Andalucian Affair Tour

We meet in Córdoba and welcome you to your Fresco Tours Vacation. After a short orientation meeting, we take to the streets to see the one-time cultural capital of the Western World, Córdoba. Here our local guide will lead us through the fascinating Mezquita, started in the 8th-century. Its mesmerizing forest of pillars capped with horseshoe arches and its uniquely integrated 16th century Cathedral create an unforgettable contrast.

Today, we enter into the hills of the Subbética Natural Park south of Córdoba. Our day begins as we lace up our boots and walk through vast olive tree groves and into the picturesque village of Zuheros de la Sierra. Next, we stop at one of the finest olive oil manufacturers in Spain to learn about the process of extracting this liquid gold. Afterwards, We finish the day by shuttling to Granada, where Ferdinand and Isabella celebrated the completion of the Reconquista in 1492.

After a delicious breakfast, we begin to explore Granada by investigating the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra. Our local historian recounts the splendors of this palace city that was built in the 13th and 14th century. Once inside the Patio of Lions, one can understand why this is the second most visited monument in Europe as our imagination takes us to another era. We finish the night with a fine meal in the hilly and winding streets of the Albayzin with unmatched views of the Alhambra!

After a day of city walking, we slip back in our boots for some fresh air in the Sierra Nevada, Europe's second highest mountain range after the Alps. As we stick to the foothills of the lower valleys, we will be able to contemplate the magnificent views of this rugged and extensive National Park. As a reward for our hike, we return to Granada for an evening of shopping and delicious tapas!

Leaving Granada, we make our way through the famous pueblos blancos (White Villages) where we head up to Ronda, a Hemingway favorite, to admire the spectacular Puente Nuevo, which straddles the 100m deep Tajo gorge. We end our day in the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977.

This morning our walk takes us along a trout river with the unique fir tree, el pinsapo, watching over us. Survivor of the last Ice Age, this rare evergreen is only found in remote areas of southern Spain and northern Morocco. After a delicious lunch, we continue to explore to mountains of the White Villages with a stop in at the hilltop fort town of Zahara.

Hopping in the van, we head to the spectacular Costa de la Luz, lesser known than the Costa del Sol, this area is less commercial and still has the charm of tiny fishing villages. We start the day with a coastal walk that takes us through protected pine forests. Here we may catch the glimpse of a little fishing boat heading out for sardines or anchovies, just as they have been doing for centuries! In the evening, we rest our tired legs with a glass of light white wine!

An exciting morning, we first visit the Museum of Equestrian Arts to learn about the important role of the Jerez-bred Carthusian horses. Next, we are treated to a spectacular exhibition where we witness these horses dancing. Afterwards, we sample some of Jerez's other famed prize - sherry wine in the old quarter of town!

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Jerez and transfer to Andalucía's soul - Seville! Here the electricity and passion of the South come together and make this city alive with an unmistakable energy. We will have a walk around town, but remember to take a siesta, because after our farewell dinner, the evening continues as we are treated to a powerful, exciting, Gitano-inspired Flamenco show!

This morning begins with a guided tour by our local expert, who provides us with the insights to Seville's Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, the splendid Alcázar (Moorish fortress) and the charming Old Center. The tour finishes at noon, when we say our hasta pronto (till your next Fresco Tour) and muchas gracias!

* Please note: This itinerary is subject to slight modifications due to hotel availability, weather, festivals and other occurrences.

Please contact us with your questions.