Itinerary

Day 1 Seville

Seville is the capital of the province of the same name. With a population of some 704,000 people, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and is considered the cultural centre of the region. Its history dates back more than 2,000 years. Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all left their presence in the city. The Moors ruled from here during their occupation of Andalucia, and their influence can still be seen in the "Mudejar" architecture of the city. The cathedral is the largest Gothic structure in the world and a symbol of Spain.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Embark on a Seville walking tour with your own private guide to check out the most important landmarks of the city. You will see La Torre del Oro (The Golden Tower), a Moorish-built tower dating from 1222, which formed part of the old defensive wall that protected the old city. You will also see Triana (this Gypsy district is the home of flamenco), Santa Cruz (the Old Jewish Quarter and a labyrinth of tiny alleys with white houses with traditional Moorish courtyards), Reales Alcazares (a Moorish palace-fortress which originally dates back to 913AD and has been the residence of various kings and boasts impressive gardens and fountains) and The Cathedral and Giralda, originally a 12th Century mosque, of which only the minaret (La Giralda) and the orange tree courtyard now remain. The cathedral is also Europe's second largest. If you have a particular interest in bullfighting, we can substitute some of the above for a visit to the Real Maestranza (The Maestranza Bullring). Built between 1767 and 1880 this famous bullring houses a museum dedicated to the world of bull fighting.

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería (4*) is located in the barrio Santa Cruz in the historical centre of Seville, a very short walk from the Cathedral and the royal palace of the Alcázar. The hotel is a complex of houses and palaces, interconnected through a series of patios and walkways. Offering 118 rooms, each is unique in it's design and layout. Guests will enjoy an authentic Andalusian style house with flowers, courtyards, fountains and wrought iron gates, blending perfectly with Seville and the historical Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Overnight at Las Casas de la Judería (4*).

Day 2 Seville

Explore the city with a Seville Culture Card. This electronic smart card offers free admission to more than 20 of the major museums in and around Seville. You can also benefit from discounts in approx 50 establishments including shops, restaurants, shows, and leisure centres for adults and children. You will obtain a guide book with information on the museums and establishments that are included on the scheme, plus a map of the city when you exchange your voucher for the card in the city centre.

Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Arenal watching a fantastic performance of Flamenco. Located in the center of Seville (next door to the Bullring La Maestranza), El Arenal offers both regulars and tourists a unique and friendly atmosphere. Singers, Guitarists and Dancers share the experience to make you feel the art of "Flamenco". They will introduce you to various flamenco styles through song, guitar and dance. You will also have the opportunity to taste the Spanish and local cuisine for dinner while you enjoy a glass of wine and mineral water.

Overnight at Las Casas de la Judería (4*).

Day 3 Cordoba

Cordoba is one of the oldest Spanish cities. Situated in the center of Andalucia, it is a city of spirit. Its contribution to European civilization counts on exponents such as Maimonides, Averroes and Ibn Hazm. The city centre is very pleasant to walk around with the white washed houses and myriad of flowers everywhere. It is most famous for its grand mosque, the "Mezquita de Cordoba". Once the largest mosque in the world, in the 16th century it was Christianized by implanting a soaring cathedral right in the middle of the existing building. Unique and amazing.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy the fast speed direct train ride from Seville to Cordoba. The train ride takes approximately one hour.

Transfer to/from train station to/from your accommodation in a private vehicle with driver.

The best way to see the sights in Cordoba is by foot, so spend time with a local Guide who will introduce you on your private tour to see the highlights. Tour the Mezquita, a unique work of its type, it is the representation of Caliphal art.

Then choose between the Alcazar of the Christian Kings with its sunken gardens and its magnificent Mossaics Hall or The Synagogue, the only one existing in Andalucia, and the Jewish Quarter. (Entrance fees not included).

If you wish to see all of the above, please ask us to extend your tour to our 4 hour private walking tour.

Just five minutes from the major sights of Cordoba, in the heart of the Jewish quarter, the Hotel Conquistador welcomes you on the eastern side of the Mosque. The elegant guestrooms offer guests the height of comfort, and come with cable television, Internet access, and air conditioning. Conquistador boasts a bar, large gardens and wonderful interior patio; the restaurant is open to guests seven days a week serving delicious Spanish and international dishes.

Overnight at El Conquistador (4*).

Day 4 Cordoba

Visit the site of the Medina Azahara, with a guide on a shared tour. Situated 5km outside of the city, the Medina Azahara was the the 'Cordoban Versailles' of the tenth century. Its buildings are arranged on three terraces in the tree-clad slopes of 'Sierra Morena' and its ruins make up an artistic quarry. During this half day excursion you will have the unique opportunity to admire the ruins of what it was once a X Century Caliphal Palace in the accompaniement of an English speaking local Guide. (Includes entrance into the Medina Azahara ruins).

Overnight at El Conquistador (4*).

Day 5 Granada

Granada's rich Moorish history and the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains have long inspired the spirit of romance among inhabitants and visitors alike. The old city has changed little in hundreds of years, and the incomparable Alhambra palace is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed.

Transfer to/from train station to/from your accommodation in a private vehicle with driver.

Enjoy the train ride from Cordoba to Granada. The train ride takes approximately three hours. Multiple daily departures. Check your ticket for the exact time.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy a guided exploration of the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter of Granada with your private English speaking Guide. You will be shown how this medieval Islamic city has kept its identity into the modern age, as your Guide explains its history and character in anecdotal style. As you walk through its cat’s cradle of twisting alleyways you will come across stunning views of the city, the majestic Alhambra palaces and, beyond, the often snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You will pass by churches built on the sites of mosques, stroll underneath the walls of the scented gardens of carmens, and stop in squares to take in the slow rhythms of daily life in this most traditional and yet singular neighborhood. The walk can be taken in the afternoon, with refreshments in one of the many Arab tea rooms (included), or around sunset when the excursion includes stops in a couple of local bars to sample the tapas (the small dishes of food that accompany one’s drinks in Granada - included in tour price). On weekdays, you will have the option to visit a delightful delicatessen which specializes in local products (extra virgin olive oils, cured meats and hams, cheeses, patés and sweets) which you will be able to taste along with local wine and sherry (included in tour price).

Restored 14th century Moresque house and convent located in the historical centre of Granada, 1 kilometre from the Alhambra. Air-conditioned rooms are stylishly decorated with high ceilings and wooden floors; all have free minibars and Internet. Enjoy complimentary refreshments in the palatial courtyard before heading to the gym or relaxing in the sauna and hammam.

Overnight at AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).

Day 6 Granada

Enjoy a private tour with a Local English speaking guide as you visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Alhambra palace and gardens. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with its distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of XIII century. The complex of monuments has also an independent palace opposite the Alhambra; The Generalife, which is surrounded by orchards and beautiful gardens which you will also visit. (Tour includes entrance into the palace).

Please note that this tour does not include transfers to or from the Palace. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will transfer by local taxi (payable by you locally). At the end of your tour, you can either choose to walk back down the hill to explore the city, or return by taxi, (again payable by you locally). If you prefer us to arrange private transfers let us know.

Overnight at AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).

Day 7 Granada

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Granada International airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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