8 Days Andalusia Essentials - Self Drive

Arrive to Malaga airport and pick up your hired car (head to the hall to meet with a rent-a-car representative). Perhaps take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, the port… Torremolinos is one of the most famous beach resorts in Spain and is just under 20km away from central Malaga. It is renowned for its long sandy beach and homely seafood restaurants to discover. Overnight in Malaga/Costa del Sol. Accommodation: 4* Don Pedro or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival. In Granada you have two days to explore the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada. Overnight in Granada. Accommodation: 4* Sercotel Gran Luna or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival. In Granada you have two days to explore the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada. Overnight in Granada. Accommodation: 4* Sercotel Gran Luna or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Depart from Granada to Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Wander through the colonnaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of exterior doorways. Continue the tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th century synagogue Overnight in Cordoba. Accommodation: 4* Ayre Cordoba or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century, when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tilework and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville. Accommodation: 4* Catalonia Giralda or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century, when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tilework and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville. Accommodation: 4* Catalonia Giralda or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

On your way from Seville to Malaga, perhaps make a stop in the beautiful town of Jerez de la Frontera. Because of its locally produced wine - Jerez or Sherry - the name of the city crossed international borders several years ago. It is home to the Carthusian horse and bullfighting, the birthplace of flamenco, a city of motor racing, and other important events. Continue to the Malaga area and check in to your hotel for your last night in Andalusia. Overnight in Malaga/Costa del Sol. Accommodation: 4* Don Pedro or similar on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle to the rent a car company near the airport. Return procedure and exact designated area will be advised by rent-a-car company when you pick up the car on arrival day. The rent-a-car shuttle service will transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your departure flight back home.