Basking in the southern sun and sparkling under starry night skies, Andalusia speaks to your soul. This earthly paradise is an oasis of natural beauty and magnificent monuments that testify to the glory of Spain’s ancient Islamic kingdom. Discover this enchanting land once known as Al Andalus. Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and admire the spectacular settings. Cliff-top castles, medieval Moorish palaces, charming whitewashed villages, and idyllic nature reserves will delight you. During...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Jaen - Welcome to Andalusia
Your tour begins in the city of Jaen and your first night’s lodging is, a fairy-tale 18th-century castle. As you approach the city of Jaen, you will see the castle in the distance. Standing high above the city on Santa Catalina Hill, this emblematic castle dominates the horizon. The hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the charm of Andalusia. The hotel’s grand interior is supported by a spectacular cross-vault that is 20 meters high for a truly monumental feel. The dining room and guest rooms all offer spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Spend the day exploring Jaen's Barrio Antiguo (Old Quarter) to discover well-preserved vestiges of the ancient city. The UNESCO World Heritage City of Jaen has a fascinating history. The Almoravid empire conquered Jaen in 1091, and subsequently the Almohads captured the city in 1148. The city continued to flourish after the Moorish rule until the Renaissance.
Visit the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Cathedral with its striking Renaissance facade. Take a tour of the Arab Baths in the Magdalena quarter. These splendid Islamic-style baths are the largest and most interesting that you’ll find in Europe. Another must-see site is the San Lorenzo Arch, which has been declared a National Monument.
What's Included:
Day 2
Ubeda - World Heritage in Ubeda
Day 3
Cazorla - Discover a Mountain Oasis
Day 4
Cazorla - Explore the Natural Beauty of Andalusia
Day 5
Granada - Explore this Historic City
Day 6
Cordoba - Visit an Iconic Andalusian City
Day 7
Cordoba - Experience Cordoba's Past and Present
Day 8
Cordoba - Leave Spain
Trip Highlights
- Visit five UNESCO cities, renowned for their historic and cultural value
- Luxury lodging in a historic castle, monastery and 16th-century palace
- Explore the fascinating historic quarter in the ancient city of Jaén
- See the largest and most interesting old Arab Baths in Europe
- Spend a few nights at a luxury lodge in a pristine nature reserve
- Enjoy hiking, biking, nature walks and relaxation in the mountains
- Experience the enchantment of Granada by staying at the Alhambra
- Tour of the Alhambra Palace, Europe’s most magnificent Islamic palace
- Discover the medieval city of Córdoba, the old capital of Al Andalus
- Admire the grandeur of la Mezquita, Córdoba’s 8th-century mosque
Detailed Description
Discover the glory of Andalusia as you visit magnificent castles, ancient villages and spectacular nature sites. This special tour of Southern Spain allows you to explore the legendary “Al Andalus,” the Moorish kingdom from the 8th through the 14th centuries. The Moors arrived from Northern Africa and found a lush landscape that became their verdant oasis. During this Golden Age, the people of three religions, Muslims, Jews and Christians lived peacefully together and created glorious monuments.
Your tour of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andalusia begins in the ancient city of Jaén that dates back to the 11th century. In this ancient Moorish town, you will find the most splendid old Arab Baths in Europe. Next you’ll visit Úbeda, a treasure trove of historic palaces, churches, convents, and monasteries. The tour continues with a detour into the mountains where you’ll experience the tranquility of Spain’s largest nature reserve. Next you’ll visit the glorious Alhambra Palace in Granada, with the stunning snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in the background. The tour concludes in Córdoba, the capital city of Al Andalus. Here you’ll see la Mezquita, the original 8th-century mosque, one of the grandest Islamic buildings of all time.
For a truly special experience, that is different from many other Spain tours, this trip features wonderful accommodations at “parador” hotels. These government-sponsored hotels offer luxury accommodations in historic buildings. While staying inside a parador, you’ll be delighted by the authentic interiors featuring antiques, paintings, tapestries and exquisite attention to detail. These historic hotels faithfully capture the charm of another era, while offering comfort, modern amenities and an attentive staff.
Starting Price
$3,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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