Self Drive - Andalusia Essentials

Alhambra palace Malaga Albaicin district Court of the Myrtles Cordoba

Description

Program

Day 1:
ARRIVAL MALAGA
Arrive at Malaga airport and meet with a rent-a-car representative to assist you in picking up the rental car. Afterwards, take a stroll around the centre of Malaga, enjoy the museums, restaurants, historic locations, and the lovely port. If time permits, check out Torremolinos, one of the most popular beach resorts in Spain. Located just under 20 kilometres away from central Malaga, this beautiful resort is famous for its long sandy beach and tasty seafood.
Overnight in Costa del Sol.

Day 2:
MALAGA – GRANADA (125 Km – 1.5 hrs on the A-92)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Granada. Check in upon arrival and begin exploring the historic city of Granada and its greatest treasure, the Alhambra Palace. For more than 1,000 years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. The royal complex and gardens were built to be a heaven on earth, with cool patios, fountains and intricate carvings. Marvel at the many jaw-dropping rooms, such as the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, which are decorated in elaborate honeycomb arabesque plasterwork. Admire, too, the Court of Lions, which medieval Islamic poets described as the physical realisation of paradise.
Overnight in Granada.

Day 3:
GRANADA
Indulge in breakfast and continue exploring Granada. Stroll over to the Generalife Palace and its lush gardens, where the Nasrid emirs retreated during the summer heat, and hear the soothing sound of the water running in channels. Cross the verdant ravine of the River Darro to the historic Albaicin quarter, which has existed since Moorish times and still maintains its original chaotic layout. Narrow cobblestone alleys of tightly packed whitewashed houses snake their way upwards to the various vantage points offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra nestled under the Sierra Nevada.
Overnight in Granada

Day 4:
GRANADA - CORDOBA (201 Km – 2.15 hrs on the A-92 / A-45)
Depart from Granada to Cordoba after breakfast at the hotel. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Wander through the collonaded prayer halls, which are decorated with hundreds of marble columns joined by two-tone arches. Admire the mihrab and the side chapels, with their eclectic mix of arabesque and baroque styles. Stroll through the Patio of the Orange Trees, an oasis of peace cooled by the shade of 100 trees, and admire the arabesque decorations of exterior doorways. Continue the tour by walking to the former Jewish Quarter to visit the 14th-century synagogue.
Overnight in Cordoba

Day 5:
CORDOBA – SEVILLE (145 Km – 2 hrs on the A-4)
Discover Seville with a morning walk after check-in at the hotel. Visit some of the Andalusian capital’s top attractions such as the Royal Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old town neighbourhood. The Royal Alcazar traces its origins to the 10th century when it became the palace of a Moorish caliph. Over the centuries, it has been expanded with a series of stunning halls, pavilions, patios and gardens in a variety of styles from Moorish and Mudejar to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Admire the elaborate arabesque carvings, the ornate tilework and the fine tapestries and paintings decorating the walls. Behold the brilliance of the inner domes of the Hall of Ambassadors and the Patio of Dolls, and wander the tranquil landscaped gardens. Continue to the Cathedral, whose glorious Giralda belfry is Seville’s most iconic symbol. The cathedral began life as a mosque in the 12th century and has since grown to become the third-largest church in the world. Discover the 80 chapels and more than 700 works of religious art, see the amazing gilded altarpiece – which took 80 years to make – and stroll through the peaceful Patio of the Orange Trees. Next, explore secluded Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter and today the most traditional neighbourhood in the old town. It is a warren of whitewashed lanes, alleys, archways and patios, each with a historical tale to tell. Enjoy a tasty tapas lunch in a typical restaurant (not included).
Overnight in Seville.

Day 6:
SEVILLE
Indulge in breakfast at the hotel. Then, continue with discovering this fascinating city and its surroundings. Maybe forget about the main landmarks and maps in order to let the city surprise you with its hidden gems while you get lost on the beautifully arranged streets.
Overnight in Seville.

Day 7:
SEVILLE - MALAGA (205 Km – 2.5 hrs on the A-92)
On your way from Seville to Malaga, perhaps make a stop in the beautiful town of Jerez de la Frontera. Because of its locally produced wine - Jerez or Sherry - the name of the city crossed international borders several years ago. It is home to the Carthusian horse and bullfighting, the birthplace of flamenco, a city of motor racing, and other important events. Continue to the Malaga area and check in to your hotel for your last night in Andalusia.
Overnight in Costa del Sol.

Day 8:
DEPART MALAGA
End this unforgettable journey by returning the vehicle to the rent a car company near the airport. Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day. The rent-a-car shuttle service will transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your departure flight back home.
Breakfast included.

Price includes

ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 nights' accommodation

MEALS:
- 7 breakfasts

TRANSPORTATION:
- Transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices to Almeria Airport.

CAR HIRE:
- Selected car rental category as per days mentioned in the itinerary
- Applicable local taxes (VAT)
- Unlimited mileage
- 24h road assistance
- Full-Full petrol rate (When you pick your car up, the fuel tank will be full or partly full. You will be charged the cost of the fuel: Before you return your car, please replace the fuel you’ve used)
- All-inclusive insurance: Wheel and windscreen (CGT), Road assistance 24 hour telephone service, Vehicle theft (TP); Personal accident insurance (P.A.I).

CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group B = Seat Ibiza or similar
- Car Group C = Seat Leon or similar

Price does not include

- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the program
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the included section
- National or International flights
- All types of insurance (except mentioned rent-a-car insurance)
- Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable)
- Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity.

NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
- Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving
- Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle
- Damage to the engine through negligence
- Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition
- Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge
- If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent a Car installations
- Each additional driver fee
- Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc)
- No insurance cover in Gibraltar.

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place