Andalucia is a region known for its beautiful Moorish architecture and pristine whitewashed towns. Perhaps less well-known is its abundance of spectacular wildlife, from whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar to the bountiful birdlife of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Discover both sides of this region of Spain up close on this exciting tour.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Malaga from a choice of UK airports. With accommodation at the heart of some of Andalucia’s best cities, you’ll have plenty of opportunity throughout your holiday to sample the region’s most famous cuisine – tapas. You don’t have to worry about sitting down to dinner in Andalucia, just wander from bar to bar, ordering a drink and a tapa everywhere you go, or if you fancy a larger portion, just ask for a ‘ración’ just ask your Specialist Guide for advice. Overnight Algeciras.

• Whale watching off Gibraltar - 2
  

  Imagine pods of dolphins playfully swimming around your boat, jumping in and out of the water. Travel a little further on and you could see majestic whales breaching the surface to breathe, their tailfins seeming to wave at you as they return underwater to feed. The waters of the Strait of Gibraltar are literally teeming with cetaceans – whales and dolphins – and you are almost guaranteed a sighting of these mysterious and revered underwater mammals on your whale watching cruise, in the company of an expert guide. Keep an eye out for the six species resident in the waters off the coast of Andalucia: acrobatic bottlenose dolphins; the black, white and yellow common dolphin, now sadly endangered; the distinctive striped dolphin; pilot whales, who remain in large family pods; the deep-diving sperm whale; and orcas, the largest member of the dolphin family more commonly known as the killer whale. Overnight Cadiz.

• Bird watching in the forest of Parque Nacional de Doñana - 3
  

  Make sure you don’t forget your binoculars and a long lens for your camera today as you head into the wetlands, sand dunes and forests of the Doñana National Park. The largest wildlife preserve in Spain, access to the park’s interior is strictly controlled, with tours limited in size and number. Established in the 1960s and named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, the park is home to around 275 species of bird as well as being a temporary haven for migratory birds. Your tour of the park in the company of a local wildlife expert will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the forest and wetland ecosystems, and there will be plenty of opportunity to indulge in a spot of bird watching at the José Antonio Valverde Visitor Centre. From herons and falcons to turtle doves and oxpeckers, the birdlife to be found at the Doñana National Park is simply incredible. Keep your eyes peeled for the illusive Spanish imperial eagle – there are estimated to be only 15 breeding pairs in the park. Another highly endangered and rarely-spotted inhabitant is the Spanish lynx, you would be incredibly lucky if you managed to catch glimpse of one of these notoriously shy beasts. Overnight Cadiz.

• Cadiz to Seville - 4
  

  Leave Cadiz, described by author Laurie Lee as “a city of sharp incandescence” for the two hour journey inland to Seville. Join our optional excursion to visit a number of Seville’s famous tapas bars. Overnight Seville.

• Explore historic Seville - 5
  

  Step into Seville’s historic Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, to discover some of the city’s oldest buildings. Wander around its maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, admiring their iron grille-covered windows and brightly coloured plants adorning the walls. As you walk, you are sure come upon two of Seville’s most famous attractions – the incredible cathedral and the Alcázar. The sight of Seville Cathedral will take your breath away – its size and scale is simply unimaginable, on a par with St. Paul’s in London and St. Peter’s in Rome. Climb the stairs to the top of La Giralda – the bell tower that was converted from the minaret of a mosque – the views are stunning. Admire the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, where it is claimed his remains are interred. And the awe-inspiring altarpiece has to be seen to be believed, with its 45 biblical scenes all painstakingly carved by just one man. The fortified palace of Alcázar is an excellent example of Mudéjar architecture. It’s incredibly calming walking through its vaulted halls with their stunning tile and plaster work. Overnight Seville.

• Discover Cordoba's Mezquita - 6
  

  Atmospheric whitewashed streets interspersed with patios that create pockets of light form a maze through the heart of Cordoba’s Jewish quarter, Juderìa, where little has changed in the last 1,000 years. Make a beeline for Callejón de las Flores to see the bright white buildings made colourful by pots and baskets of geraniums. Make your way to the end of the alley and look back along its length to take photographs of the belfry of the Mezquita, this has to be one of Cordoba’s best views. This sophisticated city in the heart of rural Andalucia was the western capital of the Islamic empire in the 10th century, with life centred around the spectacular Mezquita. The most beautiful of all Moorish mosques, the atmosphere as you enter through the Patio de los Naranjos is hushed and reverent, then as you walk into the main building the sight of more than 850 red and white striped arches will astound you. From exquisite mosaics to sparkling gilt prayer niches, the lavish decorations of the Mezquita are awe-inspiring. Even the Renaissance cathedral at the heart of the mosque, added in the 15th and 16th centuries and slightly incongruous to its surroundings, only adds to the sense of grandeur. Continue to the historic city of Granada this evening, perhaps taking a wander around its streets to sample the atmosphere. Overnight Albolte Granada.

• Uncover the Alhambra Palace - 7
  

  Stood high above Granada, the Alhambra Palace is an imposing presence. It is clear to see why the Nasrid dynasty chose to build their palace complex here. Surrounded by woodland, the buildings of the complex are a constant surprise and delight. Start your explorations in the fortified Alcazaba, the oldest part of the complex, making sure you climb to the top of the tower for spectacular views across Granada. Walking around its thick stone walls you get a real feel for the history and amount of work that went in to creating such a masterpiece. From the Alcazaba, wander around the wide, tree-lined boulevards to the Renaissance-style Palacio de Carlos V, a later addition whose round interior courtyard both baffles and delights. Then, make your way to what has to be a highlight of your visit to the Alhambra – the Palacios Nazaries. Meander through corridors that link spacious rooms with brightly coloured tile mosaic ceilings and fountain-cooled courtyards. Words just can’t describe the feelings of peace and serenity you experience as you discover one spectacularly decorated room after another. And then there are the gardens of the Generalife. Lush and green even in the height of summer, they are restful and reviving, the perfect place to end your exploration of the Alhambra Palace. Overnight Albolte Granada.

• Travelling - 8
  

  Fly from Malaga back to the UK.

Accommodation

• Vime Octavio Hotel, Algeciras (4-star) - 1 night
• Hotel Playa Ballena, Cadiz (4-star) - 2 nights
• Hotel Jardine de la Reinia, Seville (3-star) - 2 nights
• Hotel Principe Felipe, Albolte Granada (3-star) - 2 nights

• Flights are scheduled services of easyJet
• Flights depart at 6:15 am and return at 10:40 am

Includes

Not Included