Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Seville
Gourmet & Wine, History & Culture
Andalucis’s unique culture, history and gastronomy is shaped by centuries of Islamic and Christian influences, a spirited and passionate region of fiestas, outstanding monuments, and diverse natural landscapes.
From Madrid, we take a journey deep into the heart of this alluring region, visiting the key landmarks like Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, Granada’s Alhambra Palace with its intricate architecture and gorgeous gardens, and Seville’s Cathedral and imposing Giralda. Beyond that, you will also be immersed into the rich cultures and landscapes – sampling tapas among the locals, taking the slow path through the white towns of the Alpujarras, learn about the bullfighting traditions in Ronda, exclusive visits of the best local wines and sherries and of course, have your breath taken away by an expressive flamenco performance.
Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your hotel.
Day at leisure to relax after your long flight.
After breakfast, take in the highlights of Madrid on a 4hr walking tour, exploring some of the best corners of the city such as Plaza de Oriente, Palacio Real, Madrid de los Austrias or La Latina. We invite you to walk the story to discover unique and perhaps forgotten details, to taste the finest churros with chocolate at Plaza Mayor and to finish at a rooftop enjoying a drink and Madrid’s hidden treasures!
In the afternoon, visit the Prado Museum on a 3hr walking tour. We will go beyond a mere description and the chronological leaps, to delve on the gazes that pierce through the canvas, the mirrors that involve the spectator, the air that can be seen or the spinning wheels. Dive into the works of Velázquez, Tiziano o Goya in a way you have never imagined before.
Your driver will take you to Toledo (1hr drive), where you will meet your local guide and will enjoy a 3hr walking tour. Discover the city and travel through time exploring the architectural and cultural heritage of Christians, Muslims and Jews. Situated atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where the three communities peacefully coexisted. You will walk the Jewish Quarter, visit the immense Gothic-style Toledo Cathedral, and explore the Greco Museum, observe the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and discover mysteries such as El Pozo de El Salvador.
After the walking tour, you will have free time to have lunch on your own before returning to Madrid.
Transfer to the train station for your high speed train from Madrid to Cordoba (approx. 1hr 40min ride), where you will be taken to your hotel.
Cordoba is an ancient city with prehistoric origin and is the result of influences from many different civilizations over many centuries. As the capital of Roman Andalusia, it reached its peak during the Emirate and Caliphate of Al-Andalus and was the largest megalopolis in all of Europe in the Middle Ages. The tour includes a visit to the Mequita, which is a must, and an extend visit to the Jewish quarter (the Synagogue, the Cardeneral Salazar’s Hospital, the Bazaar and the Caliphal Baths), The Roman Bridge, the Potro Posada and the Roman Temple.
Perched high on a strategic hill dominating Granada, the Alhambra displays a collection of lush gardens and magical palaces, the only royal residence of an Islamic dynasty still standing since the Middle Ages. You will discover courtyards, where water is omnipresent, and walls, covered by refined geometric and floral motifs, recreating the image of the Garden of Eden. Continue the visit guided by our specialist who will show you all the secrets and symbols contained in these palaces from the mathematical achievements, the philosophical concepts, to the metaphors of the poems carved on the walls. This fortress is the reflection of an entire civilization and we want to share it all with you.
Granada – capital of the “tapa gratis” – has a nation-wide reputation that makes it an obvious place to take a tapas tour. Your resident guide will take you to three distinctive places to gain insight into the local “tapas culture”. You will sample a selection of Spanish and regional specialities, as your guide explains how the humble tapa occupies such a central place in daily Spanish life. The frustration that many visitors experience is that they feel they never quite know the “rules of the game”, and that the authentic bars and tapas are eluding them. Your guide will take you into the places where the “granadinos” go and will also give suggestions of where else to explore during your stay in this intriguing city, so that you really get the most out of your time in Granada.
After last night’s tapas feast, we stretch our legs today on a hike to discover the “Switzerland of Andalucía”. The Alpujarra is a range of mountains and valleys on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, with picturesque and traditional white villages, where artisans produce handicrafts of quality and the welcome is warm. For those who enjoy hiking there are many trails which offer a variety of routes from the leisurely to the energetic. Everyone is sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed pace of life in the villages.
Your morning is at leisure, which you could spend a couple of hours exploring the Albayzín, Granada’s old Muslim quarter, a fascinating district of steep cobblestone streets, teterías (teahouses) and whitewashed cármenes.
After lunch, depart for Ronda (approximately 200km, 2.5hrs). En route, stop at Setenil, a beautiful white village. Its houses, some under the rock and others on it or inside it, add different levels of height to the streets, dominated by a castle of medieval origin.
Arrive in Ronda and check-in to your hotel.
Optional: if time permits, we recommend extending a night or two in the vibrant port city of Malaga, with a lovely historic centre, Roman ruins dotting its streets, an impressive Moorish castle overlooking the city and the Museo Picasso which houses the private collections of the family.
In the morning, enjoy a walking tour of Ronda, which divides its urban area on both sides of the Tajo del Ronda, a gorge with a depth of more than 150 meters. Its old town is declared of Cultural Interest. Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs inhabited these lands, which were conquered by the Catholic Monarchs. Visit the bullring, the Arab baths and the gardens of the Palacio del Rey Moro.
In the afternoon, join us on a special and authentic visit to a local winery and private home. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the home of the owners of one of the best wineries in the Ronda region, with their 2005 vintage was awarded 93 points by the American wine expert, Robert Parker. The owners have put years of hard work and passion into building this winery from scratch and their warmth and hospitality will make it very difficult for you to leave at the end of your visit. You will start the tour visiting the cellars and the bodega and will learn all about the grape varieties they grow and the types of wine they are producing. This is followed by a typical Andaluz aperitif and then a delicious lunch which of course will be accompanied by their wines!
Transfer from Ronda to Seville via Jerez (approximately 210km, 3hrs drive in total).
Today you will explore Andalucía’s sherry-producing región where we will find sherries ranging from the sweet varieties to the prized fino, or dry sherry. You will visit the town of Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its production of sherry, whose name is derived from Jerez. The names of centuries-old dynasties established by British merchants (Sandeman, John Harvey, Domecq, Gonzalez Byass, Williams and Humbert) can be seen over the doors of the bodegas. Jerez’s soaring pitched-roof bodegas are virtual temples to wine, whose nomenclature of “cathedral” and “sacristy” reflects their importance. You will visit a well-known bodega which traditionally sweeps the awards each year. An expert in sherry-making will show you around. It’s the perfect mix of gastronomy and tradition that will give you lots of insight into this region of Spain.
Over 2,200 years Seville has built up an eclectic history of conquests, rulers, and clashing cultures. As this tour takes you through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz, it takes you back, through Christian, Muslim, Roman and even Phoenician cultures. Discover what secrets the streets of the historic center of Seville hide with this walking tour of the Andalusian capital by hand of your expert guide. You will start at the enormous cathedral, the third largest in Christendom and the largest Gothic building in the world. You will also visit the cathedral’s 12th century bell-tower: the Giralda (originally built by the Moors as a minaret). Be sure to climb to the top!
The afternoon is at your leisure to do some shopping before your evening flamenco show. Discover authentic flamenco in Sevilla by attending a performance in which we will discover the roots of this fascinating art form. The show embarks on a journey through all of the different branches of Flamenco, which allows our artists to unleash all of their talents. The unique nature of the environs and the reduced number of spectators produce an intimate and magical atmosphere, which captures the spirit of traditional Flamenco.
Optional: if time permits, we strongly encourage extending a day to visit an authentic bull breeder’s farm in a traditional estate, where you get a glimpse into the history of the bullfighting tradition and the rearing of these intelligent creatures.
After breakfast, transfer to Seville airport for your departure flight, or to the train station for the high-speed train back to Madrid.
Low Season: November – February
Mid Season: July, August
High Season: March – June, September & October
Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid • Hospes Palacio de Los Patos • Hotel Catalonia Ronda • Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza
Low Season: November – February
Mid Season: July, August
High Season: March – June, September & October
Palacio De Los Duques • Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula • Parador de Ronda • Hotel Alfonso XIII
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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