tour of seville cordoba granada

Andalucia's Golden Triangle - Seville, Cordoba & Granada

Andalucia's golden triangle - seville, cordoba & granada.

By Fiona Flores Watson

If you're looking for a holiday visiting three stunning, historic, very different cities, come to Andalucia: majestic Seville, intimate Cordoba and spectacular Granada - each has its own perfectly preserved Mudejar gems, recognised by UNESCO , as well as many other delights for you to discover. And even better, they're only a few hours' drive from each other. Hire a car, visit Andalucia's Golden Triangle, then finish up in Malaga and hit the beach - the perfect holiday.

Editorial, travel lifestyle and reportage photography, with a studio base in Andalucia, Spain. From time to time Michelle Chaplow teaches on Photography Workshops in Andalucia. The workshops tour the most beautiful and more remote areas of Andalucia.

Since the Romans first arrived, Seville has been one of the most important cities on the Iberian peninsula. The Moors ruled for centuries, but the city's greatest Moorish architectural masterpiece dates from after they left: the Alcazar . Nearby, the largest Christian cathedral in the world is crowned by a tower, the Giralda, originally built by the Moors for their mosque.

Today, Seville is best known for its tapas scene, and two major festivals which both take place in spring: solemn Semana Santa (Holy Week) and joyous Feria de Abril (the April fair). For more contemporary city life, the Alameda is a haven of bars, always buzzing, while Soho Benita has independent galleries and shops offering creative courses. Read more in our extensive Seville City guide.

A little over an hour's drive north-east of Seville by motorway (or AVE high-speed train) is Cordoba. Here, you won't want to miss the Mezquita is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and was originally one of the most important mosques in the world - appropriately, for Cordoba was then the capital of the Arab kingdom of Al-Andalus. Cordoba was known for its poets and philosophers, a seat of learning and cultural diversity. After the reconquest by the Catholic Kings, a cathedral was built over the mosque.

In terms of other reasons to visit, the Alcazar (palace-fortress) and its gardens, and the Roman Bridge, as well as Cordoba's major festival takes place in May - the Patios Competition , when you can visit 50 flower-filled private courtyards around the city which are festooned with blooming pots and climbing plants. Cordoba has more of an intimate feel than the other two cities, thanks to a historic centre with many low-rise houses on windy cobbled streets. Read more in our extensive Cordoba City guide .

Head south-east towards the coast along windy picturesque roads (or take a regional train), past Jaen province, and you arrive in Granada city . Say the name, and the most people think of the Alhambra . This spectacular sand-coloured complex of Moorish palaces sits atop a mountain looking over the city. Visiting the Alhambra, with its maze of pools and patios, is a must for everyone once in their life - if not more. Granada also has one of the best-preserved Moorish quarters: the Albaicin, with its carmens - hillside town houses with walled gardens. In this city, every drink comes with a free tapa, so eating out takes on a delightful element of surprise.

In winter, you're close to the Sierra Nevada - the snow-topped mountains visible behind the Alhambra - which is Europe's most southerly winter sports area , and plays host to many international skiing and snowboarding events; while the coast is just an hour away to the south.

Read more in our extensive Granada City guide.

...AND MALAGA

Only appreciated in recent years for its cultural wealth, Malaga has more museums than any other city in Andalucia, if not Spain. Choose from Picasso, cars, wine or archaeology. It is also (still) the capital of the Costa del Sol, making it the perfect base from which to visit Andalucia's Golden Triangle of Seville, Granada and Cordoba in a hire car, and then kick back with some lazy days on the beach.

Malaga has an excellent high-speed train service to Seville, and thence to Cordoba, but there's no train from Malaga to Granada until spring 2018.

Read more in our extensive Malaga City guide.

TRAVEL TIPs - Getting to Andalucia

Many of the cheaper, more frequent and more direct fligths to Andalucia fly directly into Malaga Airport . Some of the cheapest car hire deals in Europe can also be found at Malaga airport.   Another popular route for those arriving inter-continental into Madrid Barajas airport is to take an onward flight to Seville Airport, Granada Airport or Malaga Airport .    Alternatively you can take the AVE High Speed train from city centre Madrid Atocha station to Cordoba and Seville, Granada and Malaga. More>

ORGANISED Tours

7-day southern spain tour: granada, toledo, madrid, cordoba, seville and ronda from malaga.

3-Night Andalucia Highlights Tour from Granada Including Cordoba and Seville

3 night Golden Triangle tours starting from Seville, Granada or Cordoba.

DAY EXCURSIONS 

Private tours.

• ARCHITECTURE
• ARCHITECTURE GUIDES
• WINTER DESTINATIONS
• THE ISLANDS
• BOOKS ABOUT GREECE
• BOOKS ABOUT CHINA
• 3D PUZZLES OF FAMOUS BUILDINGS

Perfect Andalusia (Andalucia) Itinerary: Seville or Córdoba or Granada

Who hasn’t heard of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, the jewels of southern  Spain ? These three incredibly beautiful cities are a perfect example of the Spanish and the Arab cultures coming together. The Moors ruled the whole region of  Andalusia for 500 years.

All three cities were extremely important in what was then Al Andalus. Consequently, its rulers spared no expense in showcasing their importance. Fortunately, many important sites from that period are in perfect shape. What’s more, all three cities have such cultural value that UNESCO included them in its list of World Heritage Sites.

So if you are visiting Spain for the first time, this Andalusia (Andalucia) itinerary is perfect for you. Unfortunately, if you are short on time you should either visit Seville or Córdoba or Granada. No worries, they are all fabulous!

Are you planning your trip to Seville/Córdoba/Granada last minute?

Seville: top hotels, casa del poeta (in the old town), zenit sevilla (in triana), top tours and experiences in seville, alcazar, cathedral and giralda tour (from 54 eur), pueblos blancos and ronda (from 79 eur), córdoba: top hotels, hotel boutique caireles (in front of the mezquita), h10 palacio colomera (on plaza de las tendillas), top tours and experiences in córdoba, mosque-cathedral, synagogue and alcázar tour (from 50 eur), day trip to azahara medina (from 18 eur), granada: top hotels, palacio de santa inés (right under the alhambra), eurostars catedral (in front of the cathedral), top tours and experiences in granada, alhambra guided tour with nasrid palaces (from 45 eur), sierra nevada safari (from 75 eur), need an airport pickup , you can  book an airport pickup in seville or granada with our partner welcome pickups, need insurance for spain, check out travel insurance rates for spain with our partner safetywing, seville or córdoba or granada – how to choose.

This Andalusia Itinerary is for anyone who wants to visit these three beautiful cities. However, you need enough time to do so. Generally speaking,  one week should be enough to rush through the three . If you have less than 5 days, it’s better to visit only 2 cities; such as Seville and Granada, or Seville and Córdoba.

Seville is the grandest of them all. Thus, if you have less than 3 days, you should only visit the Andalusian capital. Córdoba should be your choice if you are into cute Spanish courtyards. Choose Granada if you are into Moorish architecture.

Of course, the Alhambra in Granada will definitely blow you away. Additionally, the Granadinos are arguably Spain’s most hospitable people. In most restaurants, you get free tapas with every drink!

Traveling Between Seville, Córdoba and Granada

It is very easy to travel between the three cities. You can do so either by train, bus, or private car. Our choice of transport is  the train . Its ecological footprint is lower, and to us, it’s the most comfortable way of traveling.

Numerous daily trains connect Seville and Córdoba . While the fast ones take some 45 minutes, the slow ones take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From Seville to Granada , there are fewer daily trains, and the journey takes between 2.5 and 3 hours on a fast train and 4 hours on a regular one. There are even fewer daily trains from Córdoba to Granada , which take 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes.

The capital of Andalusia,  Seville , is fascinating. It was very important during Al Andalus when it was the capital of the Seville Taifa. Christopher Columbus himself departed from here in his 1492 trip towards America.

The city even managed to impose a monopoly on all trans-Atlantic trade into Spain, entering its so-called Golden Age. After a few centuries of decline, Seville came back to the world’s spotlight in 1929 when it hosted the grand Ibero-American Exposition.

The World Expo took place in Seville in 1992. Today it is Spain’s fourth-largest city, dotted with historical sites. In fact, there are so many things to see that not even a week may be enough for everything. Additionally, Seville is a great base for numerous day trips .

Main Sights

As mentioned above, there are tones of things to see in Seville, so any Andalusia itinerary must include this outstanding city. If you are spending 3 days in Seville we suggest you reserve 1 or 2 days for its massive old town.

Its epicenter and the city’s most famous landmark is the famous  Seville Cathedral . This gothic church used to be a mosque, and its iconic Giralda tower is a remnant of those times . Next to it, the  Real Alcázar  has a similar story: a former Muslim fort converted into a royal palace.

Next to the River Guadalquivir, you should not miss the beautiful  Torre del Oro  from the 13 th Century.   About 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the Old Town, you’ll find the impressive  Plaza de España  and the adjacent  Maria Luisa Park . This wonderful green oasis is the home of loads of tree species and some outstanding museums.

Other Places to See in Seville

Renaissance and baroque palaces pack Seville’s center. The most important ones are the  General Archive of the Indies , the  Palace of San Telmo (seat of the Andalusian government), and the  Royal Tobacco Factory , (Dean’s office of the University of Seville).

Another church you should not miss is the tiny  Basílica de la Macarena . It houses Seville’s most important religious treasure, the Macarena Virgin of Hope. There are several cool neighborhoods where you can truly experience the history and culture of the city:  Santa Cruz  is the old Jewish quarter full of history;  Triana , across the river, is home to a large flamenco scene .

Finally, if you are into modern architecture, you’ll love the  Setas de Sevilla and the the  Expo Area . The city’s coolest museum, the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art , should be on your list too.

Where to Stay in Seville

The best location to stay in Seville is undoubtedly in or around the old town. We stayed at the wonderful  Exe Sevilla Macarena , which is a great base to discover the city. Our large and comfortable room overlooked the old town, and they even arranged a bike rental for us.

If you want to stay in a real Andalusian patio, then your best choice is the luxury  Casa del Poeta . Located just a step away from the Cathedral, this fabulous hotel is a calm respite from Seville’s bustling center.

If you rather stay in the authentic Triana, choose   Zenit Sevilla . They offer spacious rooms and views of Sevilla’s old town. If you can spare a few more Euros, stay in the  Hotel Alfonso XIII , one of the world’s best hotels.

The Best Tours of Seville

If you don’t want to go on your own or are short of time, we strongly recommend hiring this tour . It includes tickets and fast access to the Alcazar, Cathedral, and Giralda tower. You also get an expert guide.

We really liked this biking tour around the city. Considering the weather, it’s the best way to enjoy the city. You can go tapas crawling afterward. It’s a great way to eat delicious local food and meet fellow travelers.

At night, you have to see an authentic flamenco show . The 18th-Century building is gorgeous, and the dancers are some of the best in the city. If you are in a rush, go to Ronda and the White Villages with this tour .

Córdoba’s  history is long and rich. The city was originally Roman, then Visigoth, and then Arab. It was the capital of the Córdoba Caliphate and the capital in exile of the enormous Umayyad Caliphate.

During those times, Córdoba was one of the leading centers of education in the entire world. It was so important that it became the largest city in all of Europe.

Córdoba’s center point, the Mosque-Cathedral, is one of the most outstanding examples of Moorish architecture. The city never fully recovered after the Reconquista , and today it is only Spain’s twelfth largest city.   

Though there are plenty of things to see in Córdoba, its most important site is by far the Mosque-Cathedral . The Mezquita dates back to the late 8 th Century and occupies the site of an older demolished Christian church.

After the Reconquista, it was converted into a Catholic church and still operates as the Cathedral of Córdoba. Its most famous feature is the grand hypostyle room with 856 white and red columns. There is nothing in the world quite like it!

Another important site close to the Mezquita is the  Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos . This medieval fortress was the main residence of the Spanish kings. You shouldn’t leave Córdoba without crossing its famous  Roman Bridge  from the 1 st Century BC. Go in the afternoon for killer sunsets.

Other Places to See in Córdoba

Córdoba’s gorgeous whitewashed patios full of flower pots are famous all around the world. In fact, beautiful squares, ancient churches, and houses with patios pack the whole area around the Mezquita. One of its most interesting neighborhoods is again the  Jewish Quarter .

However, there are more interesting sites outside of the Old Town. Though the Roman Temple is basically a handful of columns, it is one of the city’s oldest structures. The temple is between two beautiful squares you should not miss: the  Plaza de las Tendillas  and the  Plaza de la Corredera .

If you have extra time, spend half a day in the nearby  Medina Azahara , a former fortified Moorish palace.

Where to Stay in Córdoba

Córdoba is not a big city, and most of its landmarks are inside or close to the Old Town. We stayed at the chic  El Antiguo Convento , a real convent turned into a hotel. It has great rooms, a professional staff, and an unbeatable location. Thank you! For us, being just a step away from the Mezquita was a blessing, since we could avoid the crowds.

Nevertheless, stay in the  Hotel Boutique Caireles   right in front of the Mezquita if you wish to be as central as possible. It’s not a quiet area, but you’ll have direct views of the building.

For a touch of elegance, stay directly on the Plaza de las Tendillas in the  H10 Palacio Colomera . Finally, if you are crazy about views, stay across the river at the  Hesperia Córdoba . It’s one of the best places to stay in Córdoba .

The Best Tours of Córdoba

If you don’t feel like going on your own, you can see the best of Cordoba on one of these tours. We’ve sent several friends, and they raved about them. Hire this one to skip the line and visit the Mosque-Cathedral with a guide.

To see the best of Cordoba in one day, we strongly recommend visiting the Mosque-Cathedral and then these two tours. This one takes you to the Medina Azahara in three hours and includes the tickets. Then take this two-hour walking tour around the city.

If you are into wine, you will love this afternoon tapas and wine-tasting tour . You can also go from Seville to Cordoba and see the main sights with this tour . It takes the whole day, and the ride is fun too!

There is nothing in the whole world like  Granada . The longest Moorish stronghold on Spanish soil (over 750 years!!), has preserved its distinguished oriental character until today.

Granada was the seat of the Royal Nasrid family until the Spanish Kings conquered it again in 1492 (Reconquista). It has somewhat lost importance since then, but luckily it has preserved most of its historical sites.

Unlike Seville and Córdoba, Granada is hilly. Four rivers and several hills perfectly interact with the architecture and give Granada a particular microclimate. The Alhambra , one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic art in the world, overlooks the city.

If there is one landmark that you should not miss in Granada, it is certainly the  Alhambra . The original structure dates back to the 9 th Century, though the modern-day look is the result of a 13th-Century reconstruction. You’ll love its beautiful gardens, intimate patios, and lavishly decorated chambers.

The  Generalife , the former recreation area of the Muslim Kings, is on top of a hill across the Alhambra. Granada’s nicest gardens are here.

You have two must-see places down in the city center. The renaissance  Cathedral of Granada  is an impressive 16th-Century church. The attached  Royal Chapel of Granada  is the resting place of many Spanish Kings.

Other Places to See in Granada

Covered streets and cute little squares pack the area that surrounds the cathedral in the Old Town. Two very interesting neighborhoods to explore are  Albaicín , with its white houses and narrow alleys, and  Sacromonte  with cave houses.

Albaicín is the old Muslim neighborhood full of Arabic shops and restaurants, charming gardens, and gorgeous views of the Alhambra. On the other hand, Sacromonte is famous for its countless caves built inside a hill. You’ll find flamenco shows here.

Downtown Granada has a plethora of beautiful historical churches. Other than the cathedral, the most interesting ones are the  San Jeronimo Monastery  and the  Basilica San Juan de Dios . For those of you into science and modern architecture, a visit to the  Parque de las Ciencias  is a must.

Where to Stay in Granada

In Granada you should stay in the old town or the Albaicín neighborhood. We stayed at the lovely Rosa D’Oro right under the Alhambra. We loved its 16th-Century architecture (it used to be a Franciscan convent) and direct views over the Alhambra.

Another great option in the same neighborhood is the  Palacio de Santa Inés , also with direct views of the Alhambra. If you prefer staying in the middle of the action, the gorgeous  Eurostars Catedral   is right in front of the cathedral.

If you want to pamper yourself, and you should, stay at the  Eurostars Gran Via . Even if you don’t sleep here, go for a drink at the hotel bar. You won’t forget the views.

The Best Tours of Granada

If you are short of time or don’t want to go alone, we strongly recommend this three-hour tour of the Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazaba Fortress, and other palaces. It includes tickets, fast access, and an expert guide.

This walking tour around the best neighborhoods in Granada is a fantastic option. Your expert guide will take you to the best places in the city. You can take the same tour but in the afternoon to catch an epic sunset.

At night, you have to see an incredible Flamenco Show on an authentic stage. You can also go to Granada from Malaga on this one-day tour . It takes the whole day, but you will see the city’s top attractions.

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Highlights of Andalucia

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Andalucia is blessed with a wealth of culture, history, mountain scenery and plenty of sunshine. On this tour we visit Granada, Seville and Cordoba along with spending a couple of nights off the beaten track in a traditional posada in a typical Andalucian village. We include visits to the stunning Alhambra Palace and Cordoba Mezquita, two jewels of Moorish architecture from the golden era of Al-Andalus. This tour is perfect to discover Andalucia on a budget and in a more sustainable way.

• Cordoba - Discover the Moorish architecture from the golden era of Al-Andalus at the Mezquita
• Sierra de Arcena - Walk through the verdant rolling landscape to see the white villages
• Seville - Explore this characterful city and the stunning UNESCO-Listed Alcazar Palace

Included meals

Breakfast: 7

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

2 nights simple guesthouse

4 nights simple hotel

1 nights comfortable hotel

Group Size:

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arriving at Malaga Airport today we may take a direct bus from the airport terminal or we may travel the short distance into the city by train to take a bus from the main bus station. Either way the 128 kilometre drive to Granada should take us around two hours, getting us into the famous Andalucian city in the early evening. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is a historical gem that is blessed with a stunning fusion of Spanish and Muslim art and architecture including the Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the city's grand 16th century cathedral.

Our trip begins at the meeting point in Malaga Airport (AGP) at 15.45. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 15.15. We will travel together as a group by public bus (around two hour drive) to our hotel in Granada. There will be a short briefing on arrival by our trip Leader about the week ahead.

If the joining time means that you cannot book the arrival flight that you prefer, then please consider the option of making your own way to Granada by public transport. There are regular buses from both Malaga Airport and Malaga bus station, please ask us for additional joining information to plan this journey. If you are planning to travel to the hotel under your own steam, please inform us so we are not expecting and waiting for you at the airport.

For the next two nights, we will be staying at Hostal La Ninfa in the quieter and historic El Realejo neighbourhood. Our hotel is in a characteristic Granada house, which has free Wi-Fi available. Bedrooms are en suite, cosy and simply decorated. They have a safe, television and hairdryer. It's a 10 minute walk from the Alhambra and from the city centre. Just beside the hotel is the Plaza Campo del Principe where you can find a number of good restaurants and bars to perhaps sample tapas and wine in this evening.

On this highlights trip we have packed in as many of the sights as we can, but there is very little free time in Granada, so if you wish to discover more on your own then we would recommend extending your stay for a night or two.

Accommodation:

Hostal La Ninfa (or similar)

Grade: Simple Hotel

Single room available

Meals provided: none.

One of the highlights of our journey is our visit this morning to Granada's iconic Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that overlooks the city. Built in the 13th century by Mohammed Iibn Nasr, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, the palace is considered one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline. You might also choose to spend time in the Generalife, which is one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world, surrounding the summer residence of the Caliphs.

We also include an orientation tour of the city this afternoon, taking in some of the city's main points of interest including the Albaicin, Granada's historic and atmospheric old Moorish quarter.

According to the availability of Alhambra tickets it may be necessary to move the visiting time around slightly and your Tour Leader will communicate this on tour. Likewise it may not always be possible to arrange the same time slots for all clients. Audioguides are available in the Alhambra for those interested, otherwise the visit is unguided.

Please note that in order for our local agent to book the Alhambra tickets we require full passport details for all passengers, these should be provided at the time of booking in order for the tickets to be confirmed. Due to the limited number of tickets for Alhambra, last minute bookings will be subject to availablity.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

After a couple of hours free in the city this morning we take a taxi to the bus station to catch the midday bus on to the city of Cordoba, the once great capital of the Islamic caliphate of al-Andalus. Like Granada, Cordoba hides a wealth of treasures amongst its rambling back streets and this afternoon we have chance to visit its great mosque, the Mezquita-Cathedral. Another of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this extraordinary building represents a unique blend of faiths, housing two oratories and a stunning hypostyle hall that contains 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite.

Tonight we will be staying at the Hostal Maestre, which is a small hotel in the historical centre of Cordoba. It's very close to the Plaza del Potro and the Fine Art Museum and only around 5 minutes' walk to the Mezquita. There is free Wi-Fi and most rooms are set around typical Andalucian garden patios. Bedrooms are en suite with air-conditioning and a television.

Hostal Maestre (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

We have up until about 1.30pm today free to explore Cordoba before travelling by train and bus deep into the countryside of rural Andalucia to the small village of Castano de Robledo, close to the Portuguese border. Our destination lies in the heart of the Sierra Aracena National Park, surrounded by a landscape of cork trees and forests of oak and sweet chestnut. Castano is a captivating collection of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses that exhibit the typical 'serrano' architecture of the area.

We will stay in the Posada del Castano guesthouse for the next two nights is within this tiny village. It's owned by our tour leader and is filled with rustic character and rural charm; making it the perfect base for exploring neighbouring countryside on foot. You can relax after a day walking, in its courtyard and garden, on the terrace or in the comfortable upstairs lounge filled with books. All the bedrooms are different and have their own character. Most are en suite but some have shared bathrooms and they don't have televisions.

Posada del Castano (or similar)

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single Room Unavailable

After breakfast this morning we walk to the picturesque 'pueblo blanco' (white village) of Alajar, famed for the imposing 17th century shrine of Arias Montano that occupies a rocky promontory high above the village. We return to Castano on foot (total walking distance 12 kilometres). This afternoon you may wish to visit the town of Aracena, home to the famous 'Gruta de las Maravillas' (Cave of Wonders), set amidst one of the most spectacular cave systems in the country. If time allows there may be chance to pay a visit to the caves (optional).

Lying to the northwest of Seville, the Sierra de Aracena is a remote western outlier of the extensive Sierra Morena and the quiet, easy paced, way of life here remains definitively Andalucian. The wooded hillsides support a smattering of tiny whitewashed villages, with rural economies still reliant on the production of quality cured hams, chestnuts and cork. We have a chance to enjoy more of this rural idyll today, with a walk to the nearby village of Galaroza, in the beautifully scenic Valley of the Ribera de Jabugo (walking distance is approximately 6.5 kilometres). Our bags will be transported to join us in Galaroza and after lunch we take taxis to Seville.

On arrival in Seville our tour leader will take us on a walk to help us get our bearings, so we know how to get to all the main places that you may like to explore more of tomorrow during your free time. We'll see the Jewish Quarter, Plaza Santa Cruz, Park of the Discoveries and much more.

For the next two nights we will be staying at Hostal Sierpes; a small hotel which is a converted old 17th century mansion in the Santa Cruz district of historical Seville. It's only around 150 meters from the cathedral and the Real Alcazar. The hotel has a restaurant serving traditional tapas and Andalucian cuisine. The bedrooms are set around a pretty courtyard filled with wood carvings and traditional ceramics. Rooms are en suite with air-conditioning and they don't have televisions.

Hostal Sierpes (or similar)

The Andalucian capital can trace its ancestry back over two thousand years. It is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the three largest Old Towns in Europe (Venice and Genoa being the other two).

Today is free for you to perhaps choose to visit the Real Alcazar and the city's immense Gothic Cathedral. The queues for these to attractions can be long, so we'd recommend booking these online before you travel. Please see the optional excursion information on the Trip Notes for further information about this.

Alternatively you might want to just take a walk through the city, taking in its beautiful Mudejar architecture (a mixture of Christian and Moorish styles).

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Seville.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Seville at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Seville Airport (SVQ), which is about 30 minutes' drive.

On this highlights trip we have packed in as many of the sights as we can, but there is only one free day in Seville and there are many museums that you may like to visit, so if you wish to discover more on your own, then we would recommend extending your stay by a night or two.

Trip information

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands the Canaries and Balaerics experience very mild winters and warm summers making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

Roman Catholic

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Granada: The Royal Chapel €5 per person entrance Cathedral free entrance The Baroque Monastery San Jeronimo €4 per person entrance Cordoba: On the morning of day four you might choose to visit: Real Alcazar €5 per person entrance after 8.15am Caliphal Baths €1.00 per person (if bought combined with Alcazar) entrance after 8.15am Torre de Calahorra entrance €4.50 per person Bell Tower of Mezquita €3 Aracena: On the afternoon of day five it's possible to visit the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders); entrance is €15 per person with an additional €10 for return transport. Seville: You have the whole of day seven free. The most popular attractions in the city are the Cathedral and the Real Alcazar. The queues at both these monuments can be long and so we would recommend booking online before you travel. You should allow at least one hour to visit the Cathedral and Giralda Tower and three hours to visit the Real Alcazar and gardens. Both monuments offer discounts for seniors on their websites and opening times are all clearly stated on here too. There are three tours offered on the Cathedral website. The basic Cathedral and Giralda visit costs €11 (€6 over 65s). For an additional €5 this comes with an audioguide plus a separate visit to nearby Church of El Salvador. Details of all other tours (Gothic rooftop, stained glass windows, with/without guide, etc. are shown clearly on the website). The Real Alcazar website is: https://realalcazarsevilla.cliqueo.es/en Standard entrance is €13.50 per person or with an audio-guide included for an additional €6. For another €5.50 on top of this you can also access the Royal Apartments. Other places of interest and activities include: Plaza de Espana, free entrance Las Setas, "The Mushrooms". Modern monumental architecture €15 pp Bike hire, €10 for three hours Flamenco show, between €15 and €35 per person Pilates House, €10 entrance per person + additional €5 to include upper floor Triana Ceramic Centre €2.10 Museum of Popular Arts and Customs, EU citizens free, others €1.50 Navigation Pavilion Schindler Tower, €6 per person entrance Saint George Castle, free entrance

Outside of the summer months of June to September, Andalucia is generally mild, though the region of the Sierras (highlands) is subject to rain and if you intend to walk we strongly recommend you bring waterproofs. In addition during this time a warm sweater or fleece, is also recommended. Warm nightwear is advised as hotels are not well heated. Lightweight cotton clothing is advised from June to September.

Walking boots or shoes are strongly recommended for the walks in the Sierras, ideally waterproof just in case, plus comfortable trainers for walking around towns. Sandals are useful in summer.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself. We use public transport for the majority of this tour, so it is essential that you are able to carry your bag on and off of the trains and buses.

During the summer months we recommend you bring a water bottle, sunhat and sunscreen as temperatures can be very high. A torch is generally useful to travel with.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information.

Public Bus, Taxi, Train

Accommodation notes

The accommodation listed above and as described in the day by day trip itinerary are the ones most frequently used for this trip, however on some departures alternative accommodation of a similar standard may be used and the facilities and décor may differ from the details shown here. On this trip you are able to choose to purchase a single room (please see the dates and prices for the applicable single supplement price). However, this option is only available for you to have a single room on days one to three and six to seven of this holiday. On days four and five we're not able to offer single rooms, as the guesthouse we use only has enough rooms to accommodate all the passengers on a full group on a twin share basis. For the majority of nights on this trip we use simple accommodation, so there won't be hairdryers or tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms and some won't have a television, although the views are so stunning and there's so much to see and do that you're unlikely to miss having one. In the guesthouse, the majority of bedrooms are en suite, but sometimes you may have shared bathroom facilities.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?  It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Included activities

This highlights trip is perfect for first time visitors to Andalucia that are looking to see as much as possible in just one week off work. It combines a taste of the culture and character of the main cities with time spent exploring the countryside on foot. This is an authentic trip where we use simple and rustic accommodation throughout including a village guesthouse owned by our tour leader. Most days we'll be up early and not back until late as we'll make the most of soaking up our surroundings and dining later in the evening like the locals do; once the temperatures have cooled and the restaurants and bars come to live. We also use local buses, trains and taxis to get around. The public transport used is normally very efficient and comfortable, but it's essential that you can carry your own bags on and off of it. The countryside walks we do on two days are graded as Easy to Moderate and take an average of three hours each day. Vegetarian food is quite widely available in most restaurants in Andalucia, however it may not always be apparent from the menu as most restaurants are happy to offer alternative dishes when asked, and this is something our tour leader can assist you with. If you do have any dietary requirements then we would always encourage you to inform us of this at the time of booking your trip. Menu choices are more limited during our stay in the village on days four and five, as there are only two restaurants that open especially for us and so the menu is agreed with them in advance and your tour leader will discuss the options with you couple of days before you arrive here to make sure what's being served is suitable for everyone.

Ability to swim

Vaccinations.

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Dates, prices and booking

Add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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Seville, Granada & Classic Spain

• Stay in the heart of the ‘real’ Andalucia in the hills behind the sun-kissed Costa
• Enjoy a full-day visit to Seville, the city of flamenco
• Journey towards the Sierra Nevada, beneath which the great Moorish city of Granada stands
• Visit Granada, the world-renowned Alhambra and its exquisite gardens
• Take in the sweeping views from the Puente Nuevo, which joins the old and new towns of the mountain-top
• Explore the Andalusian city of Ronda
• The chance to join an optional excursion to Cordoba
• Wander around Antequera under your own steam

Highlights and Inclusions

• Seven nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast three-star accommodation at the Hotel Coso Viejo, Antequera (upgrade hotel available for a supplement)
• A full-day tour of Seville
• A full-day tour of Granada
• A full-day tour of Cordoba
• Return flights to Malaga
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
• The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager

Fly into Málaga, and board the coach for the approximately hour-long transfer into the sun-baked Andalusian hills and your hotel base in Antequera. Depending on your arrival time, rest and relax in the hotel, and enjoy a first dinner in a wide choice of restaurants, traditional tapas bars, and cafés.

The first of your included excursions takes you to historic Seville, the great City of Flamenco, and the setting for Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, both of which draw heavily on the city’s heady atmosphere. Seville, where every street is lined with orange trees, has a rich and colourful history, which is reflected in great buildings, beautiful parks, grand boulevards and atmospheric old quarters of narrow streets that open on to tree-lined squares. Wander towards sweeping Plaza de Espana, the city’s ornate, fountain-fronted centrepiece; don’t miss the magnificent Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in Christendom, with its 300ft-high Giralda Tower and much-debated tomb of Christopher Columbus; and perhaps pay a visit to the immense Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring, where the traditions of the corrida are still revered despite the controversy that surrounds them. Close by, the cool courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar lead through to the Juderia (Jewish Quarter). The River Guadalquivir, still tidal some 50 miles inland, and up which Columbus once sailed in triumph following his discovery of the New World, still brings great ships to the city’s port, and divides Seville from Triana, the pleasant district on the opposite shore.

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel, or perhaps take in the sights of Antequera.

Today you’ll explore the great city of Cordoba. This fabled, elegant former Moorish and Roman capital of Spain is full of fascination.  At its heart is the breathtaking treasure of the Mezquita, the huge Mosque into which the Christian cathedral has been incorporated, but which retains much of its austere grandeur that reflected Cordoba’s position as the greatest Moorish city in Europe. Surrounding the Mezquita, the narrow lanes and corridors of the ancient Juderia evoke a sense that nothing has changed for a thousand years.  You’ll have the chance to explore the city under your own steam, following our guided tour of the Mezquita, before returning to Antequera in time for dinner later this evening. 

Today, you can relax or join the optional excursion to Ronda. During this, you’ll travel across the Andalusian Plain, through a countryside dotted with villages of whitewashed houses, to the stunning town of Ronda, in the heart of the Andalusian hills. Set above the dramatic El Tajo gorge, which cuts a swathe through the Sierra, this once Moorish citadel is a delight, with a maze of narrow streets, some fine Renaissance houses, its historic bullring and – across the Puente Nuevo bridge which spans the gorge – a fascinating Roman-style baths. 

Board the coach, this morning, for an unforgettable included excursion, journeying north through the foothills of the Alpujarras to the great city of Granada. Set majestically atop three hills, which rise steeply from the Andalusian Plain, this former Moorish capital, with its views to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, is one of Spain’s greatest treasures.  Begin your time here with a sightseeing tour of the city, culminating with a visit to the gardens of the awe-inspiring Alhambra, the beautiful park and walled settlement crowned by one of the world’s finest Moorish palaces. Discover the ancient Alcazaba citadel and the Generalife, a royal retreat in the heart of the complex, as well as some of Europe's most beautiful formal gardens, each new treasure reflecting the glories of a great empire. This evening, you’ll return to Antequera after a thoroughly absorbing day. 

You’ll have another day to potter around at your own pace or you can join an optional half-wine day tasting excursion at a local winery. Surrounded by vineyards, you can sample some of the different labels while learning about the production process.  

 Say goodbye to beautiful Andalucía today, transferring back to Málaga airport for the flight home, after a memorable few days in a wonderful part of the world. 

Call us today 0330 333 6727

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Classic Andalucia Tour

The golden triangle of seville, cordoba and granada.

• Private walking tour of the monuments of Seville; the immense Cathedral and Giralda tower, Reales Alcazares/Royal Palaces
• No trip to Seville would be complete without indulging in a spot of Flamenco! Tickets for our favourite Tablao in the city.
• Private visit of Cordoba; the wondrous Mezquita, the Synagogue in and a stroll through the old Jewish quarter/La Juderia.
• Enjoy an private guided tour of Granada’s magnificent Alhambra and gardens of the Generalife; a highlight of any visit to Andalucia
• Hand-picked Boutique Hotel Accommodations

ALL TOURS ARE AVAILABLE AS PRIVATE TOURS FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY/GROUP/PARTY

Trip Profile

Best time to visit:, tour dates/days:, group size:.

Tour Summary

This Classic Andalucia tour will show you the highlights of Seville, the wonders of the soul of Cordoba and the grandeur of Granada. It is well balanced, evenly paced and allows you free time in each city for further exploration and further independent visits.

You will enjoy boutique hotel accommodation in each city, exquisite meals in Toma’s recommended restaurants and transfers in comfortable private vehicle.

You can choose between these two sequences depending on your flight preferences and ongoing travel plans:

Seville, Cordoba, Granada

Granada, Cordoba, Seville

Enquire Today

More information.

• A walking tour of Seville taking in the primary monuments and historic areas
• A guided tour showing you the local’s view of Seville away from the madding crowds
• A flamenco show
• Transfer to Cordoba followed by private tour of Mezquita and old town.
• Transfer to Granada, private guided tour of the Alhambra and tour of the Arabic quarter.
• Free time in all the cities so you can explore some more!

NOTE: This tour can run Seville to Granada as per the above itinerary. It can also be flipped and run in the opposite direction: Granada, Cordoba, Seville.

Flights are available into Seville airport direct from Barcelona, Paris, Vienna, London, Madrid, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other European cities. Check here for details of airlines and routes .

From the USA, there are direct flights to Malaga. The train from Malaga to Seville takes 2-3 hours depending on the time of day.

The train from Seville to Madrid takes about 2 1/2 hours. Renfe timetables can be found here .

Granada airport has flights direct to Paris, Madrid and Barcelona and other Spanish destinations.

Malaga has direct flights from the USA. The train from Granada to Malaga takes 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours depending on the time of day. Train timetables can be found here.

Please enquire for prices

As TOMA & COE is a bespoke travel agency working with private clients and small groups, prices may vary slightly according to the time of year.

Costs are based on double occupancy/a minimum of two guests

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a week enough to see Andalucia? Our week-long Classic Andalucia Tour is perfectly designed for you to get the most of your time in three of Andalucia’s finest cities. However, to explore the whole of Andalucia, and include other cities such as Malaga, Cádiz and Ronda, you can extend your tour with bespoke arrangements. Andalucia has a lot to offer and you can take as long as you like to explore.

Is it a good idea to tour Andalucia in July and August? July and August are the hottest months of the year in Andalucia, and whilst the average temperatures are in the 30-35ºC range, it is not unusual to have days where the temperatures soar over 40ºC. It is why we advise tours are enjoyed either side of the summer months, when the temperatures are better for walking.

Will we have to share our guide with others? Your guide is your private guide. All Toma & Coe’s guides are selected for their knowledge, personality and professionalism.

Are tips for the guides included in the price? No, tips are not included in the price and should be paid directly to your guides. The amount you tip is at your discretion.

Are Flamenco shows authentic? We select the best flamenco shows which give you the most authentic experience.

Fabulous tour by Toma & Coe! Manni and his team organised a memorable tour of Andalucia for our group. The attention to detail was absolutely outstanding and the guides that were booked for us in each location (Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda) were exceptional! In addition, all of the restaurant suggestions and bookings were amazing – fabulous food at a very good price and in out-of-the-way places a normal traveller probably wouldn’t find. This is the best tour company I have used in a long time! Highly recommend!

Destination Guides

Cordoba guide, granada guide, seville guide, related articles.

Granada named Culture Capital of the World

Three Cultures of Andalucía: Seville

Three Cultures of Andalucía: Córdoba

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Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Malaga

Seville, cordoba, granada & malaga.

The region of Andalusia is a region in the south of Spain. Known for ancient cities, deserts and amazing beaches.

• Welcome Dinner experience at Restaurant Abantal w/ wine pairing (1 Michelin Star)
• Private Cultural Tour of Seville (5 hours)
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Cathedral, The Royal Alcazar and Giralda
• Lunch at a typical restaurant
• Private Cultural Tour of Córdoba (5 hours)
• Entrance Tickets to the Synagogue and the Mosque-Cathedral
• Tapas Lunch in Cordoban Taverns
• Private Cultural Tour of Granada (5 hours)
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets to The Alhambra
• Tapas Lunch at a typical restaurant
• Private City Tour of Málaga (5 hours)
• Farewell dinner at Kaleja Restaurant w/ wine pairing (1 Michelin Star)

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Lugos Travel is the first luxury travel agency of its kind to offer personalized itineraries and quotes within 24 hours or less while still giving you the freedom to customize every aspect of your trip.

By clicking the button below, you are requesting a no-obligation proposal that includes all of the details for an unforgettable itinerary as well as additional experiences you can add to your trip. All while being able to adjust the cost in real-time to fit your budget.

Tour Description

Immerse yourself on the Andalusia region.

Tour Includes:

• All Accommodations, minimum 4* level
• Breakfast each morning, plus select meals where noted
• All transportation, as described, inclusive of gratuity
• All tours, as described
• All entrance fees where noted (add’l fees may apply to options)
• Registration with US State Department
• 24 Hr. concierge service for the duration of the trip

NOT INCLUDED : Flights, Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended), Personal Expenditures, Optional Upgrades, Anything not mentioned

Detailed Itinerary

• A private driver will pick you up from your home and take you to the airport
• Flight to Spain (not included, suggest morning arrival)

Included: Private Airport Transfers

• Upon arrival in Seville, meet your English-speaking driver in the arrival hall and transfer to your hotel (approx. 15 mins)
• Check-in, relax and refresh
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant Abantal
• Overnight at hotel

Included: Airport Transfers, Dinner W/ Wine Pairing, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, with an expert guide, start your tour of Seville beginning with The Royal Alcázar
• Next, visit the Santa Cruz District, followed by the historical Christian Cathedral of Seville
• Experience one of the best panoramic views at Seville’s old mosque, known as “La Giralda”
• Private transfer back to your hotel
• Afternoon at leisure

Included: Breakfast, Guide, Tour, Skip-the-line Entrance Tickets To The Cathedral, The Royal Alcazar And Giralda, Lunch, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure, in Seville

Optional enhancements:

• Tour of Santiponce  – Visit the famous monuments of Santiponce with an expert guide, with skip-the-line entrance tickets to Italica. After, experience Goldsmithing through the Marmolejo Family before sitting down and enjoying a home cooked meal with them.
• The Temple of the Iberian Ham – Enjoy a guided visit of a “UNESCO Nature Reserve” meadow, before heading to Jabugo, where the Iberian ham cellar is located. Visit the old drying room while learning about the process of art since 1879. You will meet the professionals involved, then ending the tour at the ‘natural cellar for hams’ as well as meeting the master Artisan; the ham cutter who will give you taste testers paired with wine. End the tour with a palate lunch.
• The Olive Grove Estate – A visit to an olive museum and a panoramic tour while riding in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, finishing the tour with premium oil tastings and an Andalusian picnic.
• Private Balloon Flight – Enjoy a balloon flight over Seville’s Aljarafe with local picnic/brunch with drinks

Included: Breakfast, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Cordoba (approx. 1 hour 45 mins)
• Check-in, relax, and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure

Included: Breakfast, Transportation, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, start your tour of Cordoba with a private local guide
• You will first visit the “Cordoba of Three Cultures” at the Medieval Synagogue, then move on to Cordoba’s most famous building; The Mosque Cathedral
• Your host will then introduce you to some leather and filigree workshops before visiting the artisan market, the old hospital, and a mosque that’s still in use
• The end of the tour will take place in a couple of typical Cordoban Taverns where you will enjoy a tapas lunch
• Return to hotel

Included: Breakfast, Transportation, Tour, Guide, Entrance Ticket To The Mosque-cathedral, Tapas Lunch, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure in Cordoba
• Homage to the Senses Experience – Enjoy a beauty ritual of 3 treatments, as well as a “Detox” snack and private session at the Roman baths behind closed doors
• Gastro-experience at Noor Restaurant – Enjoy a tasting menu with wine pairing at a 2-Michelin star restaurant (lunch or dinner).
• After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Granada (approx. 2 hours 30 mins)
• Check-in, relax and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure
• After breakfast, with an expert guide, start your tour of Granada beginning with The Alhambra
• Next, you will be driven to the city center to taste the famous tapas of Granada, as well as to visit the surroundings of the fantastic city with your host 

Included: Breakfast, Guide, Tour, Skip-the-line Entrance Tickets To The Alhambra, Tapas Lunch, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure, in Granada
• Spying on the Sky Experience – Accompanied by an astronomer, you will spend the night stargazing in a private location and learn all the secrets of the sky. After, eat a warm dinner while getting to know your hosts a little better.
• Riofrio’s Gastronomic Treasure Experience – In Loja’s mountain range, visit Riofrio; known for its production of the world’s first ecologically-certified fresh caviar. You will enjoy a tasting of caviar paired with vodka and cava, finishing with a lunch at a restaurant
• After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Malaga (approx. 1 hour 45 mins)
• After breakfast, with an expert guide, start your tour of Malaga beginning with a Coastal Arab Palace, a Roman Theatre, a Renaissance Cathedral, to the most beautiful street of the XIXth Century
• After, explore the city’s Central Market
• To conclude the tour, you will be taken on a private tour with a foodie adventurer through the city’s most beloved family-run tapas bars

Included: Breakfast, Transportation, Tour, Guide, Tapas Lunch, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure, in Malaga
• Hammam Experience  – Enjoy a full day of wellbeing by visiting a Hammam located atop the very archaeological remains of an authentic bathhouse.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner experience at Kaleja Restaurant with wine pairing (1 Michelin Star)
• A day at the Horseman’s Estate – Visit a Cortijo (a typical estate of Southern Spain), next to a family of great equestrian tradition with local snacks and a traditional lunch included.
• Let’s Talk Wine Experience – Enjoy a winery visit with a local host, enjoying some tastings and a nice lunch to conclude the tour.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Pairing, Room & Taxes

• After breakfast, meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the Airport, where you will board your flight back home
• Safe travels!
• A driver will pick you up from the airport once you have landed to bring you back home

Included: Private Transfers

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Escorted tour

Discover the splendours of spain’s andalucía region.

Andalucía is the warm and sunny land of Spanish fiestas, where flamboyant flamenco dancers swish their skirts to troubadours, and where an intriguing blend of historical Christian and Muslim influences are demonstrated in the region's art, architecture and food - with delightful outcomes.

Explore three parts of Andalucía over six memorable days as part of an intimate tour group with no more than eight guests. You'll start in beautiful Seville, home of bitter oranges, but so much more besides. You'll spend three nights absorbing the energy of this city, admiring resplendent architecture that tells stories of its past, then experiencing the Seville of here-and-now in the buzzy tapas bars. An authentic and passionate flamenco performance draws you further into this spellbinding dance with every rhythmic stamp.

It's Córdoba next, famous for the fine arches in the Mezquita, the town's architectural showstopper. You'll witness another Andalucían spectacle tonight - an impressive show where horses dance in a legendary Spanish tradition.

Your final stop is Ronda, a town perched in an extraordinary position high above a gorge. There are stories and legends to hear about this fascinating place, but you'll also get to know modern-day Ronda as you learn how to cook local dishes in an open-air kitchen. There's a wine tasting too, where you'll sample the excellent wines produced in the warm climes of southern Spain.

Throughout the trip, you'll stay in comfortable hotels, each well-positioned for exploring. The transfers between locations are taken care of, including your transfers to and from Seville airport.

Reasons to book

Effortless explorations

Tour cities at your own pace

Pre-planned excursions

Watch flamenco in Seville

Join an outdoor cooking class

Stay in central hotels

Price includes.

• Five nights' accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including three nights in Seville, a night in Córdoba, and a night in Ronda
• Flamenco show in Seville
• Mezquita visit and an Andalucían horse show in Córdoba
• Outdoor cooking class and wine tastings in Ronda
• One bottle of local wine, exclusively for our readers
• Return flights from London to Seville
• All transfers

Availability

* From price is per person, based on two sharing, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £294. Deposit 20% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Untravelled Paths.

On arrival in Seville, you'll transfer to your hotel. You'll stay for two nights at a hotel in the heart of the city, making explorations on foot easy.

Spend the rest of the day finding your bearings and exploring this beautiful city. Seek out a tapas bar to experience the energy and flavours Seville is renowned for.

The day is yours to explore Seville at your own pace. You could work outwards from the world's largest Gothic cathedral that towers over the heart of the city, and visit the beautiful architecture of the Alcázar, Seville's royal palace. Or head to the flamboyant Plaza de España - designed with such opulence and flair, it's well worth a visit. Before dinner, gather with your group for an hour-long flamenco show, where you'll be struck by the intensity and drama of this age-old art.

You travel to Córdoba today, around a 90-minute drive away. You'll have the opportunity to venture inside the town's most famous landmark - the beautiful and impressive Mezquita, a historic mosque. Climb the bell tower for sweeping views over the town and appreciate the town's beauty from above. The afternoon is yours to spend at your own pace, weaving through the lanes of the medieval city, coming across hidden, orange-scented plazas as you go. Later, watch the dramatic spectacle of one of Córdoba's main attractions, an Andalucían horse dancing show.

You'll be taken south today, on a 2.5-hour transfer to Ronda. This small Spanish town is perched precariously on a clifftop above El Tajo gorge. Explore the town before heading to the region's vineyards for a wine tasting and cooking class at an organic winery. The vineyard produces almost 50,000 bottles of wine a year, focussing particularly on grenache and cabernet sauvignon varieties.. You'll also learn to cook a local speciality, perhaps Arroz Campero, a country-style rice with chicken and vegetables, preparing the dish before a vineyard tour, the returning to sample your creation.

Enjoy a delicious Spanish breakfast in Ronda before a two-hour transfer takes you back to Seville where you will spend your final evening.

Enjoy your final Spanish breakfast before spending your last free day exploring Seville. Later that evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

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• Tours in Madrid

Seville, Cordoba and Granada Tour from Madrid in 4 days

With alhambra of granada and mosque of cordoba.

• Explore with an official guide the Mosque of Cordoba , monument declared a World Heritage Site.
• Admire the Cathedral of Seville , the Santa Cruz Quarter and Plaza España.
• Enjoy the Alhambra of Granada , one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

Description

Enjoy a 4-days trip to the most emblematic cities of southern Spain with our Seville, Cordoba and Granada tour . Travel in comfortable air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by our official guides and take the opportunity to visit the Alhambra of Granada and the Mosque of Cordoba , two places declared World Heritage Site.

• 1st Day (Monday) MADRID - CORDOBA - SEVILLE

We will leave Madrid at 08:00 hours heading to Andalusia. On the way, we will make a short stop in Puerto Lapice, in the typical Don Quixote sale. Passing the natural pass of "Despeñaperros" we will arrive at Cordoba , the first stop of our tour. In Cordoba we will take the guided tour of the majestic Mosque-Cathedral.

In the afternoon we will continue to Seville, where we will arrive after a trip of about two hours. We will stay at our hotel and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

• 2nd Day (Tuesday) SEVILLE

We will have breakfast at the hotel and during the morning we will visit Seville with a local guide, walking around the outside of the Cathedral , the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter's in Rome. We will continue visiting the famous Santa Cruz Quarter , the María Luisa Park and the beautiful Plaza de España .

The afternoon will be free for you to explore Seville at your own pace. At the end of the evening we will have dinner and optionally you can enjoy a flamenco show at a prestigious tablao. We will spend the night in our hotel in Seville and will replenish our strength to continue the tour of Andalusia.

• 3rd Day (Wednesday) SEVILLE - GRANADA

After breakfast we will depart towards Granada , enjoying the scenery and preparing ourselves to visit the impressive Alhambra , last bulwark of the Nazari Kingdom of Granada until 1492. We will marvel at the monumental complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife .

To complement this fantastic day, you will also have the option of attending a Zambra Flamenca show that will take place in the emblematic neighborhood of Sacromonte, the cradle of flamenco. We will have dinner at the hotel and spend the night in Granada.

• 4th Day (Thursday) GRANADA - TOLEDO - MADRID

We will have breakfast in the hotel and we will leave in the direction of Madrid, not without first passing through Castilla La Mancha and visiting the Imperial city of Toledo , former capital of Spain. In Toledo, city World Heritage , we will visit the historical center, to know the vestiges of the 3 cultures: Christians, Muslims and Jews. After lunch, we will take a panoramic view from the Mirador del Valle.

After visiting Toledo, we will continue to Madrid, where we will arrive around 7:00 p.m., at the same point of departure.

If instead of a tour of Andalusia of 4 days you prefer to take a tour of more days, you may be interested in the following trips:

• 5 days in Andalucia
• Tour Andalusia in 6 days
• Air conditioned motor-coach and Free WIFI
• Escort guide
• Accommodation in hotels (3 nights)
• Guided tours with local guides in Cordoba, Seville, Granada (Alhambra) and Toledo
• Ticket to the Alhambra and Mosque of Cordoba
• Daily buffet breakfast, 1 lunch (starting 03/13/24) and 3 dinners.
• Transport of one suitcase per person limited to 20 Kg. of weight and 1 handbag
• Travel insurance ( See coverage ).

Not included

• Flight tickets.
• Optional activities.

Price & Payment

Single room, double room, triple room.

• Pay comfortably in 2 installments! When booking you will pay 20% and the remaining amount up to 30 days before departure.
• This payment method is applied to reservations whose departure date is greater than 30 days from the reservation date. With less than 30 days the full amount will be charged.
• Please note that the price of the tour may vary according to the selected date.

More information

• Due to the policy of the Council of the Alhambra, all bookings must include for each passenger the following data at the moment of reservation: Name / Surname / Number of Passport or ID / Issue Date /Expiration Date/ Nationality / Date of birth.
• In the event that the Board of the Alhambra and Generalife, on some dates, does not grant tickets for the participants of the Visit, instead we will visit the city of Granada: Visit to the Palace of Carlos V, Archaeological Museum, Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, Royal Chapel and walk through the city with the Alcaicería and the Plaza de la Catedral.

Accommodation

Our hotels are carefully selected. Most are located in the urban area of the cities or communicated, with a category of 4*. All rooms have a private bath / shower.

The planned hotels are as follows:

• Seville: Exe Sevilla Macarena.
• Granada: Abades Nevada Palace Hotel.

In the exceptional event of not having availability in the mentioned hotels, these will be replaced by another of a similar category. We will confirm the final hotels in advance of the tour departure.

In most hotels, triple rooms consist of 2 beds, or a double bed plus a sofa bed or a folding bed.

Additional details

• The tour includes in the price a visit with official guide of the most important cities. However, our guide will offer you some tours or complementary visits that may be of your interest. They are optional and are not included in the price of the tour.
• The tours are always guaranteed in English, although they may exceptionally be conducted in English and a second language simultaneously.
• Please make sure your passport or D.N.I. they are valid and in order (recommended passport with a minimum validity of 6 months) and that you have processed the required visas for each country, if necessary.
• Children under 4 years old have a free fare on the bus, without the right to bed, sharing a room with two adults. The expenses incurred must be paid by their parents.

Cancellation

Starting point.

• Low prices guaranteed
• Book and pay now only 20%
• Free! cancellation 15 days before

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of room can i choose, how do i make a reservation, what are the payment methods, how to see the price and availability, customer reviews.

Best price guarantee

Nattivus guarantees you the best price available at the time of making your reservation. However, if you find a lower price offer in the same currency as the original purchase, for the same dates, conditions and characteristics of the booked activity, we will match the price, refunding you the difference. This reservation must be a minimum of € 20.

For this, it will be necessary to present a complete and final budget as proof, which includes all the concepts of the reservation: date, duration, currency, price, participants, modality, management expenses, etc., issued by another agency legally authorized to operate in Spain, the same day that you have made your reservation with Nattivus, from which any additional discount will be excluded for belonging to a specific group.

To request a refund, send a message to info@nattivus.com with your name and booking number along with a proof of the lower price. Refunds of the price difference will be processed in the same payment method used for the original reservation.

SECURE PAYMENT

Nattivus complies with all security and protection of information measures to your payment details which are handled and treated safely, always encoded, and are not stored or shared with third parties for any other purpose than carrying out the transaction.

PAYMENT TYPES

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal and cash . Payment is 100% secure. We consider the following forms of payment, as indicated in the file for each activity:

Single payment: The payment of the total amount will be made at the time of booking . Cash payments are not accepted on the day of the visit.

Payment the day of the tour: A first payment of a percentage of the total will be required at the time of booking and the second payment of the remaining amount you will pay at the destination on the day of the activity, in cash or card, as indicated. Please note that only payments in local currency will be accepted (for example in Spain only EUROS will be accepted).

Payment in 2 installments: It will be necessary to pay a first payment of a percentage of the total amount when making the reservation. The second payment of the remaining amount must be made before the day of the activity, on the deadline indicated. In case of reaching this date and the pending amount has not been paid, the reservation will be cancelled and the amount paid initially will be refunded. Please note that this payment method is applied to reservations whose departure date is more than 30 days from the reservation date. For reservations whose departure date is within the following 30 days, 100% of the amount will be charged at the time of booking.

FREE! CANCELLATION 15 DAYS BEFORE

Cancellation minimum 15 days before the date of the activity: no charge & 100% refund / Between 15 and 11 days: 95 % refund/ Between 10 and 3 days: 85 % refund / Less than 3 days, late arrival or no show: no refund will be provided. If you need to cancel your booking, please, email us at [email protected].

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Seville or Granada or Cordoba: Which City to Visit

Last Updated on November 21, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

There are three major inland cities in Andalucía that are popular to visit in the region and if you only have a limited amount of time to devote to an Andalucía itinerary , it can be really difficult to choose between Seville or Granada or Cordoba.

All three cities have a ton to offer when it comes to Moorish history, incredible multicultural sites, and thriving, unique gastronomic scenes. Deciding between them can be very tricky, however, it is not impossible as all three have different things to offer travellers.

In general, choose Seville if you’re looking for a large, metropolitan city with a thriving nightlife. On the other hand, Granada is an excellent choice for those after a unique food scene, a laid-back culture and incredible historic sites. Finally, Córdoba is a good choice to include on a longer trip through Andalucía or as a day trip destination.

Looking for a place to stay? These are some of the best choices in these cities: Seville : Hostel One Catedral (Budget), Hotel Bécquer (Mid-Range) & Monte Triana (Luxury) Granada : El Granado Hostel (Budget), Hotel Rosa D’oro (Mid-Range) & Áurea Catedral (Luxury) Cordoba: Puerta de la Luna (Budget), Hotel Posada de Vallina (Mid-Range) & Hesperia Córdoba (Luxury)

Table of Contents

When comparing the likes of Seville, Granada and Cordoba, I will start with the biggest (by population) of the three first. Seville is the fourth-largest city in Spain and the capital of the Andalucía region. It is a vast metropolis famous for its imposing Cathedral (one of the largest in the world), Royal Alcázar, perennial sunshine and vibrant nightlife.

It also has a lively student population and has one of the best tapas scenes in the country. No matter which Andalusian city you end up choosing, there is no doubt that Seville is a worthy contender.

Accessibility

As the fourth-largest city in Spain and the capital of the Andalucía region, Seville is incredibly easy to access — both from elsewhere in Spain and Europe.

As a transport hub, there are frequent bus and train connections to Seville from just about any major city in the country. Though it almost always makes more sense to use the bus if you’re visiting Spain on a budget, Seville is also accessible in just a couple of hours from the likes of Madrid or Barcelona by high-speed train. It’s easy to get a train to Seville from most major cities.

Both the Seville bus station and train station are within walking distance of the city centre, as well.

Due to its transport links and central location within Andalucía, Seville also makes a great base for exploring more of Andalucía beyond the city. For instance, the cities of Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz are only about an hour away by bus or train and even the city of Córdoba is accessible as a day trip from Seville.

You can even use Seville as a base to explore some nearby Pueblos Blancos (white villages), the town of Ronda or even venture as far as a day trip to Granada or Gibraltar . This makes Seville an appealing option if you want to get a lot out of Andalucía in a short period of time, or without moving around a lot.

If you plan to visit Seville as a city break rather than as a part of a longer Spain itinerary, then it will help you to know that Seville also has its own international airport. The Seville airport serves a number of destinations throughout Spain and Europe including cities in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.

There is also a robust public transport system in Seville that is far more extensive than in the two other cities in question. This consists of both a bus and metro network that is easy to navigate and can get you all over the city.

All in all, if you’re trying to choose between these three Southern Spanish cities and the ease of accessibility is one of your prime factors, then Seville might be the best option for you.

Things to do in Seville

While making the decision between Seville, Granada and Cordoba, the things to do in each city are going to play into your choice. And while considering Seville, it is worth knowing that this massive city has a wealth of fun and interesting things to do.

Again, as one of Spain’s largest metropolitan areas and boasting an incredible and complex history, there are of course numerous museums, monuments and major attractions in Seville to visit that could occupy many weeks. However, most people will only spend a few days in the Andalucían capital and therefore need to figure out the top sites to see.

Without a doubt, visiting the Seville Cathedral — a beautiful structure and the third-largest of its kind in the entire world — and spending a few hours in the gorgeous Real Alcazar are two of the “must-see” things in the city. You can book a guided tour of these sites with priority entrance.

However, it is also incredibly worth it to wander through Barrio Santa Cruz (you can take a guided tour to learn more) — Seville’s historic Jewish quarter — and to venture across the river to explore the former Roma barrio of Triana with its flamenco culture, tapas bars, and vibrant food market.

In fact, this is a great place to take in a flamenco show (though this can certainly be said for Granada, as well!).

If all of the historical buildings get to be a bit much for you, it can also be worth visiting the futuristic Metropol Parasol — known as Las Setas (the mushrooms) by locals — if you’re interested in seeing the world’s largest wooden structure and also experiencing some of the best views over Seville’s skyline from the top.

As mentioned in the accessibility section above, Seville is also incredibly well-positioned for some day trips to other cities and towns in Andalucía and it is possible to see a lot of the region while not having to move around every other night.

All in all, Seville has a lot of fun and interesting things to do that make it a solid option when choosing between Cordoba, Granada and Seville to visit.

One of the highlights of visiting anywhere in Spain is to sample some of the country’s incredible cuisine, and Seville is no different.

In fact, Spanish cuisine is so regional that it is a defining factor when trying to choose between visiting Seville, Cordoba or Granada and the food and dining style differs between all three cities, although they are in the same region.

Seville is famous for its fantastic tapas scene and one could easily spend your entire time in the city bouncing from bar to bar and sampling some Sevillano specialities. What makes Seville different from a city like Granada, for example, is the fact that you can go to a bar and order multiple tapas off the menu.

While tapas aren’t free like in Granada, they are often very affordable and the small dishes make a great way to sample a lot of different Spanish dishes without ordering too much and being wasteful.

To learn more about the cuisine, you can go on a tapas tour or even take a cooking class at Triana Market!

If you’re considering visiting any of these Andalucían cities and one of your driving factors is a thriving nightlife, then Seville might be a good choice for you.

Combine the sheer amount of choice of nightlife venues with a young and international student population and you will be able to find that you can party into the wee hours of the morning almost every day in Seville.

But Seville’s nightlife isn’t just centred around clubs and drinking. In fact, if you want to be a little bit tamer but still want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, there is still a ton of options available to you.

For instance, it is possible for your bar crawls to be all about the food and to hop from tapas bar to tapas bar until well after midnight. Also, if you want to experience a local flamenco show in one of its cities of origin, then heading to a flamenco bar late a night (preferably in the Triana neighbourhood) is a great idea.

In summation, Seville’s nightlife is varied and thriving and if you’re looking to visit Andalucía to experience a bit of Spanish nightlife, then Seville is an excellent option.

Affordability

If you’re looking to visit Seville over Granada and Cordoba and are on a tight budget, then you’re obviously going to want to know how affordable your city choice is going to be.

All in all, Spain is known to be a fairly affordable destination to visit in general, however, there are some cities and areas that tend to be more expensive than others.

Seville, being one of the largest cities in Spain and a popular tourist destination, is perhaps the least affordable destination when comparing it to Cordoba and Granada.

That doesn’t, however, make it an extremely expensive city to visit, especially compared to other major Western European cities and even compared to the affordability of Madrid or Barcelona.

The museums and historical sites in Seville don’t cost that much and eating and drinking can be affordable as well. The main tourist sites in the city are easy to reach on foot and if you’re staying centrally, you shouldn’t have to worry about transportation costs at all while in Seville.

By far the greatest expense when visiting Seville is going to be a night’s accommodation because that can be higher here than in other cities in the region.

There are, however, many affordable options available in Seville ranging from private rooms on Airbnb to a dorm bed in one of the city’s many hostels. And while Seville might be more expensive than Granada and Cordoba, it doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible to those travelling on a budget.

Where to Stay in Seville

As one of the most popular destinations to visit in Spain, there are numerous options for where to stay in Seville. We recommend finding accommodation either close to the city centre or in the trendy Triana neighbourhood. If you’re struggling to find the perfect place, check out our top suggestions:

Hotel Bécquer – This hotel, located within walking distance of all of Seville’s main attractions, has a number of clean, comfortable and air-conditioned rooms available for all kinds of travellers. There is also a wonderful rooftop terrace with a pool at this hotel to take the edge off of the hot Andalucía summer days.

Monte Triana – This boutique hotel is one of the highest-rated hotels in all of Seville. Located in the vibrant Triana district, they have numerous luxurious rooms available and are within 15 minutes walking distance to all of Seville’s main attractions either side of the river.

Hostel One Catedral – An excellent choice for budget-conscious or solo travellers, this is one of the highest-rated hostels in Seville. Centrally located within easy walking distance from the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar, this hostel has a range of dorms and private rooms available and organises activities and social events.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse for more hotels in Seville!

Now that we’ve discussed the merits of visiting Seville when trying to figure out where to go in Andalucía, it’s time to move onto another incredibly popular destination in the Southern Spanish region: Granada.

Granada is famous for being home to the Alhambra, one of the most visited attractions in all of Spain — welcoming well over 2 million people each year. However, the city has a lot more to offer than just that one monument which makes choosing between it, Seville and Cordoba a difficult task.

Granada is a popular city to travel to not only for foreign visitors to Spain but for Spanish citizens from elsewhere in the country as well. Also, Granada is a major metropolitan area and is home to one of Spain’s biggest and oldest universities, meaning that there is a lot of demand for transport into this mountain city.

Because of all of the above reasons, there are frequent bus connections to and from Granada to most major Spanish cities in the area. It is easy to get from Granada to Seville or Málaga via bus, where there are numerous connections every day and it is even possible to visit Granada as a day trip from these cities. You can view schedules here.

It is also possible to get to Granada from most other major destinations in Andalucía and the neighbouring Murcia region, making Granada very easily accessible if you’re travelling by public transportation.

Granada is also home to its own, small international airport which serves many destinations within Spain and other areas of Europe, like cities in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

If you want to visit Granada by plane, you can also opt to fly into the bigger Málaga airport, which is only about 1.5 hours south of Granada and serves more airlines and destinations. Both have easy transport links into the Granada city centre.

Once in Granada, it’s easy to get around on foot, however, it’s worth noting that it’s an exceptionally hilly city – especially in the Albaicín neighbourhood. This means it’s likely not the best city to visit for those with mobility issues.

Things to do in Granada

Now that we’ve discussed the accessibility of Granada it’s time to explore the things to do in this historic Andalusian city.

Abroad, Granada is famous for basically only one thing: the Alhambra . However, there are far more attractions in Granada than just this amazing Moorish monument and, therefore, it is worth spending two or three days in Granada in order to see it all.

Beyond the Alhambra, which takes at least 3 or 4 hours to see properly, there are numerous other things to see and do in Granada that you will certainly be occupied for a number of days should you choose to visit this city rather than Seville or Cordoba.

Granada is a smaller city than Seville and doesn’t have the same metropolitan feel, so if you’re looking for a more “chilled out” destination in Andalucía, then Granada might be a good choice for you.

It is also just incredibly picturesque. The city sits tucked among the Sierra Nevada mountains and therefore is close to some of the best hiking in the country and can even serve as a base to go skiing if you happen to be visiting Spain in winter .

There are also the fascinating historic neighbourhoods of the Albaicín and Sacromonte that are worth exploring, as well as a thriving street art and alternative scene if that is what you’re interested in.

Therefore, although it is smaller in population than Seville, there are numerous things to do in Granada that could easily occupy you for days. It comes down to your interests and what draws you to various destinations when deciding between Granada and Seville.

Like Seville, Granada is famous for its cuisine and bustling tapas scene. However, this city does it differently than the aforementioned metropolis. You see, in Granada, tapas are free — or rather, included in the price of your drink.

If you order a caña (a small draft beer in Spain), you will get a small (but sizeable) plate of food with it at no extra charge. While there are some bars where you can choose which dish you want with your drink, most often you will find it is luck of the draw and you get whatever you are given.

This tapas culture is the beating heart of Granada’s gastronomic scene and there is a seemingly endless array of fantastic tapas bars serving everything from ultra-traditional Spanish fare, to freshly caught Andalusian seafood bussed in from Málaga daily, to hip, fusion-style tapas bars in trendy atmospheres. You can take a food tour if you want to learn more with a guide.

The food culture in Granada is enough to keep you occupied for days and it is unique to this city, therefore, if you want to experience perhaps the most affordable gastronomic scene in Andalucía, then it can be worth it to choose to visit Granada vs Cordoba or Seville.

Like Seville, Granada has a sizeable student population combined with a pumping late-night tapas scene and therefore, the nightlife in the city is a great one. There are numerous bars, cocktail joints, and nightclubs to choose from in the city and it is entirely possible to party until dawn in this city.

However, although there are a lot of bars and clubs in Granada and you are sure to have a good time out on the town, it is not as well known for its nightlife in quite the way Seville is.

Therefore, if you’re trying to choose between Seville, Granada and Cordoba and an epic nightlife is a determining factor for you, then Seville might be a better option.

While we have discussed already the free tapas culture in Granada and the affordability of eating out in the city, we do need to cover how affordable the rest of Granada can be, especially when compared to the likes of Cordoba and Seville.

Much like Seville, the biggest expense of Granada is likely going to be accommodation, where prices are equal (and sometimes slightly less) to the Andalusian capital.

Like in Seville, there is ample choice when it comes to accommodation ranging from high-end boutique hotels, to private apartment rentals, to a dorm room in a backpacker hostel. Depending on your budget, it is certainly possible to visit Granada and not spend a fortune on lodging if you know where to look.

When it comes to activity prices, the most expensive thing you could buy (if you’re planning on visiting independently, without a guide) is a ticket to the Nasrid Palaces, Gardens, and Generalife of the Alhambra.

Given the sheer vastness of the monument and the amount of restoration that is needed to keep visitors enjoying it for years to come, it does seem like a fair price to pay.

There are other monuments and museums worth visiting in Granada, however, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than about €5-10 for full-priced entry into anything.

All in, Granada is arguably a more affordable city to visit than Seville, however, not by much.

Where to Stay in Granada

Because it is one of the most popular cities to visit in Andalucía and home to one of the most visited monuments in all of Spain, there are numerous accommodation options in Granada. If you’re wondering where to stay in the city, take a look at these recommendations:

Hotel Rosa D’oro – Located in the heart of Granada along the tranquil River Darro, this is a great place to make your base in the city. It is located within easy walking distance of all of Granada’s main attractions, have a range of comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Áurea Catedral – This centrally located hotel is close to everything Granada has to offer. They have numerous rooms available, a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and there is the option to include breakfast each morning.

El Granado Hostel – This hostel is a fantastic accommodation option in Granada if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. Located in the heart of the Albaicín, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available, numerous common areas complete, and they organise social events each evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Granada hotels!

Cordoba, though certainly a popular stop on any Andalucía itinerary, is often treated solely as a day trip rather than a worthy destination all in its own. However, Cordoba has a lot more to offer than just its iconic Catedral-Mezquita and it is a definite contender of where to visit if you’re struggling to choose between Seville, Granada and Cordoba.

Cordoba is a relatively populated, mid-sized city home to over 300,000 people in Spain and, therefore, is fairly well-connected to other areas of the country. There are numerous direct buses and trains from most major cities in Spain including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia (most of which terminate in Seville).

If you are arriving in Cordoba from elsewhere in Andalucía, the city is well-served by both bus and trains and there are usually multiple connections to/from Cordoba per day.

However, if you plan to visit Cordoba as a stand-alone trip or short city break, it is worth noting that there is no international airport serving the city and the closest one is Seville’s airport. Therefore, this city isn’t a great option if you’re trying to decide between Cordoba vs Seville or Granada as an Andalusian city break.

Things to do in Córdoba

Now that we have determined that Cordoba is easily accessible from elsewhere in Spain but not from other European cities, we need to discuss the things to do in Cordoba.

Arguably the main draw when visiting Cordoba is its iconic Catedral-Mezquita. Cordoba’s main cathedral, situated in the centre of the old city was at one time a massive mosque when the city served as the westernmost caliphate in the Islamic world. To mark Cordoba’s importance, this mosque was constructed and added to over many years and is a site to be seen.

However, after Cordoba fell to the Christians, the Mezquita was turned into a cathedral and it still operates as one today. The combination of Islamic and Christian architecture is a sight to be seen and you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the monument.

Apart from the cathedral mosque, it is well worth going for a wander through the city’s Jewish quarter. The narrow streets and whitewashed buildings make way for some beautiful, flower-filled patios and windowsills. There is also the Royal Alcázar, which isn’t as impressive as the palace in Seville, however, it is also significantly less expensive to visit.

Cordoba has a very laid-back energy and a different feel to the other cities mentioned in this article, however, both Seville and Granada have a lot more when it comes to things to do and Cordoba can easily be treated as a day trip.

Eating out in Cordoba offers its own delights as it has a tapas culture that is similar to what is found in smaller cities throughout Andalucía. In general, you can expect Cordoba’s tapas scene to be fairly similar to what you will find in Seville, given the proximity of the two cities. You have to pay for tapas here, however, you can also order food in 3 different sizes (as you can in Seville, as well).

There are numerous great places to eat in Cordoba and food also tends to be slightly less expensive compared to Seville and Granada when eating close to the main sites and monuments, more due to the fact that the city doesn’t see quite so many tourists.

Cordoba also has some of its own dishes to which it lays claim, like salmorejo (a cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho) and flamenquín (a rolled pork dish). All in all, however, if you’re trying to decide between visiting Cordoba, Granada and Seville, the latter two cities probably have a better food scene.

Like most cities in Spain, Cordoba is no stranger to a late night and has a number of bars and a few nightclubs that can satisfy your party itch should you choose to visit. However, if you’re a nightlife junkie and you’re struggling to choose between Seville, Granada and Cordoba, this city might not be the best option for you.

While there is certainly a nightlife in Cordoba, it pales in comparison compared to the likes of Seville and Granada when it comes to nightclubs and similar venues.

However, if you are generally more of a fan of a late-night bar, a few beers, and maybe some good music rather than a night dancing until you drop, then Cordoba might be a better option for you.

There are far more options for a more mellow night out than a particularly wild one. That is why Seville might be a better option if you’re one who likes to travel for a good party.

When deciding between these three cities and your bank balance is the deciding factor, it might a good decision to choose to stay a few nights in Cordoba rather than the other two cities.

While Cordoba certainly is no stranger to the well-trodden Andalucía route, it is often regarded as solely a day trip from Seville and therefore accommodation in particular tends to be slightly more affordable than in Granada or Seville.

Otherwise, food prices are also slightly more affordable compared to Seville, however, a free tapa isn’t common so it may not be as affordable as Granada. It is easier to avoid eating in a tourist trap in Cordoba, we found, as all you need to is walk a hundred metres or more away from the Mezquita and you will find that prices will be lower significantly.

Where to Stay in Córdoba

Cordoba isn’t as popular to stay the night at Granada and Seville, however, there are a few good options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Here are our top suggestions:

Hotel Posada de Vallina – This 3-star hotel is great for mid-range visitors staying in Cordoba. They have a number of comfortable rooms to choose from, a great location close to all of the city’s top attractions and lovely, traditional decor.

Hesperia Córdoba – This is a wonderful boutique hotel that is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. All rooms are extremely modern, clean and they also have a rooftop pool to take the edge off a hot day.

Puerta de la Luna – This is a fantastic small hostel located in the heart of Cordoba offers both dorms and private rooms and is a good option for budget and solo travellers. They have breakfast available in the mornings, great common areas and helpful staff.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other hotels in Cordoba!

Seville or Granada or Cordoba: The Verdict

So after considering all that is lined out above, should you visit Seville, Granada or Cordoba? Well, it all has to do with what exactly you’re looking for in an Andalucía trip.

If you are looking for a metropolitan city with a thriving nightlife and a great food scene, then Seville is a great option for you. It is also a great choice as a base for a longer Andalusian trip as it is easy to take day trips from the city.

If you want an easy city break but want more chilled-out vibes, iconic monuments, and a fascinating multicultural history, then Granada is the choice for you! It is also a great option if you would rather take some day trips into the nearby mountains for some hiking or skiing, depending on the season.

If you are visiting Andalucía as part of a longer trip through the region or Spain in general, then spending time in Cordoba is a great option. However, if you only have a limited amount of time, we would recommend visiting Cordoba as a day trip from Seville and opting to spend a couple of nights in Granada instead.

However, if you have 10 days or more to devote to Andalucía, it is well worth spending a few nights in each city in order to truly get a feel for them all.

Deciding between these three cities can be a difficult choice, especially when considering all the different things that each city has to offer travellers. No matter which you choose, you will undoubtedly have an amazing trip.

Are you planning to visit any of these cities? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

thank you for this post it was extremely well-written and informative My husband and i are traveling to Seville next month from the UK for our anniversary. we hope to stay in Granada and Corodoba for the 6 days we are there. which city would you recommend we travel to first? in terms of distance and practicality as we will be flying back out from Seville airport.

Happy you found this helpful! It doesn’t really make a huge difference which city you visit first – just keep in mind that Córdoba is closer to Seville and the journey time between the two cities is much quicker. This can be an influencing factor depending on what time your flights are 🙂

I’m trying to consider ease and affordability. Would it be better to rent a car to explore Seville, Granada, and Cordoba or go by bus? Thanks!

If you only want to explore the city centres, then it’s probably going to be a lot easier and far more affordable to go by bus between the two. There is no need for a car within the cities themselves and car hires can be expensive and finding parking can be inconvenient.

This was such a helpful post!! Thank you so much

Happy you found it helpful, Ariana!

thanks for the insightful article which has helped me in getting to know more about the 3 cities. Can Grenada be used as a base between Seville, Malaga and Grenada ? Would you know of any budget places to stay ?

Hi, thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, Granada is pretty far from Seville, however, it is a bit closer to Málaga. Hope this helps 🙂

We’ll be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next year, and decided we’ll treat ourselves to an Andalusian trip in Feb 2022. I’m trying to get as much information as part of the planning process, and your articles have provided a lot of important and valuable details.

Thanks so much for your comment, Celia, and I’m so happy that you’ve found our articles helpful! Hope you have an amazing trip next year 🙂

Wonderful article. Will plan to go in August given restrictions don’t get in the way!!! Thank u/Salpy

Thank you for the article. I’ll be seeing all three sites, but which is the best to stay in for logistics purposes? I want to see the Seville Cathedral, Alhambra, and Great Mosque, but is one location a better headquarters for sightseeing? I was thinking Cordoba as it’s in between the other two? I’m not interested in night life, just ease of transport.

Hi Jason, all three cities are fine to stay in logistically, however, Seville may have the most transport options and allow you to be the most flexible as it is the largest city and capital of Andalucía. It can be quite far from Granada but if your itinerary allows for it, I would highly recommend staying there for a day or two as there is so much to see and do in the city. I really don’t think that you can go wrong with basing yourself in any of the three, though. Hope you’re able to have a great trip!

Three absolutely beautiful cities. I was in Granada a few weeks ago and was fortunate to be able to visit the Alhambra with practically no tourists. I suppose, if I had to chose, I would go for Granada but the Cathedral/Mosque of Cordoba and the Alcazares Reales of Sevilla are two of the most amazing buildings in Spain.

Sounds like you had a unique experience in Granada, Maria! I agree that it can be really hard to choose between the three – hopefully everyone can visit all of them!

This was a great article. I fell in love with Granada and would love to visit southern Spain again. This post was filled with useful to the point information. Saving FFR! Thanks:)

Glad you found the article helpful, Arbee! Hope you’re able to visit Spain again soon 🙂

Thank you Maggie. Your article has been a tremendous resource to help me plan my first trip to Spain.

Thanks, Lin! I’m so happy to hear that we could be of help. Hope you have a great trip!

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Seville, Cordoba & Granada Tour

3 Cities Cycling Tours

This self guided cycling tour passes through the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada and combines the history and beautiful scenery of the Andalucia region in southern Spain. Seville, Cordoba and Granada – are the 3 most impressive and historical cities in Andalucia and riding between them you will experience some of Spain’s finest rural landscapes where time seems to have stood still for hundreds of years. Your route takes you through plantations of orange, olive, cotton and sunflowers which all border the Guadalquivir River.

In addition to the sights in the three main cities, which include the world renowned Cathedral of Seville, the Mezquita and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, you will cycle through some beautiful lesser known towns, such as Carmona and Zuheros. The route combines the historic highlights of Andalucia, with the superb scenery from the Sierra de Hornachuels to the Subbetica Natural Park.

On this self guided cycling tour you stay in beautiful boutique hotels and you will visit many of the castles, cathedrals and palaces which makes this region the cultural centre of Andalucia.

• Accommodation
• Luggage Transfers

Not Included

• Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance

Bookable Extras

• Airport Transfers

Detailed Route Cards & GPS files

We take pride in our cycling route cards, checking and update them regularly.

Our route cards are your guide, providing much more information than the basic directions. Just as a guide would tell you about the places you pass, our route cards include information on historic villages, places of interest and monuments along the way. If it’s worth making a short detour to a fantastic viewpoint, we point this out too. We even suggest cafés and restaurants where you can stop for lunch.

We can also provide you with GPS files for this tour.

What to bring

Wearing a helmet while cycling in Spain is mandatory, we recommend that you bring your own or we can supply you with a helmet.

It’s important to be comfortable when cycling so we recommend wearing thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hardwearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer as these allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin. In my opinion cycling shorts are a must, if you are not comfortable on the saddle you will be less likely to want to ride. For most of the year you will need sunglasses, sun protection cream, aftersun lotion and a cotton scarf or buff to protect the back of the neck or top of the head.

Your luggage transported

We want you to enjoy your self guided cycling tour in Andalucia to the full so, for your comfort, we arrange the transportation of your luggage from one hotel to the next. All we ask is that you leave your suitcases in reception each morning, and a member of the Andalucian Cycling Experience team will ensure that they are waiting for you at your next hotel. All you need to carry with you are drinks, a camera, some cash and sun cream.

The cycling tour begins at 6pm at your hotel in Sevilla where we meet for a tour briefing and to bike fit you.

After the tour briefing, you can explore the city; taking in the Cathedral in Seville, which is the 3rd largest Cathedral in the world.

You will ride out of the city on cycle paths heading towards the ancient Roman city of Italica.

Italica has a brilliantly preserved Roman amphitheatre as well as the remains of impressive mosaics, baths and Roman houses.

After lunch you can continue the cycling tour to Carmona; a beautiful fortified Roman town in the heart of the plains of Andalucia.

Steeped in history Carmona has several Roman and Moorish structures which you will visit both on the way to and in the town itself.

Ride Distance

• Distance: 75km (500m of elevation)

You will leave Carmona following quiet back roads through fields of citrus, cotton, sunflowers and past traditional Spanish farmsteads.

The Guadalquivir river, which also features in todays ride, is a key part of the history of the region; it was used by the Romans to transfer troops, by the Muslims for irrigation and also a primary trade route for goods arriving from the Americas.

The hotel is located in a 15th century monastery in Palma del Rio; a one-time lodging place of Christopher Columbus. Palma del Rio is a picturesque town which, more recently, was central to the resistance movement in Andalucia during the Spanish Civil War.

• Distance: 70km (625m of elevation)

Leaving Palma del Rio behind, you will take a cross country route on the edge of the Sierra Morena Natural Park reaching the beautiful hilltop castle in Almodovar del Rio, which dates back to the 8th century.

The cycling continues from Almodovar on a flat route running parallel to the Guadalquivir River to Cordoba.

Take time to explore the Jewish Quarter which contains a fascinating array of narrow streets, in the heart of the city is the Mezquita – the Great Mosque of Cordoba. This is a marvellously decorated building which also is now home to the Cathedral. You can also visit the many Roman remains, the most impressive being the city bridge near the Mesquita. The Alcazar de los Reyes – a royal building which was at the centre of the Spanish Inquisition, and the Royal Stables are also well worth a visit.

• Distance: 70km (725m of elevation)

We leave Cordoba and head into the stunning Subbetica Natural Park on rolling cycling terrain through kilometre after kilometre of olive groves.

Tonights accommodation is in a traditional cortijo (farmhouse) inside the Natural Park close to the typical Andalucian white village of Zuheros.

The picturesque town of Zuheros is home to a 12th century castle and also prehistoric caves containing neolithic paintings.

• Distance: 85km (1600m of elevation)

Next stop is at Almedinilla: a Roman village with an excellent archaelogical museum including the remains of a Roman settlement.

The tour continues to the white village of Montefrio where you will stay in a converted 19th century olive mill. The scenery is picturesque riding along a scenic valley route surrounded by rolling hills.

Montefrio is home to a 14th Century Alcazaba which was a Moorish Fortress built to defend against a Christian invasion.

• Distance: 70km (1600m of elevation)

The final day in the saddle leaves Montefrio and crosses the quiet Vega Natural Park, finishing in Granada – the jewel in the crown of Spanish history.

In addition to the world famous Alhambra Palace, Granada is also home to the magnificent Albayzin district and an impressive cathedral.

• Distance: 80km (1350m of elevation)

Your tour ends after breakfast. However, we recommend you stay for at least one or two more nights in this historic city and can happily arrange accommodation for you.

Prices start from

• €1650/Person (B&B Basis)
• €350/Person (Optional Single Occupancy)
• €100/Hybrid Bike (Optional Hybrid Bike Hire)
• €200/Road Bike (Optional Road Bike Hire)
• €250/E-Bike (Optional E-Bike Hire)

Our Services

We provide a full service holiday to make your cycling holiday as enjoyable, and troublefree as possible

Free access to our fully equipped workshop to carry out repairs and maintenance on their bikes. Use of workshop is at clients’ own risks.

On Call Support

Our support van can come to the rescue at any time during your ride. Puncture, breakdown, fatigue, or just tired! Just call us. We will pick you up.

Bike Storage

We provide clients with Secure Bike Storage for the duration of their stay. Bikes can be stored at our facilities at no extra cost giving you peace of mind.

Guided Holidays

Experienced Guides with local knowledge helping you select the best routes for your ability, so that you get the most out of your cycling holiday.

We provide full route maps, plans and directions to help you select the best routes for your ability and ensure you get the most out of your cycling holiday.

Group Discount

Groups of 4 or more can enjoy discounts. Our returning guests get a special loyalty discount as a special thanks for coming back to us. Contact us for details.

Airport Transfer (optional)

Optional airport transfer from Malaga airport, also can arrange transfers from Jerez & Sevilla Airports. Check before booking your flights

Your safety is important to us so please bring suitable safety wear such as helmets, etc. and we ask you to follow our safety briefing for your own safety.

Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Travel insurance to include health cover and repatriation to your country of residence is mandatory for all trips

Similar tours

Cycling Holidays for Singles

Singles Cycling holidays from specialist in Cycling Holidays in Andalucia Spain for individuals as well as groups, including airport pickup

White Village Tours

White Villages of Andalucia Tour. Fantastic cycling in the heart of southern Spain , through beautiful white villages with picturesque and dramatic scenery.

White Village Sporting Tours

Sporting cycling tour through Andalucia is suitable for the avid cyclist, sportive riders and keen road bike riders. Expect to ride 50-160km per day on this point-to-point tour.

The self-guided bike tour through the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada combines incredible history with the beautiful countryside of Andalusia in Spain.

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My husband and I had a fantastic holiday in April with Ashley and Claire . I could not say enough good about our experience. Our accommodation in Ronda was a lovely clean stylish apartment. We had fantastic guided cycles tailored to our level of experience . Another family member was also accommodated to come cycling for two days at short notice . We can’t wait for our next trip!

Lisa Devine

Personally I hope the move to Ronda doesn’t make ACE *too* successful 🙂 The place is a hidden gem for cycling and I’d hate for it to become another Mallorca or Calpe where every cafe is overrun and prices are high. The fact that ACE are still going strong despite the massive impact of Covid on all businesses is a testament to the dedication of Claire and Ashley along with all of the other people who help keep it going. I can’t recommend ACE highly enough and I’ll definitely be back!

Douglas McArthur

Superb service from Ashley, Drew and co. Transfers, accommodation, routes etc all efficiently organised. Beautiful location as well. Highly recommend.

Ian O’Rorke

Had a great cycling holiday with this company! They were super accommodating to helping create a route that would work for us because we brought our toddler with us. The route was well organized and all accommodations and transfers of our luggage went smoothly. Ashley is personable and has worked hard to create the business- would highly recommend! An experience we will never forget

Mikaela Hayland

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Southern Spain Tour: Malaga, Costa del Sol, Granada, Cordoba, Seville & Ronda

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We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, marbella - arrive in spain.

Upon your arrival at Málaga airport, you will pick up a rental car equipped with an English GPS unit. From here, you’ll drive to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. In the seaside resort of Marbella, you’ll be staying at a beautiful luxury hotel. An oasis of luxury and comfort, this hotel is located in the city's historic Old Town. From the terrace of your room, you may have views of the Sierra Blanca Mountains or the Old Town’s Arab Walls. The hotel’s charming and quaint location is just a short walk from the sea and marina, where you’ll find upscale shopping, fine restaurants, beautiful beaches, and exclusive yacht clubs.

What's Included:

Marbella - Leisure Day on the Costa del Sol

Enjoy a day of leisure on the spectacular Costa del Sol. You could go for a scenic drive to explore the picturesque whitewashed villages and sun-soaked beaches. You could also drive east along the coast to the city of Málaga, about forty-five minutes away. Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and boasts wonderful museums. Take a tour of the Museo Picasso, a wonderfully designed museum that houses the private collections of Picasso's family. Another must-see sight in Málaga is the Alcazaba (the old Moorish castle) that sits on a hilltop proudly above the city. If you continue driving from Málaga further east, you’ll reach the quaint coastal town of Nerja. Here you can stroll along the Balcón de Europa, the famous seaside promenade built on the site of a Moorish castle, and visit the lovely 17th century Church of El Salvador with its charming mix of Baroque and Moorish styles. Another attraction is Las Cuevas de Nerja, a series of caverns containing prehistoric drawings that are 20,000 years old. The caves also boast a Guinness World Record award for their impressive stalactite structure. If you have the chance to visit in July, be sure to check out the International Music and Dance Festival held in the cave’s magnificent and unique setting.

Granada - Scenic Drive from Costa del Sol to Granada

After breakfast you will set off for a stunning scenic ride along the Costa del Sol to Granada. En route, you may stop in Antequera, a fascinating Andalusian village with 5,000 years of history. When you arrive in Granada, check into your accommodations. Located right in the heart of Granada's historic center, this elegant historic hotel features traditional Andalusian architecture. Later this evening, a local guide will take you on a walking tour through Granada’s enchanting old Islamic quarter, the Albaicín. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Moorish settlement is an absolutely fascinating place to explore. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow winding streets filled with pleasant courtyards and look out for the minarets that were converted to bell towers (during the Christian rule). The Albaicín feels like another world because of its enchanting Old World aura.

Granada - Guided Tour of the Alhambra Palace

After breakfast today, you will enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace, once the summer residence of Moorish Kings. The Alhambra is located in a spectacular setting surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the interior of the palace is just as breathtaking. On your tour, you will explore the Alhambra’s expansive complex of Moorish palaces and Arab-style gardens. You will wander through the palace of Nasrid sultans and see the famous Courtyard of the Lions. One highlight of the tour is the Generalife Gardens with its exquisite display of courtyards, fountains, running water and lush greenery. After visiting the Alhambra, spend the rest of the day sightseeing at your leisure. You should visit Granada’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building from the 16th century. Be sure to take a peak into the Sacristy, which contains exceptional paintings as well as a collection of royal artifacts.

Úbeda - Drive from Granada to the Renaissance Town of Úbeda

This morning, you will enjoy another scenic drive in the Spanish countryside. En route to Úbeda, you may wish to visit the historic town of Jaén. This lovely town offers many attractions, including a museum that displays sculptures from the 5th century B.C. The town also has exquisite 11th century Arab Baths, an elegant Renaissance cathedral and an impressive 9th century Moorish castle perched on Mount Santa Catalina. After your visit, continue on to Úbeda where more historic discoveries await you. The center of the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city gives you the feeling of walking through a pleasant open-air museum; many of the streets offer wonderful views of the rural landscape. Stroll past the town's exquisite Renaissance palaces and churches. Visit the town's central square, which is considered to be Spain’s best example of Renaissance urban planning. Then visit the town’s impressive church that exemplifies Italian Renaissance style. You can also spend time poking around the town’s boutiques and look out for shops selling the unique green pottery that is typical of the city.

Córdoba - Travel to Córdoba and Take a Guided Tour of La Mezquita

This morning, you will drive to Córdoba, the capital city of old Andalusia. You will staying at a luxurious hotel in the historic center of Córdoba near the famous Jewish Quarter, La Judería. After some time to freshen up, you will meet your guide for a half-day private tour. The highlight of your tour is a visit to La Mezquita, the old mosque that dates back to 785 and is one of the grandest Islamic buildings ever built. The building has since been converted into a church but still reveals the impressive Islamic architecture. Next, discover the city’s medieval quarters, one of the most interesting in Europe. Stroll the cobblestone streets and look out for the charming hidden patios that are so distinctive of Córdoba. After the tour, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. You might wish to visit the archeological museum or the Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana, an ancient aristocratic mansion that features splendid interiors and 12 landscaped patios.

Seville - Arrive in Seville and Go on a Guided Walking Tour

This morning you will drive to Seville, one of the gems of Andalusia. You’ll be staying at a traditional Andalusian house with a lovely courtyard and an outdoor pool. After you check in to the hotel, you will meet your guide for a half-day guided walking tour. First you’ll visit Seville’s grand cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world. The cathedral features a monument to Christopher Columbus and a spectacular altarpiece gilded with thousands of pounds of pure gold. Next you’ll visit the Reales Alcázares Palace with its lovely Andalusian gardens and finally, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter and now Seville's most fashionable neighborhood. Once your tour concludes, you will have time to explore the tapas bars, go shopping or visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, which stays open even during Seville “siesta” hours.

Seville - Leisure Time in Seville

You will have the day at leisure in Seville. You may want to visit places you did not see yesterday. Highly recommended sights are the Casa de Pilatos, an exceptional 15th century palace that exemplifies Andalusian style, and the Palacio de Lebrija, once the palace of a Countess. The palace features flawless Roman mosaics from the nearby Ruins of Itálica, a Roman archeological site. You should also spend some time shopping on the Calle Sierpes and visit the Parque de María Luisa, Seville’s largest public park. You can also choose to take a two-hour private lesson at one of Seville's most prestigious academies of Flamenco dance.

Ronda - Drive through the Countryside to the Village of Ronda

This morning, begin your journey through the Andalusian countryside to Ronda. On your way, you can stop at some of “Los Pueblos Blancos.” These picturesque whitewashed villages dot the region's hilltops and valleys, interspersed with olive groves. The most interesting include Jerez de la Frontera, well known for Sherry wine, and Arcos de la Frontera, one of the prettiest Pueblos Blancos villages. Once you arrive in Ronda, you will check in to a luxury hotel. Located in the city’s Old Town, this luxury hotel enjoys a spectacular cliff-top location with dramatic views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have free time to explore the historic city of Ronda. Wander the narrow streets of its old quarter and admire the lovely whitewashed homes with their decorative balconies. If you have time, you may visit the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings. You can also visit Ronda’s ancient Arab Baths, which exemplify the beauty of Moorish design and have been spectacularly preserved over the centuries.

Ronda - Departure from Málaga Airport

The tour concludes today after breakfast at your hotel. You’ll be provided a private transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Luxurious modernized hotels in charming historic properties
• Scenic drives along the coast and through Andalusia countryside
• Rest and relaxation at charming Costa del Sol’s seaside villages
• Stroll the pleasant streets of Seville and visit the historic sites
• Walking tour of Córdoba, including the UNESCO-listed Mezquita
• Private tour of Granada's UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace
• Visit Granada's Albaicín, the enchanting old Moorish quarter
• Option to take a private Flamenco lesson at a dance academy

Detailed Description

You will begin your journey through Southern Spain in the sun-drenched resort town of Marbella, a gem on Spain's spectacular Costa del Sol. The tour continues on to amazing historic sites, including ancient caves with prehistoric drawings in Nerja. Afterwards, you’ll travel into the heart of Andalusia. In Granada, you’ll enjoy a private tour of the legendary Alhambra Palace. In the evening, you will get an insiders look at Granada's ancient Moorish neighborhood, the Albaicín.

Explore the history of Southern Spain further as you visit the Renaissance town of Úbeda and the picturesque city of Córdoba, with its exceptional 8th century mosque. More highlights of Andalusia are found in the colorful city of Seville, which offers the quintessential culture of the region. To conclude your journey, you will visit Andalusia's whitewashed villages that dot the countryside’s hilltops and valleys. Your last evening will be spent in Ronda, a dramatic hill town surrounded by the beautiful Andalusian landscape and steeped in fascinating history.

Browse additional tours of Spain on Zicasso for more ideas and suggestions.

Starting Price

$3,115  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

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• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Experience the Vibrancy of Spain

“¡Bienvenidos a España!” CIE Tours can help you discover the many treasures of Spain: its vibrant traditions, enchanting culture, and the warm hospitality of its people.  Embark on an unforgettable guided tour through the marvelous cities of Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona all while enjoying the benefit of the All-In Inclusive Advantage. From the iconic Prado Museum in Madrid to the rhythmic beats of flamenco in Seville, each region offers unique and extraordinary experiences. Explore the historic charm of Córdoba, savor the flavors of Valencia's wineries, and immerse yourself in the architectural wonders of Barcelona. Or, if you have something more unique in mind, our Custom Group department can design the perfect Spanish adventure for groups of 10 or more. However you choose to travel, we’ll show you a glorious land, where every moment is a celebration of life… Welcome to the heart of Spain! 

Córdoba's Mezquita Cathedral

Tour Córdoba's Mezquita Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece reflecting centuries of history and religious transformation. Originally built as a mosque during the Islamic rule of Spain, its interior is a mesmerizing blend of Islamic striped arches and columns juxtaposed with Christian elements added after the Reconquista.

Take a scenic photo stop at Albufera, a lagoon where tranquil waters surround lush rice fields that have sustained Valencia's culinary heritage for centuries. Boats gently traverse the lagoon, a reminder of the traditional methods used to tend to these fertile lands, where the beauty of nature and agriculture are in harmony.

Granada's Albaicin Neighborhood

Step back in time on a walking tour of Granada's historic Albaicín neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by its narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the Alhambra palace. Feel the Moorish ambiance of its ancient architecture, including remnants of mosques and traditional Andalusian homes, reflecting Spain's multicultural past.

Madrid Skyline with Cathedral

Discover the vibrant streets of Madrid on a guided walking tour. Explore the rich history and cultural diversity of Spain's capital city as you stroll through iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace.

Prado Museum Madrid

Visit the world-renowned Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain's national art museum. One of the world's most important collections, it houses masterpieces from artists such as Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.

Seville Cathedral

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Seville Cathedral , the world's largest Gothic cathedral, on a guided tour. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture, including the famous Giralda Tower (a symbol of the city of Seville), and hear how it was built on the site of a former mosque after the Christian conquest of Seville in 1248. Explore the stunning interior adorned with magnificent altars, chapels, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Discover Seville, home to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, a symbol of its rich religious heritage. Once a busy port city during the Age of Discovery, Seville's streets hold stories of maritime adventure and exploration. We'll uncover the history of this vibrant and grand city on a walking tour with a local guide.

The Albaicín in Granada

Step back in time in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín, Granada's ancient Moorish quarter. Lose yourself in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back over a thousand years, with picturesque views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains.

Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences

Marvel at futuristic architecture on a walking tour of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. This spectacular collection of avant-garde buildings was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela to house cultural and scientific institutions. The complex is surrounded by gardens and water to blend the architecture with natural elements.

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Coming Soon: Best of Spain

Our Best of Spain guided vacation is on the horizon, launching in June. From Madrid to Barcelona, Seville to Granada, experience Spain's rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine. Sign up for our email and be the first to know when it's available!

Spain at a Glance

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June to August

Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Valencian

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• ¡Hola! (Hello!)
• Gracias (Thank you)
• Por favor (Please)
• Buenos días (Good morning)
• Adiós (Goodbye)
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The tour exceeded all our expectations. Well organized agenda, brilliant and entertaining tour director/driver, and perfect selection of experiences. Highly recommend CIE tours for a rich, hassle-free trip.

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19-Day Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Cordoba, Fez, Marrakech, Granada and more.

• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 WELCOME TO MADRID!
• Day 2 VISITING MADRID
• Day 3 MADRID, TRUJILLO AND LISBON
• Day 4 LISBON, A DIFFERENT CAPITAL
• Day 5 ONE DAY IN FATIMA
• Day 6 FROM LISBON TO SEVILLE
• Day 7 DISCOVERING SEVILLE
• Day 8 FROM SEVILLE TO THE HISTORICAL CORDOBA
• Day 9 FROM CORDOBA TO RONDA AND COSTA DEL SOL
• Day 10 FREE DAY AT COSTA DEL SOL
• Day 11 DISCOVERING COSTA DEL SOL
• Day 12 FROM COSTA DEL SOL TO MOROCCO
• Day 13 FROM CASABLANCA TO MARRKECH
• Day 14 ONE DAY IN FEZ
• Day 15 FROM MARRAKECH TO RABAT AND FEZ
• Day 16 ONE DAY IN FEZ
• Day 17 FROM FEZ BACK TO SPAIN
• Day 18 COSTA DEL SOL AND GRANADA
• Day 19 FROM GRANADA TO MADRID THROUGH TOLEDO
• Day 20 GOODBYE MADRID!

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Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Remaz Tours GmbH 3.5
• Margaret · 23rd July 2023 Excellent 18 day tour of Lisbon,Porto,Seville,Cordoba, Granada,Toledo,Salamanca,Costa delSol,... Show more
• Maher · 19th March 2023 Excellent tour by Remaz Tours GmbH

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• Monday 6 May, 2024 Saturday 25 May, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 13 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
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• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 3 Jun, 2024 Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 10 Jun, 2024 Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
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• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 24 Jun, 2024 Saturday 13 Jul, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 1 Jul, 2024 Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 8 Jul, 2024 Saturday 27 Jul, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,779 Confirm Dates

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Portugal and Spain د.م. Moroccan Dirham Morocco

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Morocco. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Morocco. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Morocco. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Morocco. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 2nd July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 2nd July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Remaz Tours GmbH. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Remaz Tours GmbH will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Remaz Tours GmbH" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Remaz Tours GmbH. Please familiarise yourself with the Remaz Tours GmbH payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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