Tour Overview
Welcome to the real Andalucia. Internationally famous for the unique Roman and Arab legacy found in Granada, Cordoba, Ronda as well as for sherry and brandy, horses, flamenco, culture, white villages, bulls and excellent gastronomy found in Jerez, Cadiz and Seville. This tour features guided visits to the monumental complex of The Alhambra, The Generalife, the jasmine scented streets of the Moorish Albaycin quarter in Granada as well as the incredible Mosque, the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba and the impressive gorge dividing Ronda. Wine lovers will be impressed by our wine estates, visits at the foor of the Sierra Nevada mountain range as well as the traditional wine region of Montilla-Moriles, well known among wine, sherry and brandy enthusiasts and the up and coming wine region of ronda, tasting the wines of this favored microclimate region. This program features Jerez and its surroundings, visiting two top wine estates with a splendid guided tour tasting different types of wine, sherry and brandy. Visit Grazalema, where we admire the white village of Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most stunning in Andalucia. Here we learn the traditional methods of olive oil producing in a mill dating back to 1755. After Grazalema we will head for Arcos de la Frontera, a stunning town situated on cliffs high above the river, with cobblestone streets leading to a castle. The views are staggering. Your guide will walk you through a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, experiencing one of the most spectacular views in Spain. After a private visit to the stunning Alcazar, experience a famous show of dancing horses. By night witness a real Flamenco Show with authentic dancers, signers and guitarists. You will also visit the fishing port of Puerto Santa Maria, famous for its fine sandy beaches and excellent cuisine. It is from here you will visit the oldest city in Europe- Cadiz, on a pleasure cruise admiring the amazing bay. And, no itinerary would be complete without a visit to the magnificent city of Seville, including the Cathedral and Giralda Tower, and the Jewish Quarter. Enjoy unique accommodations in historic buildings such as palaces, monasteries, wineries, castles and boutique hotels, catering to your personal preferences. The meals are based on a varied gastronomy, from traditional to modern, and tapas to suit all tastes, including gourmet lunches in highly regarded local restaurants and a silver service lunch at a prestigious catering school. Come, explore the Real Andalucia!Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Granada, SpainWelcome to Andalucia! After you clear customs and immigration formalities, you will be welcomed by an iExplore Representative and driven to your hotel in Granada. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The Hesperia Granada is set in a quiet area of the old city, providing fantastic accommodations in the very heart of old town, with the shops and attractions of the city less than 50 meters away. The 70 guest rooms are attractively decorated and open out onto balconies. Original features such as the central atrium, bring a wonderful atmosphere to the hotel, an oasis of calm within the lively setting that is Granada. Granada is one of the most fascinating cities in Spain. It’s history and monuments are a testimony to this fact. “There is no pain in life so cruel as to be blind in Granada” is inscribed on the ramparts of the Alhambra; these words address the unique beauty of Granada.
Hesperia Granada Day 2: Granada
After a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up at 9:30am for a private, guided visit to one of the most spectacular monuments in the world- The Alhambra. Extraordinarily well preserved and in a majestic natural setting, stands Alhambra- the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European Monuments. It was the palace-fortress of the Nasrid Sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom, and in its construction Moorish art reached a spectacular and serene climax. Its pleasing splendor resides not in the structures themselves, but in the ornamentation that makes them seem almost an apparition, in the intricate delicacy of its carved wooden ceilings, the lace-like reliefs of its plaster walls, the repeated motifs of interlaced arabesques and the finely perforated tracery of the arched arcades on slender columns of white marble. This afternoon we have an outstanding gourmet lunch in a cave in the Sacramonte quarter. You will enjoy sampling exquisite local dishes on an outdoor terrace with magical views of the Alhambra. After lunch we have a private panoramic tour of Granada. The city of Granada has been shaped by the hills, where the old districts in the Albaicin and the Alhambra were founded, brimming with steep, narrow streets, beautiful nooks and crannies and marvelous landscapes. You will be guided through the monumental and romantic routes as well as the Cathedral and the new part of the city including the Museum Federico Garcia Lorca. Early evening return to the hotel. The evening and dinner are free. Need restaurant or tapas bar recommendations? Just ask us.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hesperia Granada Day 3: Granada- Montilla- Cordoba- Granada
After breakfast at the hotel, depart on a private tour of arguably the best oil mill in the world. You will be shown the production process at the oil mill’s groves and Almazara, parts of which date back to the 18th century and are in perfect working order. The oil produced here is recognized by connoisseurs as one of the finest organic extra virgin oils in the world. This recognition comes in the form of the many prestigious awards granted and accolades received in the press by food critics and master chefs. Next, a private guided tour of one of the leading wineries in the Montilla wine region. This winery was founded in 1729 and is the third oldest in Spain. Learn all about their finest and predominant grape- the Pedro Ximenez. After admiring this monumental cellar, taste the different wines and brandies accompanied by a delicious tapas lunch. After lunch enjoy a private guided tour of one of the most emblematic cities in Spain, left by Arab legacy, and visit its famous mosque. When the city was captured by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city we so awed by its beauty they left it standing, building their own cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba’s treasures include the Alcazar, or fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba’s medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish Community, is called ‘La Juderia’ (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. After your explorations, return to Granada. Dinner and the evening are on your own. Relax in the hotel or enjoy a meal at one of the numerous restaurants by the hotel. Ask us for recommendations.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hesperia Granada Day 4: Granada- Ronda
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel before heading off for a private visit to an exclusive Wine Estate located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A guided tour, conducted by the owner lets you learn his own winemaking methods. View the state of the art facilities and taste the new wines of this favored microclimate region.
Then a short drive later finds us in a little town near Malaga. Here we stop for lunch at the best catering school in Andalucia, where many Michelin-star chefs learned their culinary skills. You will be able to choose a tasting menu with pairing wines. A superb lunch in style and a real gastronomic treat you wont forget. After your gourmet lunch, we continue on to Ronda, where your guide will take you on a private guided walking tour. Explore the Old Town, admiring the spectacular bridge which spans the plunging river gorge with a sheer drop of 120 meters, dividing the medieval from the 18th century parts of town. Also notice the houses hanging from the cliffs. Check into your hotel. The Winery Hotel Juncal is a rare find in Ronda- a converted old Spanish Finca with wonderfully modern interiors that will take you completely by surprise. The rooms are uniquely decorated and are equipped with satellite TV and every amenity. Set in a tranquil location, here you can enjoy the clear mountain air while enjoying panoramic views. The Mansion Hotel San Gabriel is located in the heart of the historic and art districts of Ronda. Built in 1736, this Andalucian House, with its original Coat of Arms and handsome stone façade offers guests 22 carefully decorated rooms that maintain San Gabriel’s authentic Spanish flavor. Each room, individually decorated, has a TV and minibar. The evening is free. Perhaps enjoy dinner tonight at a Michelin-star restaurant. Need a recommendation? We would be happy to help. Breakfast, Lunch
Winery Hotel Juncal or Mansion Hotel San Gabriel Day 5: Ronda- Grazalema National Park- Arcos de la Frontera- Jerez
Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast, and then depart for Grazalema National Park. Designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The Sierra De Grazalema is one of the most ecologically outstanding areas in Europe. The park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. This will be a truly memorable journey through a place of incomparable beauty with stunning views. Then, a private visit to a traditional olive oil mill. Here you will learn how one of the best and most expensive olive oil is produced. Enjoy a tasting of this fine extra virgin olive oil. Afterwards, walk with your guide through the white villages. Enjoy exquisite local cuisine accompanied by superb wines for lunch at the best local restaurant in Arcos de la Frontera.
After your gourmet lunch, depart for a guided tour of Arcos de la Frontera, an amazing town situated on cliffs high above the river. Walking the many narrow, cobbled streets leading to a castle is an unforgettable adventure. Take some time to rest before leaving for an authentic Flamenco Show including dinner. The show takes place in a decorated typical mansion in Jerez, and the flamenco dancers, males and females, have been carefully selected for their singing and dancing skills, making this event without a doubt the best flamenco show in Spain and possibly in the world. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jerez Hotel Jandalos Day 6: Jerez- Cadiz- Jerez
Today after breakfast depart for a guided tour of one of the most prestigious and oldest wine estates in the Sherry Region. This sherry house produces one of the most impressive ranges of Sherries, including very old and rare ones. You will experience a fascinating tour of the bodega, learning about the production and maturation as well as the soleras and press houses. Enjoy a tasting of their Sherries. Next, take a trip by boat to the oldest city in Europe: Cadiz, a city surrounded by the sea. The first stop is for a gourmet lunch at a renowned catering school, where many Michelin-star chefs started their careers. After your delicious meal, join your guide for a walking tour of the old quarter of Cadiz, a city famous for its sandy beaches, great variety of architecture (Roman, Arab), astonishing location and excellent gastronomy found in the numerous tapas bars. After the tour, return to your lovely hotel to relax and have dinner, or perhaps enjoy the cities of Jerez or PuertoSanta Maria by night Breakfast, Lunch
Jerez Hotel Jandalos Day 7: Jerez
After breakfast today visit the Alcazar one of the oldest and most important monuments of the Arab legacy in Jerez. You will be able to see the beautiful gardens, the tower, with great views of the city, the Arab baths and courtyard and one of the main attractions- the Darkroom, featuring moving pictures of Jerez.
Next, a spectacular equestrian show- an amazing horse ballet accompanied by Spanish music and 18th century style costumes. A unique show available only in Andalucia! After the show, time for a fabulous gourmet lunch in one of the most emblematic restaurants in Jerez. A secret gem in the center of the city where you will sample typical Andalusian cooking. After lunch, a private visit to a top wine estate is in store. Enjoy this amazing guided tour including a vineyard walk and wine tasting. You will experience a family wine estate of international renown and fantastic facilities. Notice the signatures on the wine and brandy barrels of many heads state, Hollywood actors and monarchs who had the pleasure of visiting such a great place. The evening is free. Breakfast, Lunch
Jerez Hotel Jandalos Day 8: Jerez- Seville
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Seville, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Enjoy a private guided tour of the city as you visit the Parque de Maria Luisa and the Plaza de Espana. The Plaza is marked by a long semicircular series of arches bearing ceramic crests of all the provinces of Spain. The park itself is dotted with buildings left over from the Spanish-American exhibition of 1929. One of these now houses the Museo Arqueologico. Artifacts from the Moorish Palace of medina Azahara are on display here. Next, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter turned fashionable neighborhood. The walls are so white, the flowers so bright and the iron everywhere so intricately wrought that you expect a senorita in full flounce to come around the corner at any time, castanets clicking. Amid the chic shops and restaurants of this barrio, you can also see many traditional Andalusian homes. Now, you have a private guided visit to the Cathedral and Giralda Tower. It is the third largest Christina Church in the world and the largest Gothic one, and was built between 1402 and 1506 on the site of a former mosque. Hidden in its somber shadows are many relics and treasures, including paintings by Murillo, Zurbarab and Goya; a cross said to be made from the first gold Columbus brought back to Spain from America, and a funerary monument claimed to hold the explorer’s remains. Exiting through the Puerta de Oriente you are at the base of Seville’s trademark Giralda, a slender, rectangular tower rising 305 feet. Erected between 1184 and 1196, it is the remaining minaret of the mosque, which was destroyed a century later. The afternoon is free for shopping or to independently explore the Jewish Quarter- perhaps by a horse carriage- the best way to enjoy and appreciate the charm of Seville. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Seville. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seville Casas de Juderia, Vincci La Rabida or Petit Palace Marques de Santa Ana Day 9: Seville- Depart
Depart the hotel for the airport on your own. Breakfast
