The Magic of Andalusia

Accommodation Name: Illunion Hacienda del Sol

Fly to Malaga and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Illunion Hacienda del Sol (3Q) in the mountainside village of Mijas, and stay one night. D

Accommodation Name: Barcelo Carmen Hotel

Once considered the poor relation of Andalusia's capital city, Seville, Malaga now successfully competes for attention. The city's rebirth was initiated by the opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003 and the city now boasts over 30 museums. You’ll visit the Picasso Museum where the artist was born, before travelling to Granada, the city immortalised in the work of poet Federico Garcia Lorca.

Stay two nights at the locally rated 4-star Barcelo Carmen Hotel (4Q). Look forward to an evening orientation walk around the city’s old town. B, D

Accommodation Name: Barcelo Carmen Hotel

Join an included visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Alhambra, an ornate 14th-century palace built by the Moors. This afternoon you have the chance to visit the Moorish ruins of Medina Azahara on an optional tour.

This evening there is the opportunity to attend an optional flamenco show. B

Accommodation Name: TRH Ciudad de Baeza Hotel

Today travel to the remote town of Baeza, located in the hills of the 'Comarca de la Loma', between the Guadalquivir and Guadalimar valleys, and surrounded by a sea of olive groves. Baeza, together with neighbouring Ubeda, is home to an array of Renaissance-style palaces and churches and you can enjoy an included tour of both these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stay two nights at the locally rated 4-star TRH Ciudad de Baeza Hotel (3Q). B, D

Accommodation Name: TRH Ciudad de Baeza Hotel

Perhaps join an optional excursion to Cazorla National Park this morning. The limestone mountains and pine forests are home to deer, ibex and 130 species of birds including golden eagles, lammergeiers and griffon vultures. B

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hesperia Córdoba

Pause at an olive oil museum en route to Córdoba. The city is famous for its historic great mosque, the spiritual heart of the Islamic kingdom of Al-Andalus. After the Moors were expelled from Spain, a Christian church was inserted into the existing building to create the city’s cathedral.

Join an afternoon walking tour of Córdoba, explore the narrow streets of the old quarter and enjoy a guided tour of the Great Mosque, also known as the Mezquita, and the Jewish synagogue. You stay overnight at the locally rated 4-star Hotel Hesperia Córdoba (3Q) close to the Roman bridge crossing the Guadalquivir River. B

Accommodation Name: Royal Sherry Park Hotel

Travel to Seville where you will enjoy a panoramic coach tour of the city. Then perhaps visit Seville cathedral, and the Alcazar royal palace on an optional tour, before spending a little free time exploring the city at leisure.

Your tour continues to Jerez de la Frontera where you spend your final two nights at the locally rated 4-star Royal Sherry Park Hotel (4Q). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. B, D

Accommodation Name: Royal Sherry Park Hotel

The prosperous town of Jerez de la Frontera, has given its name to sherry and is internationally known for its locally bred horses. Although prehistoric and Roman remains have been found at Jerez, the oldest surviving structure in the city is the Moorish Castle which has Arab baths and gardens.

Today, perhaps join an optional excursion to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where you can watch the horses being put through their paces during one of the training sessions. The school is adjacent to the historic 19th-century Palacio de la Cadenas. No visit to Jerez would be complete without touring one of its sherry bodegas, ending of course with a tasting session!

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant tonight. B, D

Accommodation Name: Royal Sherry Park Hotel

Travel to Malaga airport for your return flight to the UK. B