Golf and Culture: Custom Tour of Seville, Jerez, Granada & Costa del Sol

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Once you check in to your hotel and have a chance to freshen up, you may begin to explore the beautiful city of Seville, one of the jewels of Andalusia. Your itinerary includes a very special activity for the first day - experience the elegance of a bygone era with a traditional horse-and-carriage ride through the lovely streets of Seville. Riding in this classic carriage, you will explore the city’s important historic quarters. The soothing trot of horse’s hooves and your driver’s interesting commentary make for a truly pleasant and wonderful journey.

Later this evening, enjoy a private tapas tour through Seville’s Triana district. The old Gypsy Quarter, Triana is full of old churches, ceramics workshops, Flamenco venues and tapas bars. On your tour, you’ll discover hidden spots in the very heart of Seville. Each bar has something special to offer, whether it is a typical dish, a specific type of regional wine or its vivacious atmosphere. Be ready to stand with the locals at the bars, while sampling a selection of authentic tapas and Spanish wines. You’ll also learn about the fascinating history and hear interesting anecdotes of Seville, as you stroll through the city’s ancient streets.

Your accommodations for the next few nights will be at the Palacio de Villapanes. This luxurious five-star hotel occupies a converted 18th-century palace designed in the traditional Andalusian style. As you enter the hotel, you’ll feel refreshed by the lovely central courtyard with its marble columns, tile floor, palms, and a graceful fountain. Situated in the center of the city near the fashionable Santa Cruz district, the hotel offers a great location close to tourist sites, yet still gives you the sense of everyday life of Seville.

This morning, you’ll take a guided walking tour to see the highlights of Seville. Your first visit of the day will be the Real Alcázar, the old Moorish palace that is still a royal residence of the Spanish monarchy. The glorious palace, set in exceptional gardens, offers a serene oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of Seville.

Next stop is the show-stopping Seville cathedral. Once the site of the grand Almohades Mosque from the Moorish era, this exceptional monument was converted to a cathedral in 1401. The result of 100 years of construction, Seville’s magnificent cathedral is the world’s largest Gothic church. The only architectural features of the Islamic mosque are the Patio de los Naranjos, the interior courtyard designed for relaxation and prayer, and the dominating La Giralda Tower, once the minaret. The Giralda tower was converted to the cathedral’s bell tower and is the most iconic sight in the cityscape of Seville. When you enter the church, admire the incredible vastness of the space and take in the exquisite splendor of the gilded altarpiece. Finally you will visit the Torre del Oro, the 13th-century Moorish watchtower that once held a position of prominence along the Guadalquivir River.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit a typical Andalusian bullring. Known as Plaza de la Maestranza, Seville’s emblematic bullring was built in the 1700s with restorations later in the mid-90s. During your visit, you’ll learn about the Spanish national sport of bullfighting and about the famous matadors. There is also a museum that exhibits matador costumes, photographs and paintings. Next you’ll have another Andalusian cultural experience: a tasting of gourmet Iberian ham and olive oils. You’ll be guided through your sampling by an expert in local gastronomy. Notice the difference of Iberian ham: its intense flavor and enticing aroma, while the regional Spanish olive oils offer a variety of tasting sensations from smooth to peppery. Andalusia is the world’s largest producer of olive oil, and most of Andalusian cuisine is prepared in olive oil—from salads to gazpacho soup to empanadas and fried fish fritters.

This morning you’ll visit Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its Sherry wines and purebred horses. Jerez de la Frontera is one of the noblest towns in the Cádiz province of Andalusia. With its city center declared a historic site, Jerez de la Frontera boasts elegant aristocratic palaces and an impressive equestrian tradition.

Your first stop of the day will be at a bodega, wine cellar, where you will learn about the Sherry winemaking tradition. The wines from this region have two denomination of origins, both known for their quality: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Both of these wines pair perfectly with tapas such as olives, almonds and anchovies. Your next event of the day will be an equestrian show at the Royal Andalusia School of Equestrian Art. You’ll have a chance to see exhibitions and carriage-pulling by the finest purebred Spanish horses.

After your morning tour of Jerez de la Frontera, you’ll head to Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Also in the Cádiz province, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a seaside town surrounded by the peaceful Guadalquivir estuary, where the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is famous for its cuisine based on seafood as well as for its distinctive Manzanilla wine, which is rich and full-bodied as a result of the seaside air that enhances the grapes development. Enjoy a leisurely gourmet lunch in Sanlúcar de Barrameda before returning to Seville.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Seville to Granada. You’ll be staying in the heart of the city at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos. Featuring a luxury spa and an Arabian-style garden, this five-star hotel occupies a 19th-century palace that is a UNESCO-listed monument. Your accommodations are as comfortable and modern as they are charming. After checking in to the hotel, you’ll have free time to begin exploring Granada.

Your hotel is within walking distance of the cathedral, and that is a wonderful place to begin. Another spectacular site is the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through this ancient neighborhood’s network of narrow streets and squares. Admire the marvelous views of the Alhambra Palace and the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the vantage point of Plaza San Nicolás. You may also see the site of the old Great Mosque of the Nasrids that was built in the 13th century, which was converted to the Church of San Salvador. After visiting the Albaicín, your next stop should be the Sacromonte, Granada’s vibrant Gypsy quarter.

This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the magical Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. The most emblematic monument in Granada and a must-see sight, the Alhambra is a testimony to the glory of the old Moorish kingdom. It was the last stronghold of Muslim power before the Christian Reconquista. The magnificent fortress is located high on a rocky hill that is difficult to access and is a complex of sumptuous palaces and spectacular gardens—all of which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the Alhambra, you’ll enjoy a private transfer from Granada to your hotel in Marbella. You’ll be staying at the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, a five-star luxury golf resort featuring three 18-hole golf courses, beautiful gardens, a Thermal Spa, exclusive beach club and four gourmet restaurants. The grounds even include an outdoor amphitheater designed in the Roman style. The interior features plush Mediterranean decor, fine antiques and lovely artwork. All rooms have wonderful views of the surrounding landscape, and some have views of the Mediterranean Sea. You couldn’t find a better place to spend a relaxing golf holiday!

Take advantage of the resort’s incredible amenities: golf courses, swimming pool and spa. Your tour package includes two days of golfing green fees, so you may try one of the golf courses today and another tomorrow. At this resort, there are all kinds of golf courses but all offer awe-inspiring views of the Costa del Sol. You’ll also have time for a pampering spa session at the resort or shopping in the nearby city of Marbella. This evening, enjoy fine dining at the hotel or in Marbella and stay up later than usual to experience town’s vibrant nightlife.

Today you’ll have a chance to try another one of the resort’s golf courses, as you have two days of green fees included with the package. Also enjoy your leisure time to soak up the Costa del Sol ambience. With its natural beauty and perfect weather, this Spanish resort allows you to slow down and be in the moment. Bask in the sun by the pool or at the beach, take a stroll to Marbella’s marina to see the fancy yachts or poke around the quaint streets of Marbella’s historic center. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your vacation with a special dinner. You could make a reservation at the hotel’s La Veranda restaurant, an exquisite dining room that spills over into a romantic outdoor patio and garden. Savor the modern gourmet cuisine made with the finest local products.

The tour concludes today after breakfast at your hotel. You’ll be provided a private transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home.