Luxury Chauffeur Driven Tour of Andalucía

This holiday can start on any date you request and we can arrange transfers to Granada from your arrival point in Spain. It is also possible to substitute having a driver for 1^st class train travel between the cities.

Day One - Arrive Granada and be transferred to your Granada hotel for 2 nights

After you have settled into your hotel in Granada you can take a short walk to the souk like streets of the Alcaiceria surrounding the cathedral, here you can try the delicious array of tapas that Granada offers from broad beans cooked with ham, meat balls cooked with almond and saffron to crumbling slices of Manchego cheese and the best jamon serrano from the Alpujarran village of Trevelez.

Day Two - Private Guided visit to The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens

The Alhambra Palace, was short-listed to be one of the New Seven Wonders of The World. It is an absolutely stunning complex of palaces, summer gardens, fountains and courtyards which once seen is never forgotten and often revisited time and time again. Built during the reign of the pleasure loving califas, every view inside the complex is a picture of harmony and balance with natural light and the sound of running water creating the perfect environment for meditation and relaxation; which was the essence of Moorish life at this time.

This morning you will be met by your own personal expert and guide who will give you a three hour tour of the entire palace complex and gardens that will bring every corner to life through its history and legends.

Late afternoon/early evening is the best time to wander around and loose yourself in the Albaicin, the medieval quarter of Granada which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding your way up you will eventually reach the Plaza de San Nicolas where local flamenco artists gather to practise, overlooking the famous panoramic view of The Alhambra with the snow-capped sierra Nevada behind.

Day Three - Transfer with your driver to Cordoba for 1 night

In medieval times Cordoba was the most advanced city in the whole of Europe, a centre of culture and learning where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in a thriving society.

Today it is quieter Andalucían city with an unpretentious atmosphere, quite different from the passion and flamboyance of Seville. The streets surrounding the Mezquita are filled with ancient bodegas and tapas bars and a glass of the local sherry like Montilla is an absolute must.

Afternoon private guided tour of Cordoba

For this afternoon you will have a private tour of Cordoba including the Mezquita, Juderia, Alcazar and synagogue. The great mosque was built to rival Mecca and is a building of incredible mystic powers and the first glimpse inside is a jaw dropping experience. The jaw then drops further when you encounter a huge catholic cathedral hidden in the middle!

Surrounding the Mezquita is the delightfully crumbling Juderia; a fascinating place to get lost in as you wander around the narrow maze of streets, lined with geranium filled balconies and green shady plazas. There are many things to discover in the Juderia from original Moorish bath houses, to one of the only three synagogues to have survived the expulsion of The Jews from Spain.

Day Four - Transfer with your driver to Seville for 3 nights

The flamboyant Andalucían capital city of Sevilla combines its Moorish history with the legacy of the Spanish Golden Age when Columbus brought back immeasurable wealth from The Americas. The beautiful Arabic minaret "la Giralda" towers over one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the world and the colourful Plaza de España contrasts with the Mudejar palaces of the Royal Alcazar.

Authentic Flamenco Show

For your first evening in Seville you will have a reservation at an unpretentious and authentic flamenco show set in a traditional patio Andaluz, just a short walk from your hotel on the edge of the barrio Santa Cruz.

Day Five Private guided tour of Seville

Today you will explore the city of Seville, beginning with an exclusive private tour of the highlights of the city with a professional, passionate local guide. Starting off in the cathedral; one of the largest Gothic churches of the world where from the Arabic minaret La Giralda you get stunning panoramic views of the city. Across the square is the Alcazar; a royal palace for over 1000 years and home to some of Spain's most beautiful Mudejar architecture and gardens. Finishing off in the romantic barrio Santa Cruz, the medieval part of the city which is a labyrinth of narrow streets and white washed houses with iron grilled windows and geranium covered balconies.

After lunch you are free to further explore the city including maybe a boat trip up the Río Guadalquivir or relax with a book in the shade of the Marie Louisa Park.

Day Six - Exclusive full day trip to the vineyards and bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera with tastings and lunch

Jerez is about 85km from Seville and on this private guided tour, before reaching the town, you will stop off at a private vineyard to learn of the many factors which affect grape production and quality. Following this you will proceed to one of the bodegas to be shown around the spectacular buildings with rows upon rows of sherry butts stacked one on top of the other. These buildings are often compared to cathedrals and it is certainly true that they give the impression of being sanctified places. After a detailed tour including a complete explanation of the sherry-making process there will be a tutored tasting of the different styles of wine including high end wines not normally available.

On the tour you will also find out how sherry vinegar and Jerez Brandy are made and you will also get the chance to sample some of the top brandies available. After this first visit you will then move on to a much smaller family bodega where as well as being shown around you will be able to taste some exceptionally fine wines unknown to all except a few select connoisseurs. To finish the day a late lunch will be enjoyed in one of the best restaurants in Jerez, accompanied, of course, by fine sherry wines.

Day Seven - Depart Seville and say farewell to Andalucia