While the beaches of southern Spain are ever-popular, the cities of Andalucía are where you'll find the quintessential Spanish culture that many people dream of.
This is the land of white-walled villages with winding cobbled streets, magnificent Moorish palaces with fascinating histories, sun-kissed fields of olive trees, and the home of flamenco, sherry, and tapas.
Joining you for a tour of this enchanting region will be garden designer Nick Bailey, who will join you on a visit to the Alhambra, give an insightful talk and host a Q&A session based on his gardening experiences.
You'll begin your journey in Granada, where you'll spend a day visiting the glorious Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife with Nick. Built in the 14th century, this Moorish palace is one of the best-preserved buildings of the historic Muslim world. Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, it's a truly beautiful place to explore.
Next, you'll travel to Córdoba, where you'll see another shining example of historical Moorish architecture, the city's Great Mosque and its Patio de los Naranjos, a huge patio shaded by fragrant orange trees.
You'll visit the refined city of Seville, where you'll see the imposing cathedral, the amazing Royal Palaces of the Alcázar, and Ronda, a city split in two by a dramatic gorge.
You'll also have some free time on this tour to spend as you wish, perhaps by attending an energetic flamenco show or enjoying some tapas in a local bar. Before long, you'll feel fully immersed in the laid-back Andalusian culture.
Throughout the trip, you'll stay in comfortable and stylish hotels, all well-located for making the most of these culturally-rich Spanish cities.
Nick Bailey is a leading garden designer who has created and managed gardens on four continents. He splits his time between designing gardens, horticultural consultancy, public speaking, writing, and presenting on Gardeners' World. Nick will give a talk and host a Q&A session based on his experiences.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £295. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Today, you'll fly from London to Málaga and transfer to your hotel. Once checked in, you'll have dinner at the hotel
This morning, you'll be joined by special guest Nick Bailey for a visit to the famous Alhambra Palace and the manicured gardens of The Generalife, the summer palace of the Sultans of Granada in the 14th century.
In the afternoon, you'll wander through the medieval streets of the city's old town, the Albaicín, glimpsing its enclosed, shaded gardens. From one of the 'miradors' - viewing points at the top of the hilly Albaicín - you can take in one of the most inspiring views in all of Spain, the Alhambra standing proud against the snowy backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
You'll return to your hotel late afternoon and there will be free time for the remainder of the day to relax or perhaps enjoy a glass of Tinto de Verano and some tapas in a shaded patio courtyard.
This evening Nick will give an insightful talk and host a Q&A session based on his gardening experiences.
After breakfast, we leave Seville and head east for a guided tour of Cordoba. This city is famous for its grand mosque-cathedral, the Mezquita. Dominating the old town, its most astonishing feature is an arcaded hall supported by over 850 columns made of semi-precious stones. Another highlight is Cordoba's immense, well preserved Roman bridge.
We then continue to Granada, the last stronghold of the sultans during the Middle Ages and the home of the Alhambra. We pass through some very parched countryside, which gives way to ancient olive groves and the fertile foothills of the Sierra Nevada range.
Our hotel for the next two nights is either the four-star Hotel Corona, which is in the heart of the city, or the four-star Hotel Alixares, which looks out over the Alhambra. Both are fully air-conditioned and very comfortable.
Today is your chance to explore the breathtakingly beautiful city of Seville. You'll visit Plaza de España, one of Spain's most impressive public spaces, and see the Gardens of Murillo and Seville's majestic cathedral.
In the afternoon, you will visit Seville's Orange Tree Courtyard, which belonged to the old mosque, and the gardens of the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar. This magnificent palace mixes Christian and Moorish styles and has several intricately decorated patios and salons.
After breakfast, you'll head for Ronda, a spectacular town rising dramatically amid a ring of dark, angular mountains above the gorges of the River Tajo. Here, you'll visit the Alameda del Tajo Gardens, on the edge of a dizzying gorge. You'll visit the Palacio de Mondragon, whose Moorish courtyards and gardens evoke images of the bygone era when Moorish kings called Ronda home.
After enjoying lunch in one of the many local restaurants here (not included), you will have free time to explore the town before you return to your hotel.
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Málaga airport for your return flight home.
To view Brightwater Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £295. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).