Discover Andalucia with Mijas add-on

Day 1: UK/Malaga
Depart on your flight to Malaga. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mijas, where you will stay tonight. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 2: Ronda/Seville
After breakfast this morning you’ll leave Mijas behind as you journey through the spectacular scenery of the Andalucian Mountains to the picturesque cliff-top town of Ronda. The town is divided in two by a 600ft deep gorge known as El Tajo which is spanned by an 18th century stone bridge, the Puente Nuevo, from where you can peer down to the waters of the River Guadalevin. The older southern side of Ronda is a typical pueblo blanco (white village) so why not enjoy a stroll and admire its many cobbled alleyways lined with traditional whitewashed houses or stop off for a bite to eat before your journey continues. You’ll pass through the heart of Spain’s citrus-growing region on your way to Seville, which will be your base for the next three nights.

Day 3: Seville
Today why not join us on our pre-bookable optional half-day walking tour of Seville, the regional capital of Andalucia. Think of Seville and figures such as Carmen and Figaro may spring to mind – both Bizet’s essentially Spanish tale and Mozart’s much-loved work were set in this atmospheric city which boasts a beautiful blend of Art Deco and Moorish architecture. Admire the Plaza de España – a semi-circular complex which is home to monumental staircases, fountains and a beautifully tiled alcove for each of Spain’s provinces. You’ll also see the Alcazar, the royal palace built on the site of a Moorish fort, and explore the city’s impressive cathedral. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a walk around the Barrio Santa Cruz area, admired for its whitewashed houses sporting flower-bedecked balconies, or take a leisurely river cruise. As you wander around, stop off every now and then in one of the city’s hundreds of tapas bars and sample a few dishes – Seville is the place credited with its invention, after all.

Day 4: Jerez
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to explore Seville further or relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, why not join us on our pre-bookable optional full-day excursion to the city of Jerez – the home of sherry. After a tour of the city you will visit a traditional bodega where you will have ample opportunity to sample a selection of Jerez’s superb sherries and maybe purchase a bottle to take back home.

Day 5: Cordoba/Granada
After breakfast you’ll bid Seville farewell and begin your journey to the beautiful Moorish city of Granada, your base for the next two nights. On the way you’ll visit Cordoba, which enjoys a beautiful position on a bend of the Guadalquivir River and boasts plenty of sightseeing possibilities. One of the highlights of your visit will be the Great Mosque, or Mezquita, which was built in the 8th century. Its dazzling interior includes more than 850 columns of jasper, marble and granite. You’ll also stroll around the picturesque Jewish quarter where you can explore the labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, flower-filled courtyards and attractive squares. Enjoy some free time here to explore at your own pace or take lunch before your journey to Granada continues. You’ll arrive at your hotel early evening, so there’s time to settle in before you dine.

Day 6: Granada
Today’s highlight is an included half-day visit to the Alhambra Palace – a sight that no photograph can do justice. Built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th centuries on a hill overlooking Granada, it has been added to over time to become what you’ll see today – a magnificent complex of pink stone courtyards, pools, fountains, grand halls and cool patios, alongside the beautiful Generalife gardens. This was the ruling caliphs’ idea of paradise on earth, see if you agree. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Why not explore the city at your own pace taking in the mix of Moorish and Spanish Gothic architecture, the narrow, whitewashed streets of the Albaicin, or indulge in more of the region’s culinary delights in one of the numerous tapas bars.

Days 7 – 11: Mijas extended stay
Extend your tour of Andalucia with a 5-night stay in the delightful ‘White Village’ of Mijas. Set beneath the mountains of the Cordón Montañoso, it offers traditional Andalucian culture and wonderful views over the Costa del Sol. Your hotel offers a very good standard of accommodation and facilities include a bar/lounge area, restaurant, sun terrace and lift, as well as superb views of the surrounding area. Leisure facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. All bedrooms feature en suite facilities, satellite TV and telephone. Occasional evening entertainment is organised and there is a bus stop right outside the hotel with a regular service to the centre of Mijas.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: UK
Your holiday comes to an end today as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Typical of the hotels we will be using in Seville and Granada are the:

4-star Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol in Mijas
3-star Don Paco Hotel in Seville
3-star Hotel Guadalupe in Granada
There is a restaurant and bar in each hotel and all rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Please note: The Mijas add-on is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, and will not be accompanied by a Tour Manager.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Ronda visit
Cordoba visit
Alhambra Palace visit (half day)

Optional excursions

Seville tour (half day)
Jerez tour and bodega visit (full day)
Pre-bookable excursion package
Seville tour (half day), Jerez tour and bodega visit (full day)

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
11 nights’ accommodation
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Driver Guide
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”