Compare Exploring the Hidden White Villages of Spain’s Andalusia by Road Scholar vs Highlights of Andalucia by Intrepid Travel

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Carmona, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Carmona D Alcázar de la Reina
Activity note: Hotel check-in available by 12:00 Noon. Walking approx. 1 mile; about 1/2 hour; cobblestones and hilly roads.

Morning: Upon arrival, check-into your room and enjoy a little time to rest before orientation

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like

Afternoon: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Extensive walking, often up to 3 miles per day, approx. 1-3 hours at a steady pace. During many of our visits we will encounter winding or hilly roads, as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then set out with our Group Leader for a walking exploration of the area around the hotel, which is located in the heart of Carmona. We’ll follow the Roman walled enclosure of the city on our stroll enjoying informative commentary provided along the way.

Dinner: At the Parador de Carmona restaurant, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with delicious plated meals. Wine and water are included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Andalusia Geography, Carmona Intro, Bullfighting Lecture
Carmona B,L Alcázar de la Reina
Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles; about 3 hours; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including an egg dish, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll set out on foot for an expert-led field trip of Carmona where we will visit the Gothic Santa María la Mayor church, which boasts a liturgical calendar from the Visigothic age engraved in a column in its Patio de las Naranjos. Afterwards, we’ll then have some time to explore Carmona independently before lunch.

Lunch: At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverage included; wine, beer, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll settle in for a lecture with a local expert at the hotel to learn about bullfighting. A national cultural tradition in Spain, bullfighting is and has long been steeped in enthusiastic debate. Historians offer contesting timelines speculating where and when this tradition, widely regarded as an art form, originated. Some suspect it may have carried over from gladiator traditions of Ancient Rome, while others contest that it grew from a culmination of cultures and influences throughout the ages. Much modern debate between enthusiasts and activists stems from the ethical dilemma the spectacle poses because, traditionally, the bulls – bred specifically to be more aggressive – are killed at the end of the fight. After a short break an expert will join us to give a group lecture on the geography and history of Andalusia.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions for tapas bars in Carmona where you can eat like a local.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 4
Cordoba Mosque, Jewish Quarter, Grazalema
Grazalema B,L,D Hotel Puerta de la Villa
Activity note: Driving about 70 miles to Cordoba and 117 miles from Cordoba to Grazalema. Walking up to 3-4 miles throughout the day; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Grazalema, but not before stopping in Córdoba, the crossroads of civilizations, and mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. While here, we’ll enjoy expert-led explorations of the Great Mosque and Cathedral, and pass by one of the last-standing ancient synagogues in Spain. We’ll stroll through the geranium-filled Juderia, once Cordoba's Jewish Quarter, and site of a monument to the famous philosopher Maimonides.

Lunch: At a typical restaurant in Cordoba, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverage included; wine, beer, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll then take our bus to our first stop in the White Villages of Andalusia: Grazalema. Known for their uniformly whitewashed constructions, the White Villages still seem part of medieval Spain and appear to be inserted like bird nests into the mountains, sitting on dramatic gorges, often crowned by castles. Upon arrival at the hotel, we’ll check in and then go on an orientation walk around the village with our Group Leader to visit a typical butcher’s shop and see how they make cold meats.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
The Ronda of Hemingway & Welles in El Tajo Canyon,Community
Grazalema B,L,D Hotel Puerta de la Villa
Activity note: Driving approx. 20 miles (33 km) one way to Ronda; less than 1 hour. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the buffet features a variety of choices including breakfast breads and pastries, cereal, butter, jam, coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: We’ll start out the day by transferring via private bus to Ronda where we will experience this magnificent city nestled into the Malaga side of the Sierras under the guidance of a local expert. While here, we’ll stop for visits at the oldest bullring in Spain and the three main bridges that cross the gorge. Through commentary provided as we go, we will also learn about Ronda's unique role played during Spain's Civil War.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Ronda, we’ll have plated meals with two included beverage choices: wine, beer, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After returning to Grazalema, we’ll join a local expert for a lecture at the hotel on the people of the Sierra, during which we will examine rural architecture, economic systems, and the sociological character of the mountain people who subsist by cultivating the land, shepherding, and even smuggling in times of economic difficulty. Then we’ll meet with locals at a nearby restaurant to learn first-hand what life is like in the village through group conversation.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a fun tapas outing with our new friends with two beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Grazalema Natural Park, Olive Mill, Cheese Making
Grazalema B,D Hotel Puerta de la Villa
Activity note: Driving approx. 41 miles total throughout the day, short increments with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles; steady pace in the hilly countryside; hiking shoes or sports sneakers are strongly encouraged.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll start out the morning with a light morning hike in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (2,500 feet altitude) which was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977. Along our expert-led hike, we will keep an eye out for colonies of endangered vultures and explore limestone caves. After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the morning will be at leisure.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Afternoon: On our way to the Olive Mill we will stop for a hands-on cheese making workshop led by the cheese factory owner. Afterwards, we will visit an 18th century functioning olive mill where the hacienda owner, an expert, will lead a lecture about the production of Spain's golden liquid during a lecture and oil tasting session.

Dinner: At the Olive Mill Hacienda, we’ll have delicious plated meals including wine made right at the hacienda, and water. Other included beverages available upon request.

Evening: After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 7
Sherry Winery, Equestrian Show, Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera B,L,D La Casa del Califa
Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Driving approx. 97 miles total; about 2.5 hours with stops.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel in Grazalema, we’ll transfer by private bus to Vejer de la Frontera. En route, we’ll stop at Jerez de la Frontera - the home of sherry. Before the winery visit, we will enjoy an Equestrian show at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art where you may see the unique show "How the Andalusian Horses Dance", an equestrian ballet accompanied by quintessential Spanish music and 18th century style costumes, all put together and choreographed using movements based upon Classical Dressage, Doma Vaquera (country-style riding) and traditional equestrian chores. Each show consists of between six and eight different choreographies

Lunch: At a restaurant, we’ll enjoy plated meals with a choice of one beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch we will visit a bodega, or winery, where we’ll be given the opportunity to taste the different types of sherry and learn from the bodega staff about these unique wines. We’ll then complete our transfer to Vejer de la Frontera and, upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel, which was once a convent. We’ll get oriented to the area on a stroll through the village, which towers over the surrounding countryside at 600 feet above sea level while only a couple of miles from the coast. The city is dominated by its Moorish castle and Gothic church. Clean, narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes are the characteristic trait of the Andalusian towns. Vejer is steeped in history; the famous battle of Trafalgar took place just off the coast near the town in 1805.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one included beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins, Free Time
Vejer de la Frontera B,L La Casa del Califa
Activity note: Driving approx. 57 miles total; about 1:30 hours total. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace; some hills, cobblestones, city sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll set out for a day trip to the coast for an expert-led field trip at the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia in Bolonia. Near Tarifa, it was abandoned in the 6th century and today reflects the preservation of some of the most representative elements of a typical Roman city.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious set menu featuring typical coastal fare, plus a choice of one included beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After returning to Vejer, we’ll have some time for independent exploration or relaxation.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 9
Bull Ranch, Seville’s Gothic Cathedral, Cooking Class
Seville B,L,D Hotel Inglaterra
Activity note: Driving approx. 100 miles throughout the day; about 2 hours. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; steady pace; some hills, cobblestones, city sidewalks.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet

Morning: After check-out, we’ll make our way to Seville but not before making a stop to visit a functioning bull ranch where we will learn from an employee of the ranch about raising toros. Upon arrival, we’ll walk along a trail through the beautiful pastures while noting the flora and fauna and passing by some of the bull and cow enclosures. After a short walk, we’ll reach a viewing platform. From here we will become more familiar with a day in the life of these magnificent animals in one of the best theaters imaginable, the open Andalusian countryside.In addition to seeing fighting bulls and herds of cows with their studs and calves, we will also get to see working oxen, mares and their foals.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Seville, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverages included.

Afternoon: Setting out on foot with a local historian, we will take a field trip to Santa María de la Sede Cathedral, the third largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The Catedral of Seville stands where there was once a great mosque that was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1401. After Seville was recaptured from the Moors in the Reconquista, and the victorious Christians decided to replace the mosque with a cathedral so grand, they said, “those who see it built will think we were mad.” The gigantic altarpiece was the lifelong work of a single man. It is, in fact, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, made possible by riches coming in to Spain from the New World. Completed in just 104 years, embellishments and further enhancements continued into the 20th century. Afterwards, we will walk to have a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. We will learn about and cook the most popular traditional Spanish dish: Paella

Dinner: At the cooking class. Water and sangria are included

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Alcazar, Jewish Quarter, Meeting Locals, Flamenco Show
Seville B,D Hotel Inglaterra
Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; steady pace; some hills, cobblestones, city sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet breakfast with coffee, tea, water.

Morning: With an official expert from this royal palace, we will explore the Alcázar and its amazing heritage of Muslim and Christian architecture. Continuing, we’ll also visit the Jewish Quarter with our expert.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Afternoon: Meet with local families, learn all about the realities of family life in Spain, as you enjoy lunch and an afternoon in their homes. Afterwards we will walk to the local “tablao” and see flamenco come alive at an intimate show.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverage included; wine, beer, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 11
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Seville

Hola! Bienvenido a Sevilla. Welcome to Seville. There are no activities planned during the day, so you may arrive at any time before the important welcome meeting at 7 pm. If you do have time beforehand, take the opportunity to visit Barrio Santa Cruz – with its multicultural history, it is a great place to start. This neighbourhood was designed in medieval times to provide a shaded space from the Andalucian heat. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head out for a dinner with your group and sample some local tapas.

Day 2 Seville

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before heading on an orientation walk with your leader. Explore the maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and sun-speckled squares in Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter and El Centro. Pass by the grand gothic-style Catedral de Sevilla – the burial site of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda – built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. See the magnificent Alcazar Palace – one of the country’s most impressive and historic monuments. Then, you’ll take part in a flamenco dance class run by Casa de la Memoria – an organisation dedicated to preserving the folkloric tradition of Andalusian flamenco. Learn how this cultural centre preserves the artistic heritage of dance, the history of the dance school and the stories of the teachers while you practice a few fun moves. Maybe head to a flamenco show tonight or practice your moves after a late dinner.

Day 3 Grazalema

After breakfast, say goodbye to Seville and hit the road. Your first stop is a local winery near the city of Jerez. Here you’ll have the chance to sample some locally produced sherry, accompanied by tasty Iberico tapas. After the winery, travel to Grazalema. The village sits in the foothills of the Sierra del Pinar mountain range and will be your base for two nights. Settle into your accommodation, a charming hotel located on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park. Make the most of your stunning location this evening and enjoy dinner at your accommodation, made from produce grown on site and locally sourced meat and dairy.

Day 4 Grazalema

Begin your day with an orientation walk around the whitewashed buildings and winding alleys of Grazalema. Then it's on to explore the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra. The awesome mountain-top location of this whitewashed village makes it visible for many kilometres. It's also known as the 'Moorish Eagle's Nest'. Your first stop, on the outskirts of the village, is Molino El Vinculo, a traditional, family-run ‘cold’ olive oil mill. Enjoy a tour of the factory and a tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil, and the locals enjoy it at all times of the day. It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy – gazpacho. Back in the centre of Zahara de la Sierra, your leader will take you up to the 15th-century watchtower from where you can marvel at the spectacular views over the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. Return to Grazalema where you’ll have time to relax by the pool or take a walk around the Natural Park before another included dinner at your accommodation

Day 5 Ronda

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to Ronda. This little town, perched on a mountaintop, is one of Spain's oldest villages, dating back to the 9th century BC, and arguably its most spectacular. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and visit the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the birthplace of modern bullfighting and one of the country’s oldest arenas. Stop off at several viewpoints along the Puerta de Almocabar, an ancient stone gate, and check out the Arab Walls while learning about the town’s Islamic heritage. In the evening, you might like to enjoy some tapas and a glass of crisp Spanish beer in one of Ronda's lively local eateries.

Day 6 Granada

After breakfast, continue to Granada by private vehicle, taking in views of Andalucia’s rich and diverse landscapes along the way. Arrive in the city and walk through the historic Christian cathedral district to witness the Moorish influence first-hand. In the afternoon you will be taking part in an exclusive local produce tasting at a small, family run delicatessen. Try local Iberian ham, different types of cheeses, jam, olive oil and other gourmet products from around Spain, including some wine. Afterwards there is the option to visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Alternatively, you can wander through the Alcaiceria (old silk market area). In the evening, you may want to go out on a tapas tour of the city, or head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville's version.

Day 7 Granada / Alhambra

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket and a guided tour is included in the trip and grants you access to the Palace and Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.

Day 8 Granada

There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay on in Granada, we don’t blame you! Additional accommodation can be arranged when you book (subject to availability). Granada also has flight, rail and bus connections to major Spanish cities and other European hubs.