Classical Spain for solo travellers
7days from
£1,299*per person
Overview
7 days - Escorted Tours
Experience unspoiled Andalucía, home of Flamenco and perhaps the most traditionally Spanish of regions. Andalucía is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe and is, as yet, undiscovered by the majority. It’s a land where the excesses of the twentieth century seem not to have taken root and where travellers are genuinely welcomed.
A land immortalised by the writings of Ernest Hemingway and beloved by Orson Welles, where stunningly beautiful, sun-kissed countryside, covered by green olive groves stretch off into the distance under a perpetual azure blue sky. With biscuit coloured plains, untamed rivers, deep gorges and the spectacular snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, providing the backdrop, there can be few places on earth which can boast such a wealth of natural wonders in such a small area.
Tiny whitewashed villages perch on the hilltops, with narrow winding streets where every house has window boxes crammed with flowers of every colour, adding a touch of vitality to these sleepy hamlets, little changed since Columbus’ days.
Andalucía has a long and violent past stretching from the dawn of civilisation. The Phoenicians and ancient Greeks traded, whereas Julius Caesar fought here, as did Hannibal. The region is crammed with legacies from throughout the centuries from a variety of civilisations. Without doubt, the jewels in Andalucía’s crown are the fantastic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, which have some of the most important monuments anywhere on earth, many of which are designated as Heritage Sites by the United Nations and protected accordingly. Seville, home of Carmen and Figaro, boasts the world’s largest gothic cathedral. It was from here the conquistadors set sail to explore and plunder the New World and from the sixteenth century unimaginable wealth poured in, building the city we see today. Cordoba has a sixteen arched bridge spanning the river, built by the Romans and amazingly still in use and the Mezquita, built by the Moors is so beautiful and thought-provoking it is beyond words. Granada has the Alhambra, the Moorish King’s Palace so richly decorated, it shames almost anything we can conceive today.
Nowadays though, despite its pedigree, or because of it, Andalucía is perhaps the most Spanish region in the country, indeed, the popular image of ‘real Spain’ of ruined castles, sherry and bullfights has its roots here. The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood and its famous drink, the fortified wine from Jerez we call sherry. Try a glass of ‘fino’ - a very dry yet refreshing sherry whilst nibbling ‘tapas’ - that great Spanish titbit invention.
The people are charming – always ready to help and with an attitude towards their fellow man and a love of life so typical of Mediterranean people. So, for a unique blend of superb countryside, famous and stunningly beautiful monuments and cities, wonderful art, all set in a country which welcomes tourists as honoured guests – come with us and see.
“The grand Mezquita in Cordoba is one of the most beautiful Moorish mosques.”
Andrew Graham-Dixon
Itinerary
- Arrival in Andalucía - You will be met at the airport by a member of the team for our flight to Malaga. On arrival, a coach will transfer us to the hilltop town of Mijas, where we stay at the four-star Ilunion Hacienda del Sol hotel on the outskirts of town. Tonight, we enjoy an informal welcome dinner at the hotel, where we will get a chance to meet and mingle with your dedicated tour manager, as well as other people also travelling on their own.
- Ronda - We enjoy breakfast in our hotel this morning before heading to the countryside of Andalucía and reaching spectacular Ronda. Built on a ridge high above an impressive gorge, there are few towns that impress at first sight. Our Tour Manager will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit, and perhaps also get your first taste of authentic tapas. We continue this afternoon through more dramatic countryside before arriving in beautiful Seville where another treat awaits, as this evening we enjoy delicious tapas. Over the centuries, with the introduction of olives, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, tapas dishes gradually evolved into a most delightful tradition.
- Seville - Flamboyant, seductive, fascinating … Seville is all these and more. It is simply one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the world, with the serene River Guadalquivir flowing through its centre, a history spanning the centuries, a wealth of historic buildings, colourful back streets and peaceful parks. It has its origins in Roman times – the Emperor Hadrian, builder of the famous wall, came from here. During the 8th century the Moors arrived, stayed for five centuries and left a unique legacy still in evidence today. However, if one event changed Seville, it was the discovery of the New World and, fittingly, Columbus is buried in the imposing cathedral. Immense wealth poured in from Spain’s new empire and catapulted Seville into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe. Much of Seville was built during this time and it seems to have changed little in the last 500 years, with tiny twisting streets and hidden squares where the locals hide from the midday sun in high summer. Today, though, it possesses a vibrant, cultural spirit that is very special. After breakfast we have a tour of this beguiling city, during which we’ll see the awe-inspiring semi-circular Plaza de España, a fine example of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You’ll also see the Tower of Gold, so named as it was used to store plunder from the Americas, and much more During the afternoon you’re free to explore Seville at your leisure, during this time you could visit the fortified palace of the Alcázar or the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is the final resting place of the great navigator, Christopher Columbus. Alternatively, if you wish, you could take a cruise on one of the many river boats. Personalise your holiday - Authentic flamenco show in Seville Witness a spectacular flamenco performance filled with passion and energy in a charming theatre. Enjoy a complimentary drink while you admire the superb artistry of world-class dancers, singers and musicians, who bring to life classics like ‘Carmen’. From £33pp (2024) & from £35pp (2025) Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
- Seville - Seville offers such a diverse array of sights that today, you have a free day to do as much or as little as you wish. Explore the Alcázar in more detail, wander around the shops of the old Jewish quarter, take a picnic to Maria Luisa Park, or maybe enjoy a glass of fino sherry alfresco with some members of the group. Personalise your holiday - The opportunity to skip the often long queues to gain priority access to the Alcazar - With more than a millennium of history dating back to Moorish times, it has earned a claim to fame as the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use and this is a great opportunity to explore its pleasant gardens and elaborate interior. From £16pp for standard entrance & £8.50 pp for over 65 year olds (2024) From £19pp for standard entrance & £9.50 pp for over 65 year olds (2025) Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
- Cordoba - We leave Seville after breakfast this morning and we travel east to another icon of the area, Cordoba. The Moors used Cordoba as their capital city and it was here that they built Europe’s most beautiful mosque, the Mezquita. We will be joined once again by a local guide who will share the story of this magnificent structure and its intriguing history. Afterwards we will have ample time to explore the twisting streets of Cordoba and step out onto its iconic bridge, before we continue our journey to Granada, where we will stay at either the four-star Hotel Alixares just a few moments’ walk from the mighty Alhambra palace, or the four-star Hotel Porcel Sabica located in the heart of the town itself.
- Granada & Alhambra - Granada enjoys a stunning location below the peaks of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. High above the city sits the Alhambra, regularly listed as one of the must-visit places in the world. During our visit we take in the vast gardens and the perfect courtyards, admiring the repeating arches and intricate tilework of the palace itself. The palace has become an icon for Moorish architecture, and it is easy to see why it is one of Spain’s most photographed locations.
- Return home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Experience beautiful Seville’s vibrant streets and tranquil parks on a tour led by a local guide.
- Visit to medieval Ronda - one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities.
- Delight in delicious and authentic Tapas in Seville.
- Fall under the spell of the stunning Alhambra, one of Europe’s most sensual and romantic palace and fortresses.
- Visit to Cordoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita probably the most beautiful Mosque ever constructed.
Our Price Includes
- The price of this Spain tour is per person based on one person in a double/twin room for sole occupancy. The price includes:
- Six nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast plus dinner in your hotel on the first night
- Return flights and transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- All airport departure taxes
- All local accommodation taxes
- Hotel porterage
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- Not included in the price is the entrance to Seville cathedral which is approximately €11.00 and is payable locally. Please note that there are reduced entry prices for those aged 65 or more on presentation of a valid ID.
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Ilunion Hacienda del Sol -
Built in traditional Andalusian style with a country estate feel, this four-star hotel offers views of both the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Take a dip in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pools or relax with a drink in the garden overlooking the sea. Set in its own grounds, the hotel has a restaurant, bar and lounge area plus a sauna and even its own tennis court. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel. All bedrooms are air-conditioned with an ensuite bathroom, telephone, TV, small fridge and safe.
Alixares Hotel -
This hotel is set in its own delightful gardens and features an outdoor pool and terrace to relax and unwind. There’s a restaurant and bar area and the hotel is fully air-conditioned throughout. The Mirador Alixares observation deck is located behind the hotel and is the perfect place to observe the skyline of Granada as the sun sets on a fascinating day of exploring. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, a small fridge, safe, hairdryer, telephone, and TV. Room upgrades are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. Contact the reservations team to request a room with a balcony or terrace. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.
Hotel Porcel Sabica -
The Hotel Porcel Sabica has a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and its own squash court. The comfortable bedrooms are designed with an elegant, minimalist feel and are all air-conditioned with a small fridge, safe, hairdryer, telephone and TV. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.
Don Paco -
This charming hotel is fully air-conditioned, with a restaurant and bar area. It features a delightful rooftop swimming pool and terrace area, offering panoramic views across the city. The spacious and stylish bedrooms have a telephone, TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities. Please note: The use of air-conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.
Other Information
Holiday code
R315Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.