Spain: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Southern Spain

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Spain. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure!

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

Land at Seville International Airport, and meet your Rustic Pathways program leaders. Transfer to your hotel, have a program orientation and first Spanish meal, then settle in for the night to recover from your travel.

Overnight: Hotel, Seville

Welcome to Seville! Seville is a visually stunning city, filled with vibrant colors and intricate architecture. The historic center of the city is filled with narrow winding streets. The sounds of flamenco music and the aroma of delicious local cuisine fill the streets, while the colorful buildings and orange trees add the city’s visual charm. 

While in Seville, you will get to participate in truly unforgettable experiences, such as: 

• Wander the alleys and squares of the historic city center.
• Visit the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and the Alcázar of Seville.
• Enjoy tapas in a local restaurant.
• Explore the neighborhoods of Triana and Santa Cruz.
• Visit the Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Park.
• Visit an open air market with locals where you can learn how to pick the best produce then join them in their home for your first cooking class!
• Attend a flamenco show in the evening.

 Overnight: Hotel, Seville

Córdoba is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Mezquita, a magnificent mosque-cathedral that is one of the most iconic structures in Spain. The city features charming neighborhoods and whitewashed buildings that reflect its Moorish past. Explore the unique cultural blend that Córdoba has to offer through the following activities: 

• Visit the Mezquita-Cathedral.
• Stroll through the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: This palace and fortress was built in the 14th century and saved as a residence for Spanish monarchs.
• Explore the historic center: Córdoba’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the Jewish Quarter: Filled with narrow streets, colorful flowers, and historic buildings that reflect Córdoba’s Jewish past.
• Sample local cuisine: Córdoba is famous for its delicious food including dishes like salmorejo (a type of cold soup), rabo de toro (oxtail soup), and flamenquines (fried rolls filled with ham and cheese).

Overnight: Hotel, Granada

Famous for the Alhambra palace and fortress complex. This city also boasts charming historic neighborhoods like the Albaicín and Sacromonte, as well as impressive religious architecture like the Cathedral of Granada. With its stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and vibrant street life, Granada is a can’t miss! 

• Visit the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
• Enjoy a sunset view of the Albaicín neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Spend the day exploring the historic center of Granada.
• Visit the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, the Albaicín neighborhood, and the Carmen de los Mártires gardens.
• Watch a flamenco show at one of the city’s theaters and experience this unique cultural tradition firsthand.
• Taste Granada’s famous tapas like tortilla de sacromonte (a potato omelet) and piononos (sweet pastries).

 Overnight: Hotel, Granada

Costa del Sol is known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches. It stretches along the Mediterranean coast. Costa del Sol offers a mix of relaxation, cultures, and outdoor activities, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.

• Spend the day relaxing on the beach and visiting the famous Nerja Caves.
• Enjoy the taste of fresh seafood, like grilled sardines and paella for lunch.
• Spend the day in the seaside town of Málaga (Picasso’s hometown).
• Visit the Alcazaba fortress and the Picasso Museum.
• Relax on the beach and enjoy the local cuisine.
• Explore the whitewashed houses and stunning views from the White Villages: The Andalusian countryside is dotted with picturesque white villages, or pueblos blancos, such as Mijas, Ronda, and Frigiliana. 

 Overnight: Hotel, Málaga

Ronda is a charming town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, known for its stunning location on top of a gorge and its well-preserved historic center. The town is home to the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullfighting areas in Spain.

• Start your day by walking across the famous bridge, Puente Nuevo, which spans a deep gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Visit the Plaza de Toros and the historic center of the town. 
• Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant while admiring the sunset from one of the town’s many charming plazas.

Overnight: Hotel, Málaga

This small town is located in the southernmost tip of Mainland Spain, known for its stunning beaches. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar makes it a great spot for whale and dolphin watching.

• Enjoy a day of windsurfing, kitesurfing, or sunbathing on the beach.
• Visit the historic Castillo de Guzmán and the Mirador del Estrecho viewpoint.
• Go whale watching: The Strait of Gibraltar is a migration route for several whale and dolphin species.

 Overnight: Hotel, Tarifa

Known for its beautiful beaches, lively street life, and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. 

• Visit the Cadiz Cathedral: A stunning baroque and neoclassical architectural build.
• Explore the Old Town.
• Hit the beaches: spend the afternoon swimming in the sea, soaking up the sun or trying out some new water sports.
• Enjoy Carnival: Taking place in February, Cadiz has one of the biggest and most colorful Carnival celebrations in Spain, with parades, costumes, music, and dance.
• Try the local cuisine: Fried fish, seafood paella, and shrimp omelets. 

Overnight: Hotel, Cadiz

Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its flamenco music and horses! The city has a rich cultural heritage, with several landmarks you won’t want to miss!

• Visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
• Explore the Old Town and famous landmarks such as the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the Church of Santiago. 

Overnight: Hotel, Cadiz

Take a morning train back to Seville, and drop your luggage at your hotel, then spend one more afternoon in the city. Visit the Metropol Parasol and the Barrio Santa Cruz, and enjoy a final evening of tapas and in a local restaurant reminiscing on your incredible journey!

Overnight: Hotel, Seville

Return to the Sevilla International Airport, where your Rustic Pathways program leaders will help get you checked in for your flight home.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.