Spain’s southernmost region, scenic Andalucia stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the east to the Portuguese border in the west.
If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish experience you’ll find it here – the area abounds with romantic Moorish castles, picturesque hillside towns crammed full of white houses (known as pueblo blancos), stunning sandy beaches and historic cities bursting with life and tradition.
On this 8-day break we fly you from Liverpool to Malaga, then transfer you to a delightful 4-star hotel in the medieval town of Antequera, a lovely historic location with plenty to explore.
Our price includes three fascinating coach excursions to nearby sights, including the beautiful Cordoba with its famous Great Mosque, as well as offering you three optional excursions to get more out of your stay (although if you want to just sit and relax by the hotel pool on your ‘days off,’ you’re more than welcome…)
And of course you’ll be looked after by an experienced and friendly Tour Manager throughout your stay, who will ensure all your excursions go off without a hitch.
Whether you’re interested in history, love strolling around beautiful cities or just want to explore a different side of ‘sunny Spain,’ this holiday is for you.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Liverpool-Malaga, Spain – Join your coach for a drive to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, from where we fly to Malaga. On arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel in Antequera in time for dinner.
Day 2: Antequera – Enjoy free time exploring the medieval town of Antequera under your own steam, or – to get your bearings - join an optional guided tour. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the 16th century Arch of the Giants, the scenery of El Torcal National Park and the Dolmens, megalithic mass tombs dating back 4,500 years.
Day 3: Cordoba – An included excursion to the city of Cordoba, whose stunning highlight is the beautiful Mezquita (Great Mosque). You’ll also spend time exploring the labyrinth of winding streets and flower-filled courtyards in the Jewish quarter before we head back to our hotel.
Day 4: Seville – Another included excursion today as we drive to Seville, Andalucia's regional capital, where highlights include the Plaza de España and the Gothic cathedral. Admire the Alcazar, the royal palace built on the site of a Moorish fort, and wander through the Barrio Santa Cruz area.
Day 5: Ronda (optional) - A day at leisure may be just what you need today, so why not relax at your hotel? However, if you're keen to discover more of Andalucia, there’s an optional excursion to the cliff-top town of Ronda to see the 600ft deep gorge which divides it in two and stroll around Ronda's cobblestone streets.
Day 6: Granada – You really can’t visit this region of Spain without a trip to the stunning Alhambra Palace. Our included excursion not only includes the palace but also the lovely Generalife Gardens and the city of Granada itself, with its narrow, winding lanes.
Day 7: Malaga (optional) - Choose to spend the day in Antequera exploring further or relaxing by the pool, or perhaps join our final optional excursion. This time we're off to Malaga, a cosmopolitan city on the Costa del Sol, famous as the birthplace of the celebrated artist Pablo Picasso.
Day 8: Malaga-UK - We'll transfer you to the airport in Malaga today for your flight back to the UK. Your coach will be waiting at the airport to take you back home.
Price includes: 7 nights 4-star hotel D/B/B basis, return flights to Malaga, return coach travel to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, 3 included excursions, services of a dedicated Tour Manager and specialist local guide, overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage. Wifi is available on your overseas coach. (Optional excursions are extra).
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS:
We are going to discover the city of Cordoba, which sits in a beautiful position on a bend of the Guadalquivir River.
The undoubted highlight of the lovely historic city of Cordoba is the dazzling Mezquita, or Great Mosque, which dates back to the 10th century. Inside what is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest Islamic buildings you’ll see more than 850 colourful granite, jasper and marble pillars.
You’ll also have time to wander the labyrinth of narrow streets and pretty courtyards in the Jewish quarter, at the centre of which lies the Synagogue, and be shown round some of the city’s other interesting sights.
Andalucia's regional capital, Seville is a beautiful city whose Old Town, within an area of just 4 square kilometres, contains an enviable three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, built on the site of a Moorish fort, the Gothic cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies, where valuable archival documents are kept safe.
On our tour, other highlights include the impressive Plaza de España (Spain Square), which displays a beautifully tiled alcove for each of Spain's provinces, and the winding streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz area.
Tapas bars are plentiful in this maze of lanes, so maybe stop off to try a dish or two – Seville is credited with its invention, after all.
- Granada and the Alhambra Palace
You can’t visit this region of Spain without a trip to the stunning Alhambra Palace.
Standing high on a hill overlooking the city of Granada, the Alhambra Palace complex was built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th centuries and added to over the centuries. Not simply a palace, the complex consists of an entire walled city within a city, complete with royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions and barracks.
Our tour not only takes in the palace but also the adjacent Generalife Gardens – the 'garden of the architect' – with their gorgeous Arab-inspired designs.
Later, you’ll explore the fascinating city of Granada, where you’ll see a mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
The excursions below can be pre-booked individually or as a package from just £94 per person – ask your holiday advisor for details of how to book.
- Antequera (half day, moderate walking) – from £28
If you want to experience authentic Andalucia you’ll find it in the medieval town of Antequera, whose landscape is punctuated by the towers of Moorish fortresses and Gothic churches.
To really get under its skin, our optional guided tour takes you to the Roman Baths, the 16th century Arch of the Giants, built to replace a Moorish gate, and the wonderful scenery of El Torcal National Park, a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range just south of Antequera, which is known for its unusual landforms.
You'll also visit the Dolmens, astonishing megalithic mass tombs dating back 4,500 years.
- Ronda (full day, moderate walking) – from £42
If you choose to join us on this excursion you'll see the 600ft deep gorge, El Tajo, which divides the charming historic city of Ronda in two, spanned by an ancient stone bridge.
We'll also have time for a leisurely stroll around Ronda's pretty cobblestoned streets, lined with the typical whitewashed houses of the region, and Ronda's loveliest public space, the leafy Plaza Duquesa de Parcent square, which boasts a convent, two churches, and the handsome arched council building.
- Malaga (full day, moderate walking) – from £35
Malaga is a cosmopolitan city on the Costa del Sol, famous as the birthplace of the celebrated artist Pablo Picasso.
As most of the sites are located right in the historic centre of the city, it’s easy to get around and see the highlights. These include the Moorish fortress Alcazaba, the Roman theatre and the imposing Cathedral of Malaga.
Or you could just shop for souvenirs, explore the harbour or visit the Picasso museum.
WALKING REQUIREMENTS:
This tour visits major cities and historic sites – there will be uneven ground, steps and some cobbled streets, so a moderate to good walking ability is recommended.
Your hotel:
HOTEL ANTEQUERA ★★★★
The 4-star Hotel Antequera is a 20-minute walk from the centre of Antequera, an attractive medieval town in the heart of Andalucia.
Hotel facilities include a bar, lounge and restaurant, and the hotel boasts outdoor and indoor pools, a hot tub and sauna. (Outdoor swimming pools are typically open May to September.) There is a sun terrace and garden to enjoy.
The spacious, comfortable rooms come with en-suite bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, TV, telephone and radio, air conditioning and heating, safety deposit box, iron and ironing board, and a minibar. There is free WiFi so you can check your emails.
Price includes; 7 night on D/B/B basis plus excursions as stated. Single supplement £250
Points to note;
1) All passengers are required to have travel insurance cover for this holiday £42 Full details of the cover we offer can be seen on our website or feel free to arrange cover independently
2) Some European destinations impose a modest tourist tax to be paid directly to the hotel by all guests
3) Please be aware holidays that include walking & guided tours may often involve uneven ground (cobbled streets, etc.) and steps, and therefore are not suitable for persons with mobility issues.
4) Travelsphere Holidays Terms and conditions apply – available on request