The joie de vivre of western Andalusia

Western Andalusia is not without reason the birthplace of passionate flamenco and irresistible Spanish sherry. This is where everything revolves around joie de vivre.

This experience trip immerses you in a rich cultural heritage, unique natural beauty and enchanting cities. Like southern Seville, with its typical old quarters and magnificent monuments. Or historic Jerez and its many sherry bodegas and world-renowned Royal Riding School. Last but not least, the impressive Coto Doñana natural park with its saltwater marshes and former hunting grounds.

Be enchanted by the 'African light' in Cadiz, Spain's most maritime city. Discover Ronda, the birthplace of bullfighting, and soak up the hip, vibrant centre of Málaga.

Day 1: Departure to Seville

Your holiday starts at the airport as you wait for your flight to Seville. There you will pick up your rental car and then you will stay in the city centre for the first two nights.

Day 2: Seville

A vibrant city, with numerous monuments and museums, working-class neighbourhoods and the country's finest Plaza de Toros. No city in Europe looks so exotic, almost North African. Squares lined by palm trees with the Giralda - the cathedral's bell tower - overlooking the eagerly growing orange trees. Visiting the Real Alcázar, a sophisticated Moorish-style royal palace, is a must. Most picturesque is the Barrio Santa Cruz, one of Seville's oldest districts with a labyrinth of shaded squares and winding streets lined with white houses and patios full of flowers. Near the typical Plaza de España is the building of the former Real Fábrica de Tabacos, the setting of the story of Bizet's famous opera Carmen. Would you like to explore the historical center with a guide? Caractère is happy to arrange it for you. Extra activity 'Iberian ham cutting': Watch professionals carve the renowned "jamón," the "el arte de cortar jámon," and learn the difference between Bellota, Ibérico, and Serrano... You're guaranteed to become an expert in Spanish ham.

Day 3: Carmona

Explore Seville further or take a trip to Carmona, one of Andalusia's oldest and most typical towns, with elegant palaces and patrician houses. Then drive on to the Costa de la Luz, where you will stay four nights at hotel Conil Playa.

Day 4: Jerez

Visit historic Jerez and one of its famous sherry 'bodegas', with or without a tasting. 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 visit the museum. In the afternoon, explore the surroundings of Jerez, with typical port towns such as Cadiz and El Puerto de Santa María or San Lúcar 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 5: Chipiona - Sanlúcar de Barrameda - Coto Doñana National Park

Via the typical seaside town of Chipiona, you will head to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, famous for having one of Spain's best sherrys, the manzanilla. From here you will explore by boat or jeep Coto Doñana Natural Park, with saltwater marshes ( home to 150 species of birds!), walking dunes and former hunting grounds. It's best to book in advance, so ask us if you're interested in doing so.

Day 6: El Puerto de Santa Maria - Cadiz

Visit El Puerto de Santa María, interesting for its rich historical heritage: the old quarter boasts 25 palaces and mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue your trip to Cadiz, the most maritime city in Spain, surrounded on 3 sides by water and renowned for its enchanting light.

Day 7 : Ronda

Through the beautiful 'Route of the White Villages', with charming towns such as Arcos de la Frontera, El Bosque and Grazalema, you will head to spectacularly located Ronda. Enjoy Ronda, the birthplace of bullfighting, with its beautiful Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and the Puente Nuevo bridge, the city's symbol. Finally, you will continue to the Costa del Sol (50 km), for a relaxing 2-night stay at Hotel Finca Cortesín Hotel & Spa.

Day 8 : Costa del Sol or Málaga

Enjoy a day of rest, or a visit to trendy Málaga or maybe both if you have a few days of holiday left!

Day 9 : Going home

That's a wrap. You will fly back to Brussels with a head and heart full of memories and completely rested. Still need a few more days of holiday? Extend your stay, we'll be happy to help!