A Week in Andalucia - 8 days from £829

Accommodation

Hotel Antequera Golf (4-star)
7 nights' half board. This hotel is a 20-minute walk from the centre of Antequera in the heart of Andalucia. Choose international or local specialities from the varied and generous buffet dinner menu served each evening. Sip sangria in the piano bar and relax in the comfortable lounge. Indulge in a little pampering in the beauty salon and hairdressers, or enjoy a massage, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish baths. All guest rooms have satellite TV, telephone and hairdryer. Spend time in the outdoor pool with sun terrace, the health suite with indoor pool and gymnasium, or treat yourself to 18 holes on the golf course set in the beautiful El Torcal park nearby (at extra cost).

Please note: Outdoor swimming pools are typically open between May and September, but this is dependent on weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Malaga

Relax and unwind in your 4-star hotel in Antequera after your journey.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Antequera, El Torcal & the Dolmens

Unscathed by tourism, the market town of Antequera is authentic Andalucia at its best. The excavated Roman baths, the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and the impressive 16th century Arch of the Giants all form part of Antequera’s unique cultural backdrop. Why not take the opportunity to uncover the delights of this historic town before discovering the beautiful limestone landscape of El Torcal National Park. The megalithic mass tombs of Antequera’s Dolmens are truly a sight to be seen. These huge ancient slabs of rock were moved into position and covered with earth over 4,500 years ago, then during the early 1900s many hundreds of skeletons were uncovered in a central chamber. This is a half-day tour and so you will have time today to explore at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Granada & the Alhambra Palace

Stood high on a hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra Palace has a brooding presence that’s both imposing and enticing. Meander through the Puerta del Vino to the ancient fortifications of the Alcazaba - the views from the watchtowers are simply incomparable. The 13th and 14th century Moors’ vision of paradise on earth is compounded at the calming Generalife gardens, where even on the hottest day you can find a shady corner to contemplate all you have seen. The city of Granada is itself an enchanting amalgam of influences waiting to be uncovered, and your Tour Manager will be able to point you in the direction of all the best discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Malaga

Relax and recharge your batteries courtesy of the hotel’s excellent facilities or take a leisurely stroll through Antequera. Alternatively, take the opportunity to become better acquainted with the eclectic, cosmopolitan city of Malaga. Set on a beautiful bay of the Mediterranean, Malaga has a history and culture that surpasses its modern beachfront resorts. Enjoy fantastic views from the two Moorish citadels, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, and discover the work of Pablo Picasso - Malaga’s favourite son - at the museum dedicated to him in the beautifully restored Palacio de Buenavista.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Cordoba

Cordoba has to be one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Your journey leads to the dazzling Mezquita - Great Mosque - whose origins date as far back as the 8th century. Gaze around the field of over 850 jasper, marble and granite columns that support the huge roof in amazement. The Mezquita’s interior is so incredible that when the Christians reconquered in the 13th century, the only change they made was to build a Renaissance cathedral at its heart. Continue your discoveries with a stroll through the Jewish quarter, a labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shady flowerfilled courtyards.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Seville

As you wander through Seville’s warren-like Barrio Santa Cruz, your Tour Manager will impart their knowledge of the city, giving you a unique insight into its history and life here today. And of course, this wouldn’t be a quintessentially Andalucian city without whitewashed houses and flower-bedecked balconies. But Seville also boasts an enormous Gothic cathedral, which took 125 years to complete; and the impressive Plaza de Espana, a magnificent semi-circular complex built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. With its monumental staircases, fountains and a beautifully tiled alcove for each of the provinces of Spain, this truly is a spectacular sight.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Ronda

You can’t come to Andalucia without visiting Ronda. Stand on the 18th-century bridge, Puente Nuevo, and gaze 600ft down to the River Fuadalevin, which flows along the base of the El Tajo gorge. Ronda is split in two by El Tajo. The southern side is a traditional pueblo blanco - white town - with cobbled alleyways and a hushed atmosphere, while the more modern 18th century El Mercadillo is home to one of Spain’s most beautiful bullrings.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Malaga/UK

Your Andalucian adventure ends as you head home via Malaga.

Meals: Breakfast