One-Week Southern Spain Vacation: History Comes to Life

Central Spain is the home of the national capital of Madrid. You may have heard that all roads lead to Rome, but in Spain, all Spanish roads originate from this very plaza. Among the hustle and bustle of daily life in this major metropolis, it is easy to see how this city has become the pinnacle of national pride. Modern centers of shopping and dining sit side-by-side with ancient fortresses and palaces. Visitors can converge from around the world to indulge in the city's eclectic history and vibrant culture.

You too will surely fall in love with this enchanting city. You will arrive at Madrid's Barajas Airport as your journey to the illustrious region of Andalusia begins. You will be met at the airport with private transportation that will escort you to your luxurious accommodation. After a brief respite as you settle into your luxurious space, you can unwind with an exquisite lunch in the nearby Plaza del Sol. Here, children skip with colorful balloons that are tied to their wrist as taxis weave in and out of traffic. You can indulge in a fruity glass of sangria as you look out on the effervescent hum of excited restaurant-goers and shoppers. Then, in the afternoon, you can meet your guide for a tour of the city highlights, which will include the Royal Palace, Gran Via, and Parque El Retiro.

Charming streets nestle into the hillside where La Mezquita's mosque and cathedral stand stoically. In the springtime months, Spanish and international admirers trek to the city of Cordoba for the beloved Patios de Cordoba festival, in which neighbors proudly display floral arrangements that are bursting with pink, orange, and yellow hues.

You will arrive in Cordoba, and within a few hours, you will be at your charming, luxury accommodation. Guitar strings will echo in the distance as you are met by your expert guide to witness the city's most famous and revered relic of La Mezquita. This impressive edifice comprises of an outer mosque perimeter and an interior cathedral that nods to the city's captivating history of Roman Catholics, Muslims, and Jewish groups. As you step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can admire the ornate archways and gold leaf exterior of the mosque that is mimicked by the gold leaf interior of the cathedral. Incense will waft in every direction as organ music plays softly in the background. Later in the afternoon, you will explore Cordoba's Jewish Quarter, where you can sample tantalizing specialties, such as couscous and salmorejo.

Horse-drawn carriages bump along the cobbled streets as they round the corner of Seville's prominent cathedral, and flamenco dancers vigorously tap their heels against the pavements. Sweet smells of fresh tomato gazpacho will glide through the city's downtown with each light breeze.

On your third day in Spain, you will arrive in the dazzling city of Seville. After dropping off your luggage at your luxurious accommodation, you will meet your expert guide to embark on a tour of Seville's endless treasures. First, you will begin on the outskirts of the city where Plaza de Espana stands proudly. Here, visitors tend to stroll along the perimeter that is adorned with tiled mosaics and serpentine-like benches. Paddleboats that have been made for two move about a central riverway, and in the distance, you can hear the clopping of horses among the public parks. You will then learn about the plaza's history before enjoying additional time to explore the parks. The beautiful Torre del Oro and the Triana Bridge will make for captivating photos. The exquisite palace of the Alcazar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 16th century, and its vibrant tilework, geometrically patterned ceilings, and luscious gardens date back to a Moorish rule. Finally, you will return to the city's downtown, where you can peak your head into an authentic bullfighting ring before cooling off with Seville's famed gazpacho, which is a chilled soup that blends fresh tomato and regional spices.

Local heritage emanates from every building and cathedral in the city of Granada. Protected by the illustrious, snow-capped mountain range of the Sierra Nevada, this city treasures some of Spain's most diverse culture and history. Just like Seville and much of Andalusia, Granada fell under the rule of the Moorish empire for hundreds of years. Still, the city prides itself on a gypsy community that is responsible for world-famous flamenco music and dance.

Today, you will travel from Seville until arriving in the beautiful city of Granada a few hours later. You can unpack your bags as you look out on Granada's cathedral from your private balcony. As you peek out from your window, you can catch glimpses of charismatic street performers as they dance, sing, and juggle. Sweet smells of Granada's finest spices like saffron and loose-leafed teas will pour out from open-aired shops. By the early afternoon hours, you will have surely worked up an appetite. Finally, you will embark on a tapas crawl of the city's most beloved tapas hotspots.

You will begin in the Plaza Nueva, where energy is always buzzing, and restaurants burst with nonstop chatter. Here, you can sample delights, such as fried octopus or sweet olives. You will continue your tour to Plaza Bib-Rambla and Plaza de los Lobos, where sweet sangria and frothy canas abound in addition to creamy cheeses, finely cured ham, and freshly seasoned salads. You will then peruse handicrafts at the Alcaiceria, climb the steps from Calle Elvira to one of the area's elegant teterias, and admire the enchanting downtown by moonlight from one of the dozens of lookout sites or miradors.

Above downtown Granada looms the palace that is known as La Alhambra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts two million visitors per year. Aside from its remarkable beauty and vast gardens, the site was also a symbol of Moorish grandeur and military might in the region for over seven hundred years.

Early in the morning, you will meet your guide in front of your hotel to board transportation that will lead you to the palace. With each passing moment as you draw higher above the city, the palace will reveal more of its true majesty. Your guide will lead you beneath intricately carved ceilings, tranquil fountains, and luscious gardens. You will then visit the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Patio of the Lions before enjoying panoramic views of the city as you stroll through the prestigious Generalife gardens. At the end of your guided tour, you can delight in a bit of self-exploration at the world-renowned site.

In the evening, castanets will click and heels will tap when you attend an authentic flamenco show and dinner. As a group, you will be led to the mesmerizing neighborhood of Albaicin. Here, white, stucco buildings line cobbled streets that wind in every direction. You can summit the hilly neighborhood on foot or opt for ground transportation, and as the moon rises in the sky, you glimpse breathtaking views of the city. Afterward, you will enter a traditional gypsy home, which are cave-like abodes that are tucked into the mountainside. Here, you can sit back and marvel at the spirited footwork and passionate melodies of traditional flamenco rhythms.

A creamy cup of cafe con leche will prove to be the perfect way to wake up this morning. You can sit outdoors at an open-aired cafe and converse with friendly locals beside the cathedral. Just like granadino natives, you can pair your cup of coffee with a fresh slice of toast and a delicious marmalade or tomato paste. After breakfast, you can scan nearby shops for idyllic souvenirs, including textiles, teas, and jewelry.

Soon, you will check out of your hotel and meet your private transport. Today, you will make your way to the shimmering shorelines of the Alboran Sea. First, you will stop in the city of Ronda for a must-see centerpiece of Andalusian charm. Visitors travel from all over the world to admire Ronda's breathtaking bridge, which is known as Puente Nuevo. This ancient relic dates back to the 18th century and connects one part of the city to the other over a stunning drop of 120 meters. Perhaps, the only view that is better than the bridge itself is a short hike away, where you can truly admire the depth of the valley below and the height of Puente Nuevo. Upon your arrival, you can indulge in a brief stroll through Ronda's downtown before venturing to the world-famous bridge. Your guide will regale you with a brief history before allowing you time for photos and a bit of self-exploration. Then, you will delight in a locally-sourced meal that will provide you with an idyllic view of the Puente Nuevo and the city skyline.

This morning, as you drive into the city, you will coast along the shimmering coastline. You will spend the next several hours enjoying the city's whimsical nature and historical intrigue. First, you will visit the Picasso Museum. As the artist's beloved birth city, Malaga's Picasso Museum contains some of his most famous works. Next, you will climb to the Alcazaba, which is an enduring fortress that dates back to the 11th century. Finally, you will indulge in an exquisite lunch of one of Spain's most emblematic dishes, paella, as you sit along the oceanfront and admire the city backdrop. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the Malaga International Airport for your international flight home.