Southern Spain

The three great cities of Andalucia reflect the exotic Islamic civilization and its influence on architecture, gardens, learning and the southern way of life.

This classic tour takes us from the graceful city of Seville, once capital of the Almohad dynasty, to atmospheric Cordoba and to Granada, last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. As always, expert guides and visits to private homes are a feature of the tour.

THE ITINERARY
Day 1
SEVILLE
AM
Arrive Seville airport and transfer by private coach to the luxury Hotel Alfonso XIII
PM
Refreshments on arrival and time to rest
Late afternoon horse carriage ride through the Maria Luisa Park to the Plaza de España
Visit Casa Pilatos, a Mudéjar mansion, home and Foundation of the Dukes of Medinaceli
Welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel
Day 2
SEVILLE
AM
Leave for a guided visit of the palaces and gardens of the 14th century Alcázar
Walk through the charming Santa Cruz quarter
Visit the vast Gothic Cathedral, with the tomb of Christopher Columbus
Buffet lunch at a private home
PM
Visit the Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville residence of the Duke of Alba
In the evening enjoy wine and tapas at the home of a fashion and landscape designer, followed by a private flamenco performance
Day 3
CADIZ/SEVILLE
AM
Leave for a day’s excursion to the ancient port of Cadiz
Attend a performance of the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art
Lunch at a private palace or a winery with a fine art collection
PM
Return to Seville with some time for shopping
Dinner independently
Day 4
PALMA DEL RIO/CORDOBA
AM
Leave for Palma del Rio and visit the new fashion museum in the beautiful convent of Santa Clara
Tapas lunch at the historic Palace of Portocarrero, hosted by the owner
PM
Continue to Cordoba, Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia
Walk through the picturesque Jewish Quarter
Dinner independently
Atmospheric evening visit of the magnificent Mezquita, one of the largest and most sumptuous of all Muslim shrines
Day 5
CORDOBA
AM
Visit the Palacio de Viana with its fine furniture and tapestries as well as the 12 patio gardens
Continue to the private monastery of San Jeronimo de Valparaiso for a light lunch, by special arrangement
PM
Visit the site of the Medina Azahara, a vast palace complex dating from the 10th century, including the museum, awarded the Aga Khan prize
Day 6
UBEDA/BAEZA/GRANADA
AM
Leave to visit the Renaissance town of Ubeda, including the chapel of El Salvador
Lunch at the Parador
PM
Continue to Baeza and walk through the old quarter
Continue to the Alhambra Palace Hotel in Granada, with its spectacular views
Light dinner at the hotel
Special evening visit to the Nazarite palaces of The Alhambra
Return to the hotel
Day 7
GRANADA
AM
Return to visit The Alhambra and the El Generalife Gardens
Continue by taxis to the Albaicin quarter and visit a private ‘carmen’
Lunch at a restaurant
Visit the Royal Chapel to see the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and visit the Cathedral
Dinner at the Parador San Francisco, a former monastery
Day 8
GRANADA/MADRID
AM
Leave for Granada station for the AVE train to Madrid, with lunch on the train
PM
Check in to the Westin Hotel, Madrid
Visit the 18th-century Liria Palace, to admire the superb art collection of the Dukes of Alba
Dinner at a private club or home
Day 9
MADRID
AM
Leave for Madrid airport for return flights

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