Grand Tour Andalucia (XRY): Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda, Granada, Cordoba, Seville and Cádiz

The small town of Ronda was built on a rocky plateau in the mountains hollowed out by the Río Guadalevín. Its spectacular location, dramatic history and its status as the largest of the white towns in Andalusia have made it a popular tourist destination. The old town is marked by a time when Ronda was an important Islamic cultural center with various mosques & palaces. On the steep cliffs in the north, the grid-shaped new town is enthroned with parks and promenades which offer a beautiful panorama at the majestical surrounding mountains.

The first thought that comes to mind on hearing ‘Granada’ is the Alhambra. And indeed, the impressive Moorish palace is the symbol of the city for good reason, yet Granada has so much more to offer. From the stunning Islamic architecture which lines the streets of the Arab Quarter to the picturesque location at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, the city is truly spectacular. Add to this the lively and open-minded spirit, numerous bars, traditional restaurants and bohemian cafes, and Granada really has it all.

As one of Spain’s most beautiful and mesmerising cities, Córdoba dazzles with its diverse historical buildings, which mix influences from Moorish, Medieval and Roman times. The main draw is the Mezquita, a world-famous and intricately decorated mosque built while Spain was the capital of Islamic Europe. Get lost in the city’s winding streets and soak up its enchanting atmosphere in one of the many bars and tapas restaurants.

Seville, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, is the fourth largest city in Spain and presents itself as a very diverse destination with a history going back more than two thousand years. The city has one of the largest Old Town areas in Europe and is famous for its beautiful architecture and rich culture. In 1992 Seville was also the venue of the World Expo. The bustling art & folklore scene, numerous festivals and a thriving nightlife make Seville an exceptionally attractive destination.

On a narrow piece of land surrounded by the sea in the Spanish region of Andalusia lies the old part of Cadiz. Once marked by military actions, there are still remains of the old great city walls to protect the population. Several quarters, such as Santa Maria, La Vina and el Populo, make this part of the old town what it is today. All the older parts of the city are characterized by ancient buildings, ideal to let yourself drift in the past and especially to take souvenir photos.