Spain Andalusia Photo Tour

There are overnight flights from the U.S./Canada to Granada, Spain (GRX). PLEASE NOTE EVERYONE WILL HAVE TO BOOK MULTI CITY FLIGHTS, HOME FROM SEVILLE (SVQ).

Arrive Granada this morning or early afternoon where you will be transferred to the hotel. The City of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the confluences of two rivers. The backdrop of mountains creates a beautiful setting for this historical city that embraces an artístic grandeur of Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. A taste of the city’s appeal is found in Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra, a useful book to read prior to departure. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, to rest after your day of travel.  There will be an introductory meeting, followed by sunset photography and welcome dinner.

The next morning your local guide will take you on a journey through the Albayzin and the Realejo neigborhood, a labyrinth of streets in the historical disctricts of Granada. Sharing the hidden streets full of history and charm, with you some of the most stunning views and memories of the city. Late this afternoon you will have a tour of the Alhambra, although a tourists highlight, the crowds may have given way. Ascent to the gardens of the Alhambra and surrounding areas, passing by the Cármen de los Mártires, which, with its more than seven hectares, is the largest of the Cármenes of the city, which includes a magnificent mansion, romantic gardens and orchards. Enjoy sunset photography from San Nicolás and the viewpoint San Cristobal. The Mosque gardens provide another vantage point from the Carmen de los Geraneos. Overnight Granada (D; B, L)

After enjoying your last morning in Granada travel to Ronda for photographic activities along the El Tajo gorge. Ronda sits on a plateau of a large rock outcropping. Because of the cliffs, Ronda was one of the last Moorish cities to fall during the Reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs. It certainly takes the prize for picturesque views. You can easily explore its central sights on foot, however, if you choose to take the foot trails up and down the cliffs you will need to be in good physical condition. You will have a guided tour learning about the history of the bullring, the Puente Nuevo -18th century bridge, Plaza de la Ciudad and Santa Maria la Mayor Church, take an optional hike up the former mosque tower for a different view.

There are footpaths leading off the Plaza del Campanillo down to ruined Moorish mills; or upper mills footpath for spectacular views of waterfall and Puente Nuevo. You can also soak in the ancient baths, taking the trail from the Casa del Rey Moro – lavishly furnished mansion with terraced gardens and a flight of 365 stairs cut into the living rock and leading to the river and the Moorish baths. Meet again this evening for sunset photography. Overnight Ronda (B; B, L)

Since todays drive is a short one, venture off the the beaten path again, traveling northeast of Ronda, to the lesser known white towns of Setenil, Olvera or Zahara. Setenil has a twist on the traditional white towns, being that the houses in the ravine, are built in to the side of the cliffs. Continue westerly, reconnecting with the ‘white-town route’, which is made up of white villages strung together, draped along hillsides under their castles. Rolling hills are broken by patches of grey mountains, broken by fertile land, producing wheat, grapes, and olives. As you approach Arcos there are marvelous photo ops to capture the setting of the village. After checking in to the hotel, wander with your local guide through the ancient, romantic, winding streets of the old town. Overnight Arcos de la Frontera (B, D)

After breakfast pass by Seville on your way to Cordoba. Just before Cordoba is the UNESCO archeological site of Medina Azahara, at one time it was a sumptuous Moorish palace, now the city is left in ruins. Continue on to Cordoba, a photographer’s delight, including a Roman bridge crossing the river, which is magical at sunset. After checking in to the hotel you will have a brief walking tour. Enjoy another two full days photographing this magical city. At one time the population of one million, was comprised of Muslims, Christians, and Jews líving in harmony.

There will be a walking tour through the city’s ancient Jewish quarter, a maze of narrow streets now one of the most fashionable neighborhoods. One of the architectural marvels is the Mosque (Mezquita), a vast square of what seems like endless red-and-white striped arches. Weather permitting the tour has been planned to visit the city during the Patio of Flowers festival, beautiful gardens along the Street of Flowers, with flowing potted plants, hanging along side the white washed homes. Overnight Cordoba (B, D; B; B)

After breakfast say goodbye to Cordoba and return to Seville. Just outside the city center is the Plaza de Espana, built for the 1929 World Fair. After checking in to the hotel enjoy a city tour, to acclimate you with the different neighborhoods of Seville. The majority of residents are on holiday, leaving many markets and shops closed during your stay. You will find many wine bodegas,  sometimes referred to as the other “cathedrals” of Spain and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn of the culture and history of the area.

Walk the historical city of Seville from the medieval walls southward to the main landmarks, following the ancient cardús, or north-south road of the Romans. Discover the north half of the historic city, less famous than the postcard Seville, but with plenty of unique buildings and more importantly, unique people. Other highlights of Seville include: Macarena Gate and Walls, The Cathedral of Seville including the Giralda (originally the mosque’s minaret). You may wish to return and climb the spire in the late afternoon for the best views. Photograph as you wander with your local guide on the narrow streets in the Old Jewish Quarter and the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Enjoy your evenings photographing amidst the tapas bars, clubs, and narrow, winding, medieval lanes. Your guide can point out hotels with rooftop terraces to enjoy the skyline at dusk. Overnight Seville (B, L; B; B, D)

Everyone departing today will be transferred out to the Seville (SVQ) airport for departure home. (B)