13 days of Andalusia: Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Costa del Sol

DAY 1: Departure to MÁLAGA - GRANADA

Your holiday in Spain is finally about to begin! After picking up your rental car, you travel to sunny Granada, where you will spend two nights in a hotel of your choice.

DAY 2: GRANADA

The absolute highlight of this city is a visit to the Alhambra, an impressive Moorish palace complex, along with the beautiful gardens of the Generalife. Built by the Nasrids, it perfectly embodies the concept of 'paradise on earth'. Be sure to ask us to book in advance if you would like to visit the Alhambra! After your visit, you can take a shuttle bus to Plaza Nueva, where numerous students create a vibrant atmosphere in and around the many bars and restaurants. Ideal for an aperitif with tapas!

DAY 3: GRANADA - ÚBEDA

In the morning, you explore Granada further: the cathedral, surrounded by a web of streets reminiscent of an Arabic market, is the perfect starting point for a city walk. The route continues eastward into the Albaicín, a typical working-class neighborhood with a distinct Moorish character. In the evenings, flamenco music echoes from small, sometimes tiny cafes. You then leave Granada towards Jaén and encounter a spectacular landscape of millions of olive trees, which account for no less than 25% of global olive oil production. In every restaurant in the province of Jaén, you can taste the 'picual' and unfiltered 'manzanilla' varieties—the best olive oil in the region—served in a sherry glass as if it were a wine tasting. Afterwards, you continue to the charming town of Úbeda.

DAY 4: ÚBEDA - BAEZA

Úbeda, architecturally one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia, features numerous Renaissance buildings and gives a wonderful impression of the city's splendor in the 16th century. Nestled between endless, symmetrical rows of olive groves lies its 'sister city', beautiful Baeza. Just like in Jaén, you will discover numerous Renaissance-style palaces, churches, and monasteries here, which earned both towns a place on the Unesco World Heritage list in 2003.

DAY 5 AND 6: CÓRDOBA

You drive on to Córdoba, where you will stay for two nights in a magnificent five-star hotel. The undisputed highlight is the Mezquita or Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, 12 centuries old and a symbol of Islamic power. In the 16th century, a cathedral was built right in the center of the mosque, resulting in a spectacular architectural cross-pollination. The charm of Córdoba also lies in its Jewish quarter, with winding alleys and yellow street lanterns. Especially in the evening, when the day tourists have departed, it is delightful to stroll around in a romantic atmosphere and pleasant temperatures. In the evening, enjoy a wonderfully romantic Califal dinner at the hotel, which stands for refinement and class.

DAY 7: CARMONA - SEVILLE

Driving along rural roads, with an optional stop in the typical town of Carmona—one of the oldest cities in Andalusia—you continue to Seville, where you will enjoy a two-night stay in a Caractère hotel.

DAY 8: SEVILLE: PASSION, COLOR AND ATMOSPHERE

A bustling city, rich in monuments and museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and home to the most beautiful Plaza de Toros in the country. No other city in Europe feels quite so exotic, almost North African. Palm-lined squares surround the Giralda—the cathedral's bell tower—which overlooks eagerly growing orange trees. A visit to the Real Alcázar, a refined royal palace built in Moorish style, is a must. The most picturesque spot is the Barrio Santa Cruz, one of Seville's oldest neighborhoods, featuring a labyrinth of shaded squares and winding streets with whitewashed houses and flower-filled patios. Near the iconic Plaza de España stands the building of the former Real Fábrica de Tabacos, the setting for the story of Bizet's famous opera, Carmen.

DAY 9: SEVILLE - VEJER DE LA FRONTERA / CONIL DE LA FRONTERA

In the morning, you wrap up your visit to Seville before driving towards Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera.

DAY 10: JEREZ

Jerez is the capital of flamenco, sherry, and... horses! Taste a 'fino' in one of the city's impressive 'bodegas'. Watch a horse dressage demonstration at the riding school, the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre, and be sure to visit its museum. In the afternoon, explore the surroundings of Jerez, including typical port towns like Cádiz and El Puerto de Santa María or Sanlúcar de Barrameda—the mecca of manzanilla, the finest sherry. With its large number of bodegas, the latter is part of the famous 'sherry triangle'.

DAY 11 AND 12: THE WHITE VILLAGES

After a drive through beautiful landscapes, you reach the white villages, such as Arcos de la Frontera and Grazalema. You must not miss the spectacularly situated Ronda. Afterwards, you continue towards the Costa del Sol, where you will stay for two nights in a Caractère hotel. Enjoy a day of rest, a visit to trendy Málaga, or perhaps both!

DAY 13: Returning home

Unfortunately, your journey has come to an end, and you return home fully satisfied. Drop off your rental car and fly back with a head and heart full of wonderful memories.

What budget should you expect?

For this trip, you can expect a price starting from €7,000 for two people (or €3,500 per person). This includes flights, bed & breakfast accommodation, transfers, and all mentioned guided activities including entrance tickets. The exact price depends on your travel period, your final choices, and any optional extras.

Frequently Asked Questions about the contrasts of Andalusia

Do I need a rental car for this tour?

Yes. This 13-day itinerary connects six regions with distances between 100 and 250 kilometers. A rental car gives you the freedom to make stops in olive groves, white villages, and sherry bodegas, and also makes excursions to Cádiz or the Costa del Sol very straightforward. Since the historic centers are largely car-free or restricted, we select hotels that offer parking facilities.

What is the best time of year to visit Andalusia?

April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant climate (18°C to 30°C). In summer, it can get very hot, especially in Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. Winter is mild but has shorter days. We always book your Alhambra tickets in advance, regardless of the season.

What makes this extensive Andalusia tour different from the compact version?

This trip goes deeper: it features dedicated time for Úbeda and Baeza, the sherry and horse culture in Jerez, white villages like Ronda, and a two-night beach stay on the Costa del Sol. You combine Moorish palaces, Renaissance heritage, flamenco, gastronomy, and the sea, staying two nights in each region for a more relaxed and immersive experience.