Paradors of Andalucía: Granada to Seville

Your Andalucían holiday begins when you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of your small group at London Gatwick, before boarding a flight to Málaga. On landing in Spain, we are transferred by coach to our first Parador, which looks over the historic town of Antequera, around an hour's drive north of the coastal city of Málaga.

On arrival, we check in to the Parador de Antequera and enjoy a welcome drink. Overlooking the valley, this historic hotel blends its rich artistic heritage with modernity and is an elegant place to unwind and enjoy sunsets over the Antequera plain. After settling into our spacious surroundings, there's time to unwind before dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Dinner

With a morning at leisure, you may like to explore Antequera whose ruined Alcazaba fortress looms over the city, before the first highlight of our tour - a visit to Granada and the breathtaking UNESCO-listed site, the Alhambra.

Once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus, now known as Andalucía, this spectacular palace complex sits on a plateau overlooking the city, with the fairytale Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop. The Alhambra is listed as a World Heritage site for its outstanding aesthetic value as the world's only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period and the best example of its architecture.

We walk through the series of breathtaking palaces with intricate carved wooden ceilings, colourful mosaics and impressive plasterwork. We also enter the beautiful gardens of the 14th-century Generalife, once a summer palace and country estate of the sultans. After this unforgettable excursion, there's free time in the Moorish quarter of the city, the Albaícin, before we regroup for an authentic Andalucian dinner, at a traditional restaurant with spectacular views of the Alhambra.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by rail to another striking and popular Andalucian city, Ronda. On arrival, there's time to find lunch independently before an afternoon tour with our Tour Manager and local guide.

Ronda is best known for its iconic bullring and the dramatic setting of its bridge, El Puente Nuevo, that stands high above the deep El Tajo Gorge which splits the city into two halves. In centuries past, the gorge served as a formidable defence against the city's enemies. Our tour takes in both the bridge and the historic bullring, one of Spain's oldest and largest. Even if you're not a fan of bullfighting, the 18th-century stone-built Plaza de Toros (bullring) has significant cultural importance and is well worth viewing. The bullring is home to Spain's Real Maestranza de Caballería (the Royal Cavalry), which dates back to 1485 - the year the Catholic monarchs defeated the Moors after more than 750 years of Islamic rule.

Following today's excursion, we take the train back to Antequera where there's time to relax before enjoying dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Antequera shortly after breakfast, we head by coach to the majestic city of Córdoba, renowned for its Grand Mosque and World Heritage old town. Entrance is included to the famous Mezquita, with time to wander through the awe-inspiring mosque-cathedral.

After the tour, there's free time to explore and sample the local cuisine. In spring, Córdoba's ancient streets are filled with the fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom, pretty courtyards open their gardens, and inviting squares provide shade and a peaceful place to watch the world go by. You could also visit the cooling gardens of the Real Alcazar (Royal Palace) where it is possible to book tickets online in advance.

We continue to our next superb accommodation, the Parador de Carmona, a historic fortress palace built on the ruins of a 14th-century Moorish castle. Once an ancient acropolis, the site was transformed into a castle by the Moorish king of Carmona, then later rebuilt by Pedro I, promotor of the Alcazar of Seville. We are welcomed to this breathtaking residency with a refreshing drink followed by dinner at the Parador's esteemed restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Carmona is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Andalucía and today it is yours to explore. From our luxurious accommodation above the centre of the city, our Parador offers panoramic views from every corner, including its terrace and swimming pool. Nearby monuments include the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, a Moorish castle restored by King Peter I 'the Cruel', the Puerta de Sevilla, the Museum of Carmona, the Plaza de San Fernando and the fascinating Archaeological Complex.

You could simply soak up the atmosphere on a walk through the photogenic streets of the city's historical quarter, following the 'Carmona Route, a Cinematic Destination' (in Spanish 'Carmona, Destino de Cine') which takes you to locations used in a number of films. If you're interested in film and theatre, you may like to visit the beautifully preserved Teatro Cerezo, built in the 1930s.

This evening you are free to dine independently, and there are several highly rated restaurants in Carmona to choose from that serve typical Andalucian cuisine such as cod, pork, croquetas and potato dishes.

• Breakfast

Today we visit the glorious city of Seville, known for its bold Moorish, Catholic and flamenco heritage as well as its delicious tapas.

After a short trip by coach to the city, we enjoy a guided walking tour of famous sites including Plaza de España, and the imposing Gothic cathedral. Our tour continues to the striking Real Alcázar (Royal Palace) where entrance is included with time to admire the elaborate interiors, patios, ornate ironwork and geometric tiles. The breathtaking palace gardens provide a peaceful oasis, with ancient water features, shaded seating areas and peacocks wandering among fragrant orange trees. After time at the Royal Palace, you are free to find lunch independently - possibly at the café in the gardens, or in the nearby Santa Cruz district which is brimming with tapas bars.

This afternoon we meet up to take part in another enjoyable tradition of Andalucía, a sherry tasting. After this experience, we transfer back to our Parador hotel where we regroup for the final dinner of our holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This discovery of Andalucía has featured stays in two of Spain's esteemed Paradors. We've toured the region from its geographic centre, Antequera, to five great cities - among other sites, we've seen the unforgettable Alhambra in Granada and the awe-inspiring La Mezquita mosque-cathedral in Córdoba. We've toured the vibrant city of Seville including its Royal Palace, seen the iconic landmarks of Ronda and sipped sherry in Jerez.

After a leisurely final day in Carmona, we head to the airport for our return flight to London Gatwick, where your tour comes to an end.

• Breakfast