Classical Spain for Solo Travellers

Classical Spain for Solo Travellers

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Classical Spain for Solo Travellers | 1CS
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7 Days From

$1561

Classical Spain for Solo Travellers

7 Days Starting and ending in Malaga

Visiting: Málaga, Mijas, Ronda, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Alhambra

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

1CS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

From:
$1561 (USD) including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 09-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience unspoiled Andalucía, home of Flamenco and perhaps the most traditionally Spanish of regions. Andalucía is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe and is, as yet, undiscovered by the majority. It's a land where the excesses of the twentieth century seem not to have taken root and where travellers are genuinely welcomed.

A land immortalised by the writings of Ernest Hemingway and beloved by Orson Welles, where stunningly beautiful, sun-kissed countryside, covered by green olive groves stretch off into the distance under a perpetual azure blue sky. With biscuit coloured plains, untamed rivers, deep gorges and the spectacular snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, providing the backdrop, there can be few places on earth which can boast such a wealth of natural wonders in such a small area.

Tiny whitewashed villages perch on the hilltops, with narrow winding streets where every house has window boxes crammed with flowers of every colour, adding a touch of vitality to these sleepy hamlets, little changed since Columbus' days.

Andalucía has a long and violent past stretching from the dawn of civilisation. The Phoenicians and ancient Greeks traded, whereas Julius Caesar fought here, as did Hannibal. The region is crammed with legacies from throughout the centuries from a variety of civilisations. Without doubt, the jewels in Andalucía's crown are the fantastic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, which have some of the most important monuments anywhere on earth, many of which are designated as Heritage Sites by the United Nations and protected accordingly. Seville, home of Carmen and Figaro, boasts the world's largest gothic cathedral. It was from here the conquistadors set sail to explore and plunder the New World and from the sixteenth century unimaginable wealth poured in, building the city we see today. Cordoba has a sixteen arched bridge spanning the river, built by the Romans and amazingly still in use and the Mezquita, built by the Moors is so beautiful and thought-provoking it is beyond words. Granada has the Alhambra, the Moorish King's Palace so richly decorated, it shames almost anything we can conceive today.

Nowadays though, despite its pedigree, or because of it, Andalucía is perhaps the most Spanish region in the country, indeed, the popular image of 'real Spain' of ruined castles, sherry and bullfights has its roots here. The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood and its famous drink, the fortified wine from Jerez we call sherry. Try a glass of 'fino' - a very dry yet refreshing sherry whilst nibbling 'tapas' - that great Spanish titbit invention.

The people are charming - always ready to help and with an attitude towards their fellow man and a love of life so typical of Mediterranean people. So, for a unique blend of superb countryside, famous and stunningly beautiful monuments and cities, wonderful art, all set in a country which welcomes tourists as honoured guests - come with us and see.

Andrew Graham-Dixon

Highlights

  • Experience beautiful Seville’s vibrant streets and tranquil parks on a tour led by a local guide

  • Visit to medieval Ronda - one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities

  • Delight in delicious and authentic Tapas in Seville

  • Fall under the spell of the stunning Alhambra, one of Europe’s most sensual and romantic palace and fortresses with entrance included

  • Visit to Cordoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita probably the most beautiful Mosque ever constructed - entrance included

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Andalucía

Location: Málaga, Mijas

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Ilunion Hacienda del Sol

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You will be met at the airport by a member of the team for our flight to Malaga.  On arrival, a coach will transfer us to the hilltop town on Mijas, where we stay at the four-star Ilunion Hacienda del Sol hotel on the outskirts of town.  Tonight we enjoy an informal welcome dinner at the hotel, where we will get a chance to meet and mingle with your dedicated tour manager, as well as other people also travelling on their own.

Day 2 : Ronda

Location: Ronda

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3* Don Paco

Meals Included: Breakfast

We enjoy breakfast in our hotel this morning before heading to the countryside of Andalucía and reaching spectacular Ronda.  Built on a ridge high above an impressive gorge, there are few towns that impress at first sight.  Our tour manager will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit, and perhaps also get your first taste of authentic tapas.  We continue this afternoon through more dramatic countryside before arriving in beautiful Seville.  We stay at the centrally located three-star superior Don Paco hotel – perfectly placed for you to take advantage of some great eateries with our fellow travellers.

Day 3 : Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3* Don Paco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Flamboyant, seductive, fascinating … Seville is all these and more. It is simply one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the world, with the serene River Guadalquivir flowing through its centre, a history spanning the centuries, a wealth of historic buildings, colourful back streets and peaceful parks.



It has its origins in Roman times – the Emperor Hadrian, builder of the famous wall, came from here. During the 8th century the Moors arrived, stayed for five centuries and left a unique legacy still in evidence today. However, if one event changed Seville, it was the discovery of the New World and, fittingly, Columbus is buried in the imposing cathedral. Immense wealth poured in from Spain’s new empire and catapulted Seville into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe.



Much of Seville was built during this time and it seems to have changed little in the last 500 years, with tiny twisting streets and hidden squares where the locals hide from the midday sun in high summer. Today, though, it possesses a vibrant, cultural spirit that is very special.



The city of Figaro, this is the setting for another classic opera, Carmen. It’s also the home of flamenco, the origins of which are lost in the aeons of time. In short, this is the essence of Spain.



After breakfast we have a tour of this beguiling city, during which we’ll see the awe-inspiring semi-circular Plaza de España, a fine example of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You’ll also see the Tower of Gold, so named as it was used to store plunder from the Americas, and much more. During the afternoon you’re free to explore Seville at your leisure, during this time you could visit the fortified palace of the Alcázar or the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is the final resting place of the great navigator, Christopher Columbus. Alternatively if you wish, you could take a cruise on one of the many river boats.

Day 4 : Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3* Don Paco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Seville offers such a diverse array of sights that today, you have a free day to do as much or as little as you wish.  Explore the Alcázar in more detail, wander around the shops of the old Jewish quarter, take a picnic to Maria Luisa Park, or maybe enjoy a glass of fino sherry alfresco with some members of the group.

Day 5 : Cordoba

Location: Córdoba

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Hotel Porcel Sabica

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Seville after breakfast this morning and we travel east to another icon of the area, Cordoba.  The Moors used Cordoba as their capital city and it was here that they built Europe’s most beautiful mosque, the Mezquita.  We will be joined once again by a local guide who will share the story of this magnificent structure and its intriguing history.  Afterwards we will have ample time to explore the twisting streets of Cordoba and step out onto its iconic bridge, before we continue our journey to Granada, where we will stay at either the four-star Hotel Alixares just a few moments’ walk from the mighty Alhambra palace, or the four-star Hotel Porcel Sabica located in the heart of the town itself.

Day 6 : Granada & Alhambra

Location: Granada, Alhambra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Alixares Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Granada enjoys a stunning location below the peaks of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.  High above the city sits the Alhambra, regularly listed as one of the must-visit places in the world.  During our visit we take in the vast gardens and the perfect courtyards, admiring the repeating arches and intricate tilework of the palace itself. The palace has become an icon for Moorish architecture, and it is easy to see why it is one of Spain’s most photographed locations. This evening, why not gather with your travelling companions for a final dinner in one of Granada’s many alfresco restaurants?

Day 7 : Return Flight

Location: Málaga

On our final day, we enjoy breakfast in our hotel before the coach takes us to Malaga airport for our return flight home after a trip to remember.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Six nights’ accommodation

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

    Return flights and transfers

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast plus one dinner in a local restaurant

  • Hotel porterage

  • All airport departure taxes

  • All local accommodation taxes

  • All tours as mentioned

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuity

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights and transfers

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, 18 years and above only

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No, all our solo tour prices are fully inclusive with no single supplement to be added. Whilst hotels generally charge a little more for single occupancy rooms, we never charge you extra for meals, excursions, flights, rail journeys or transfers.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
$1936 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024
$1874 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Nov 06, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024
$1561 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$1561 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$1849 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$1986 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

May 09, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$2049 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$2049 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$2049 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$1986 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1624 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 08-May-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

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