Highlights of Andalucia

To Antequera in the heart of Andalucía

Your holiday begins this morning when you meet the Tour Manager and group at London Gatwick, or depart independently from your regional airport, for a morning flight to Malaga. On arrival, transferred by coach to the hotel in Antequera, a traditional Spanish town in the heart of Andalucía, ideally situated to explore Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga. Antequera is a typical Andalucian medieval town with an impressive Moorish fortress, several churches, and a relaxed atmosphere. After a welcome drink at the hotel, there's time to look around before dining independently.

Free time in Antequera

After breakfast, free to get to know Antequera at your own pace. The tourist office is located in the centre near the Plaza de San Sebastián. Plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from. Nature lovers can visit El Torcal de Antequera national park (5 miles outside the city) or the Dolmen Tombs, some of the largest prehistoric burial chambers in Europe. Dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Seville, Andalucía's colourful capital

Catch the high-speed train to Seville for a guided tour. Exploring by coach and on foot, first stop is the Plaza de España, created for the 1929 'Fair of the Americas'. Tour ends at the Gothic cathedral, the largest Gothic building in Europe, where Christopher Columbus was interred. The afternoon is free to explore the Santa Cruz district, Alcázar Palace, or walk along the river to the Torre del Oro. Return to hotel by rail.

Meals: Breakfast

A trip to Córdoba

High-speed rail journey to Córdoba, once the largest metropolis in western Europe and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided tour of the city's main attractions, seeing the exterior of the famous Mezquita of Córdoba. Tour also takes in Córdoba's historic Jewish Quarter with its tiny ancient synagogue, hidden stone patios and characterful streets. Free time over lunch and into the afternoon; option to visit the Alcázar palace and gardens. Return to hotel by rail.

Meals: Breakfast

A day at leisure in or around Antequera

Free day. Option to visit Málaga by rail (about an hour away): Museo Picasso, cathedral, Roman amphitheatre, Alcazaba fortress, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Centre Pompidou gallery. In Antequera, visit the Roman Villa of the Station. Alternatively, relax at the hotel swimming pool. Dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Granada: the Alhambra and the Albaicín

Travel by coach to Granada to visit the Alhambra palaces and fortress complex, with its stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Guided tour of the Alhambra palaces with intricately carved wooden ceilings, colourful mosaics and beautiful plasterwork. Free time to walk among the 14th-century Generalife gardens. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the Albaicín – the Moorish quarter with steep narrow streets, Moroccan-style tea shops and craft shops. Mirador de San Nicolas offers views up to the Alhambra.

Meals: Breakfast

Homeward bound

Coach transfer from Antequera to Malaga Airport for the flight back to London Gatwick or regional airport.

Meals: Breakfast