Luxury Cultural Journey Through Southern Spain - 10 Days

Highlights

• Take a private tour of Granada's iconic Alhambra
• Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and see flamenco shows
• Laze on the golden beaches of Estepona, on the Costa Del Sol
• Visit olive oil estates and visit Iberian ham farms
• See the highlights of Seville, like the 15th-century Cathedral

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Train to Granada, Alhambra Tour & Hammam

Welcome to Spain! This beautiful country is packed full of history dating back to Roman times. Though you'll arrive in the capital of Madrid, that's just a waypoint. Once here, catch a train 3.5 hours south into the Andalusia region and Granada. This city was the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) during the reign of the Moors (711-1086 CE). You'll stay just south of the city, at La Esperanza Granada. This 5-star hotel is both green (relying on solar energy) and furnished with fine art and antiques. It also offers Spanish experiences like flamenco classes, cooking workshops, wine tastings, and more.

Save that for later. Now, you'll return to Granada and visit its most iconic landmark: the Alhambra. Built atop a hill overlooking the city, this 26-acre (12 ha) Muslim fortress dates to the ninth century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when, after the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. During a three-hour guided tour, you'll walk its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic views of the city below.

After all that walking, you can rest your tired legs with a one-hour session at a local hammam. These steam baths are significant in Arab/Andalusian history and remain a cornerstone of today's culture. Every hammam comprises different rooms, each containing baths set at different temperatures. A hammam session is a great way to reduce stress and relax while receiving essential vitamins and minerals and increasing blood circulation.

Day 2: Granada Five Senses Tour & Cave Flamenco Show

After breakfast, you'll head out for an alternative tour of Granada, discovering this cornerstone of Spanish history using all of your senses. Led by a private expert guide, you'll be transported to different eras in the city's historical timeline as you visit iconic locales like the 11th-century El Bañuelo hammam (Arab bath), the 16th-century Granada Cathedral, and the colorful Alcaicería, once a traditional Moorish bazaar now full of colorful Spanish treats, trinkets, and souvenirs.

Later, you'll head out and enjoy another cultural touchstone of this region: flamenco. The ultimate artistic expression of Andalusia, it's said that this combined dance/singing style dates back to the 16th century when performers would entertain passing travelers in the hills above Granada, using caves as stages. Today, you'll witness a recreation of this experience on a visit to one such cave for an authentic flamenco show—an event you won't find anywhere else.

Day 3: Hiking Andalusia & White Villages Tour

Today, you'll venture south of Granada to the mountains north of Marbella. Then, lace up your hiking boots for a full-day trek around the region. Though technically classified as easy, this privately guided hike requires decent physical fitness as it involves ascending rocky mountains like Cruz de Juanar. Your reward for summiting the peak is you'll be treated to incredible views over the coast.

When the hike is done, you'll meet a driver and continue touring the region by vehicle, stopping to admire Spain's famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). A few dozen such villages exist in Spain, primarily in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol. They're defined by their charming whitewashed buildings and scenic mountain locales, often near the coast. You'll get to stop at a couple of them, like Ojén and Monda, take a walk around, and sample some great tapas. Later in the day, you'll transfer back to Granada.

Day 4: Drive to Estepona, Wine Tour & Gourmet Lunch in Ronda

It's time to hit the road on your own. In the morning, pick up your rental car and drive southwest to the coast to Estepona. This charming resort town is located on Spain's Costa del Sol. The country's most famous stretch of Mediterranean coast runs 98 miles (159 km) south from Málaga past Marbella toward Gibraltar and is renowned for its golden beaches.

The journey takes about two hours, but you'll break up the drive with a stop in Ronda. This ancient town dates to the sixth century when the Celts settled it. It's a storybook locale carved out of a mountain and situated over a deep gorge, making it one of the most dramatic towns in the country. Like many places in Spain, Ronda is famous for its wine culture. You'll discover this firsthand on a tasting tour of two local, small-production wineries. At one, you'll even sit down to a gourmet lunch prepared by the winemakers.

You'll also stop at Setenil de las Bodegas. This unique Spanish town is nestled in the cliffs of the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve. Settled by the Moors in the 12th century, it's known for its distinctive cliffside architecture, with houses built into the rock formations. After a walk around, continue on to Estepona and check into Finca Cortesin. This 5-star hotel is located in the green hills overlooking the coast and offers expansive, whitewashed Andalusian suites around palatial courtyards. To unwind, enjoy treatments at the Asian-inspired spa, or play a round of golf at the championship 18-hole course.

Day 5: Beach Day in Estepona

Today is yours to relax and enjoy the beaches in and around Estepona however you like. Perhaps rise early for a sunrise jog on the sand. Or sleep in and enjoy a late brunch at one of the beach bars on the promenade along Playa la Rada, the main urban beach. Or search the 13-mile (21 km) coastline to find a more relaxed beach farther afield. One excellent option is Playa del Cristo, a sheltered cove with calm waters, making it ideal for families and snorkelers.

You can also visit some iconic coastal landmarks in the area. A famous option is Faro de Punta Doncella, the lighthouse in the marina. It stands 68 feet (21 m) and dates back to the 19th century when the harbor was first built. This area gets particularly lively at night, and there's a craft market on Sundays.

Day 6: Mountain 4WD Safari, Michelin-Star Dinner

Hop in a 4WD vehicle this morning and leave the coast behind on an adventure safari in the stunning Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve. Led by a guide/driver, this half-day off-road adventure takes you along rarely used back roads through the park's 173 square miles (448 sq km). Highlights include rugged mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, like red deer and the Iberian ibex. Also, you'll pass some of Spain's famous white villages and stop at a river for a refreshing dip.

Upon returning to Estepona, you'll have some time to relax. Then, in the evening, get dressed up for dinner at Lobito del Mar. Located in Marbella, this chic seafood restaurant is the brainchild of renowned chef Dani García, an Andalusia native and winner of two Michelin stars. The sumptuous menu highlights fresh fish, seafood, and savory rice dishes, with a particular focus on red tuna. After the meal, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 7: Drive to Seville, Visit an Olive Oil Estate

It's time to say goodbye to the coast. After breakfast, get back in the car for the drive north to Seville, the famed capital of Andalusia. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, but you can make optional stops along the way. One can't-miss destination is Jerez de Frontera, a historic city and capital of the Cádíz region. You can take a walk around and visit highlight landmarks like the 11th-century Alcázar and Baroque Cathedral. Since this area is world-famous for sherry wine production, you might also want to stop in at a local bodega or cellar and sample a glass or two.

Later, you'll visit an authentic olive oil estate in the Andalusian countryside. Here, you'll witness the production process of one of Spain's most popular high-quality food exports. The estate has quite the history: it was here that Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil to the New World. You'll tour the old manufacturing center and view the 16th-century olive oil presses, learn about modern production methods in use today, and see gorgeous rolling hills carpeted in olive trees.

Afterward, continue to Seville. Known for its Moorish history and mind-blowing tapas scene, Seville epitomizes Andalusia's rich culture and beauty. Upon arrival, you'll drop off your rental car and transfer to Hotel Alfonso XIII. The etymology of this 5-star hotel derives from Spain's King Alfonso XIII, who commissioned it in 1928 in an attempt to create the most opulent hotel in Europe. Besides elegant Moorish/Andalusian design, it features a grand foyer, sprawling courtyard garden, and spacious suites. Grab a drink at the hotel bar and enjoy it while lazing by the shimmering pool.

Day 8: Seville City Tour & River Cruise

After breakfast, you'll meet a local guide at your hotel and embark on a three-hour private walking tour amid Seville's over 2,000 years of history. First up is the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in the world, and an impressive testament to pious grandiosity. Also here is La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. 

Then, continue to the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, once the Jewish Quarter in the city. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars—the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy some small plates and local wine. Capping the walk is a real highlight: a visit to the Alcázar. Seville's Royal Palace began life as a Moorish fort in the 10th century and is famous for its well-manicured gardens.

After strolling the gardens, you'll transfer to the marina at the Guadalquivir River, which runs through the heart of Seville. This waterway has featured prominently throughout history, including when Ferdinand Magellan sailed his ships from the city on his first trip around the world in 1519. At the riverfront, you'll board a private charter for a scenic one-hour cruise. Relax on the deck and sip champagne as you pass historic bridges and landmarks, being serenaded by live flamenco and bossa nova music as you go. At the end of the ride, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 9: Iberian Ham Tour

Today, you'll embark on a special day trip to discover the origins and production process of Iberian (or Ibérico) ham, regarded as the best ham in the world. This journey into Spain's culinary heritage begins with a morning transfer north of Seville to a family-run farm in the mountainous Sierra of Aracenal. On a private walking tour, you'll see how the famous black pigs are reared and roam free as they feast on wild acorns. Then, visit a production facility to see thousands of top-tier hams slowly curing. To cap the tour, you'll taste various cured hams paired with a glass of dry fino or manzanilla sherry wine.

Afterward, head to the town of Aracena for a seasonal gourmet lunch at a local restaurant. With your guide, all you need to do is sit down, and the friendly hosts will bring an array of plates piled with asparagus, artichokes, wild mushrooms, cheese, acorn-fed Iberian pork, and more, depending on the season. Once you've eaten, you can burn off some calories with a short hike up to the 13th-century hilltop castle overlooking the town. Later, you'll transfer back to Seville.

Day 10: Train to Madrid, Depart

Your whirlwind tour of Spain has come to an end. Hopefully, this journey has primed your appetite for future Spanish adventures. In the morning, you'll transfer to the station and board a train for the 3.5-hour ride north to the airport in Madrid, where you'll catch your flight home. Come back soon!

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