Best of Andalusia: Seville, Ronda & Málaga - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Seville - Evening Tapas Tour

Welcome to Seville—the capital of Spain's Andalusia region! Upon arrival, you'll be met by a private transfer who will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city's old town. Take a little time to settle in and rest before your evening excursion.

At the designated time, you'll meet your private guide in the lobby and then jump in a taxi for a tapas tour! Your guide will show you his/her favorite tapas places as you sample excellent food and drink options while rubbing shoulders with locals. This is an exciting (and tasty) way to see another side of Seville not usually experienced by tourists!

Day 2: Private Walking Tour of Seville

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be picked up by a private guide to experience Seville's most emblematic landmarks. Enjoy a long, leisurely stroll through the city to visit a number of sites including the Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world), Christopher Columbus' tomb, and the magnificent Alcázar with its many Mudéjar (Neo-Moorish) palaces and beautiful, oasis-like gardens. 

At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at a recommended tapas bar for lunch. You'll then have the afternoon to continue exploring Seville at your own pace.

Day 3: Meet Seville's Local Artistans

Today you'll have a special opportunity to meet some of Seville's most notable local artisans.

Along with your private guide, you'll head to the city's old town and walk down a small side street where a simple, nondescript door welcomes you into a 19th-century abode filled with artistic treasures. This is where renowned art restorers invite you into their home to share their passion for their profession and reveal the techniques they use to save age-old pieces and bring them back to life. This is a truly magical experience for art lovers! At the end of the visit, you'll be free to continue exploring the streets near the studio or return to your hotel.

Later in the day, you'll reconvene with your guide for a flamenco-themed evening. First, you'll pay a visit to a flamenco guitar maker's studio, where you'll be able to see the beautiful masterpieces being lovingly created and designed. Then your guide will take you to a live flamenco show where you'll learn to appreciate the passion and dedication that is put into this revered art form.

Day 4: Transfer from Seville to Ronda, via the White Villages

After breakfast in Seville, prepare for breathtaking scenery as you explore some of Andalusia's most enchanting places with a private guide. Take in the views as you drive through olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and mountainous terrain while visiting several of the region's famous 'white villages', perched on hillsides with their iconic whitewashed houses visible for miles around. 

Your first stop will be Zahara de la Sierra where you'll visit a nearby olive mill to learn about production and join a tasting before driving up and over to Grazalema. Here, you will sample the renowned payoyo cheese and explore the streets of Spain's most charming white village. 

After lunch, continue your road-trip journey as you head inland, up and over the mountains, to your hotel in Ronda, the largest of the white villages. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage and settle into your room before venturing out to explore this small city overlooking spectacular views atop El Tajo gorge.

Day 5: Private Tour of Ronda - Winery Visit

After a hearty Andalusian breakfast, you'll have the day to explore Ronda—the capital of the white villages—with a private local guide. The excursion will include a visit to the spectacular Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda, largely considered one of the most important in Spain, as well as numerous buildings, churches, convents, and palaces that belong to a long and illustrious Roman and Moorish history.

Following the tour, you'll visit a winery just outside of town in Serranía de Ronda to gain insight into this wine producing area, which has taken off in the last 20 years, and of course, taste some outstanding wines with guidance from a host. 

In the afternoon, you'll make the short journey back to your hotel for some free time to relax before dinner.

Day 6: Transfer from Ronda to Málaga, via the Caminito del Rey

After breakfast in Ronda, you'll meet your driver and set off towards the recently opened and very popular Caminito del Rey—a stunning walkway built along an impressive gorge carved out by the Guadalhorce River, at times only 33 feet (10 m) wide and 2297 feet (700 m) deep. 

You'll start at the northern entrance, where you'll get kitted out with safety equipment before proceeding along the trail, taking in its incredible views down the steep-sided gorge with the river winding below you. It is a one-way trail, typically taking around 3 to 4 hours to complete. 

At the endpoint, your driver will meet you to take you the rest of the way to Málaga where you'll check-in and have the rest of the day to explore on your own. For dinner, sample the local cuisine of fish and seasonal vegetables, along with olives, almonds, grapes, raisins, and delicious baked goods. Check out the waterfront or the Old Town along Calle Marques de Larios, which offers some excellent restaurant options.

Day 7: Depart Málaga

It's time to say farewell! Depending on the time of your flight or train reservation, squeeze in one more walk through the streets of Malaga, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs. At the designated time you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport or rail station for your departure onwards. Safe travels!

This trip was selected as one of Europe's best weeklong itineraries. See the full list here