Andalusia's Granada, Seville & Cordoba

Itinerary

• Spain

  Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north by France, and to the west by Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe after France. Because of its location, Spain has had an intriguing role in global history. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that the Iberian Peninsula acted as one of three major refugia from which northern Europe was repopulated following the end of the last ice age. Andalusia was the furthest reach of the great Moorish empire. And it was also the seat of a global empire that discovered the New World, and left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today. Through war and peace, under different religions, and with strong regional differences - Spain continues to be a remarkable destination with intriguing cities and natural beauty.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• • Seville
  • Calle Mateos Gago, Sevilla

  Day 1: Seville

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  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.

  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.

  Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*)

  Hotel Palacio de Villapanes is a 5 star hotel in Seville. The decor reflects Seville's culture and tradition, and each of the 50 elegant rooms has its own personality, combining the original architectural with the latest technology. The restaurant offers exquisite cuisine of Andalusia, and the bar pays tribute to wine and tapas in Seville. A gorgeous hotel for a luxurious stay.

• • Sevilla Card

  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.

  Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*)
• • Cordoba
  • Hospes Palacio del Bailio

  Day 3: Seville - Cordoba

  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.

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5*)

  Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5*) occupies a 17th-century building built on Roman ruins, this contemporary hotel unifies the ancient and the modern in the historic centre of Cordoba, 400 metres from Tendillas Square. Influenced by characteristic Andalusian decorative traditions, the 53 guestrooms all include minibars, air conditioning, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Hospes Palacio Del Bailio’s guests can enjoy spa treatments in the courtyard, and sip aperitifs overlooking ancient ruins; the hotel also offers two pools, a restaurant, and tapas bar.

• Day 4: Cordoba

  With a private vehicle see the Medina Azahara, 6 miles away from Cordoba. Discover the prints of its splendid past under the Umayyads of Andalusia. The Rich Chamber, The House of Yafar, the city walls, the bureaucratic area, and the Mosque.

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5*)
• • Granada
  • AC Palacio de Santa Paula

  Day 5: Cordoba - Granada

  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 two and a half 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. A stop for refreshments in a cafe or bar is included.

  Accommodation: AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*)

  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.

• • Alhambra Palace
  • Alhambra

  Day 6: Granada

  Enjoy a private tour with a local 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.

  Start your evening with a 15 minutes drive to the Sacromonte neighborhood – a fascinating district famous for the cave houses in which gypsy families lived (and some still live) and whose flamenco “zambras” were performed at their weddings and celebrations. As such, the cave house is the authentic venue in which to see such a show and it has the bonus that you are really close to the dancers and musicians. Before the show, take a stroll around the neighborhood and enjoy magnificent views of the Alhambra. Later on you will see a flamenco show in a cave house accompanied by a selection of local dishes.

  Accommodation: AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*)

• Day 7: Granada

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Granada International airport. End of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Pablo Picasso was almost certainly the most famous artist of the 20th century. During his artistic career, which lasted more than 75 years, he created thousands of works, not only paintings but also sculptures, prints, and ceramics, using all kinds of materials. First famous for his pioneering role in Cubism, Picasso continued to develop his art with a pace and vitality comparable to the accelerated technological and cultural changes of the century whose art he dominated. Each change embodied a radical new idea, and it might be said that Picasso lived several artistic lifetimes.

• Culinary Delights

  The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas can be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village.

• Historic Moment

  The guitar was invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1870s. Spanish musicians have taken the humble guitar to dizzying heights of virtuosity and none more so than Andrés Segovia (1893-1997), who established classical guitar as a genre.

• Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*)

  Hotel Palacio de Villapanes is a 5 star hotel in Seville. The decor reflects Seville's culture and tradition, and each of the 50 elegant rooms has its own personality, combining the original architectural with the latest technology. The restaurant offers exquisite cuisine of Andalusia, and the bar pays tribute to wine and tapas in Seville. A gorgeous hotel for a luxurious stay.

  • More information
• • Hospes Palacio del Bailio

  Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5*)

  Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5*) occupies a 17th-century building built on Roman ruins, this contemporary hotel unifies the ancient and the modern in the historic centre of Cordoba, 400 metres from Tendillas Square. Influenced by characteristic Andalusian decorative traditions, the 53 guestrooms all include minibars, air conditioning, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Hospes Palacio Del Bailio’s guests can enjoy spa treatments in the courtyard, and sip aperitifs overlooking ancient ruins; the hotel also offers two pools, a restaurant, and tapas bar.

  • More information
• • AC Palacio de Santa Paula

  AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*)

  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.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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