. Spaniards consider Ronda the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Also, the Moorish baths are quite spectacular.
Overnight: Ronda
Day 10:
Today you will drive to Malaga’s international airport where you will drop off your rental car and catch your return flight home.
¡Adios España!
What’s included:
- Accommodations
- Breakfast Daily
- Personalized, private touring as noted
- Transportation as noted
- All admissions on private touring
- Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
Not included:
- Air arrangements
- Sightseeing/admissions when not with an expert guide
- Meals other than breakfast, unless specified
- Transport unless listed above
- Gratuities
- Anything not noted as included
Accommodations, length of stay, guiding and route can all be modified to suit your needs and interests
*Arrangements subject to availability
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