Splendours of Andalucia

Begin your trip with complimentary airport lounge access before flying out to Málaga. On arrival, you’ll pick up your hire car and make your way to Seville. Driving through the Spanish countryside to Seville, we recommend pausing at Ronda – a plateau-top town that hides pretty plazas and historic churches. You’ll then arrive to welcome drinks, settling in to rooftop-pool views of the city’s historic centre from your accommodation – an 18th-century townhouse. To help you get your bearings we’ve included a private walking tour. Your expert guide will bring you through the twisting alleyways of Seville’s medieval heart, stopping at hidden churches, secret tapas bars and orange-tree-dotted plazas before centring on Seville’s icon – the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. We've also included a tasting presentation on the region’s gastronomic jewel – jamón ibérico cured ham.

Stay: Hospes Las Casas del Ray de Baeza (Superior)

Continuing through those famous Spanish plains, you’ll arrive at Córdoba to welcome drinks at your 16th-century palace accommodation. Here, great courtyards present evidence of a Roman villa. Your private walking tour will then bring you through the city’s Jewish quarter, its atmospheric laneways lined with 14th-century houses, historic monuments and an intricately carved synagogue. In turn, the Mezquita is a particular highlight, a great 8th-century mosque-cathedral. It’s widely regarded to be one of the world’s finest examples of Islamic architecture. In the evening, you'll revert to something distinctly Spanish with the folkloric music and sensually gracious dances of a flamenco performance.

Heading through the Sierra Nevada foothills, perhaps stopping at Jaen’s imposing castle and historic jumble of narrow streets, you’ll arrive at Granada. Welcome drinks will then greet you at your 19th-century palace accommodation, beautified by an ultra-modern wing. Its restaurant will also host your included three-course dinner, with tapas starters matched by a tasting menu of typical Andalucian dishes. A private walking tour will then highlight the city’s myriad treasures. As the last bastion of a lost Moorish civilisation, you’ll take in Renaissance palaces, exotic manor gardens and the stunning Alhambra, a palace-fortress whose medieval ramparts cloak a truly regal interior.

Drive back to Málaga to drop your car off at the airport and make your flight home.

Blog: Best of Andalucia