Andalusia's Golden Triangle

Discover old Madrid on this historic walk through the city’s 17th century Austrian Quarter, in the company of your local English speaking guide. Stroll down popular old streets like the Bailen and Mayor Streets, lingering around the many plazas surrounded by public buildings, monasteries and magnificent palaces. Walk past Plaza de la Villa, marked by the old Town Hall, and Plaza de Oriente by which the Royal Palace stands. Other town squares are Plaza del Conde de Miranda and Plaza Mayor. Walk into the 18th century Royal Palace, which once housed royal receptions, hosted foreign dignitaries and saw the signing of historic treaties. Before returning to your hotel, stop for a delicious round of chocolate and churros. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfer; Drink & Snack tasting included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Explore the highlights of sun-drenched Seville as you traverse its historical neighborhoods. Soaking up the Andalusian vibe, begin your tour with a visit to the Seville Cathedral that houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Marvel at the expansive structure that showcases stunning late Gothic architecture, and features dozens of chapels inside. Drop by Giralda bell-tower next door, which is a minaret of the former mosque on this site, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city. Continue onward to the 14th century Royal Alcázar of Seville that is still in use by the Spanish royal family. Strolling through ornamental gardens and beautiful courtyards of this palace complex, admire the Mudéjar, Islamic, and Gothic styles of architecture. Finally, navigate the maze of narrow streets at Seville's former Jewish quarter Santa Cruz that features colorful houses, and intimate plazas dotted with orange trees. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified palace complex of Alhambra and the beautiful Generalife gardens in Granada. Learn about the history of the place that was built by the Nasrid emirs in 1238. A symbol of the end of 800 years of war against the invading Moors, it is also known for being the place where Columbus got permission from the Queen to set sail to America. Marvel at the distinctive features of the monument – an Alcazaba (fortress), an Alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one. Visit the Torres Bermejas, the Cuarto de Comares (Chamber of Comares), the Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice), and the Cuarto de Los Leones (Chamber of the Lions) – all masterpieces of Arab architecture. Visit the beautiful Generalife Gardens, which used to be a recreation house of the sultans. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity and One-Way Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; A tour guide, and entrance fees are included).

Enjoy a spirited Zambra show, the local form for Flamenco, in one of the historic Sacromonte caves. Meet your guide in downtown Granada – known as one of the birthplaces of flamenco, and continue on to a cave in the gypsy neighborhood that has been converted into a tablao for the flamenco show. Explore the magical quarter and learn more about its history before the show begins. As you sip a drink, watch the dancers, singers, and musicians amid the rustic setting. Your guide will explain the history of the dance, which can be traced back to the nuptial rituals of the Moors in the city. After a spectacular performance, return to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; Taxi Transfers; Drink included; Fitness level: Easy.)

Hike up the mountain villages of Alpujarras along deep valleys set against the backdrop of the snowy Sierra Nevada. Listen to your guide’s narration of the area’s history starting from when the Moors moved here resisting the Christian conquest. Enjoy a scenic hike through the historic white-stone Mozarabic style houses perched on the rugged terrain amid lush greenery to discover why the place is called 'the country of nowhere'. Get a flavor of the traditional lifestyle of the villagers as you observe them going about their daily routines including plowing their terraced farmlands with mule-drawn plows. Learn more about how these terraces are fed by snow-melt and spring water from the mountains by a network of irrigation channels – a technique used by the Islamic Moors of Arab and Berber descent that sustains local farming even today. Relish a traditional meal of Alpujarreño at a local restaurant before you return to your hotel. (Duration: 8 hours; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate; Lunch and Drinks Included; Includes a private guide.)

Admire the historic architectural highlights of Cordoba that hark back to the time when it was the capital of Islamic Spain. Visit the multi arched La Mezquita mosque-turned-Catholic church with its columned prayer hall, Byzantine mosaics, and the Renaissance-style nave. Admire the iconic Roman Bridge that was originally built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river. Take a trip back in time as you stroll through the fascinating narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter past well-preserved Medieval-era buildings including the Calle Judios is Casa de Sefarad museum and the city’s traditional flower-adorned patios. Drop into the famous Alcazar that was once the residence of monarchs, a defense fortress, and was even a garrison for Napoleon Bonaparte's army. Admire the distinct Mudejar architecture of the oldest remaining synagogues which survived the Spanish inquisition. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Tour guide, and entrance fees included.)