8-Day Spain: Andalusia Cultural Tour

Arguably one of the most invaded parts of Spain, Andalusia dates back to the previous Muslim occupants. After arriving in Malaga, you will receive a brief orientation from your tour leader before making your way to your comfortable hotel in the city center of Grenada. After checking in, you will be able to enjoy a brief walking tour that will include the Moorish quarter, the scenic San Nicolas viewpoint, and a meal of traditional Andalusian tapas.

Originally inhabited by native tribes in prehistoric times, later influences on the local culture and architecture arrived in the form of the Romans, Muslims, and Christians. Today, you will step into the magical environment of the Alhambra Palace, where a local art historian will introduce you to the sculpted fountains and vaulted ceilings of this Moorish castle. After your tour, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure and explore Granada's rich culture and heritage.

Your mouth will be your most reliable guide today as you pay a visit to an active olive oil mill and local winery that produces some of the region's best vintages. In this rural setting, you will learn about the traditional methods of producing these Spanish staples before enjoying a lunch of tapas of the freshest local ingredients. In the afternoon, a comfortable transfer will ensure your swift arrival to the city of Cordoba, where you will celebrate with a brief walking tour of the photogenic city center.

Cordoba was originally founded by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city was an important center of Islamic culture and scholarship. On your first morning in this city, you will enjoy the company of a knowledgeable guide during a walking tour of the main attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visits to the mosque, cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and a collection of picturesque plazas, your tour will conclude at the Julio Romero Museum. Lunch will take place at an iconic Cordoba landmark before you wrap up your thrilling day with a performance of the famous Andalusian horses and their expert riders.

Waking up in Cordoba will promise a trip to an active archaeological dig, which will help propel you from the comfort of your accommodation. After departing the city, a short drive into the countryside will be all that separates you from the famous  archaeological site at Medina Azahara. In this rustic environment, you will be able to explore and thoroughly enjoy the lasting impressions that have been left on Spain by the Muslims. After visiting Carmona, it is off to Seville for the remainder of your day. Here, you will settle into this charming city with a stroll past the plaza de Espana and into the city's lush parks and gardens.

Seville is a city for the senses. For those who love art, many homes are bedecked with handcrafted ceramic tiles that mark the street number of the house and introduce a splash of color to the city. For those who follow their nose, the very air you breathe will be infused with the aroma of the numerous citrus trees that line the scenic boulevards. This sensuous life will come to life on a morning walking tour through the city, during which you will visit all the main sites. Of course, for those led by their ears, an evening Flamenco show will cap off a spectacular day in this vibrant city.

This tour of Andalusia ensures a unique balance between your travel destinations and the journey it takes to get there. This will be well illustrated as you make your way to the thriving port city of Malaga. After departing Seville, you will make your way into the Grazalema Natural Park, where you will enjoy stops at the scenic towns of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. For lunch, you will make your way into the highlands above the coast to pay respects to the iconic town of Ronda before finally making your way down to the Mediterranean and the charming city center of Malaga.

The cathedral, fortress, and Roman theater will all be yours to explore on the final day of your Andalusian adventure. A morning tour will lead you through the old town before arriving at the Picasso museum. Considered one of Spain's greatest artists, Picasso was born in Malaga before his award-winning career as a painter and sculptor. After a farewell lunch, you will be free to continue the next leg of your travels.