Heart of Andalusia 11 Days, Self-drive

Welcome to Malaga! Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your hired car and head to the city center. Take a leisurely stroll around Malaga, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and exploring its museums, restaurants, and historic locations. Later, drive to Torremolinos, one of Spain's most famous beach resorts, renowned for its long sandy beach and homely seafood restaurants. Overnight in Malaga or Torremolinos.

After breakfast, depart for Granada. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and prepare for a day of exploration. Visit the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra Palace, a 'pearl set in emeralds' standing atop Sabika hill. Marvel at the intricate carvings, cool patios, and fountains of this royal complex. Visit the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, and cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, continue exploring the historic city of Granada. Capture the beauty of the Alhambra Palace and the winding streets of the Albaicín neighborhood with your camera. Discover the Corral del Carbon, the only caravanserai left in Spain, and learn about its fascinating history. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, depart for Cordoba, the capital of the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus. Visit the magnificent Great Mosque, now a Catholic cathedral, and admire its marble columns, arabesque and baroque styles, and the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Continue your tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th-century synagogue. Overnight in Cordoba.

After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara), a royal residence built in the 10th century by the first Caliph of Cordoba, Abd al-Rahman III. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the streets of Cordoba or preparing for your trip the next day. Overnight in Cordoba.

After breakfast, depart for Seville. Visit the Royal Alcazar palace and the Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Santa Cruz, the most picturesque old town neighborhood. Marvel at the elaborate carvings, ornate tilework, and fine tapestries of the Royal Alcazar, and explore the Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included). Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Seville. Explore the city at your own pace, visit the attractions you missed the previous day, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant Andalusian culture. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, take a picturesque drive to Jerez de la Frontera, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in Andalusia, dotted with rustic villages known as pueblos blancos. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Jerez de la Frontera.

After breakfast, depart for Ronda, taking a scenic inland route. Upon arrival, explore the well-preserved ruins of five defensive walls, the famous New Bridge over the El Tajo Gorge, the imposing Gothic-Renaissance Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, the eclectic-modernist Casa de Don Juan de Bosco, and the oldest bullring in Spain. Overnight in Ronda.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Ronda and drive through incredible Andalusian landscapes until you reach Malaga. Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying the city or its beaches. Overnight in Malaga or Torremolinos.

Your unforgettable journey through Andalusia comes to an end. After breakfast, return your hired car to the rent-a-car company near the airport and prepare for your onward journey. Safe travels!