Andalusia Essentials, Self-drive

Andalusia Essentials, Self-drive

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8 Days From

$786

Andalusia Essentials, Self-drive

8 Days Starting and ending in Malaga, Spain

Visiting: Malaga, Torremolinos, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera

Tour code:

34532

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $786 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating self-drive journey through the heart of Andalusia with the "Andalusia Essentials" tour. Begin your adventure in the coastal city of Malaga, where relaxation meets culture. Discover the architectural marvels of Granada, including the Alhambra palace and the historic Albaicin district. In Seville, explore the Royal Alcazar Palace and the vibrant Santa Cruz neighborhood. Experience the rich history of Cordoba with a visit to the Great Mosque and the Jewish Quarter. Delight in the flavors of Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its sherry wine. Travel comfortably with a rental car, enjoying unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance, while staying in superior 4-star accommodations. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely travel, making it an unforgettable experience in Spain.

Highlights

  • Malaga & Costa del Sol: Enjoy relaxation in the beautiful coastal city and surrounding gems.

  • Granada: Visit the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, and stroll through the ancient Albaicin district.

  • Seville: Explore the elegant capital of Andalusia, including the Plaza de España, the Royal Alcazar Palace, and the picturesque Santa Cruz neighborhood.

  • Jerez de la Frontera: Discover the birthplace of flamenco, famous for its locally produced wine, Jerez or Sherry.

  • Cordoba: Wander through the Great Mosque, now a Catholic cathedral, and visit the 14th-century synagogue in the former Jewish Quarter.

  • Seville: Discover the Cathedral and the Giralda belfry, Seville’s most iconic symbol.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL MALAGA

Location: Malaga, Torremolinos

Accommodation Name: Don Pedro or similar 4*

Arrive at Malaga airport and pick up the rental car. Afterwards, take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, and the lovely port. If time permits, check out Torremolinos, one of the most popular beach resorts in Spain. Located just under 20 kilometres away from central Malaga, this beautiful resort is famous for its long sandy beach and tasty seafood.

Overnight in Costa del Sol.

Day 2 : MALAGA – GRANADA (125 Km – 1.5 hrs on the A-92)

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Sercotel Gran Luna or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival and begin exploring the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise. 

  • Overnight in Granada

Day 3 : GRANADA

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Sercotel Gran Luna or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in breakfast and continue exploring Granada. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada.

  • Overnight in Granada

Day 4 : GRANADA – CORDOBA (201 Km – 2.15 hrs on the A-92 / A-45)

Location: Granada, Cordoba

Accommodation Name: Macia Alfaros or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart from Granada to Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Wander through the collonaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of exterior doorways. Continue the tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th-century synagogue.

  • Overnight in Cordoba

Day 5 : CORDOBA – SEVILLE (145 Km – 2 hrs on the A-4)

Location: Seville

Accommodation Name: Silken Al Andalus hotel or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tile work and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included). 

  • Overnight in Seville.

Day 6 : SEVILLE

Location: Seville

Accommodation Name: Silken Al Andalus hotel or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in breakfast at the hotel. Then, continue with discovering this fascinating city and its surroundings. Maybe forget about the main landmarks and maps in order to let the city surprise you with its hidden gems while you get lost on the beautifully arranged streets. 

  • Overnight in Seville

Day 7 : SEVILLE – MALAGA (205 Km – 2.5 hrs on the A-92)

Location: Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga

Accommodation Name: Don Pedro or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your way from Seville to Malaga, perhaps make a stop in the beautiful town of Jerez de la Frontera. Because of its locally produced wine - Jerez or Sherry - the name of the city crossed international borders several years ago. It is home to the Carthusian horse and bullfighting, the birthplace of flamenco, a city of motor racing, and other important events. Continue to the Malaga area and check in to your hotel for your last night in Andalusia.

  • Overnight in Costa del Sol

Day 8 : DEPART MALAGA

Location: Malaga

Meals Included: Breakfast

End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle at the airport.  Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.

  • Breakfast included.

What's Included

  • Car Hire

    Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

  • Car Hire Features

    The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and airport/city surcharge.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.

  • Flights

    National or International flights are not included.

  • Insurance

    All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are not included.

  • Entry Visas

    Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.

  • Entrance Tickets

    Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fee, young driver surcharge, one way fees, petrol refueling charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance coverage in Gibraltar are not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

  • Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
  • Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin
  • Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 21:59. Pick-ups and returns outside these hours (if available) may incur a surcharge
  • If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
  • Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
  • Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48hours of the incident
  • In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1,7 Malaga

  • Superior Hotel Category = Don Pedro or similar 4*

Day 2-3 Granada

  • Superior Hotel Category = Sercotel Gran Luna or similar4*

Day 4 Cordoba

  • Superior Hotel Category = Macia Alfaros or similar 4*

Day 5-6 Seville

  • Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al Andalus hotel or similar 4*


CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Car Group B = Seat Ibiza or similar
  • Car Group C = Seat Leon or similar

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 7 Malaga

  • Superior Hotel Category = Don Pedro or similar 4*

Day 2-3 Granada

  • Superior Hotel Category = Macia Condor or similar4*

Day 4 Cordoba

  • Superior Hotel Category = Macia Alfaros or similar 4*

Day 5-6 Seville

  • Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al Andalus hotel or similar 4*


CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
  • Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including Don Pedro in Malaga, Sercotel Gran Luna in Granada, Macia Alfaros in Cordoba, and Silken Al Andalus in Seville.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of car is included in the self-drive tour?

    The self-drive tour includes a car hire with options such as a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including Don Pedro in Malaga, Sercotel Gran Luna in Granada, Macia Alfaros in Cordoba, and Silken Al Andalus in Seville.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.

  • What is the policy on returning the rental car earlier than the agreed drop-off date?

    If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.

  • What are the requirements for drivers on this tour?

    Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year. Non-EU citizens must present an international driver’s license along with the original from their country of origin.

  • What is not included in the car hire insurance?

    The car hire insurance does not cover damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence, loss or damage to certain vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fees, young driver surcharges, one way fees, petrol refueling charges, extra equipment, and there is no insurance coverage in Gibraltar.

  • What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings in Spain?

    Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

Reviews of this operator

Maria R  

Very informative tour

05-Dec-2022

Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.

Andrew W  

Great Scenery

08-Aug-2022

Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful

Sandra F.  

Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)

15-Nov-2022

We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!

Grace B  

Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better

16-Oct-2022

Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!

Steve G  

Excellent Volcano and Village Tour

17-Nov-2022

Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!

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Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$1069 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Spain requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services spain charges.

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 17 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 9 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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