Andalusian Luxury - Villa Style

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.

• Casares

  Casares is a picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo. The white washed houses and buildings are nestled below the battlements of a 12th century Arab castle. It is hard to believe that this enchanting, typical village is only nine miles from the hustle and bustle of the coast and somehow succeeded in avoiding the coach tour circuit.

• • Andalusian Town
  • Villa at Finca Cortesin

  Day 1: Malaga - Casares

  Enjoy a typical Andalucian welcome drink accompanied with tapas as you are greeted by the hotel staff and given a warm welcome.

  Transfer from Malaga to Casares in a private chauffeur driven vehicle. The transfer should take just over one hour.

  Enjoy lunch at leisure this afternoon. If you feel so inclined, wander into The Bar which offers a comprehensive menu from tapas to sandwiches and daily specialties. Drinks are also served in the patio lounge, a Moroccan adorned chill-out indoor terrace as well as the spacious outdoor terrace. 

  As you enter your private villa you will get the scent of the Andalucian floral bouquet which will have been left for you - enjoy!

  Complimentary high speed internet access is available in your villa as well as there being a Business Facility within the hotel.

  Accommodation: Villa at Finca Cortesin (5*)

  Finca Cortesin (5*) stands amongst cobbled courtyards and fountains in the foothills of the Casares mountains. Ideally situated between Marbella and Sotogrande, minutes from the Costa del Sol's sandy beaches, Finca Cortesin's Moorish and traditional Andalusian architecture and modern minimalist chic blend with an effortless grace. Sumptuous textures and impeccable use of colour are found everywhere in this finca's discreetly luxurious and comfortable environment. Surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and sublime views of the Mediterranean Sea, this is widely known as the best holiday destination in Southern Spain.

• • Spa Pool
  • Chef Schilo's Sushi

  Day 2: Casares

  For your convenience, there will be a daily housekeeping service and change of linen service during your villa stay.

  Make use of all of the facilities available at the hotel and spa during your villa stay.

  Spend the day exploring the hinterlands in the company of a private chauffeur driven vehicle with an English speaking guide. One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level. It is a great example of the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalucia, and has managed to retain much of its quaint traditions, one of which being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. Explore the town with your guide in the web of narrow cobbled streets complete with terraces overflowing with geraniums, red tile roofs and archways. Mijas has one of the country's few oval bullrings (it's also small) and some interesting churches and other monuments giving insight to its past: Roman, Moorish and Spanish. After your exploration, enjoy a visit to the Wine Museum where, with the explanations of an expert, you will learn about the variety and secrets of the different wines of Málaga followed by a wine tasting and a gourmet sampling menu.

  During your stay you can choose to dine in your own villa each evening (independently or with a chef service), at one of the two onsite restaurants, or have dinner in a nearby town.  Executive Chef, Schilo Van Coevorden has over 20 years of experience in all things gourmet and has worked in various Michelin starred restaurants all over the world. The cuisine served at Schilo Signature restaurant takes inspiration from Arabic and Asian influences, while the  "El Jardin de Victor" restaurant focuses on showcasing great Iberian cuisine. Finally, the "Don Giovanni" restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine under the guidance of master chef, Andrea Tumbarello.

  Accommodation: Villa at Finca Cortesin (5*)
• • Waiter at your service

  Day 3: Casares

  You will be provided with a seasonal fresh fruit basket and premium water at your villa.

  Additional services are available such as breakfast, half or full board meal plan, a villa service charge and the services of a private chef.  Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like to have any of these additional services included in your stay.

  Consider a round of golf in Finca Cortesin this morning, or alternatively, simply enjoy your luxurious surroundings and spend time pool side, relaxing today.

  Accommodation: Villa at Finca Cortesin (5*)
• • Relaxing Area at the Spa

  Day 4: Casares

  Enjoy complimentary access to the 2,200 square meter spa with a stunning thermal area, 25 meter indoor pool and snow cave.

  Enjoy a private excursion to the pretty town of Ronda - home of modern bullfighting. Take in the scenic views as you are driven along through the Sierra de Ronda and stop off in one of the quaint villages such as Gaucin enroute. Spend time wandering around town in the company of an English speaking Guide, gaze down at the impressive gorge on which the town is built, visit the roman baths and gain an insight into the world of bullfighting with a visit to the bullring and its museum.  Enjoy time at leisure for lunch and a spot of shopping in the pedestrianised centre of town before returning to your accommodation.

  Choose from any number of little restaurants and cafes in the heart of Ronda.

  Once the shops have re-opened after siesta, take some time to wander through the pedestrianised centre and check out the local shops and boutiques before returning for home.

  Accommodation: Villa at Finca Cortesin (5*)

• Day 5: Casares

  Transfer from Casares to Malaga airport in a private chauffeur driven vehicle. The transfer should take just over one hour.

  Should time allow today, consider a guided tour of the impressive Picasso museum and baroque cathedral in Malaga. The museum was in response to Picasso's own desire for his work to be shown in his own home town. The 233 works in the collection cover Picasso's revolutionary innovations as well as the wide range of style, materials and techniques he mastered. Another place worth visiting in the city is the magnificent Baroque Cathedral in the city. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you are interested in adding this into your itinerary.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

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.

• • Villa at Finca Cortesin

  Villa at Finca Cortesin (5*)

  Finca Cortesin (5*) stands amongst cobbled courtyards and fountains in the foothills of the Casares mountains. Ideally situated between Marbella and Sotogrande, minutes from the Costa del Sol's sandy beaches, Finca Cortesin's Moorish and traditional Andalusian architecture and modern minimalist chic blend with an effortless grace. Sumptuous textures and impeccable use of colour are found everywhere in this finca's discreetly luxurious and comfortable environment. Surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and sublime views of the Mediterranean Sea, this is widely known as the best holiday destination in Southern Spain.

  • 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 (50% 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 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less 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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