Architecture & Gardens of Andalucia 634
Architecture & Gardens of Andalucia 634
Architecture & Gardens of Andalucia 634
8 Days Starting and ending in Málaga, Spain
Visiting: Málaga, Granada, Sierra Nevada, Córdoba, Seville, Ronda
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BANG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the architectural and natural wonders of Andalucia with the "Architecture & Gardens of Andalucia 634" tour. Discover the pinnacle of Moorish architecture at the Alhambra Palace and its stunning Generalife Gardens. Marvel at the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain range and explore the mesmerizing multi-arched columns of Córdoba’s Great Mosque. Wander through Seville's centuries-old orange trees and experience the historic charm of the Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda. This tour offers comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and accommodations, ensuring a seamless exploration of Spain's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy the freedom to explore Seville at your leisure and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. With visits to iconic landmarks and serene gardens, this tour promises an unforgettable experience of Andalucia's architectural and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Málaga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santos Saray
Meals Included: Dinner
We fly from London to Málaga and on arrival we transfer to out hotel for our evening meal.
Day 2
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santos Saray
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning following breakfast we visit the famous Alhambra Palace with its Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra has one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Alhambra means “red castle”, and the buildings are of a seductive pink stone and were built in the 14th Century. We will also visit the gardens of The Generalife which was the summer palace of the Sultans of Granada in the 14th Century. In the afternoon your guide will accompany you as you wander through the medieval streets of the Albaicín, glimpsing several “Carmens”, which are the enclosed gardens typical of the Moorish era of Granada and of which many good examples have been maintained by the Christians. We return to the hotel late afternoon and there will be free time for the remainder of the day.
Day 3
Location: Sierra Nevada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santos Saray
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, following breakfast, we depart on an all day excursion into the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada region, visiting some of the local villages and enjoying the mountain scenery. After lunch (not included) we will take a gentle walk in the Alpujarra countryside, admiring and studying plants of the region.
Later in the afternoon, we return to the hotel.
Day 4
Location: Córdoba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exe Sevilla Macarena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we depart for Córdoba, passing through a landscape with millions of olive trees. We will visit the Great Mosque with its Orange Grove, which was first laid out in the late 8th Century and must be one of the true wonders of the world. Outside is a huge patio covered in orange trees – Patio de los Naranjos – which was originally covered with fountains used for bathing before entering the mosque. On entering you are struck by the vast number of pillars supporting the arches with their distinctive red and white tiles which are so much a symbol of the whole design. The mosque is now a mixture of Moorish and Christian with chapels incorporated into the building and it is stunning in both its appearance and atmosphere. The gardens of The Royal Palaces of the Alcázar are Moorish in style, laid out in rows around long pools with numerous fountains. The sound of the water and the smells of the garden make it an experience for all the senses. At the end of one of these long pools are statues of Columbus together with Ferdinand and Isabel symbolising their meeting in Córdoba. After lunch (not included) we will have some free time before we continue to our comfortable hotel in Seville.
Day 5
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exe Sevilla Macarena
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the whole day is spent in Seville. We begin by visiting the Maria-Luisa Park and also the Plaza de España, laid out in 1929 for a “Fair of the Americas”. This is among the most impressive public spaces in Spain. Nearby is the Tobacco Factory where Carmen – in Bizet’s opera – worked as a cigar maker. Later you will see the Gardens of Murillo, planted in honour of the famous painter from Seville, and Seville’s majestic Cathedral.
In the afternoon we will visit Seville’s Orange Tree Courtyard which belonged to the old mosque and the gardens of the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar. The Alcázar is a magnificent palace which mixes Christian and Moorish styles and has several patios and salons all of which are grand and very highly decorated. The ceilings, in particular, are incredibly intricate in design, one with a wooden dome decorated with red, green and gold cells inscribed with Arabic. After the wonder of the palace it is refreshing to walk through the beautiful gardens made up of a mixture of several eras. There is an “English Garden” unlike any garden in this country as the trees and plants are much larger! The gardens are rambling and a leisurely walk here shows orange trees, eucalyptus, palms and many others. You may also see the “Flower of Spain”, so-called because of its colours of the Spanish flag. The gardens are like those of the Alhambra but not so large. There are many fountains and places to sit and admire the great variety of trees and palms.
Day 6
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exe Sevilla Macarena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to explore Seville at leisure.
Day 7
Location: Ronda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel R. Polo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we head for Ronda, a spectacular town rising dramatically amid a ring of dark, angular mountains set above the gorges of the River Tajo. We will see the Alameda del Tajo Gardens set on the edge of the spectacular gorge offering fantastic views. These were completed in the early 19th century and give fine views over the plains. We have also included a visit to the Palacio de Mondragon, whose Moorish courtyards and gardens that evoke memories of kings and governors who called Ronda home. You also have the option of visiting the gardens of the old Palace of the Moorish King of Ronda with its narrow terrace over-hanging the gorge. After an opportunity for lunch in one of the many local restaurants here (not included) there will be free time to explore the town before we continue to our hotel.
Day 8
Location: Málaga
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast we will transfer to the airport at Málaga in time for our return flights.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are provided according to the itinerary.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is included for the duration of the tour.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour.
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Services of a professional tour manager
A professional tour manager will be available throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Train Tickets
Train tickets are not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel is not included in the tour package.
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Lunch on Day 3 and Day 4
Lunch is not included on Day 3 and Day 4 of the tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with our coach service, providing seamless transportation throughout the tour, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Andalucia without any hassle.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Hotel Santos Saray in Granada, the Exe Sevilla Macarena in Seville, and the Hotel R. Polo in Ronda, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, ensuring a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the main focus of the tour in Andalucia?
The tour focuses on exploring the architecture and gardens of Andalucia, highlighting Moorish architecture and the natural beauty of the region.
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What can I expect to see at the Alhambra Palace?
At the Alhambra Palace, you will see the stunning architecture of the 'red castle' built in the 14th century, along with the beautiful Generalife Gardens, which were the summer palace gardens of the Sultans of Granada.
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What activities are included in the visit to the Sierra Nevada region?
The visit to the Sierra Nevada region includes an all-day excursion to explore local villages and enjoy the mountain scenery, as well as a gentle walk in the Alpujarra countryside to admire and study the local plants.
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What is special about the Great Mosque in Córdoba?
The Great Mosque in Córdoba is renowned for its vast number of pillars supporting distinctive red and white arches, and its mixture of Moorish and Christian architectural styles. It also features the Patio de los Naranjos, a large courtyard filled with orange trees.
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What will I experience in Seville during the tour?
In Seville, you will visit Maria-Luisa Park, Plaza de España, the Tobacco Factory, the Gardens of Murillo, and Seville's majestic Cathedral. You will also explore the Orange Tree Courtyard and the gardens of the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar, which feature a mix of Christian and Moorish styles.
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What is unique about the town of Ronda?
Ronda is a spectacular town set above the gorges of the River Tajo, offering dramatic views. It features the Alameda del Tajo Gardens and the Palacio de Mondragon with its Moorish courtyards and gardens.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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