Spain – Garden Tour: The Scent of Andalucía

ITINERARY

• DAY 1
  Malaga from the sky

  Welcome to Malaga, Spain!

  Arrive at Malaga Airport and private transfer to the Hotel for accommodation.

  What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2
  Spanish Garden

  Malaga - Tropical Paradise La Concepcion Botanical Gardens

  After breakfast, we will take you to La Concepcion Botanical Gardens, locates just 4 miles outside Malaga city center. These gardens are a tropical paradise with over 800 species.
  
  After your 1h guided tour of the gardens with a botanic expert, you'll have some lunch at the coffee shop of the Botanical gardens, we will drive you to the picturesque town of Ronda on a beautiful scenic road connecting the Mediterranean coast and the Serrania mountains. Check-in at your dramatically located hotel in Ronda which overlooks the Tajo gorge and cliffs.
  
  Free evening & welcome dinner after settled in your room, it's time to relax and enjoy a nice welcome dinner with amazing views.
  
  The Concepcion botanical and historical gardens were initially created in 1855 by the Marquis of Casa Loring and his wife. The Gardens were subsequently expanded by their second owners, the Echevarria-Echevarrieta family, who acquired the estate in 1911. They were officially declared gardens of historical and artistic importance in 1943 and have now achieved the "BIC" status (Building of Cultural Interest). status (Building of Cultural Interest). In 1990, they were taken over by Malaga city council and were opened to the public on 21st June 1994.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 3
  Plaza de toros de Sevilla is a bullring in Seville, Spain

  Seville - The Gardens of Casa del Rey Moro in Ronda

  After breakfast, we will visit the most representative gardens in Ronda, starting with the gardens of Casa del Rey Moro: XVII century mansion built on Moorish foundations.
  
  The gardens were constructed in 1912 by Forestier and offer excellent views of the Tajo gorge and the surrounding mountains. We will visit the Palacio de Mondragón: XIV century palace, which was the residence of the Moorish kings. Three Mudejar courtyards preserving original stucco work and mosaics. Walk along the Alameda del Tajo: public garden from the XIX century, representing a selection of mature trees typical in ornamental gardening in the Málaga province to end up at the most famous viewpoint to stare down into the gorge.
  
  Lunch will be offered in a beautiful traditional restaurant in the old town, where you can sample the local wines from Ronda.
  
  After lunch, you will be transferred to magic Sevilla, the capital of Southern Spain (approx. 1:45h drive). Check in at a charming hotel in the Jewish quarter.
  
  Free evening. You will have the evening free to enjoy Seville at your leisure

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 4
  Monumento a la Inmaculada Concepcion is a religious and also a cultural monument in Seville, Spain

  Seville - Historical Center of Seville and Tapas Tour

  After breakfast, meet your local art historian guide in the lobby of the hotel to embark you on a 3.5h guided walking tour of the historical center of Sevilla (one of the largest in Europe), including the Casa Pilatos (XV century Andalus palace and courtyards with a harmonious mixture of Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles), the Barrio de Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter with a labyrinth of tiny alleys and white houses with traditional Moorish courtyards), the Reales Alcazares gardens (an active Royal residence boasting impressive gardens and fountains from the XIV century) and finally the great Cathedral (the third-largest Gothic cathedral in the world). The tour will finish at the Giralda tower (Cathedral's bell tower), where you can walk up to the very top (104 m high over ramps, no steps) at your own pace. Later your tour guide will meet you by the exit gate of the Cathedral for a 2-hour tapas tour, the Sevilla way!!
  
  Free afternoon for relaxing.
  
  We suggest visiting Murillo gardens or take a magical afternoon tea experience at one of the oldest & most beautiful hotels in Sevilla (Alfonso XIII, purely Mudejar style), or an Arabian spa...
  
  In the evening - Flamenco show & dinner
  Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel to take you to one of the most emblematic "Tablaos" in Sevilla. With more than 40 years of experience, this "Tablao" offers the purest Flamenco you can find in Andalusia. Probably the best place in Sevilla to live the excitement and Duende Flamenco. Before the performance, à la carte dinner with dishes of high Andalusian cuisine will be served (all drinks are included).

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 5
  Plaza de Espana, Seville

  Cordoba - Maria Luisa Park & Plaza de España & The Picturesque town of Carmona

  After breakfast, meet your local art historian guide in the lobby of the hotel for a private guided visit to Maria Luisa Park and the spectacular Plaza de España.
  
  After your tour, a private transfer to the picturesque town of Carmona (approx. 30 mins drive) You will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Parador Hotel. The restaurant here offers the most spectacular views over the Guadalquivir valley and crops.
  
  After breakfast, meet your local art historian guide in the lobby of the hotel for a private guided visit to Maria Luisa Park and the spectacular Plaza de España. After your tour, a private transfer to the picturesque town of Carmona (approx. 30 mins drive) You will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Parador Hotel. The restaurant here offers the most spectacular views over the Guadalquivir valley and crops.
  
  In the afternoon your driver and tour guide will take you to Portocarrero Palace (approx. 45mins), located in Palma del Rio, which is between the historic cities of Cordoba and Sevilla, by the riverbank of the Guadalquivir.
  
  You will enjoy a private guided tour of approximately 1.5 hours of the Palace, courtyards, and gardens. This lovely visit will be completed with a tasting of delicious fresh orange juice from the orchards, accompanies by tea and pastries.
  
  Cristina Ybarra, the current owner has her main art studio inside the Palace and she is always pleased to show and share her artwork with those discerning travelers who are interested in painting.
  
  After this magical escape to paradise, it's on to your hotel in Cordoba.
  
  Evening Equestrian Show in Cordoba
  Tonight you will enjoy a marvelous equestrian exhibition in which purebred Spanish horses are the main protagonists. The stage; is an emblematic and magical historical building, once the birthplace of the Andalusian Horse, and now an unparalleled setting for this enchanting 1-hour equestrian show. The Royal Stables are located next to the Royal Alcázar and are just a 5 mins walk from your hotel.
  After the show, you can have dinner (cost not included) at one of the local restaurants in the nearby and authentic "San Basilio" district.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 6
  The Royal Alcazar of Seville

  Cordoba - The Viana Palace and The Royal Alcázar Gardens

  Your local guide will pick you up at your hotel and will take you for a walking tour of approximately 3 hours to explore the nicest gardens and courtyards of Córdoba. You will first visit the Palacio de Viana in the Santa Marina neighborhood, a 17th-century manor with 13 interconnected delightful patios and gardens. Then it's time to explore the old town and its Jewish quarter with an interesting introduction to the historic importance of the Mezquita (Mosque/Cathedral) which you will be visiting tonight. The guided tour will end at the Royal Alcazar where you will enjoy the beauty of its gardens.
  
  Lunch will be served at a lovely patio house.
  
  Back at your hotel, use a couple of hours of free time in the afternoon to have a little rest as the evening & night are full of exciting activities.
  
  Evening: Exploring San Basilio, Patios Tour & Flowers tasting
  This 2 h experience includes a short orientation walk to explore one of the most popular areas of Cordoba, the San Basilio quarter, where you will admire the architecture and unique decoration of some of the most representative courtyards ("Patios") declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Unesco in 2012. Have you ever wondered what a carnation, a pansy, a Snapdragon, or a rose petal taste like? Today, you will have the unique opportunity of attending an amazing flower tasting to find out. This very fantastic experience makes us pioneers in offering something like this in Andalusia. All the flowers you'll taste are edible and will be paired with two excellent local "sherry"-style wines (Palo Cortado and sweet Pedro Ximenez). This experience is an absolute must-try for any flower lover visiting Cordoba in Springtime!
  
  Night: Visit of the Mezquita (El Alma de Córdoba)
  As you would have had a historical introduction from your local guide earlier this morning, this night's visit inside the building is part of a self-guided group. The Mezquita night visit is called "El Alma de Cordoba" (the Soul of Cordoba) and allows a limited number of visitors each evening to experience its beautifully lit interior. The visit is around 9:30 PM (TBC) and lasts approximately one hour. Once at the entrance, you will be provided with an English audio system that you follow during the visit. You will first sit through an introductory movie before you can have access to the different areas of the visit (pictures are not allowed during this night's visit).

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 7

  Granada - Andalusian Countryside, Olive Oil Making & Wine Testing

  After breakfast, we will make our way to our next destination but before heading to Granada, we stop at interesting places in the heart of the Andalusian countryside surrounded by hundred years old olive groves...
  
  The first stop is a family-run olive oil Millin Montilla where you will discover the full process of olive oil making. You will enjoy a tour of the family groves and learn about the different characteristics, culinary uses, and health benefits of olive oil followed by a tasting of two of their delicious varieties along with freshly baked bread made by the very same family!
  
  Then, it's on to the lively wine estate of Santa Magdalena, a local family-run boutique winery located right in the heart of the Sierra de Moriles, a stunning rural landscape with endless vineyards and rolling hills. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a truly passionate viticulturist who will lead you through their family vineyards, private garden, and wine cellar while telling you about the history of this recently restored ancestral property as well as the unique grape variety that grows exclusively in this region, the popular and worldwide known "Pedro Ximenez".
  
  You will also learn about the entire process and aging system of these singular dry and sweet wines, a process that is probably the oldest in Spain.
  
  The visit will end with a delicious tasting of some of these varieties paired with homemade lunch showcasing some of the region's best products.
  
  In the afternoon transfer to Granada. After lunch, you will be transferred to Granada (approx. 2h drive).
  
  Evening: Orientation walk in Granada.
  After checking into your hotel in Granada's city center, you will have some free time to freshen up and relax before meeting up with the group and your tour guide again to go on a short orientation walk of approx. 1.5h. You will walk along the Darro river promenade and through the maze of tiny, narrow cobbled streets of the picturesque Albaycin Moorish district. During the walk, you will be stopping at some of the most spectacular viewpoints to admire the stunning Alhambra Palace and take the best picture shots. A great way to complete this evening tour would be tasting some of the local tapas at some of the most emblematic taverns in town. We invite you to join us for a fun evening to try the best food and wine (this is an optional meal that is not included).

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 8

  Granada - Alhambra Palace Tour

  After breakfast, our tour leader will take you to the Alhambra where you will be introduced to your local art historian guide who will show you the incomparable Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens on a 3h private tour. You will admire the greatest treasure of Moorish Spain.
  
  The Generalife is the image of how paradise is described in the Koran ("shaded, leafy garden refreshed by running water where the fortunate ones may take their rest under tall canopies").
  
  After the guided tour of the Alhambra, you will enjoy a nice lunch at a lovely restaurant nearby with beautiful views.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 9

  Granada Walking Tour & End of Your Trip

  After breakfast and check-out, you can leave luggage at reception for a later pick up and transfer it to Malaga.
  
  This last morning, you will be taken on a short walk within the city center to admire the magnificent Cathedral and Royal Chapel. To say goodbye to Granada and Andalusia, we will take you off the beaten path to be delighted with the incredible views and the beautiful gardens of one of the most emblematic Moorish "Carmens" in the city.
  
  The Andalusian patios are called "Carmens" in Granada and they are little paradises hidden from the outside streets inside the Arabian-style houses.
  
  Here we will stay for a nice relaxed lunch and simply admire the stunning views of the Alhambra palace in front...
  
  After lunch, you will be transferred to Malaga either the airport, the train station, or the city center, depending on the rest of your travel plans.
  
  As we get to the end of your trip, we hope you enjoyed this small-group tour with us.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Tour