This six-day tour will see you see you experience the cultural highlights of Southern Spain as you explore the cobbled streets, Moorish architecture, rich heritage, tapas, sherry and flamenco that makes Andalucia so much more than a beach destination.
Starting out in Granada you will head to the Alhambra and the
magnificent gardens of Generalife in the company of the
award-wining garden designer and presenter, Nick Bailey.
Set against the dramatic peak of the Sierra Nevada, this 14-century
Moorish fortress complex is one of the most famous - and best
preserved - monuments of Islamic architecture. It is one of the
must-see buildings for any bucket list. As well as joining you on
the trip, Nick, one of the most well travelled gardening experts,
will give an insightful talk about his gardening and television
career and answer any of your questions.
From here, you will travel to Cordoba, with its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right. You will take in the fragrances of jasmine and orange blossom amongst its flower-strewn courtyards. A highlight will be the city's Great Mosque and its Patio de los Naranjos, an ancient courtyard filled with orange trees.
You will also visit Seville, a city bursting with vibrant architecture, flamenco displays and now fewer than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This former Roman city boasts a magnificent cathedral and the Royal Acalazar, the oldest inhabited palace in the world.
Finally, you will venture to the hilltop town of Ronda and its world famous Puente Nuevo, which spans the 328-feet El Tajo gorge - a suitably dramatic end to a memorable tour that uncovers the rich cultural heart of the region.
Nick Bailey is a leading garden designer who has created and managed gardens on four continents. He splits his time between designing gardens, horticultural consultancy, public speaking, writing, and presenting on Gardeners' World. Nick will give a talk and host a Q&A session based on his experiences.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £295. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Today, you'll fly from London to Málaga and transfer to your hotel. Once checked in, you'll have dinner at the hotel
This morning, you'll be joined by special guest Nick Bailey for a visit to the famous Alhambra Palace and the manicured gardens of The Generalife, the summer palace of the Sultans of Granada in the 14th century.
In the afternoon, you'll wander through the medieval streets of the city's old town, the Albaicín, glimpsing its enclosed, shaded gardens. From one of the 'miradors' - viewing points at the top of the hilly Albaicín - you can take in one of the most inspiring views in all of Spain, the Alhambra standing proud against the snowy backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
You'll return to your hotel late afternoon and there will be free time for the remainder of the day to relax or perhaps enjoy a glass of Tinto de Verano and some tapas in a shaded patio courtyard.
This evening Nick will give an insightful talk and host a Q&A session based on his gardening experiences.
After breakfast, we leave Seville and head east for a guided tour of Cordoba. This city is famous for its grand mosque-cathedral, the Mezquita. Dominating the old town, its most astonishing feature is an arcaded hall supported by over 850 columns made of semi-precious stones. Another highlight is Cordoba's immense, well preserved Roman bridge.
We then continue to Granada, the last stronghold of the sultans during the Middle Ages and the home of the Alhambra. We pass through some very parched countryside, which gives way to ancient olive groves and the fertile foothills of the Sierra Nevada range.
Our hotel for the next two nights is either the four-star Hotel Corona, which is in the heart of the city, or the four-star Hotel Alixares, which looks out over the Alhambra. Both are fully air-conditioned and very comfortable.
Today is your chance to explore the breathtakingly beautiful city of Seville. You'll visit Plaza de España, one of Spain's most impressive public spaces, and see the Gardens of Murillo and Seville's majestic cathedral.
In the afternoon, you will visit Seville's Orange Tree Courtyard, which belonged to the old mosque, and the gardens of the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar. This magnificent palace mixes Christian and Moorish styles and has several intricately decorated patios and salons.
After breakfast, you'll head for Ronda, a spectacular town rising dramatically amid a ring of dark, angular mountains above the gorges of the River Tajo. Here, you'll visit the Alameda del Tajo Gardens, on the edge of a dizzying gorge. You'll visit the Palacio de Mondragon, whose Moorish courtyards and gardens evoke images of the bygone era when Moorish kings called Ronda home.
After enjoying lunch in one of the many local restaurants here (not included), you will have free time to explore the town before you return to your hotel.
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Málaga airport for your return flight home.
To view Brightwater Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £295. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).