Heart of Andalusia 8 Days, Self-drive
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting 8-day self-drive journey through the heart of Andalusia, Spain. Begin your adventure in the coastal city of Malaga, where relaxation meets culture. Discover the historic treasures of Granada, including the majestic Alhambra palace and the charming Albaicin district. In Cordoba, explore the former Jewish quarter and the stunning Great Mosque. Continue to Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia, and visit iconic sites like the Royal Alcazar and the Cathedral. Along the way, stop in Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its sherry wine and flamenco roots. Enjoy superior 4-star accommodations and the freedom of unlimited mileage with your air-conditioned car hire, ensuring a comfortable and flexible exploration of this culturally rich region. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL MALAGA
Location: Malaga
Accommodation Name: Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*
Arrive to Malaga airport and pick up your hired car (head to the hall to meet with a rent-a-car representative). Perhaps take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, the port… Torremolinos is one of the most famous beach resorts in Spain and is just under 20km away from central Malaga. It is renowned for its long sandy beach and homely seafood restaurants to discover.
Overnight in Malaga/Torremolinos
Day 2 : MALAGA – GRANADA (150 Km – 2 hrs)
Location: Malaga, Granada
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival. In Granada you haveon day to explore 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. 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 3 : GRANADA
Location: Granada
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historic city of Granada while taking pictures of its greatest treasures. Create the rules and design the itinerary to explore the glorious ancient capital of the last Muslim state in Spain. Granada still has traces of its Arab past, the most notable is the impressive Alhambra palace. On the other hand, the winding streets of the Albaicín neighborhood are also a picturesque reminder of the days of the emirate, and today you can explore this fascinating neighborhood and learn all about its fascinating history. Finally, discover the Corral del Carbon, the only caravanserai left in Spain.
Overnight in Granada
Day 4 : GRANADA – CORDOBA (205 Km – 2.5 hrs)
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 colonnaded 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 (160 Km – 2 hrs)
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Silken Al-Andalus 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 tilework 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 or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to have breakfast at the hotel before going out to the streets of Seville and continue enjoying everything the city offers
Overnight in Seville
Day 7 : SEVILLE – MALAGA (275 Km – 3 hrs)
Location: Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga
Accommodation Name: Hotel 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 Malaga/Torremolinos
Day 8 : DEPARTURE MALAGA
Location: Málaga
Meals Included: Breakfast
End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle to the rent a car company near the airport. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.
What's Included
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Car Hire
Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, both equipped with air conditioning. Enjoy unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
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Car Hire Benefits
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
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Additional Expenses
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section are excluded.
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Flights
National or International flights are not included.
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Insurance
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are excluded.
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Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
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Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity are not included.
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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. ...more ...less
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.
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Please Note
- Drivers age from 25 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 Malaga/Torremolinos
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*
Day 2 - 3 Granada
- Superior Hotel Category = Gran Hotel Luna or similar 4*
Day 4 Cordoba
- Superior Hotel Category = Macía Alfaros or similar 4*
Day 5 - 6 Seville
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al-Andalus or similar 4*
Day 7 Malaga/Torremolinos
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group B = Seat Ibiza with AC or similar
- Car Group C = Seat Leon with AC or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Malaga/Torremolinos
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro or similar 4*
Day 2 - 3 Granada
- Superior Hotel Category = Macia Condor or similar 4*
Day 4 Cordoba
- Superior Hotel Category = Macía Alfaros or similar 4*
Day 5 - 6 Seville
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Al-Andalus or similar 4*
Day 7 Malaga/Torremolinos
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Don Pedro 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, both equipped with air conditioning. Enjoy unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels, including Hotel Don Pedro in Malaga/Torremolinos, Gran Hotel Luna in Granada, Macía Alfaros in Cordoba, and Silken Al-Andalus in Seville.
Check out our Q&As
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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, both equipped with air conditioning. The car hire comes with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels. These include Hotel Don Pedro in Malaga/Torremolinos, Gran Hotel Luna in Granada, Macía Alfaros in Cordoba, and Silken Al-Andalus in Seville.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals are not explicitly included in the package.
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What are some of the key attractions visited in Granada?
In Granada, you will visit the Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, and explore the historic Albaicin district. The Alhambra is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful gardens, while the Albaicin offers narrow cobblestone alleys and stunning views of the Alhambra.
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What is the significance of Cordoba in the tour?
Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus and is known for the magnificent Great Mosque, now a Catholic cathedral. The tour includes a visit to the mosque's colonnaded prayer halls and the former Jewish Quarter with its 14th-century synagogue.
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What can I expect to see in Seville during the tour?
In Seville, you will visit the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour also includes a walk through Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, known for its whitewashed lanes and historical tales.
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Is there a stop in Jerez de la Frontera during the tour?
Yes, on the way from Seville to Malaga, there is an optional stop in Jerez de la Frontera, known for its locally produced wine, Carthusian horses, and as the birthplace of flamenco.
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What are the requirements for driving during the tour?
Drivers must be between 25 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for at least one year. Non-EU citizens need to present an international driver's license along with the original from their country of origin.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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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.
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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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.
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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.
Heart of Andalusia 8 Days, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Malaga, Spain
Visiting: Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Málaga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
258718
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
25-75
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
