Itinerary The Best of Andalucia - 12 Days
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
TUESDAY - Day 1: USA – Costa del Sol, Spain
Evening flight with dinner and a movie on board.
WEDNESDAY - Day 2 : Arrival in Costa del Sol
After breakfast on board, landing at Malaga airport. Upon arrival, your hostess will greet you and provide transportation to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and begin exploring the area. Accommodations at your 4-star beachfront hotel in Torremolinos. (D)
THURSDAY - Day 3: Gibraltar The Rock (Full Day Tour)
After breakfast, a drive along the southern Costa del Sol will take us to La Linea de la Concepción, the border town with Gibraltar. We will cross the border and enter Gibraltar crossing the runway of the airport where people transfer to small vans for a tour around the Rock. This tour takes us to the highest point with fantastic panoramic views of the Bay of Algeciras, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the African coastline. We also visit the Saint Michael’s caves with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Once taking the road down again, we will see the Barbarian apes that still live in Gibraltar. Free time for tax-free shopping or having a snack at the various English or Spanish-type pubs and restaurants. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Costa del Sol. Dine-around tonight (B,D)
FRIDAY - Day 4: Granada & The Alhambra Palace. (Full Day Tour)
Early drive along the Costa del Sol through the mountains of Malaga towards Granada. Halfway we will stop briefly in Loja and then continue to Granada. As we enter the city you’ll be able to see the peaks of the white-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. A sightseeing city-tour will lead us to the Alhambra Palace. ”Alhambra” is an Arabic word that means red, the color of its fortified walls. Built during the 13th and 14th century, it took nearly 100 years to be completed. Visit includes the Court of the Myrtle’s, the Court of the Lions, the Hall of Secrets, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Alcazaba, the castle that guarded the Palace. We will also visit the beautiful gardens of the Generalife with its green water gardens and the fountains that inspired several famous Spanish composers. Over the centuries the Alhambra gradually fell into ruins but, curiously, it was the American Author Washington Irving who helped prod the city into having the monument restored. Irving lived in the palace early in the 19th century, where he wrote his book "Tales of the Alhambra". Now the Alhambra is completely restored and rebuilt. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Costa del Sol in time for dinner. Dine-around tonight. (B-D)
SATURDAY - Day 5: Costa del Sol - Ronda (Full Day Tour)
Today we head to the ancient town of Ronda. Spanning more than four centuries of Spanish architecture, this quaint town is sure to transport you back in time. One look at the famous “El Tajo” and the impressive sheer drop of the mountain cliffs illustrates its origins as a military stronghold. While in Ronda, marvel at its architectural variety, including the walled Old Town, a residential palace of nobility, the Cathedral, the bullring - the oldest existing in Spain - and the “Bullfight Museum.” Free time for lunch on your own and shopping prior to returning to your hotel. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Costa del Sol in time for dinner at your hotel. (B-D)
SUNDAY - Day 6: Costa del Sol
Day at leisure in Costa del Sol. Buffet breakfast and Dinner (B-D)
MONDAY - Day 7: Excursion to Cordoba (Full Day Tour)
This tour starts with long and scenic drive through the real Andalusian countryside passing the city and the mountains of Malaga, cross the plains of La Vega de Antequera and arrive at Cordoba, one of the few cities in the world still characterized by a tremendous feeling of spirit. Founded by the Carthaginians, Cordoba was conquered by the Romans, invaded by the Goths, and rebuilt by the Moors in 711, when the city became the capital of the vast Emirate. In the middle of the 8th century a new emir, Abderraman I came to power and gave Cordoba a glorious period of prosperity, reaching its peak with Abderraman II. In the 10th century Cordoba became the most densely populated and civilized city in the West. Its mosque became the richest and most splendid Islamic monument. We will visit the Mosque/Cathedral, pass through the Jewish quarter strongly influenced by Islamic and Mudejar art, see the Roman Bridge, and the Synagogue, dating back to the XIV century. Dinner with wine & overnight at your 4-star air-conditioned beachfront hotel.
TUESDAY - Day 8: At leisure
Day at leisure in Costa del Sol. Breakfast at your hotel. Dine-around tonight. (B-D)
WEDNESDAY - Day 9: Seville: Capital of Andalucia (Full Day Tour)
After breakfast, drive along the hills and plains of the beautiful Andalusian countryside for a great view of typical towns such as Antequera, Estepa, Osuna and, finally, Seville. The fourth largest in Spain, Seville is a city humming with life and prosperity, holding magnificent buildings and monuments, and considered the most popular and attractive in the whole country. Our visit will start with the Alcazar, which served both as Palace and Fort, and will continue in the Cathedral, a unique beauty all its own combining old Arabic and Christian architecture. The cathedral was built on top of a former mosque and is now the third largest in the world. Adjoining it, the Giralda tower stands 322 feet high. We continue our visit to the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter where we will ramble along the narrows streets with it small bars and restaurants. Not to be missed is the beautiful Maria Luisa Park with its sunken gardens, the decorative fountains, and the lovely "azulejos" (tiles) in the Plaza de España, a semi-circular square with a great building around it. We finish our trip to Seville with a drive over the Isla de la Cartuja area, where the Universal Exposition took place in 1992. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Costa del Sol in time for your Farewell Dinner at your hotel (B-D)
THURSDAY & FRIDAY- Days 10 & 11: Costa del Sol – USA
Days at leisure in Costa del Sol. Dinner with wine daily & overnight at your 4-star air-conditioned beachfront hotel.
SATURDAY- Day 12:- Costa del Sol-USA
After a hearty buffet breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Malaga airport for your return flight home, arriving later today
MELIA COSTA DEL SOL, Torremolinos - Superior 4-star Beachfront Air-Conditioned Hotel
Perfectly located facing the Mediterranean, The Meliá Costa del Sol features 535 rooms including suites, all with terrace and sea-view, air conditioning, telephone, satellite television, and safe deposit box. This hotel is located just 10 minutes walking distance from the shopping area of Torremolinos and the quaint fishermen's village of La Carihuela, easily accessible using the seaside promenade. Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and facilities include bar, coffee-shop and several lounges, sun terrace with indoor pool with therapeutic fitness treatment, anti-stress treatment, dieting assistance and therapy for cellulitis, depressions, sleep disorders, etc. Executive floor and 24 hours room service
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