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      The Highlights of Southern Spain
      Price guide
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        The Highlights of Southern Spain

        Duration10 days
        Price guide
        From
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        Andalusia is a land of fragrant orange blossom and majestic Moorish architecture and home to a population for whom a love of music and dance is in their DNA. This nine-night exploration takes you to southern Spain’s most beautiful cities, all with thriving cultural and foodie scenes and more than their fair share of castles, palaces and beautiful gardens.

        Trip highlights

        • Enjoy a private exploration of the Alhambra
        • Savour velvety wine at Bodegas Alvear
        • Explore Granada's old town
        • Marvel at Castillo de Almodóvar del Río
        • Learn the wine-making history of Jerez
        • Enjoy delicious caviar at an organic farm
        Soaking up street life in Cordoba
        Flamenco on show in Seville
        The traditional art of flamenco
        Details of the Royal Palace Nazaries of the Alhambra
        Marvel at the ornate details of the Alhambra
        Spanish tapas bar in historical centre of Seville at night.
        Sample authentic Spanish tapas

        Bespoke trips with Jacada

        We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

        • Luxury accommodation throughout
        • Privately guided tours
        • Private transfers
        • Meticulously selected experiences
        • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
        Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

        Itinerary in detail

        Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

        Days 1–4

        Three nights of discovery in Seville

        The jewel in the Moorish Caliphate of Cordoba and the capital of the most powerful Castilian Kingdom, Seville has been left with eye-popping architecture and majestic grace. Discover the nooks and crannies of the old town, feel the passion with a flamenco show and dine like a local with a tour of the city’s tapas bars, each with their own mouthwatering specialities.

        Highlights of Seville

        Seville's oldest quarter

        Dance

        Delicious specialities

        A walking tour

        Enjoy a walking tour through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s oldest quarter. You’ll visit the cathedral which sits on the site of the Great Mosque of the 12th century; the only part of this that remains is the minaret, now known as the Giralda Tower. The Royal Alcazar was the site of the marriage between Carlos V and Isabel of Portugal and is centred around two courtyards. The Ambassador’s Hall is beautifully decorated with plasterwork and tiles, while the top floor is accessed by a 16th century staircase featuring paintings by Roelas and Madrazo. The pretty gardens reflect the passing of historical periods and are a lush hideaway filled with pomegranate, orange and palm trees.

        Flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco

        Flamenco is the traditional song and dance of the gypsies of Andalusia and was developed over hundreds of years before becoming popular in the 19th century as a form of café entertainment. There are three parts to every flamenco show: ‘grande’ or ‘hondo’ with intense, profound songs; ‘intermedio’; and finally ‘pequeño’, lighthearted songs about love and nature. The cast changes every day here so there is always something new to experience. You’ll get to appreciate the differences between male and female flamenco dancers and enjoy the exceptional music that accompanies them.

        Tapas tour

        Spain has an incredibly rich culinary history and is famous for its tapas, bite-sized morsels of delicious food usually enjoyed with a glass or wine or beer. You’ll visit some of the city’s best tapas bars and enjoy dining the way Spaniards have for more than two centuries.

        Sherry wine tasting in Jerez

        A panoramic view of a historic cathedral with domes amid a sunny cityscape surrounded by green trees.

        Discover the unique wine spoils of enchanting Jerez on a tantalising tasting. Your host, a Jerez insider with an endless knowledge of the wonderful world of sherry, will lead you on a stroll through the charming town, stopping at a local winery for an immersive look into how sherry is made and its history. Next, it’s onto the countryside where your host will open the doors to a private, family-owned winery where you will get a true feel for the traditions behind sherry. Explore the vineyards and wine cellar, ending your tour with a traditional lunch among the vines as you share laughs and stories.

        Days 4–7

        Three nights of luxury in Cordoba

        Ancient, worldly, and sophisticated, Cordoba sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir river and is bursting with impressive architecture from the Mesquita mosque to the Alcazar with its beautiful gardens filled with fragrant lemon and orange trees.

         

        The best of Cordoba

        City highlights

        Royal ruins

        Wine tasting

        A guided tour

        Cordoba is perhaps Spain’s most handsome city, a historic centre of culture and lasting testament to a golden age of religious tolerance during its time as a caliphate. Visit today and you’ll find Cordoba’s grand past beautifully reflected in the city’s magnificent architecture. During your tour, explore the Moorish, Jewish and Christian quarters including the Alcazar with its beautiful gardens. You’ll also discover Roman remains and the famous Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral.

        Exploring Medina Azahara

        In 936AD, Adb ar-Rahman III decided to move the seat of government away from Cordoba and set about building a new royal city 8km away. The city was to reflect the powerful kingdom he governed and was constructed using marble, gold and precious stones. Built on three terraces and surrounded by a city wall, the royal castle sat proudly on the middle level while the lower levels were reserved for living quarters and the mosque. The city was destroyed in the civil war between the Berbers and the Moors and was lost for over 1000 years. Luckily, it was rediscovered in 1911 and excavation still continues.

        A visit to Bodegas Alvear

        Alvear is one of the most prestigious and internationally renowned bodegas in Andalusia, boasting extensive vineyards that are located in the most famous estates in the Sierra de Montilla y Moriles. This privileged land’s star grape variety is Pedro Ximénez, which is thought to have originated in the Rhine region, and is used by the bodega as the unique base wine for its sweet, fino, oloroso and amontillado wines. You’ll tour the vineyards and winery and enjoy a tasting of its unique wines.

        More to explore

        Horses

        Farms and castles

        An equestrian show at Cordoba Royal Stables

        Córdoba’s Royal Stables were founded in 1570 under King Felipe II, a life-long lover of horses. Today you will experience these magnificent beasts in their home city of Córdoba, in the stables dedicated to them, taking in the beauty and tradition of the installations and dressage show.

        The medieval fortress at Almodovar de Rio

        Visit Cortijo de la Reina and Castillo de Almodovar

        Spend the morning swept up in the whispering breeze, sunsoaked earth and dancing olive groves of Cortijo La Reina, a 15th century family-owned farmstead just outside of Córdoba that is breaking moulds with its sustainable and biodiverse production of organic vegetables, legumes and olive oil.

        Afterwards you can enjoy the countryside of Córdoba where Castle of Almodóvar del Río lies, a formidable fortress erected under Moorish power in the 8th century. The current Marquis of Motilla will welcome you into their castle to share the history that lies behind its walls.

        Days 7–10

        Two nights in Moorish Granada

        Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Iberian Peninsula’s highest massif. Renowned as the last stronghold of the Moors who were driven out of Western Europe in the 15th century, it’s here that you’ll best discover Andalusia’s splendid Arabic architectural heritage.

        Highlights of Granada

        The old town

        An ancient palace

        Tastings

        churchofsalvador-albaicin

        A privately guided tour

        Wander around the narrow streets of the Albaicin medieval neighbourhood for fine examples of Moorish and Morisco construction. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the district faces the Alhambra and is home to several attractions including the remains of an Arab bath complex, Granada’s archeological museum and the church of San Salvador.

        You’ll also visit the Sacramento neighbourhood, famous for its gypsy caves.

        Tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

        The lavish Alhambra is Granada’s most visited site. Once a palace and fortress for the city’s Muslim rulers, the Alhambra means ‘red fort’ and is named after the red clay used in its construction in the mid-13th century. The Generalife was the country residence of the Nasrid king and the recreational courtyard and its beautiful gardens sit on the slopes of the Cerro del Sol, offering spectacular views.

        Visit an organic Sturgeon Farm

        This sturgeon farm, just west of Granada, has been in operation since 1956 and is one of the leading sturgeon farms in the world. In fact, it is the only farm with organic certification for caviar and sturgeon. Be welcomed by your local hosts with a drink while you learn about the sustainable project’s history and mission.

        Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the whole farm, and learn all about the life-cycle and treatment of the fish, finishing with a tasting of one of the best caviars in the world paired with Taittinger Brut Reserva champagne and premium vodka.

        Why book with Jacada

        Personalised design illustration image

        We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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        Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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        We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

        Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline