Andalucia Authentica - The Soul of Southern Spain

On arrival at Málaga Airport, there will be three complimentary scheduled transfers to your accommodation. 

After check-in the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the resort beofe joining together for a welcome dinner together this evening.

For our first excursion we will make our way to the town of Alfarnatejo, admiring the mountainous landscape as we travel. Passing through ancient olive groves we will visit a traditional Oil Mill to learn about the olive press process and, of course, sample the local olive oil with country bread, "Pan Cateto".  

On arrival in Alfarnatejo, we will stroll through the village streets to see the beautiful church and the local cottage museum. A real highlight today is being met by a co-operative of local housewives who take us into their homes for a long lunch that they have prepared. Following family recipes, they will give us an authentic opportunity to taste a variety of typical Spanish dishes from the region. Everyone completes this experience feeling they have made a new friend in their hosts. 

From here we will return to the resort and spend the evening at leisure.

Today, we head inland to Ronda. This spectacular city is surrounded by lush river valleys and sits above a deep ravine. It is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Spain and once seen, never forgotten! 

Our first stop is the beautiful setting of the Descalzos Viejos Winery, to soak in the atmosphere of this old monastery and take in the dramatic views. We learn more about the local wine making processes and have a tasting of their wines on the terrace. Today we also enjoy a long, luxurious traditional Spanish tapas lunch. If dessert hasn't arrived, the meal is not over!

Ronda has so much to offer, including the ‘Real Maestranza’ bullring, the oldest and most picturesque in Spain. We will take a guided walking tour to better understand this very Andalusian pastime. We will also have some free time to explore the old town, giving us time to enjoy the dramatic escarpments and views over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.  

Today we head out to Granada and explore one of Spain's most famous sites - the World Heritage designated Alhambra. With parts dating back some 1,500 years, the Alhambra is rich historical complex of fortresses, palaces, gardens and religious buildings, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We will take a guided walking tour through the garden and palaces, whose intricate design is not to be missed! 

The Alhambra is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations and our tickets are for a timed entry, so we fit lunch around the booking we are given. Today is a day for wearing your most comfortable shoes and packing snacks. 

There is a more leisurely start to this morning before we head out to the regional capital Málaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso. We begin our visit to Malaga with a guided walking tour, including the local market and cosmopolitan city avenues. We also enjoy a traditional tapas lunch at a bodega bar, sampling more of the culture and traditions of southern Spain.

After lunch we will visit the Alcazaba, a moorish castle built in the 11th century on a steep hill in the middle of the city. This fort is the best-preserved of its kind in Spain and stands over the even more ancient ruins of a 2,000 year old Roman ampitheatre, which is still used for outdoor performaces today. 

Málaga's Pablo Picasso Museum is the highlight of the day for many visitors. Housed in the Buenavista Palace, here you can contemplate the works of an artist who is attributed with changing the course of modern art. Walk in guided groups through the rooms and facilities visiting the Collections of Picasso to gain a real understanding of the work of this most famous artist. 

After some time at leisure spent exploring the Avenues and lanes of Malaga's shopping and historic districts we will head back to the resort in the early evening, 

This morning you may wish to stay at the resort, relaxing and enjoying it's facilities. There is also the option to take the coach to Mijas Pueblo, where it will be possible to do some last-minute independent souvenir shopping and sightseeing in this picturesque village. Mijas Pueblo is famed as one of Andalusia's best 'Pueblos Blancos' or white towns. It is easy to see why. Wander the cobbled streets between the whitewashed houses in this picturesque village, or perhaps take a carriage ride or donkey taxi to explore the sights in a more leisurely way.

The coach will return to Marbella at lunch time, to allow some time for packing before heading out for the Farewell evening together. Tonight we experience an authentic Andalucian night out together. We will visit the stables of the Andalucian horses before a traditional meal and Flamenco show, making a spectacular finish to a packed week!

Sadly, it's the end of our Spanish adventure. There are three scheduled departures from the resort to Málaga Airport.