Highlights of Andalucia
8 DAYS FROM £639
Seville has that exciting feel to it that all foreign places used to have when I was young, with it's throngs of students, the animated outdoor life and of course, authentic flamenco. Carmen's cigarette factory is still there and had us humming the Habanera under the palms with an April temperature of 27oC. To be honest, I've reached the age of cathedral fatigue - but Cordoba's Mesquita has that WOW factor that most of the others haven't got. Nor am I a would be David Attenborough, but the sight of hundreds of storks nests in Huelva and Faro gave me such a thrill that I bought binoculars.
Our week in Quateira was good value, and greatly enhanced by the entertainment manager's series of interesting local walks and excursions and a fado evening.
All holidays can be affected by the people you spend them with. This is our 3rd Archers tour and we sense there's an Archer's family of compatible folk out there, because we always seem to get on happily together.
Talking of Archers, what of them? Well, they did what they said they'd do by soothing out the logistics pleasantly with a great guide and driver who struck that difficult balance between leadership and unobtrusiveness. Well Done! I particularly endorse the use of centrally situated hotels. We have been on other tours where hotels have been located out of town to save money I suppose, but give me one in the centre every time.
I could go on about fabled Granada and the apes of Gibraltar but I've got to peruse my brochures.
We visited Granada, Cordoba, and Seville to mention just a few of the breathtaking tours. We went in May, and the wonderful aroma of orange blossom remained with us for the whole holiday. All the tour guides were very informed, and welcomed us, referring to us as their 'family' throughout the tour. We could not believe how much we had crammed into 8 days.
We would confidently recommend Archers to everyone, and four of our friends have already taken our advice, and enjoyed their holiday as much as we did.
First stop Malaga and overnight at the Novotel, which was a little way out of the city but we had a typical Spanish meal and enjoyed trying to speak the language.
After a good breakfast we were off on the tour Granada, Cordoba, Seville with sight seeing in all the grand places and overnight stays in good hotels. Flamenco gypsy style in Granada, the Alhambra, the Cathedral in Cordoba, all added up to make a fabulous tour.
Seville was a treasure and the hotel had a roof top swimming pool which overlooked Seville. Having been on this tour before I wanted to go to the classical Flamenco show in Seville at a place called the Patio, perfect, I would recommend anyone who likes Flamenco to visit this venue.
The week on the Costa del Sol was brilliant, The Hotel Balcon de Europa was very good, food was good the rooms perhaps could do with a little brightening up, but on the whole it was smashing. Friendly staff, clean beach, delicious grilled sardines from the beach bar, overall I would recommend this holiday to anyone.
We are in our 50/60's and there were 4 of us on this holiday we all enjoyed it and look forward to our next holiday hopefully with Archers.
If your guides are half as good again, I will be going with Archers again.
Moorish architecture, citrus groves and flamenco - images of the real Spain abound in this mesmerizing sun-kissed southern province.
Included Highlights
Malaga Orientation drive
Granada Guided visit to the Alhambra
Montilla Wine bodega visit
Cordoba Visit
Seville Visit
Gibraltar Visit
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Malaga - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour and representative service in resort
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Malaga area.
Fly to Malaga where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Malaga area - Loja - Granada.
We begin the day with an included orientation drive around Malaga, before we head inland through grandiose scenery to Santa Fe. It was here that, in 1492, Columbus obtained the go-ahead for his voyage to the New World. Just six miles away is Granada, located at the foot of the great Sierra Nevada mountain range, where you will stay for two nights. The rest of the day is yours so why not join our optional city sightseeing to discover the delights of the ancient Moorish city of Granada. (B, D)
DAY 3: Granada. Included guided tour of the Alhambra.
Today sees one of the highlights of your trip - our included sightseeing tour of the famous Alhambra complex with a local guide. This splendid example of Moorish architecture stands on a hilltop overlooking the city and backed by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. (B, D)
DAY 4: Granada - Cordoba.
Drive north-west by way of Baena and the undulating vineyards of Andalucia, for a stop in Montilla where you'll visit a typical Andalucian wine bodega. Next to Cordoba. This is perhaps Spain's most Moorish city and an optional tour takes you to what used to be its great mosque, known as one of Islam's greatest pieces of architecture outside the Arab world and is now a Catholic cathedral. You'll enjoy the small whitewashed houses with their patios opening onto the winding streets and small squares. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)
DAY 5: Cordoba - Seville.
We journey further south into the very heart of Andalucia, first to the picturesque town of Ecija, then to Carmona, dominated by an ancient Alcazar. Just a few more miles brings us to the elegant city of Seville, where you will have the rest of the day to find your bearings and do a little exploring. In the evening there's a chance to experience the colourful spectacle of Seville's famous dance culture at our optional Flamenco excursion. (B, D)
DAY 6: Seville.
The day is yours to do some serious sightseeing around the beautiful Andalucian capital. Why not join us for an optional city sightseeing to see many of Seville's highlights. (B)
DAY 7: Seville - Algeciras - Gibraltar - Malaga area.
Today we head south via the busy port of Algeciras to the unique Rock of Gibraltar, a tiny British outpost surrounding a 400 metres mountain of Jurassic limestone. The Rock's most famous residents are, of course, the tailless Barbary apes, descended from pets brought by sailors from North Africa. We end the day with a drive along the coast road to the Malaga area for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 8: Malaga area - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Costa del Sol: Novotel Malaga (4*); Granada: Don Juan (3*); Cordoba: Selu (3*); Seville: Don Paco (3*).
Platinum Tourer
The ultimate in comfort travel, why not choose to upgrade to our Platinum Tourer Coach?
The Platinum Tourer is offered on the following dates 12, 19 April; 11 & 18 October. Enjoy the benefits of a coach specifically designed for luxury touring.
Seville Holy Week, Feria
Seville really comes alive during the dramatic Holy Week celebrations and the week long festivities of the Seville Feria.
Tour only & Tour + Costa del Sol options
Holy Week in Seville departs 5 April 2009, 28 March 2010; Seville Feria departs 26 April 2009, 18 April 2010.
Holiday Extensions
View Holiday PhotosAdd a week in Costa del Sol - 7 Extra nights from £174
The Costa del Sol boasts 320 sunny days a year, miles of sandy beaches and has something to offer for everyone.
You can extend your holiday with a week in any of the hotels in Nerja or Mijas.
On day 8 (Sun) of your holiday you will be transferred to your chosen hotel for a week's stay before returning to Malaga for your flight home.
Accommodation on Extensions
Add a week in Costa del Sol - 7 Extra nights from £174
View Holiday PhotosBalcon de Europa
This hotel offers a high level of service and pleasant comfortable accommodation as well as enjoying a prime location overlooking the sea. Due to this, guests are inspired to return year after year to savour a truly relaxing holiday.
Location: On Nerja's famous headland with the resort centre just 50 metres away.
Facilities: Roof top swimming pool with free sunbeds; lounge with satellite TV; restaurant and à la carte 'Nautico' beachside restaurant; bar; piano bar; table tennis; cards room; sauna; massage; minibar and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath, shower and wc; satellite TV; hairdryer and air-conditioning.
Options: Balcony or terrace with sea view; single room.
Official category: 4 star.
View Holiday PhotosPerla Marina
plusA small, bright and comfortable hotel in a pleasant setting right by the sea. The small pool has a sun terrace beside it.
Location: Approximately 1 kilometre from the centre of Nerja next to Torrecilla beach.
Facilities: Swimming pool with sunbeds; sun terrace; pool bar serving snacks; lifts; live music twice weekly, occasional Flamenco show; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with bath and wc; TV and air-conditioning (Jun-Sep).
Options: Half board; balcony and sea view; single room.
Official category: 4 star.
View Holiday PhotosMijas
With magnificent views of the coast from its terrace, this is a comfortable, traditionally furnished hotel with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
Location: Ideally situated just outside the centre of pretty Mijas village, which offers a good selection of shops and restaurants. A regular bus service runs to the coast and Fuengirola, 10 minutes ride away.
Facilities: Swimming pool; sun terrace; garden with loungers; buffet restaurant; lounges; bar; sauna; jacuzzi; massage room and hairdresser; tennis and golf course 10 kilometres away.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath and wc; satellite TV; ceiling fan; air-conditioning and balcony or terrace.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 4 star.
View Holiday PhotosPlaza Cavana
plusThis pleasant hotel offers good standards together with a friendly feel in the heart of Nerja. The rooftop pool offers excellent views of the town and the sea.
Location: Centrally located near the picturesque Balcon de Europa. Bars and restaurants are within easy access and the beach is 200 metres away.
Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; indoor heated pool; sauna; jacuzzi; lounge bar and lifts.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath and wc; air-conditioning and central heating.
Official category: 3 star.
Note: There are 23 steps to the rooftop pool with no lift, so it is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
View My Holiday Photos
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme.
© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. All holidays & offers are subject to availability.
