The Great Train Journey of Moorish Andalucía

Introduction

Andalucía is a land crafted by the colourful and majestic Moorish history of Spain. The four great cities of Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga each have their own distinct offering of Moorish flavour combined with the flamboyance and passion of the Andaluz culture today. This great train journey takes you through stunning mountain scenery into each provincial capital where the tapping of castanets and a flamenco guitar can be heard as you explore some of Europe's most precious historical treasures including Granada's Alhambra Palace, Cordoba's great mosque and the Royal Alcazar in Seville.

Moorish Andalucia Train Journey Itinerary - 7 Nights

This holiday can start on any date you request.

Day One - Arrive Granada (or Malaga) airport, and transfer to hotel in Granada for 2 nights

After you have settled into your hotel, take a short walk to the souk like streets of the Alcaiceria surrounding the cathedral, here you can try the delicious array of tapas that Granada offers from broad beans cooked with ham, and meat balls with almond and saffron to crumbling slices of manchego cheese and the best jamon serrano from the Alpujarran village of Trevelez.

Day Two - Guided city walk of Granada

For 2 hours this morning you will be given a guided walking tour of the historical centre of Granada by a professional city guide. You will learn of the battles between the Moors and the Christians plus of the legends that surround the medieval barrio of the Albaicin.

Pre-booked visit to The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens

The Alhambra Palace, was short-listed to be one of the New Seven Wonders of The World. It is an absolutely stunning complex of palaces, summer gardens, fountains and courtyards which once seen is never forgotten and often revisited time and time again. Built during the reign of the pleasure loving califas, every view inside the complex is a picture of harmony and balance with natural light and the sound of running water creating the perfect environment for meditation and relaxation; which was the essence of Moorish life at this time.

Early evening is the best time to wander around the Albaicin, the medieval quarter of Granada which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding your way up you will eventually reach the Plaza de San Nicolas where local flamenco artists gather to practise, overlooking the famous panoramic view of The Alhambra with the snow-capped sierra Nevada behind.

Day Three - Transfer by train to Seville for 2 nights

The flamboyant Andalucían capital city of Sevilla combines its Moorish history with the legacy of the Spanish Golden Age when Columbus brought back immeasurable wealth from The Americas. The beautiful Arabic minaret "la Giralda" towers over one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the world and the colourful Plaza de España contrasts with the Mudejar palaces of the Royal Alcazar.

The white washed barrio Santa Cruz is the perfect spot for a long lazy lunch in Seville, as you shade under an orange tree in a tiny cobbled plaza.

Flamenco Show

For your first evening in Seville we shall make you a reservation at what is known as THE place to watch flamenco in the city. Unpretentious and authentic; it is where you can see the up and coming National stars who are studying the art of flamenco. The setting is also perfect; a traditional Andaluz patio on the edge of the barrio Santa Cruz.

Day Four - Guided walking tour of Seville

A local guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour of the city showing you the most famous historical sites plus many hidden gems that only the locals know. The guide's enthusiasm for their home town really brings the city to life and gives you an insight that the guide books never can.

After lunch you are free to further explore the city including a visit to the Alcazar and cathedral, climb to the top of La Giralda, take a boat trip up the Río Guadalquivir or relax in the shade of the Marie Louisa park.

Day Five - Transfer by train to Cordoba for 2 nights

In medieval times Cordoba was the most advanced city in the whole of Europe; a centre of culture and learning where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in a thriving society. Today it is quite a sleepy Andalucían city with an unpretentious atmosphere, quite different from the passion and flamboyance of Seville. The streets surrounding the mezquita are filled with ancient bodegas and tapas bars and a glass of the local sherry like Montilla is an absolute must.

Day Six - A Day in Cordoba - see the Great Mezquita

The great mosque was built to rival Mecca and is a building of incredible mystic powers and the first glimpse inside is a jaw dropping experience. This jaw then drops further when you encounter a huge catholic cathedral almost hidden inside!

Surrounding the mezquita is the delightfully crumbling juderia; a fascinating place to get lost in as you wander around the narrow maze of streets, lined with geranium filled balconies and green shady plazas. There are many things to discover in the juderia from original Moorish bath houses, to one of the only three synagogues that survived the expulsion of The Jews from Spain.

Other places of interest include the Posada del Potro, mentioned in Cervantes' Don Quixote, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Alcazar (once home of The Spanish Inquisition) and numerous Roman remains.

Day Seven - Transfer by train to Malaga for 1 night

Malaga is a city often overlooked by visitors to Andalucía, who never get to experience the heart of this truly Spanish city with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Tiny narrow streets lined with fresh fish restaurants and bodegas, lead off from wide palm lined avenues with their majestic buildings and designer stores. The Malageños say the best fresh fish of Andalucía is found in Malaga, the best wine of Andalucía is made in Malaga and the best fiesta of Andalucía is celebrated in Malaga; their pride for their city and priorities in life makes a stay here very pleasant.

Visit to The Picasso Museum

Picasso was born in Malaga and in the city you can visit the Picasso Museum (which has remains of the cities Phoenician walls on the lower floor) and also the house of his birth in the Plaza de la Merced. Pictured above is the Alcazabar which has a Roman theatre and salting factory excavation going on at present, plus the cathedral - La Manquita, that was never actually finished! An evening stroll takes you along the seaside "paseo maritimo" where the air is filled with the aroma of skewered sardines "espetos" cooking on the open fires of the beach side "chiringuitos".

Day Eight - Transfer to Malaga airport and say farewell to Andalucía!

What is included in the holiday

Accommodation
• 7 nights bed and breakfast in carefully selected hotels in the historical centre of each city, within a very short walking distance of all the major sites
• Breakfast is included in all hotels
• All rooms are en-suite and have air conditioning/heating

Activities
• Pre-booked visit to The Alhambra Palace
• Guided city walk of Granada
• Guided city walk of Seville
• Flamenco show in Seville
• Visit to The Picasso Museum

Transport
• Pre-booked train journeys between Granada and Seville, Seville and Cordoba, Cordoba and Malaga - your seats will be pre-booked and your actual tickets will be within your holiday guide pack

Plus
• A comprehensive guide pack for your trip including city maps, historical information, opening times for museums, art galleries and monuments plus recommended restaurants, pretty plazas, parks, viewpoints and much more...
• Train station information plus how to reach each hotel
• A Spanish phrase book
• Access to our 24 hour telephone helpline if you need any assistance whilst you are in Andalucia
• All your pre-holiday and arrival information will be sent to you by email and your complete holiday guide pack will be waiting for you at your first hotel

Short cuts to...

The itinerary

What is included

Current prices

Customer testimonials

Flights information

Read our "Terms & Conditions" of Booking

Your Accommodation

This holidays is offered in two different styles of accommodation

See our "Characterful Hotels" Selection

See our "Boutique Hotels" Selection

Client's Comments

Dr Holger Herwig, Canada February 2011

I want you to know that we love Lemon Valley! Every boutique hotel was a delight; well centered, brightly colored and with courteous staff. The city guides were informative and caring, willing to help in any way requested. ALL arrangements for trains and hotels were 100% perfect. We have NEVER had such a wonderful tour.

Barry and Denise Boyle, Australia August 2010

Thank you for such a fantastic holiday itinerary! From our arrival in Granada to our sad farewell in Malaga it was a truly magnificent experience. We cannot thank you enough for giving us such a fantastic experience with so many memorable highlights!! We will be "suggesting" to friends and family to take the Andalucian Experience with Lemon Valley.

Gail Barrington USA October 2009

Hi Nicola, I can't thank you enough for the arrangements you made for me.... if I was there I would hug you! Everything was completely thorough and above my expectations. The hotels were lovely, paper work organized beautifully and the guides were fun. Whenever someone asked about the type of travel I was doing I recommended your services highly.

Jess Findlay, USA September 2009

Just thought I'd let you know how much we enjoyed our holiday. All the arrangements you made for us worked out perfectly. We were very impressed by how easy it was to navigate the Spanish rail system and by the comfort and punctuality of the trains. The information booklet you prepared for us was really helpful and we were soon referring to it as "Nicola's bible". We ate at a number of the restaurants suggested in it and enjoyed the food in all of them. The guided walks also really added to the holiday experience. Thanks for creating such a stress-free holiday for us; we will be recommending you to our friends and family and we also hope to return before too long.

Ian Hill, UK September 2007

Wow what a holiday! It was excellent and you had organized it so well. The trains were so clean, quiet and on time. The hotels were all excellent. The cathedrals, mosques and buildings were out of this world. We were worn out when we got home. Than you so much for your attention to detail - it was what made the holiday.