9D Country Roads of Andalucia

Welcome to Andalucia! Transfers to your hotel depart from Málaga airport at 11:30, 13:00 and 15:00. Malaga is the cultural gateway to Andalucia with its sleek port and the street-art-cloaked streets of its edgy Soho district. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for an orientation of Málaga. See the Alcazaba, a hallmark of the city’s Moorish past. This citadel dates back to the 11th century, and the Roman Theatre sits by the entrance. Your Welcome Dinner is served at a local restaurant, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Journey through Málaga province. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end resorts where the rich and famous holiday. Your journey continues through the green hills to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens and take in the views of the coast. Stop in LA Organic, a sustainable and gastronomic olive farm offering a unique experience. Enjoy tasting the refined and delicate flavours of this award-winning olive oil, before an alfresco terrace lunch, overlooking the picturesque seascape. Feast on the freshest farm-to-table flavours as you tuck into local produce, harvested that day from the hillside gardens. Arrive in Ronda, often referred to as 'the soul of Andalucia'. Once an important cultural centre filled with mosques and palaces, it has inspired many poets and writers, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Walk just a few steps from your perfectly located hotel through Puente Nuevo, the New Bridge, which spans a gorge over 300 feet deep, and see Alameda del Tajo park.

Ronda - Jerez de la Frontera

Cross the Grazalema National Park, an area of natural beauty scattered with mountains and oak forests. Stop in clifftop Arcos de la Frontera, Andalucia’s hidden gem. The mystery that resides within the high city walls and huge churches scattered around the city often intrigues the visitor. Spend time wandering through the serene alleyways and alongside elegant palaces, and appreciate the sheer cliff-plunging views from the parador. Continue on to Jerez-de-la-Frontera, your home for the next three nights. Learn more about Jerez in an orientation and see this city that is a bit of an underdog compared to its more famous neighbours. See the impressive 12th century Moorish Alcázar, the stately Plaza del Arenal and the romantic Plaza de la Yebra.

Celebrate Jerez, a city famous for its Sherry. Explore the Sherry making heritage of Jerez, the city’s most famous and sought-after export, on a tasting tour in the Old Town. The rest of the day is free to further explore. Perhaps visit the gypsy-flamenco neighbourhood of Santiago, a labyrinth of beautifully scruffy townhouses and attractive squares?

Today is dedicated to exploring the province of Cádiz. Stop in quiet Medina Sidonia, often overlooked by visitors. It was once the seat of the Duques de Medina Sidonia, one of Spain's most powerful families. Make sure to try Alfajores, the area’s famous honey and almond cakes made in the Arab tradition. Continue to seaside Cádiz. Founded as Gadir by the Phoenicians circa 1100 BC, it is generally considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. See the cathedral, Teatro Romano and the monumental Puerta de Tierra. Watch the Atlantic waves crash against eroded sea walls, as you walk along Paseo Maritimo. During free time, find out what makes Cádiz a leading gastronomic capital and be sure to try fresh fried fish and seafood. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

A short drive north takes you to Seville. Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and a short walk through the narrow lanes of the Santa Cruz Quarter to enjoy a refreshing beverage. Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. Head to the nearby market for an enthralling tapas tour for dinner.

Doñana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a unique ecosystem that is considered one of most important natural protected areas in Europe. A key crossroads for migratory bird routes between Africa and Europe, it is also the last refuge for many endangered species, such as the Spanish imperial eagle. A vast spectacle awaits, as sand dunes meet marshes, lagoons, pine and oak forests. Embark on a fascinating bird-watching tour with a naturalist guide for a chance to see rare species and unique landscapes. Return to Seville, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Bid farewell to Seville. Continue along sunny Costa del Sol to your resort hotel for a final day to enjoy the beautiful views across the Mediterranean. Spend the day relaxing at the beach or by the hotel pool. This evening, celebrate the end of your Andalucian adventures and newfound friends, at a Celebration Dinner served in a local restaurant. Buen provecho!

Farewell Málaga. Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Malaga airport at 07:00 and 10:00.