We begin our tour in Granada in the crook of the Sierra Nevada. It fell to the Christians in the late C15th but its Islamic legacy can be seen in the C13th gilded palaces, unfolding courtyards and gardens of one of the world's treasures, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra Palace and its neighbour the Palace of Charles V.
We will transfer by coach to Seville on the river Guadalquivir – southern Spain's largest city, home of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. We will visit its highlights including a Gothic cathedral where Columbus is buried; the C17th Caridad with paintings by Murillo and Valdés Leal; Alcázar, the fortified royal palace where rooms are built around courtyards and gardens; the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Casa de Pilatos, and the Fine Arts Museum, nominated one of Spain's finest after the Prado.
Before its fall in 1236, Córdoba was Arab, Europe's largest city and capital of al-Andalus. It hosted a magnificent court and its mosque La Mezquita has been a Christian cathedral since the C16th. We will explore it on a day trip from Seville. On another day trip, we will see
Ronda, noted for its famous gorge, historic bullring, cathedral, and spectacular scenery.
Note: Fee includes travel between Seville, Córdoba and Granada,
Photos: Eddy Boon, Victoriano Izquierdo
Seville, Córdoba, Ronda & Granada (Alhambra)
(Arrive in Granada by 2pm on Friday 4th October 2019)
The course runs: late afternoon Friday 4th - evening of Tuesday 8th October incl (4.5 days)
This is a two-centre trip so you will need to book hotels in two cities as follows:
Granada: for the night of October 4th, checkout on 5th
Seville: for the nights of October 5th, 6th, 7th and checkout on 8th if you are leaving that evening or later if you are staying on