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Heart of Andalusia 8 Days, Self-drive

Heart of Andalusia 8 Days, Self-drive

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8 Days From

~~$802~~

$777

Heart of Andalusia 8 Days, Self-drive

8 Days Starting and ending in Málaga

Visiting: Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Seville

Tour operator:

Destination Services Spain

Tour code:

258718

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

25-75

From: $802 $777 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$25

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The passion, romance, mystique, beauty and history of Spain are nowhere more evident than in ancient Andalusia, the vast southern region whose name has become a byword for Spanish culture. Over this Eight-day fascinating self-drive tour, you will discover the cultural riches of Andalusia, from Phoenician times through the Roman, Muslim, Jewish and Christian periods. Visit spellbinding World Heritage sites such as the Alcazar and Cathedral in Seville, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and contemplate great views of the Alhambra in Granada.

Highlights

:Malaga & Costa del Sol: Enjoy utter relaxation in the beautiful coastal city of Malaga and surrounding gems
Granada: Be dazzled by the jewel in Andalusia’s crown with a visit to the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, as well as a stroll through the ancient Albaicin district
Cordoba: Wander around Cordoba’s former Jewish district, explore the old town, and get closer to the spirit of this mediaeval marvel
Seville: Explore the elegant capital of Andalusia, visiting the world-famous Plaza de España, the former royal palace and cathedral as well as strolling through old Jewish quarter

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Malaga

Location: Málaga

Arrive to Malaga airport and pick up your hired car (head to the hall to meet with a rent-a-car representative). Perhaps take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, the port… Torremolinos is one of the most famous beach resorts in Spain and is just under 20km away from central Malaga. It is renowned for its long sandy beach and homely seafood restaurants to discover.

Overnight in Malaga/Torremolinos

Day 2 : Malaga – Granada (150 Km – 2 Hrs)

Location: Granada

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival. In Granada you haveon day to explore the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada.

Overnight in Granada

Day 3 : Granada

Location: Granada

Have breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historic city of Granada while taking pictures of its greatest treasures. Create the rules and design the itinerary to explore the glorious ancient capital of the last Muslim state in Spain. Granada still has traces of its Arab past, the most notable is the impressive Alhambra palace. On the other hand, the winding streets of the Albaicín neighborhood are also a picturesque reminder of the days of the emirate, and today you can explore this fascinating neighborhood and learn all about its fascinating history. Finally, discover the Corral del Carbon, the only caravanserai left in Spain.

Overnight in Granada

Day 4 : Granada – Cordoba (205 Km – 2.5 Hrs)

Location: Córdoba

Depart from Granada to Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Wander through the colonnaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of exterior doorways. Continue the tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th century synagogue

Overnight in Cordoba

Day 5 : Cordoba – Seville (160 Km – 2 Hrs)

Location: Seville

Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century, when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tilework and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included).

Overnight in Seville

Day 6 : Seville

Location: Seville

Wake up to have breakfast at the hotel before going out to the streets of Seville and continue enjoying everything the city offers

Overnight in Seville

Day 7 : Seville – Malaga (275 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Málaga

On your way from Seville to Malaga, perhaps make a stop in the beautiful town of Jerez de la Frontera. Because of its locally produced wine - Jerez or Sherry - the name of the city crossed international borders several years ago. It is home to the Carthusian horse and bullfighting, the birthplace of flamenco, a city of motor racing, and other important events. Continue to the Malaga area and check in to your hotel for your last night in Andalusia.

Overnight in Malaga/Torremolinos

Day 8 : Departure Malaga

Location: Málaga

End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle to the rent a car company near the airport. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.

What's Included

ACCOMMODATION:

7 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Malaga/Torremolinos

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*

Day 2 - 3 Granada

Superior Hotel Category = Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*

Day 4 Cordoba

Superior Hotel Category = Macía Alfaros or similar 4*

Day 5 - 6 Seville

Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al-Andalus or similar 4*

Day 7 Malaga/Torremolinos

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group B = Seat Ibiza with AC or similar

Car Group C = Seat Leon with AC or similar

MEALS:

7 breakfasts

CAR HIRE:

Applicable local taxes (VAT)
Unlimited mileage
Road assistance 24-hour telephone service
Full-Full petrol rate
Basic and Super Collision Damage Waiver (CDW, SCWD), Vehicle theft (STP), Supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels)

What's Not Included

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section
National or International flights
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable)
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity

NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:

Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving
Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle
Damage to the engine through negligence
Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition
Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge
Return to another office if the distance is greater than 300 km
Each additional driver fee
Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc)
No insurance cover in Gibraltar.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Malaga/Torremolinos

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*

Day 2 - 3 Granada

Superior Hotel Category = Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*

Day 4 Cordoba

Superior Hotel Category = Macía Alfaros or similar 4*

Day 5 - 6 Seville

Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al-Andalus or similar 4*

Day 7 Malaga/Torremolinos

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group B = Seat Ibiza with AC or similar
Car Group C = Seat Leon with AC or similar

Please Note

Pick-up hours are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 23:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times are subject to a surcharge.
Drivers age from 25 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48hours of incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Malaga

Superior Hotel Category = Soho Boutique Las Vegas or similar 4*

Day 2 - 3 Granada

Superior Hotel Category = Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*

Day 4 Cordoba

Superior Hotel Category = Macía Alfaros or similar 4*

Day 5 - 6 Seville

Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al-Andalus or similar 4*

Day 7 Malaga

Superior Hotel Category = Soho Boutique Las Vegas or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group B = Seat Ibiza with AC or similar
Car Group C = Seat Leon with AC or similar

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, both equipped with air conditioning. Enjoy unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels, including Hotel Don Pedro in Malaga/Torremolinos, Gran Hotel Luna in Granada, Macía Alfaros in Cordoba, and Silken Al-Andalus in Seville.

Check out our Q&As

What should I do in case of an accident or theft?

Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident.
What are the pick-up hours for the car hire?

Pick-up hours are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 23:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
What is included in the car hire?

The car hire includes applicable local taxes (VAT), unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, a full-full petrol rate, and basic and super collision damage waiver (CDW, SCWD), vehicle theft (STP), and supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels).
What should I wear during the tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Spain. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.
Is there any additional charge for returning a dirty vehicle?

In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided.

What type of car can I hire for the self-drive tour?

You can hire a Seat Ibiza with AC or similar from Car Group B, or a Seat Leon with AC or similar from Car Group C.
What are the age requirements for drivers?

Drivers must be between 25 to 75 years old and must have had their driver’s license for a minimum of one year. Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
What happens if I return the vehicle earlier than the agreed drop-off date?

If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
What is not included in the car hire?

The car hire does not include damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period, return to another office if the distance is greater than 300 km, each additional driver fee, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance cover in Gibraltar.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

Reviews of this operator

Maria R

Very informative tour

05-Dec-2022

Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.

Andrew W

Great Scenery

08-Aug-2022

Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful

Sandra F.

Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)

15-Nov-2022

We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!

Grace B

Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better

16-Oct-2022

Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!

Steve G

Excellent Volcano and Village Tour

17-Nov-2022

Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!

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