The Andalusia Road — Southern Spain - 8D/7N

The Alhambra in Granada - photo courtesy of Spain Tourist BoardGo ahead, have your fling at Flamenco! Guitars, castanets, shimmering veils, flashing eyes and the mounting fusillade of heel taps. It’s all part of the grand escapade! Andalusia has a wealth of culture that will take you way back in history, with major archaeological sites, the legacy of the different cultures and civilizations that made their home in this rich, beautiful land in the south of Spain. The Alhambra in Granada , the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Giralda in Seville are World Heritage monuments, an immense artistic legacy passed down across millennia of history. The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture to be seen in its most important buildings, the castles , fortresses and monasteries to be found throughout the region, complete a hugely valuable array of heritage. Travel through time, discovering the Andalusia of past, present and future. Immerse yourself in a network of itineraries whose trails will uncover a unique land for you.

The south of Spain is somewhat legendary for its attraction to overseas visitors. Andalusia has a wealth of culture that will take you way back in history, with major archaeological sites, the legacy of the different cultures and civilizations that made their home in this rich, beautiful land in the south of Spain. The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Giralda in Seville are World Heritage monuments, an immense artistic legacy passed down across millennia of history. The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture to be seen in its most important buildings, the castles, fortresses and monasteries to be found throughout the region, complete a hugely valuable array of heritage.

The Giralda in Seville - photo courtesy of Spain Tourist BoardAnd the gastronomy! Andalusian cuisine centers on fresh, local ingredients, with fish dishes available in coastal provinces and the finest meat dishes inland. A huge variety of fruit is to be found throughout. Perhaps the only difference is the personal touch that each town and village gives to its typical dishes. Andalusia’s gastronomy is a faithful reflection of its history, packed with aromas, flavors and colors . It is a highly varied cuisine and its traditional products make it different and delicious. The gastronomy of Andalusia owes much to the Moorish cuisine of Al-Andalus. Its refinement came to transform many customs. It was the people of al-Andalus who created the dining room and the current order of dishes in a traditional Andalusian meal.

SELF DRIVE PROGRAMS - Probably, the best way to independently travel in Europe is by self-drive car as it allows you to be mobile at all times, to stop whenever you want, to visit to your heart’s content! A limitless number of itineraries are possible, as you can combine any of the different regions and cities to create “your own” program. All our self drive example itineraries will be customized with your choice of car and with accommodation at selected hotels, villas, boutique properties, manor houses or castles as per your preference. Take them as they are, lengthen, shorten, combine them as you desires or just use them for ideas in creating “your itinerary” to discover Europe “as you want”! If you like the tour and decide to further customize it, just let us know of your needs and desires, we will prepare the exact itinerary you are looking for.

Andalusian vineyards- photo courtesy of Spain Tourist BoardSketch Itinerary

  • Day 1 — Madrid, Merida - After taking delivery of your car, travel westward through the picturesque villages of Extremadura to the ancient Roman outpost of Merida, founded in 25 A.D. The Parador, one of Spain’s first, was built as a convent in the 16th century. Parador de Merida
  • Day 2 — Seville - Make a leisurely start in the morning, destination — the very heart of Andalusia — Seville, where you will soon discover a world of winding streets, flower laden patios, gardens, fountains and wrought-iron gates. Since 1928 the Alfonso XIII has maintained its reputation as the best in super luxury. Hotel Alfonso XIII
  • Day 3 — Seville - Your Third Day is one of leisure, exploring the fascinating city of Seville. Highlights could include the Bull Ring, Alcazar Palace and the enormous cathedral with its Giralda Tower. Hotel Alfonso XIII
  • Day 4 — Cordoba - The morning of the Fourth Day the open road leads through the Andalusian countryside to Cordoba. Narrow winding streets, tiny squares and low white-washed houses with beautiful patios give the town a Moorish character inherited from its past. Cordoba’s Parador is located in a quiet hilly site with its rooms and balconies facing this former 8th century capital of the Moors. Parador la Arruzafa
  • Day 5 — Granada - Following breakfast, drive to the famous ancient Moorish capital of Granada, crowned by the magnificent Alhambra. The Parador is a former convent dating from the 16th century. There are gardens, fountains, and a portion of the chapel where Queen Isabella was buried in 1516. Parador San Francisco
  • Day 6 — Granada - Day Six’s highlight is a visit to The Alhambra, a series of palaces begun in 1238 and added to subsequent Arab rulers. The Generalife consists of the exotically beautiful gardens and fountains of the Moorish kings. Here you will also find an Italian Renaissance villa with its terraces, grottos and carefully trimmed hedges. Parador San Francisco
  • Day 7 — Toledo - As you approach the medieval splendor of Toledo the following day, windmills begin to dot the landscape, for we are now in the Don Quixote country of La Mancha. The narrow streets and numerous blind alleys reflect its ancient historic past. The architecture of the Christian and Jewish periods are well represented by the many churches and synagogues. Parador de Toledo
  • Day 8 — Madrid - Your last day begins with a leisurely morning to further explore this living outdoor museum before making the short journey back to Madrid, where your Andalusia venture ends and the memories of sunny Spain begin.

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Also tagged with: Independent Journeys, Europe, Spain, Self Drive, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Culinary / Wine Discoveries, Intriguing Getaway


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.