The Majestic Cities of Andalucia

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The Majestic Cities of Andalucia

HISTORICAL, CULTURAL & ARCHITECTURAL TRIUMPHS

A small-group experience set in the core of southern Spain’s most enriching Moorish capitals, based around exceptional hotels, and with access to renowned landmarks. With Malaga as the starting point for your expertly guided travels through southern Spain, you’ll be able to navigate this city’s historic centre along the Costa del Sol. The mountaintop city of Ronda will follow, with its dramatic El Tajo gorge, and the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge. Seville, with its orange-tree-fringed plazas and lively tapas bars, will be the next stop, where you’ll stay in Andalucía’s tallest building. The highlight of your visit will be wandering through the ornate chambers, adorned in elaborate stonework and the lush fountain-filled gardens of Royal Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time in Córdoba allows you to observe the remarkable Mezquita-Cathedral, an architectural feat, as well as the impressive Córdoba Synagogue, one of the last three synagogues in Spain. A brief pause in the ‘Baroque Jewel’ of Andalucía’, Priego de Córdoba, gives you a chance to explore its cobbled streets and pretty green spaces, before beautiful Granada, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, serves as the grand finale to your explorations. Conclude by experiencing the grandiose palace and fortress of Alhambra in all its red-hued glory and stroll around the adjacent Generalife gardens before surveying the charming neighbourhoods and additional historic attractions at your own pace.

Holiday Highlights

Enjoy a more intimate and smaller group experience of 16 to 24 travellers
Discover the mountaintop city of Ronda and take in panoramic views from the impressive Puente Nuevo bridge
Explore lively Seville and the impressive royal palace, UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar of Seville
Wander around Córdoba and its most famed landmarks, Mezquita-Cathedral and Córdoba Synagogue, one of the last synagogues in Spain
Stop off in the beautiful city of Priego de Córdoba, known as the ‘Baroque Jewel’ of Andalucía
Visit the Alhambra, a lavish palace and fortress complex and the enchanting Generalife estate
Tour hilltop Granada and the major landmarks of its historic Moorish old city

What's Included

Seven nights’ four or five star bed and breakfast accommodation in Málaga (1 night), Seville (2), Córdoba (2), and Granada (2)
Seven breakfasts
Tour of Ronda
Tour of Seville with entrance to the Royal Alcázar of Seville
Tour of Córdoba with entrance to the Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba and Córdoba Synagogue
Tour of Granada with tour of Alhambra
Return flights to Malaga
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll land in the cosmopolitan city of Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain and be met by your local tour manager. A coach will then take you to your centrally located hotel, where you can check in and have the afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps take a walk into the historic centre, visit one of the nearby beaches and enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas for your first dinner.

Day 2

This morning after breakfast, you’ll check out and travel to Ronda, a mountaintop city, set on the edge of the dramatic El Tajo gorge. A local guide will lead you around its new and old towns, and across the remarkable stone bridge, Puente Nuevo straddling the gorge and boasting impressive views. Another notable historic sight is the 18th-century Casa del Rey Moro, the Moorish King’s Palace. This beautiful structure is home to a museum, hanging gardens, and a former Arab water mine with an ancient staircase descending into the Guadalevín River. Further on, you’ll find the 13th-century Arab baths, similar in design to the Roman baths, except steam was used to sweat out pollutants from the body rather than soaking in hot water. These are the best preserved of their kind on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Some time will also be spent in the old town, encircled by ancient city walls. You can wander the cobblestoned streets, lined with traditional whitewashed Andalusian houses, and decorated with colourful flowerpots and ornate wooden doors. The main square, Plaza del Socorro can be found in the centre surrounded by taverns and artisan workshops. Later in the day, you’ll continue to lively Seville, abounding with grand monuments, and famed for flamenco dancing. Check into your hotel for the next two nights, which is housed within the highest building in Andalucía.

Day 3

Today, after breakfast, join your tour manager for a walking tour of Seville. You’ll traverse its narrow lanes, bordered with tightly packed shops, cafés, and bars by foot, pausing to rest in the shade of orange tree-ringed piazzas. Towering over Seville, the Giralda bell tower is an unmissable highlight, as is the grandiose Royal Alcázar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its chambers, towers, and gardens adorned in vibrant Moorish tiles. The tour will enter this historic royal palace that was formerly a fort, which dates back to the 11th century and was revamped over time. As you walk through the property, you’ll notice a blend of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Elaborate tilework, carved arches, and ornate ceilings add to its splendour, and surrounding the central building, pretty courtyards and lush gardens with fountains and pavilions can be found. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Seville, is one of the largest churches in the world, as well as the largest Gothic church, and houses 80 chapels. The city’s biggest and most eye-pleasing piazza, Plaza de España, built in 1928, will also be sought out, with its canal, mosaic-lined alcoves, fountains, and Venetian-inspired bridges. You’ll then have some free time to explore at your own pace and have lunch, which is best enjoyed in one of the tapas bars – tapas is an integral part of life in Seville after all.

Day 4

Following breakfast, you can choose to relax at the hotel, taking advantage of the luxurious spa, indoor swimming pool, and assortment of dining options. Alternatively, you can discover more of the city, covering any sights remaining on your wish-list. You might want to stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz, the Jewish Quarter, with its multi-hued tiles and decorative architecture or return to the Plaza de España to purchase some souvenirs and have a coffee. This afternoon, you’ll board the coach and travel to the city of Córdoba, known for its grand mosque and UNESCO-listed old town. Your hotel here is near the city centre, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Day 5

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll join your tour manager and local guide for an exploration of Córdoba. The first stop will be one of the city’s most famed landmarks, Mezquita-Cathedral or the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, an 8th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed with Moorish and Christian-inspired styles, this mosque’s remarkable and expansive interior encompasses high ceilings, towering columns, and horseshoe arches. You’ll get to walk through the sprawling prayer hall, the delightful courtyard Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees), and see the bell tower, Torre del Campanario. This prominent feature was originally built as a minaret during the mosque’s Islamic period and later converted into a bell tower. The tour will then visit the 14th-century Córdoba Synagogue or Casa de la Memoria, a Jewish place of worship. Situated in the Jewish Quarter, this notable religious edifice dates back to the medieval period and its attractive interior features carved horseshoe arches, Hebrew inscriptions, and complex stucco decorations. The building is small in size but incredibly significant given that it’s only one of the three synagogues still existing throughout Spain. The rest of the afternoon will be free, and you can visit more historic marvels, like Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress-palace, and the Roman Bridge, which crosses the Guadalquivir River and provides an excellent viewpoint. Calleja de las Flores is one of the city’s most photographed cobbled alleys, featuring whitewashed walls and flowerpots overflowing with carnations and geraniums. Heading to the atmospheric medina is also recommended to browse the markets and find a spot for lunch, another opportunity to have tapas.

Day 6

You can enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out of the hotel and travelling to Priego de Córdoba, known as the ‘Baroque Jewel’ of Andalucía’. Located in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park and backed by limestone mountains and olive groves, this town has a beautiful historic centre. A chance for independent exploration will allow you to meander around the windy streets and whitewashed houses and see an abundance of fountains and manicured gardens. Its baroque design can be observed by visiting the Church of La Asunción and the Church of San Francisco, and there’s a Moorish castle and the remains of the city walls. Back on board the coach, you’ll continue to Granada, a former Moorish capital positioned in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Once you’ve arrived, check into your hotel in the heart of the city and relax, perhaps admiring the vista from the rooftop terrace.

Day 7

It’s your last day, and you’ll make the most of it by touring Granada, starting with the Alhambra, a grandiose palace and fortress complex. This famous monument of Islamic architecture is one of the world’s best-preserved palaces. The name Alhambra has its origins in an Arabic word meaning ‘red castle’, perhaps owing to the shade of its towers and high walls. Constructed in the 13th century, this former symbol of Islamic power is spread over a plateau overlooking Granada’s Moorish old city. You’ll have an opportunity to stroll through the complex and its tree-lined walkways, passing several courtyards and trickling fountains. With Islamic geometric patterns, detailed stucco work, and vibrant tiling, this UNESCO-listed sight is a spectacle to behold. Key features of the palace include the Nasrid Palaces, the living quarters of monarchs and their servants, the oldest building, the Alcazaba citadel, and the Torre de la Vela (watchtower), presenting panoramic views over the city. The Generalife, near to Alhambra was a summer palace and country estate, and you can survey its exquisite gardens, too. You’ll then head towards the city centre and the streets of Albaicín, Granada’s Moorish quarter and continue on to view the major landmarks, like Granada's Renaissance cathedral and the adjacent Royal Chapel and the Renaissance Monastery of San Jerónimo. A free afternoon allows you to discover more at your own pace, perhaps the neighbourhood of Sacromonte, known for its cave dwellings, or the Alcaicería, Granada’s silk market, where you can purchase some final keepsakes of your trip. Carrera del Darro, the riverside promenade, running along the Darro River, is ideal for a walk into the old town, and Granada’s assortment of traditional tapas bars provide the perfect setting for a farewell meal.

Day 8

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Malaga airport for your flight back to the UK.

The Majestic Cities of Andalucia Touring Hotels

Eurostars M'alaga, M'alaga (night 1) With a striking exterior, this contemporary hotel features touches of Andalusian character and is within walking distance of the port and high-speed train...

The Majestic Cities of Andalucia Touring Hotels

Eurostars M'alaga, M'alaga (night 1) With a striking exterior, this contemporary hotel features touches of Andalusian character and is within walking distance of the port and high-speed train...

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 20 minutes on arrival, 2hrs on departure.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions: This save 15% offer applies to all new bookings for short haul tours made between 13 February and 28 February 2025 inclusive, and cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings already confirmed. This promo code does not apply to Festive, Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Lapland, Andre Rieu and Wimbledon and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing or long-haul products.

15% off must be redeemed through the use of the promo code SAVE15. The discount applies to the tour price (excluding extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking.

This offer does not apply to child prices/child pricing. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays, are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316.

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Request Brochure - The Majestic Cities of Andalucía

The Majestic Cities of Andalucia

HISTORICAL, CULTURAL & ARCHITECTURAL TRIUMPHS

Holiday Highlights

What's Included

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

The Majestic Cities of Andalucia Touring Hotels

The Majestic Cities of Andalucia Touring Hotels

Holiday provided by

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