Andalucian Affair Tour

Experience and Expertise

Your two bilingual guides are either Spanish or year-round residents of Spain. This is our home and we love to share it with you!

* Check What’s Included for specifics.

Fabulous Food

With all your meals included (B,L,D), except one dinner and one lunch, you only need to worry about enjoying the trail! Weather permitting, our gourmet picnics showcase the freshest of local flavors.

Unique Accommodations

Charming restored manor homes and 3-4 star hotels that offer the best in hospitality, comfort, and location.

Semi-Independent Tour

You choose! Walk alone, knowing that we’ve got your back, or enjoy the company of others and your knowledgeable guides.

Van Supported

No need to carry a heavy pack – let us do the lifting while you do the walking.

Expect to have a wonderful time!

Each journey is designed to highlight the stunning beauty of the Spanish landscape, while offering a true sense of the soul and magic of its people and culture. We love to share this magnificent country and want you to feel a part of it – for us it is more than just a trip, it is our home.

Day 1

Córdoba and the Magnificent Mezquita

Accommodations: Córdoba (D)

Meeting time: 3:00pm

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.

Day 2

La Subbética, the Heart of Andalucía

Accommodations: Granada (B,L,D)

Distance: 12 km / 7 mi

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.

Day 3

Magical Granada and the Alhambra

Accommodations: Granada (B,L,D)

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!

Day 4

Strolling the Sierra Nevada

Accommodations: Granada (B, L)

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi

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!

Day 5

Antequera and Ronda

Accommodations: Ronda (B. L, D)

Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mi

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.

Day 6

Grazalema and the Pueblos Blancos

Accommodations: Ronda (B. L, D)

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi

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 at the town of Grazalema.

Day 7

Costa de la Luz

Accommodations: Jerez (B, L, D)

Distance: 10 km / 6 mi

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!

Day 8

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

Accommodations: Jerez (B, D)

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!

Day 9

Seville, Soul of the South

Accommodations: Sevilla (B, L, D)

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!

Day 10

Seville

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 occurences.

2 Guides

Our greatest resource! We know Spain, because it is our home. Both of your guides are experienced professionals that are either Spanish or live in Spain year round – no hired out summer help! Having 2 guides means that we will be there to look out for your well-being, comfort, and safety. When specified, local art historians will join us to provide deeper insights into the specific monument or museum we visit.

*Groups of up to 6 people will be accompanied by one guide. Groups of 7 to 10 people will have one guide and one minibus driver, while groups of 11 or more will be accompanied by two guides and one minibus driver.

Limited Group Sizes

Fresco Tours are in small groups to ensure that you receive the individual attention that you deserve. In order to treat each of our clients with a personal touch, we limit our group size to a maximum of 16 participants, with a minimum of 4 participants required.

Local Guided Visits

In Córdoba, Granada and Seville we will be joined by local art historians, who will bring the monuments and cities to life!

Accommodations

Fresco Tours selects a combination of 3-4 star hotels, restored country manors and B&B’s that offer the best in hospitality, comfort and location. All rooms have their own bathrooms. Tour prices are based on double occupancy.

All Meals

Food speaks volumes about a culture and we love to eat! On walking days, when possible, we prepare gourmet picnics using the freshest local ingredients and tastiest recipes of the region. Dinners are celebrated in restaurants chosen not only for their menu, but also their atmosphere and service. Except for one dinner and one lunch, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. We are proud to cater to vegetarians and those with food allergies as well.

Support Vehicle

Your walks will be accompanied by a support vehicle that will be there to provide you assistance when the route permits. When groups are more than 10, in addition to the 2 guides, there will be a minibus & driver to care to your needs. The possibility of shorter routes and pick-up options will be explained on a daily basis.

Luggage Transfer

Your luggage will be transported between hotels. You do the walking, we’ll do the lifting!

Special Event Tickets

Wine tastings, garden tours, concerts, etc. as outlined in the itinerary.

Additional Services

We are here to help! Need assistance with hotels prior to or after your trip? Questions about what to wear? Need a taxi while on the trail?

Based in Spain, we’re here to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible – we’re available to assist.

* Please note that additional services are subject to the following conditions:
Hotel reservations/Private transfers may be cancelled without penalty up to 1 week before arrival.
Extra luggage may be cancelled without penalty up to 7 days before arrival.

Ground Transportation

All ground transportation between the designated starting and finishing point of your Fresco Tour is provided. We will help facilitate information for your travel arrangements prior to and after the tour start and finish.

Not Included

Airfare to and from Spain, airport taxes / departure fees, visas, gratuities or tips, items of personal nature – laundry, phone, luggage surplus charges, medical expenses, bar, etc.

Prior to / After your Fresco Tour: Should your vacation to Spain be for more than a few days prior to or after your Fresco Tour, perhaps you would be interested in a Spain-taineous Custom Tour and personalized private itinerary. Let us know and we’ll create an itinerary tailored to your personal style and needs.

General FAQ for all tours

Getting There & Back 

How do I get to the Andalucian Affair Tour starting point? 

Córdoba, Spain, is the official starting point of the Andalucian Affair Tour and can be reached via highspeed train. If you are traveling from Madrid, you have several trains available daily. For a sample of prices and timetables, please see:  

RENFE MADRID-CORDOBA

How can I purchase my train tickets beforehand?

Train tickets can be purchased online through RENFE.  Some routes cannot be purchased until 3-4 weeks prior to departure – please be patient. Please note that the site tends to run slowly on weekends due to heavy demand. 

If you would like information on trains in Spain (different types of fares, security, food on board, etc.), Trainline is an excellent resource. You can also purchase your tickets on this site if you find the RENFE website to be confusing. (Just remember that tickets are not available until 3-4 weeks before departure.)  

How do I get from Sevilla (where the tour ends) to Madrid and other cities?  

Sevilla Airport (SVQ), one of Spain’s international hubs, offers convenient bus connections to the city of Sevilla. The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately €1.40. You can also take a taxi to the airport for a flat rate of approximately €30, Monday – Friday (7:00am – 9:00pm).

If you are returning to Madrid, you may find the highspeed train easier and more comfortable. Planning to take the train from Sevilla to Madrid? Here’s a sample timetable: 

RENFE SEVILLA-MADRID 

How do I get from Madrid Airport to Madrid city center? 

You can easily find a taxi outside the terminal. The ride costs approximately €30.

On the Road 

What is the weather like on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

Our Andalucian Affair Tour allows us to visit several of the well-known cities and treasures of Andalucía, including Córdoba, Ronda, Jerez and Sevilla. Here we enjoy a more temperate Mediterranean climate than other parts of Spain.

Visit these links for current and average monthly temperatures in Córdoba & Sevilla.

What is a typical day like on the Andalucian Tour? 

After breakfast, we lace up and start moving. On some days, we explore the city on foot, visiting its historical landmarks, while on others we set out on 1–2hour treks through natural parks. No two days are the same on this tour, with cultural visits intermixed with short walks. At lunch time, weather and location permitting, we indulge in a full gourmet picnic prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

In the afternoon, we head to our hotels, where we can freshen up, have a siesta, and just relax! We finish our day with a glass of tinto or a cold cerveza and a feast of the local cuisine. We then retire for the night and get ready to do it again! Some afternoons are reserved for guided visits to historic sites.

Does the group stop for breaks on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

One of the great things about this tour is that the walks are short, giving everyone time to enjoy the scenery! 

What is the terrain like on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

Our walks take us across a mix of paved roads and compact dirt trails, and even along the beach for a refreshing coastal stroll. Appropriate footwear is essential for safety and comfort. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the city sightseeing visits.

What is the change in elevation on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

Only one of the tour’s hikes presents a bit of a challenge, Day 4, with some elevation gain and varied terrain. Appropriate footwear for this day is essential. Options to shorten or even skip this stage and spend the day in Granada are available.

Elevation gain: 200 meters

Elevation loss (steep): 100 meters

All of our hikes and walks on this tour are rated as easy or easy-moderate. The day before each walk, your guides will provide a detailed description and, if needed, help set up a personalized plan.

How many kilometers do we walk each day on the Andalucian Affair Tour?  

Distances vary from 1.5 to 9.5 km (1 to 6 miles). We have designed this tour to allow you to walk on certain days but mostly enjoy the sights in the main cities. However, all walks are accompanied by a support vehicle, with options for shorter (or longer!) distances. We can tailor the walk to suit your needs!

Will I be able to do laundry on the Andalucian Affair Tour?  

Some hotels offer laundry services on the premises, or you can use local laundromats. We also recommend that you bring quick-drying clothes that you can handwash and dry overnight at the hotel if all else fails!

Before You Go / Preparing 

How do I purchase travel insurance? 

Once you book your tour, we strongly advise you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. You may also want to look into a Cancel For Any Reason add-on. Even the best adventure deserves a backup plan! We suggest using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies must be purchased within a specific time frame – often within a few weeks of booking your tour.

*In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration of your tour with Fresco Tours, you are covered by a very basic insurance provided by Intermundial.

How much luggage can I bring on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

Due to space limitations, we kindly ask each guest to bring no more than one suitcase or duffle bag (maximum 60 linear inches, e.g., 30” × 15” × 15”), plus a small day pack.

What type of shoes do I need to walk the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

Footwear is a very personal question. A lot depends on how active you are and how much support you need. Since we will be walking every other day on the Andalucian Affair Tour, comfort is key – but you will probably be fine with trail walkers or lightweight hiking boots. Keep in mind that there may be mud and water along the trail. Most importantly: Make sure that your shoes are well broken in! Comfortable city sightseeing shoes are also a must.

What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

We encourage you to do some walking before you arrive, so you can more fully enjoy the experience. However, this is not a hiking tour and there are rest days between walks/hikes. You do not have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy our Andalucian Affair tour; being comfortable on dirt trails with occasional challenges will simply make the experience even more rewarding. All of our hikes are considered easy or easy-moderate.

During your walk, one of the two guides will be on the trail with the group to make sure everyone is doing well. 

General FAQ for all tours

Booking a Tour

Thank you for choosing to travel with Fresco Tours! We are very excited for you to join the ranks of our Happy Customers. If at any moment you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you again and we look forward to sharing memories of a lifetime with you.

Reservations and Payments

To join us on a Fresco Tour, please visit our Secure Online Reservation Form or download and print a PDF version of the Reservation Form, one for each participant. To guarantee your spot and reserve space on a tour, a 15% deposit per person is required and payment should be made via credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), bank transfer or via Wise transfer. The balance of your tour payment is due 60 days prior to the departure date. If the tour that you selected begins within 60 days of booking, final payment is due at that time. Failure to receive the remainder of your trip balance by the due date will be considered a cancellation.

Confirmation

Once Fresco Tours has received your registration form and tour deposit, we will send you an email with an invoice of payments received and your remaining balance, a copy of our Assumption of Risk / Liability Waiver Form and a link to your Guest Questionnaire. These last 2 items must be returned 60 days prior to the start of tour. In addition, we will send you a Confirmation Packet with information regarding suggestions on preparation, a packing and reading list and other tips to get you excited and prepared for your Fresco Tour.

Final Registration

Once we have received final payment, the signed Assumption of Risk / Liability Waiver Form and Guest Questionnaire, you will be sent a receipt and final details regarding your tour, including a detailed itinerary and the hotel contact list.

Single Supplement Fee

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, there are a limited number of single rooms available. Requests for these rooms are based on availability. Please see the tour itinerary for the cost of this fee. In some cases, it may imply a room smaller in size than a standard double room. If you are traveling alone, and would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a same-gender roommate.

Cancellation / Refund Policies

All cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be issued due to late arrival, early departure, or any unused portion of a tour. The Assumption of Risk / Liability Waiver form must be signed and received 60 days prior to tour departure or the reservation will also be treated as a cancellation. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance to offset the chance you may need to cancel.

Time	Price
Cancellations received 121 or more days prior to trip start	10% of trip price
Cancellations received 120 – 61 days prior to trip start	15% of trip price
Cancellations received 60 – 31 days prior to trip start	50% of trip price
Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to trip start	100% of trip price

Fresco Tours reserves the right to change, modify, or cancel a tour prior to departure for any reason, including lack of participants (tour minimum: 3 passengers) or acts of nature and/or circumstances beyond our control. In this case, any payments received will be refunded in full, and this will constitute full settlement. In this case, any payments received will be refunded in full, and this will constitute full settlement. Fresco Tours is not responsible for any additional expenses due to a canceled tour, such as the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets.

Fresco Tours reserves the right to accept, refuse, or decline any tour member’s participation at any time for any reason. In such a case, Fresco Tour’s liability is limited to the actual cost of the unused services.

Changing Tour Dates

If we are notified of a change to your scheduled tour date 6 months prior, you can apply your tour deposit to another departure date without penalty. This change can be up to 1 calendar year in advance and is subject to availability. Otherwise, the above Cancellation Fees will be applied.

As Spain-taneous Private Tours are custom built and created with specific dates in mind, any modifications will incur a 15% surcharge.

Insurance

In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration of your tour with Fresco Tours, you are covered by a basic insurance provided by Intermundial. We strongly advise the purchase of a more comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. You may also want to look into a Cancel For Any Reason add-on. We suggest using Travelinsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies must be purchased within a specific time frame—often within a few weeks of booking your tour.

Traveling Responsibly

Traveling sustainably is at the heart of Fresco Tours. We travel “slow,” walking the marked trails of the Camino de Santiago. This means no disruptions to natural habitats and a low carbon footprint. We always aim for the rich flavors of locally sourced food whenever possible. We have strong reliable relationships with our regional partners (accommodations, guides, bus drivers) – and we ourselves are a Spanish company! This means we have the local knowledge of Spanish culture (traditions, social norms, heritage) because it’s our home.

Experience and Expertise

Fabulous Food

Unique Accommodations

Semi-Independent Tour

Van Supported

Expect to have a wonderful time!

Córdoba and the Magnificent Mezquita

La Subbética, the Heart of Andalucía

Magical Granada and the Alhambra

Strolling the Sierra Nevada

Antequera and Ronda

Grazalema and the Pueblos Blancos

Costa de la Luz

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

Seville, Soul of the South

Seville

2 Guides

Limited Group Sizes

Local Guided Visits

Accommodations

All Meals

Support Vehicle

Luggage Transfer

Special Event Tickets

Additional Services

Ground Transportation

Not Included

Table of Contents

Getting There & Back

How do I get to the Andalucian Affair Tour starting point?

How can I purchase my train tickets beforehand?

How do I get from Sevilla (where the tour ends) to Madrid and other cities?

How do I get from Madrid Airport to Madrid city center?

On the Road

What is the weather like on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

What is a typical day like on the Andalucian Tour?

Does the group stop for breaks on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

What is the terrain like on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

What is the change in elevation on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

How many kilometers do we walk each day on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

Will I be able to do laundry on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

Before You Go / Preparing

How do I purchase travel insurance?

How much luggage can I bring on the Andalucian Affair Tour?

What type of shoes do I need to walk the Andalucian Affair Tour?

What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before the Andalucian Affair Tour?

Booking a Tour

Reservations and Payments

Confirmation

Final Registration

Single Supplement Fee

Cancellation / Refund Policies

Changing Tour Dates

Insurance

Traveling Responsibly

4799 €

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Getting There & Back 

How do I get to the Andalucian Affair Tour starting point? 

How do I get from Sevilla (where the tour ends) to Madrid and other cities?  

How do I get from Madrid Airport to Madrid city center? 

On the Road 

What is the weather like on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

What is a typical day like on the Andalucian Tour? 

Does the group stop for breaks on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

What is the terrain like on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

What is the change in elevation on the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

How many kilometers do we walk each day on the Andalucian Affair Tour?  

Will I be able to do laundry on the Andalucian Affair Tour?  

Before You Go / Preparing 

How do I purchase travel insurance? 

What type of shoes do I need to walk the Andalucian Affair Tour? 

What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before the Andalucian Affair Tour? 