S-cape travel

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Andalucía of the Moors

Ten days to revel in the exotic beauty of Moorish Spain, discovering the diverse landscapes of Andalucía and cultural gems such as Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla. Visit the Alhambra, Mezquita, Giralda and Alcázar - all stunning examples of Moorish architecture - and take in the beautiful details which adorn life in Southern Spain. The warm sun, the scent of jasmine, the lure of a flamenco guitar. Along the way, you will also discover some truly inspiring landscapes and enjoy relaxing overnight stays at comfortable accommodations in the country. Head for historic towns, lose yourself in a labyrinth of lanes, relax in shady squares below balconies, and sip sumptuous sherries while you taste tremendous tapas. Andalucía awaits!

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to southern Spain

Flight to Malaga airport, motorway to Granada. If there's time, option of stopping in Alhama de Granada. This lovely town, perched on a cliff overlooking the surrounding countryside, is the birthplace of American writer Washinton Irving  just one stop along the cultural itinerary based on Irving's life and work. Overnight at a welcoming city hotel situated right in the heart of Granada. Nearby, a myriad of outdoor terraces and tapas bars.

Challenge: Total distance 140km, approx 2,5hrs if you stop in Alhama.

Villages along the way: Málaga, Granada

Day 2: The Alhambra

This morning you walk up to the Alhambra. Your visit to this stunning Moorish monument will be nothing short of a delirious journey to a magical past. In the afternoon, option of visiting an Arab-style bathhouse, lounging at a teahouse or getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow lanes in El Albaicin.

Challenge: Explore the wonders of Granada.

Villages along the way: Granada and the Alhambra.

Day 3: From Granada to Córdoba

From Granada, you cross the historic border between the Christian kingdom and Moorish Caliphate. A powerful force for seven centuries, Arab rule was dealt a final blow by the Reconquest in 1492. On your way to Priego, you traverse a lovely landscape of gently rolling hills, endless olive orchards and white-washed villages. Accommodation at a comfortable hacienda-hotel in the country.

Challenge: Travel from Granada to Córdoba,  80km total, 2hrs.

Villages along the way: Granada, Córdoba

Day 4: Walking in the Natural Park

After a tasty breakfast, you head out to the Natural Park at Sierra Subbética, for a day of walking. There are several self-guided routes to choose from. Nearby, you can also visit the Cave of the Bats or white-washed hilltop town of Zuheros.

Challenge: Total distance 75km.

Villages along the way: Priego, Zuheros

Day 5: Historic towns near Córdoba

Today you travel via Alcaudete, Baena and Castro del Río to reach Córdoba, 10th-century capital of an immense Moorish kingdom in which Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in a peaceful plural society. Overnight stay at a historical 16th-century inn right behind the ancient mosque. Stroll through the well-preserved Jewish quarter, with its narrow lanes and flower-filled patios.

Challenge: Total distance 180km, approx 2,5hrs on motorway.

Villages along the way: Alcaudete, Baena, Castro del Río

Day 6: From Córdoba to Sevilla

Early start today, for a visit to the splendid Mezquita  an ancient mosque built by the Moors during Córdoba's Golden Age. A short drive then takes you out into peaceful open countryside dotted with white-washed villages. Stop off to admire the fascinating complex at Medina Zahara. Make a picnic lunch of local specialities such as cured ham and goat cheese. At the end of the day, you arrive in Seville and settle in at your accommodation, a perfectly-situated hotel in the historic centre of this charming city.

Challenge: Total distance 150km, approx 2hrs / Sierra Norte route: 220km, 4hrs.

Villages along the way: Medina Zahara, Sevilla

Day 7: The marvels of Seville

The scintillating city of Sevilla is a paradise of spectacular monuments, lively neighbourhoods, peaceful squares and lovely parks. Hire a bicycle for a city tour. As you pedal along an audioguide describes the Giralda, Alcázar, Plaza España and Casa de Pilatos. This evening, enjoy a flamenco show and dinner on an outdoor terrace.

Challenge: Explore the city of Sevilla.

Villages along the way: Sevilla

Day 8: From Sevilla to Antequera

This morning, time to see a few sights before moving on. Then, around lunchtime you reach Carmona, historic Andalouse town perfect for a tapas fest. The Ruta de Washington Irving will show you the historic towns of Marchena and Osuna. As you approach Antequera, the landscape changes drastically. In the midst of open plains you come upon huge wetlands, home to thousands of flamingos.

Challenge: 20km total, approx 3hrs.

Villages along the way: Carmona, Marchena, Osuna

Day 9: Choice of activities

Today you walk among surprising rock formations at El Torcal Natural Park, do a self-guided walking route through pine forests in the Malaga Mountains or rest and relax by the pool at your accommodation.

Challenge: Walking routes or rest day. Total distance 30km.

Day 10: Departure from Andalucía

Departure from Antequera, flight home from Málaga or Granada.

Challenge: Departure from Andalucía.