Spain Andalusia Loop: Seville, Málaga & Granada - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Seville, Tapas Crawl Like a Local

¡Hola! Welcome to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia in southern Spain. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you can drop your bags and refresh ahead of this afternoon's culinary experience.

Meet your guide and discover authentic Seville when you frequent the tapas spots and local haunts not found in guidebooks. Leading the way, your guide will share their insider tips and knowledge, showing you how to experience—and eat—around Seville like a local. Taste cured ham, croquetas, slow-cooked oxtail, and many more small dishes on this gastronomic adventure.

Day 2: Morning Walking Tour of Seville, Free Afternoon

Get to know Seville's 2,000-year history on today's guided walking tour. Visit the outside of the UNESCO-protected Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church. Your guide will reveal how the site was once a great mosque when the Moors ruled Andalusia, then visit the Real Alcázar, a grandiose set of palaces and gardens that combine Christian and Muslim cultures. Later, wander the orange tree-filled Santa Cruz neighborhood known as the Jewish Quarter. Take a break here, then finish at the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Day 3: Train to Málaga, Private City Tour 

Make your way to the train station for your three-hour journey south to the Costa del Sol. On arrival in Málaga, check into your hotel, drop your bags, and refresh ahead of a private half-day city tour. One of the crown jewels of the Andalusia region, the coastal city of Málaga is an ancient metropolis that dates back 3,000 years to Phoenician times. It also just so happens to be the city where Picasso was born.

Day 4: Day Trip to La Herradura Kayaking & Snorkeling Excursion, Free Afternoon

Today's exciting kayaking and snorkeling adventure explores the beautiful bay next to La Herradura, a picturesque village east of Málaga. Surrounded by mountains and pristine marinas, this horseshoe-shaped bay offers a unique setting for aquatic sports within Los Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park. Set off in a kayak and paddle peacefully through calm waters until you reach a prime snorkeling spot. Dive in and explore a vibrant underwater world of colorful fish and coral before paddling back to the start point.

Day 5: Train to Granada, Alhambra Tour, Self-Guided Walking Tour

Granada was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) when the Moors ruled it, and today you'll see striking examples of this history as you set out to explore the evocative city. Make your way to Málaga train station for the 90-minute journey to Granada. Drop your bags at the hotel on arrival, then set out for the Alhambra. Dramatically topping a hill overlooking Granada, the imposing Alhambra was a Moorish palace until the Christian reconquest in 1492. You'll explore the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful Generalife Gardens.

After your small group tour of the Alhambra with a knowledgeable guide, you'll be left on your own to explore the city. Get lost in Granada's winding streets, stopping at tapas bars and landmarks downtown. Pass by the grand 16th-century Granada Cathedral, Plaza de la Romanilla, Royal Chapel, colorful Alcaicería Arabic-style bazaar, Plaza Nueva, Carrera del Darro, and the city's old Arabic quarter of Albaicín. Don't forget to pause for tapas between each stop—in Granada, with every drink, you'll receive a free tapa!

Day 6: Day Trip to Las Alpujarras, Hike the Andalusia Countryside

Embark on a full-day trip to the idyllic and time-trapped Las Alpujarras mountains, just an hour away from Granada. A private driver will collect you from your hotel for the journey to the mountains, where you'll set off on a three-hour hike. Pass through some 50-odd mountain villages and witness the area's abundant birdlife, including the distinctive hoopoe with a haunting cry. Learn from your guide about the locals' rich traditional way of life and the area's history as the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims (Moors). 

Depending on your level of fitness and ability, the route might cross through tiny mountain villages where those who refused to convert to Christianity fled soon after the Castilians took Granada in 1492. The locals of these communities have spent centuries maintaining the medieval structure of the buildings and streets, and many villages are renowned for great food, thanks to the high quality of locally grown produce. Enjoy lunch here and sample the regional cuisine before returning to Granada in the evening.