The South of Spain, or “Andalucía”, is the birthplace of bull fighting and flamenco dance. It is also home to the “Costa del Sol”, the Spanish equivalent of the French Riviera, resplendent with beautiful stretches of beach and gorgeous resorts. And, this being Spain, it goes without saying that the region boasts outstanding food and wine.

But wait, there’s more! The South of Spain has a unique past that makes its towns and sights particularly noteworthy. Andalucía was under Moorish (Islamic Arab) rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries. This legacy reveals itself predominantly in the region’s architecture, including such UNESCO World Heritage listed landmarks as the Alcázar castle in Seville, Córdoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral and the magnificent Alhambra palace in Granada.

We’ll visit six of Andalucía’s most beautiful cities and its most famous sights. If you love good food and wine, are captivated by beautiful art and architecture, and can’t wait to immerse yourself in a fiery, passionate culture, all of this awaits you in the sumptuous, sultry South of Spain!

Arrival in Málaga. Transfer from the Málaga airport. Evening welcome dinner. Overnight in Málaga at the centrally located 4-star Hotel Molina Lario.

Day trip to Granada. 3-course lunch at the Parador de Granada and professionally guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra palace and fortress complex. Overnight in Málaga at the 4-star Hotel Molina Lario.

Today explore Málaga, home to several significant historical buildings and a  wonderful Picasso Museum (he was born here!). Late afternoon transfer to the seaside resort town of Marbella. 3-course dinner with wine at the 1-star Michelin restaurant El Lago. Overnight at the 4-star Amare Marbella Beach Hotel.

Free day to explore Marbella’s Old Town, Dali` sculpture park, or beachfront promenade. Or spend all or part of the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Your choice! Overnight at the 4-star Amare Marbella Beach Hotel.

Transfer to Ronda, a picturesque town perched dramatically above a deep gorge, with sweeping views. En route we’ll stop at a vineyard to enjoy a paired lunch with wine tasting. Group dinner and overnight at the 4-star Parador de Ronda.

Walking tour of Ronda’s highlights, including Spain’s oldest bullring, and lunch on your own. Then onward travel to Seville. Overnight at the 4-star Casas de la Juderia hotel in Seville’s old town.

Seville is brimming with architectural marvels. This morning we’ll embark on a walking tour of some its highlights, including admission to the Royal Alcázar castle. This evening we’ll enjoy an intimate flamenco dance performance followed by an elegant dinner. Overnight in Seville.

Travel this afternoon to Córdoba. Enjoy a relaxing visit to a hammam (Turkish bath). Then enjoy a magical evening tour of the city’s most famous sight, the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral. Overnight at the 4-star Balcon de Córdoba.

Time through lunch to explore Córdoba on your own. Visit the old Jewish synagogue or revisit the Mezquita by day. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to Málaga, where we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together. Overnight in Málaga at the 4-star Hotel Molina Lario.

Departures, either back to the US, or for further points in Spain or Europe. Farewell!