The Beauty of Andalucia Holidays 2011 

We fly together from London to Malaga arriving mid afternoon, where we are transferred to the 4-star Hotel Maestranza in Ronda, perfectly located in the centre of this beautiful hilltop village. (D)

This morning we set out on a sightseeing tour of Ronda, a historic town divided in two by its impressive gorge. We visit the beautiful Casa Bosco, with it's terraced gardens, and the Puente Nuevo, which has fabulous panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and the incredible gorge, almost 100m deep. We also visit Ronda's bullring, the oldest in Spain. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. The old quarter contains a maze of narrow streets and Moorish buildings for you to explore, and the evening is free for you to try one of Ronda's many fantastic tapas restaurants. (B)

Today we continue on our journey through the heart of Andalucia, catching the train to Cordoba where we are picked up by our coach for a morning of sightseeing. This beautiful city, once the largest metropolis in Western Europe, is world-renowned for its magnificent mosque, or Mezquita, begun in the 8th century. In the 13th century, it was reconsecrated as a cathedral, and during our visit we admire the soaring Gothic spires and gilded domes. In the late afternoon we board our onward service to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalucia, and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Becquer located in the heart of the town and ideally placed for exploring Seville on foot. We dine together in the hotel this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of Seville's beautiful centre. First stop is the Plaza España, where you have time to admire the beautiful buildings, fountains and tiled alcoves, created for the 1929 'Fair of the Americas'. We move on to the Alcazar, the magnificent Royal Palace dating from the 10th century, originally constructed as a Moorish fort. The fragrant gardens are a lovely sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Seville's city centre, and are well laid out with fountains and pools interspersed with formal lawns and flowerbeds. We finish our tour in front of the amazing cathedral, the largest Gothic building in Europe. The cathedral, built on the site of a mosque, is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, and is lavishly decorated in gold. Its bell tower, La Giralda, was the minaret of the original mosque and dominates the city skyline. The afternoon is free to explore - Seville is reputedly the city with the largest number of tapas bars in the world, so why not take a well-earned rest in a pavement café with a few plates of local specialities? Alternatively, those feeling more energetic can climb the incredible Giralda for amazing views over the buildings below. (B)

Today finds us travelling south-east by train to the beautiful town of Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We arrive mid-afternoon and transfer to the 4-star Melia Granada, and you have time to settle in before we meet for dinner this evening. The hotel is perfectly located in Granada's Old Town, and after dinner you may wish to take a stroll through the narrow streets of the Medina, originally Moorish markets. (B,D)

This morning we are picked up by coach for our excursion to the Albayzin, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on a hill opposite the world famous Alhambra. This district of narrow labyrinthine lanes and winding alleys is the ancient Moorish quarter of the city and housed the artists who built the acclaimed palaces in the ancient city of Elvira, the original name of Granada before it was rechristened by the Moors. We enjoy a tour of the beautiful Albayzin, before returning to the city's historic Old Town, where we visit the cathedral of Santa María de la Encarnación, one of the loveliest Renaissance churches in Spain. We also visit the Royal Chapter which houses the Tombs of the Catholic Kings, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, on whose authority Christopher Columbus embarked on his famous voyage in 1492. We enjoy a tapas lunch together in a traditional local restaurant. (B,L)

Granada's stunning Alhambra is world-renowned for its beauty, and we have devoted this morning to exploring this fantastic monument. Built in the 14th century, the Alhambra, literally 'the red castle', is a fortress, palace and small town all rolled into one. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty in the middle of the 13th century, and over the next few centuries the fortress became a citadel. We also explore the breathtaking Generalife Gardens which cover the whole summit of the hill. (B,D)

We are transferred by coach to Malaga airport after breakfast to catch our flight home to London. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

This holiday is part of our 'Fly Rail' holiday programme allowing you to fly to your European destination then enjoy the same wonderful excursions by rail and quality hotels.