JEWELS OF ANDALUSIA: ANCIENT CITIES AND BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Your captivating journey through the heart of Andalusia begins, inviting you to experience the rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Southern Spain.
DAY 1: Welcome to the Historic Carmona
Arrive seamlessly from Seville's station or airport, as a transfer ushers you to the charming Parador de Carmona. This afternoon is yours to explore Carmona, a town celebrated for its artistic and historical significance. Stroll through streets that whisper tales from centuries past and immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of this ancient enclave.
DAY 2: Exploring the Vibrant Seville
Today, you'll be transferred from the tranquility of Carmona to the vibrant heart of Seville, Andalusia's captivating capital. A local guide leads you through the winding alleys of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, the magnificent Alcazar, and the majestic Cathedral. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries, culminating in an enchanting evening of flamenco and dinner, before returning to the peaceful Parador de Carmona.
DAY 3: From Carmona to Ronda via Setenil de las Bodegas
The day begins with a journey to Ronda, including a mesmerizing stop at the White Village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Here, you have time to marvel at the unique architecture of homes nestled under the mountain's rock. Arriving in Ronda, you'll check into the Parador before exploring the city with a guide, including the historic Bullring and the Mondragon Palace.
DAY 4: Journey from Ronda to Jaen via Cordoba
Your morning departs for Cordoba, once the heart of the Caliphate. A guided visit reveals the old town's enchanting Juderia, the Mosque/Cathedral, and the Synagogue. After some free time, you'll continue to the majestic Parador de Jaen.
DAY 5: Discover Jaen, Baeza, and Ubeda
The day starts with a local guide introducing you to Jaen's highlights, including its remarkable Cathedral. Mid-morning, you'll transfer to the Renaissance town of Baeza for a guided tour, followed by free time. The day concludes in Ubeda, with its palatial Renaissance houses, where you'll visit with a local guide.
DAY 6: Ubeda to Granada, then on to Malaga
Embark on a morning journey to Granada, where the magnificent Alhambra awaits with a local guide. After some free exploration, you'll transfer to your hotel in Malaga, a city renowned for its cultural vibrancy.
DAY 7: Free Day in Fashionable Malaga
Enjoy a leisurely day in Malaga, Spain's trendy gem, boasting over 40 museums and a lively historic center filled with shops and eateries. Optionally, you can enhance your experience with a 4-hour city tour.
DAY 8: Departure from Malaga
As your Andalusian adventure concludes, a timely transfer will take you to Malaga’s airport or train station. As you depart, carry with you the memories of a journey that wove through the heart of Spain's southern splendor, each step a testament to the region's enduring allure.
RONDA
La Ronda Antigua es un colorido tapiz tejido a partir de una madeja de hilos enredados que la convierten en una de las ciudades más interesantes de toda Andalucía. El paisaje, el trazado del pueblo, su historia, la leyenda romántica de sus bandoleros con sus evocadores nombres, cuna de toreros y artistas cuyos nombres han pasado a la historia: todo ello hace de Ronda una ciudad única.
Málaga
Capital de provincia, es una ciudad que se sitúa en la costa del Mediterráneo, junto a la desembocadura del Guadalmedina. Su principal actividad económica se centra en el sector servicios, en el turismo, que acude a esta ciudad en busca de sol y playas para descansar. La parte antigua de la ciudad remonta al visitante a la época medieval y renacentista, la Catedral, la calle Marqués de Larios o el Palacio de la Aduana. Posee la ciudad otros monumentos que son testimonio del asentamiento de la cultura árabe en la zona, ejemplo de ello es La Alcazaba, que llegó a ser palacio de los reyes nazaríes. Y en los conventos de la ciudad, el viajero puede adquirir unos dulces exquisitos. Entre la ciudad y el puerto hay un paseo ajardinado que tradicionalmente es lugar de expansión de los malagueños. Junto al paseo marítimo, en el barrio de El Palo, en la zona del Pedregalejo y la Malagueta se concentran bares, mesones y terrazas donde probar las especialidades de la cocina malagueña. Hoy en día, Málaga se ha convertido en una gran área metropolitana, que desarrolla una importante actividad portuaria e industrial a lo largo de toda su bahía.
Tour Features
- Arrival in Seville/Carmona
- You'll start with a transfer to Carmona upon arriving in Seville.
- Day Visits to Seville
- Includes transfers from Carmona to Seville and back, specifically for your day of sightseeing in Seville.
- Guided Visit of Seville
- Explore Seville with a local guide, including visits to the Cathedral and the Alcazar, with tickets provided.
- Transfer from Seville to Ronda
- This journey includes a 2-hour stop in Setenil de la Bodega for you to explore at your leisure.
- Visit to Ronda
- In Ronda, a local guide will show you around, with tickets to the Bullring and Mondragon Palace included.
- Transfer from Ronda to Jaen via Cordoba
- You'll have a 4-hour stop in Cordoba, allowing 2 hours for guided visits and 2 hours of free time.
- Guided Visit of Cordoba
- This includes a local guide and tickets to the Mosque/Cathedral and Synagogue.
- Jaen, Baeza, and Ubeda Visit and Transfers
- The itinerary includes transfers between these cities, with stops for visits and free time. You'll have local guided tours in Jaen (with Cathedral tickets), Baeza (with Cathedral tickets), and Ubeda (with El Salvador tickets).
- Transfer from Ubeda to Malaga via Granada
- This leg includes a 5-hour stop in Granada, comprising 3 hours for visits and 2 hours of free time.
- Guided Visit of the Alhambra in Granada
- A local guide will accompany you through the Alhambra, with tickets included.
- Departure Transfer from Malaga
- Your itinerary concludes with a transfer to depart from Malaga.
Frequently Ask Questions
How do I arrive to the starting point?
Petrabax can help you arrange a transportation from the closest airport to your starting point. We can also arrange train tickets through Renfe (Spanish Railways) from most Spanish cities. Contact Petrabax for additional information about the best way to arrive to your starting point.
What can I expect from this trip?
You will live an unforgettable experience, away from the bustle of everyday life. This is a trip that you can do in total liberty, on foot or by bicycle, and at your own pace as this is not a race. Your luggage (maximum 1 piece, 44 lbs) will be carried for you from one destination to the next. We provide you with all the necessary expert advice, information and documentation that you require to complete your journey safely: local maps detailing your route, vouchers for your lodgings, tags for your luggage and a travelers notebook for your trip with descriptions on each daily walking or biking route.
What is the “Compostela”
The “Compostela” is a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims that have completed the Camino de Santiago upon presentation of your stamped "Credendial" or Pilgrims Passport. In order to receive the “Compostela” you must complete the last 100 km walking or 200 km cycling. You obtain the “Compostela” at the Office of the Pilgrim located a few meters from the Platerias façade of the Santiago Cathedral.
Where do I obtain a Pilgrims Passport?
The "Credencial" or Pilgrims Passport will be provided to you by Petrabax in Spain at the beginning of your trip. It is part of the travel materials and insurance informaion provided upon arrival to your starting point.
Where do I receive my trip documentation?
You will receive most of your documentation prior to your departure so that you can review it and prepare for your Camino. Other documentation will be delivered at your first hotel.
When can I take this trip?
You can take this trip starting any day of the year. The Camino offers diverse countryside and conditions depend on the season and time of year. Consult the weather of Galicia before arranging your trip. Rainy season is from November through February. March through June and September through October are optimum months for the Camino. The summer months of July and August can be somewhat more challenging due to the warmer weather.
What is the profile of the traveler on this trip?
This trip is suitable to any person who enjoys a normal physical condition. We do however highly recommend that you do some training, especially those persons who are not accustomed to walking or cycling for longer periods of time.
Can I travel with children?
Yes, older children are welcome on the trip as long as they are energetic and accustomed to walking long distances on successive days.
Petrabax
Petrabax is also a leader in Spanish language escorted tours of Europe, Middle East and the Orient.
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