Compare The Hidden Villages of Andalusia by Road Scholar vs Spanish Tapas, Sherry & Culture Discovery in Seville by Iberian Escapes

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Madrid, Orientation & Walk, Welcome Dinner Seville

Hotel check-in available by 2:00 PM. Walking approx. 1-2 miles; About 1 hour total

Upon arrival, leisurely check-into your room before orientation

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to make suggestions. During many of our visits we will encounter winding or hilly roads, as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. There will be extensive daily walking, often up to 3-4 miles, approx. 1-4 hours, at a steady pace. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event, we will alert you as quickly as possible. After orientation we’ll set out with our Group Leader for a walking exploration of the area around the hotel.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

On your own to enjoy what you like

At restaurant, we´ll enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu with two included beverage choices: wine, beer, soft drink, water; Other beverages are available for purchase

Day 3 Lecture on Spain Today, Cathedral, Meeting locals Seville

Walking up to 3-4 miles; cobblestone streets,Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

At the Center for Cross-Cultural Study headquarters in Seville, housed in an 18th Century mansion we will enjoy a cultural class on contemporary Spain. Learn about the changes to Spanish society since the death of Franco and the advent of Democracy in 1975. Discuss family structure, schooling, social care, the current economic and political situation and what lies in store for the future. Then, We will walk with a local historian to the Cathedral, one of the world´s largest and packed with historic treasures and art. The 343-ft bell tower, the Giralda, the symbol of Seville, is in fact all that remains of the mosque built before the Christians conquered the city in 1248. It was used as a cathedral until earthquake damage caused the Christians to start building a Gothic cathedral on the site in 1401. Construction lasted more than 100 years, paid for partly by gold and silver from the New World. One altar is made entirely of Mexican silver.

Meet with local families, learn all about the realities of family life in Spain, as you enjoy lunch an afternoon at their homes.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including egg dishes, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea and water.

At restaurant, we’ll have a set menu with one beverage selection included; wine, beer, soft drink, water; Other beverages are available for purchase other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local cuisine

Day 4 Alcázar, Jewish Quarter, Paella Lunch at cooking class Seville

Walking up to 3-4 miles; cobblestone streets,Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

We will depart for walk with our Group Leader to the extraordinary Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens and meet a local expert who will guide our explorations. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site incorporates architectural and artistic influences from its beginnings as a Moorish fort into the Middle Ages and on through the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the 19th century. Still used by the royal family, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe and one of the most beautiful with its striking Mudéjar (Moorish influenced) design and ornamentation. Next, we will visit Seville's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio Santa Cruz. During medieval times, this neighborhood was the Jewish quarter and it is home to many of Seville's oldest churches including the Cathedral that in 1898 became the reputed final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Afterwards, we will depart via private bus to have a hands-on cooking class led by a chef. We will learn about and cook the most popular traditional Spanish dish: Paella

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Seville. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet

Share your favorite experiences with your new Road Scholar friends over a tasty Paella at the cooking class

On your own to sample the local cuisine

Day 5 Transfer to Grazalema, Cordoba Great Mosque Grazalema

The transfer to Grazalema through Cordoba is about 205 miles. Approx. 4:30 hours total. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Grazalema, but not before stopping in Córdoba, the crossroads of civilizations, and mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. While here, the Group Leader takes us to a traditional guitar maker to see an authentic Spanish handicraft. After this visit, we’ll enjoy expert-led explorations of the Great Mosque and Cathedral, and pass by one of the last-standing ancient synagogues in Spain. We’ll stroll through the geranium-filled Juderia, once Cordoba's Jewish Quarter, and site of a monument to the famous philosopher Maimonides.

We’ll then take our bus to our first stop in the White Villages of Andalusia: Grazalema. Known for their uniformly whitewashed constructions, the White Villages still seem part of medieval Spain and appear to be inserted like bird nests into the mountains, sitting on dramatic gorges, often crowned by castles. Upon arrival at the hotel, we’ll check in and then go on an orientation walk around the village with our Group Leader

Hotel Buffet

At a typical restaurant in Córdoba, we’ll have a set menu with one beverage selection included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 Grazalema Natural Park, Olive Mill, Cheese Making Grazalema

Driving approx. 25 miles total throughout the day, short increments with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles; steady pace in the hilly countryside; hiking shoes or sports sneakers are strongly encouraged.

We’ll start out the morning with a light morning hike in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (2,500 feet altitude) which was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977. Along our expert-led hike, we will keep an eye out for colonies of endangered vultures and explore limestone caves. Afterwards, we’ll stop at an 18th century functioning olive mill where the hacienda owner, an expert, will lead a lecture about the production of Spain's golden liquid during a lecture and oil tasting session.

On our way back to Grazalema we will stop for a hands-on cheese making workshop led by the cheese factory owner. Upon arrival back in Grazalema, the remainder of the day will be at leisure

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel Buffet

At the Olive Mill Hacienda, we’ll have delicious plated meals accompanied by included wine made right at the hacienda, and water. Other included beverages available upon request.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Day 7 The Ronda of Hemingway & Welles, Vejer de la Frontera Vejer de la Frontera

Driving approx. 140 miles total; about 3.5 hours with stops. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

After checking out of the hotel in Grazalema, we’ll transfer via private motorcoach to Vejer de la Frontera. En route, we will stop at Ronda where we will experience this magnificent city nestled into the Malaga side of the Sierras under the guidance of a local expert. While here, we’ll stop for visits at the oldest bullring in Spain and the three main bridges that cross the gorge. Through commentary provided as we go, we will also learn about Ronda's unique role played during Spain's Civil War.

We’ll then complete our transfer to Vejer de la Frontera and, upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel, which was once a convent. We’ll get oriented to the area on a stroll through the village, which towers over the surrounding countryside at 600 feet above sea level while only a couple of miles from the coast. The city is dominated by its Moorish castle and Gothic church. Clean, narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes are the characteristic trait of the Andalusian towns. Vejer is steeped in history; the famous battle of Trafalgar took place just off the coast near the town in 1805.

At leisure.

Hotel Buffet

At a local restaurant in Ronda, we’ll have plated meals with two included beverage choices: wine, beer, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of one included beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins Vejer de la Frontera

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace, with stops; some inclines, cobblestones, and steps. Driving approx. 60 miles total go and return

We´ll set out for an expert-led field trip at the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia in Bolonia. Near Tarifa, it was abandoned in the 6th century and today serves today as a preservation of some of the most representative elements of a typical Roman city.

Return to Vejer. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Seville. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel Buffet

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated meals featuring typical coastal fare, plus a choice of one included beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Day 9 Winery, Lecture on Flamenco, Flamenco show, Farewell dinner Seville

Driving approx. 100 miles throughout the day; about 2 hours. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace; some hills, cobblestones, city sidewalks.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll make our way to Seville but not before making a stop in Jerez de la Frontera, the place where Spain’s sherry originated. During a visit to a bodega, or winery, we’ll be given the opportunity to taste the regional flavors and learn from the winery’s own staff about this special blend. We’ll then continue to Seville for a late morning arrival at the hotel.

We will re-group at the hotel and depart for The Center for Cross-Cultural headquarters where an expert will introduce the history, culture and a demonstration of the art of flamenco dance and music.. Afterwards we will walk to a local “tablao” and see flamenco come alive at an intimate performance.

Prepare for departure in the morning and get a good night's rest.

Hotel Buffet

On your own to enjoy what you like in Seville.

At a restaurant close to the flamenco venue, we’ll have a late dinner of a set menu with a choice of two beverages; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Program Concludes Departure

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details/transportation regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program

Day 1: Airport Pick Up + Hotel Check In

Meet your private chauffeur at the airport and drive directly to the hotel for your check in.

Hotel Inglaterra

Check-in at your refined and delicately designed Deluxe Double Room for the next 7 days. We believe, your stay at The Inglaterra 4* Hotel will make you feel as if you have the whole city at your fingertips! Located just 250 metres from the cathedral, Hotel Inglaterra enjoys the best location in the centre of Seville, in Plaza Nueva, opposite City Hall. Due to its status as Seville’s most prestigious accommodation, (just for the curious) the hotel Inglaterra has been visited by such illustrious people as King Alfonso XIII (1915), Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (1921), the Prince of Wales (1927), Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (1862) and the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1863) among others..! We hope this makes you feel truly special for the beginning of your Travel Experience in Seville!

Overnight: Seville

Day 2: Seville Culture Walking Tour - "Best of Seville Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems"

Meals included: Breakfast

This southern Spanish capital is famous for its historic churches and palaces, Moorish buildings, flamenco dancing, and more. Combining both tapas and history, your 3 hour highlights walking tour, will allow you to explore the city's historic center, the well-known city highlights and it's most treasured hidden gems, you'll explore it all! Starting with a perfect introduction to the city at Plaza del Triunfo, admire the sight of the Cathedral, Salvador Square, Alameda de Hercules, all with the Giralda Tower in the background. Nothing better, in order to get your Spanish Tapas, Sherry & Culture Discovery travel experience started!

Overnight: Seville

Day 3: Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour

Meals included: Breakfast, Tapas

Sun, siesta and sangria may be the typical Spanish cliché, but our tour goes beyond the typical! During this Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville food tour, we truly dive into the culinary heart of Seville for an eating and drinking experience unlike any other you’ve experienced. From a tasting of extra-tender beef cheeks to garbanzos with spinach, chorizo, croquetas .. until you start losing count! We invite you to experience a unique (and quite fun!) tapas, led by our friendly and knowledgeable local Andalucían guides. Come thirsty, too, as we’ll be pairing each dish with the perfect drink, from sherry to local whites and reds!

Overnight: Seville

Day 4: The Ultimate Andalusian Cooking-Class: The Tastes of Seville, Cadiz & Huelva

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

In this culinary journey, you will learn how to cook some of the most famous dishes from the Andalusian Region of Seville, Cádiz and Huelva. These are dishes that have humble origins, just like the Gazpacho, but have become world-famous as Spanish dishes because they are simply delicious. We invite you to bring the history and traditions of Andalucía to life in this hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn the tricks that locals use. Each Andalucían Cooking Class ends with a delicious lunch and carefully chosen wine pairings  - where you'll be gathered in a group, around the hand-made copper tile table, enjoying what you and your fellow classmates have learnt and created during your newly acquired Spanish techniques.

Overnight: Seville

Day 5: Gourmet Sherry and Wine Lovers Experience

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the beautiful Triana neighbourhood away from the tourist trail! During today, you will have 3 hours of a traditional tapas crawl dinner across 4 emblematic establishments — carefully paired with locally loved drinks like the typical Sevillan sangria or maybe the best White Wine in the world! You'll experience enough tapas tastings for a full dinner in more than 8+ food tastings, paired with more than 4+ drinks from Wine to Sherry entirely at your choice!

Overnight: Seville

Day 6: Afternoon - Artisan crafted local Beer & Evening - Flamenco Live Show

Meals included: Breakfast, Beer tasting

In the Afternoon: Be ready for a unique Craft Beer session! We promise you'll get to discover unknown flavours and sensations. Suddenly, this artisan-crafted brewery has exposed beer as an interesting and amazing drink, that's young, dynamic and full of nuances. They believe they have the perfect beer for every moment and we wouldn't want you to lose out on this experience!

In the Evening: After your exciting and unique experience and tour around the Beer Artisan Crafted Brewery and Beer Tasting, we have prepared, nothing more nothing less, then a unique Flamenco Experience! It wouldn't be the same if you wouldn't get to be fully transported to a world of bright polka-dot dresses, clacking heels, and heart-stirring music in a loud flamenco show. Since flamenco started in Andalucía it's become one of the most genuine manifestations of this unique form of art, which we can guarantee you'll feel welcomed into a intimate performance.

Overnight: Seville

Day 7: Departure

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you are scheduled to be checking out of your hotel. Depending on your availability, feel free to explore and discover a little more of what Seville has to offer. Either going for a lovely walk downtown or simply spending your day relaxing by the towns square with a lovely glass of Andalusian Wine, enjoying the sunshine. Or, if you'd like any further experiences or tours, feel free to contact your Concierge - Iberian Escapes - we happy to assist at any time.  Since it's time to say goodbye - We believe you are now richer in experiences and emotions and have, hopefully, made unforgettable memories for the rest of your life. Promise yourself “I’ll be back” – as we will be waiting for you for your next adventure around the Iberian Peninsula. If you'd like to extend your stay in Seville, please don't hesitate to contact Iberian Escapes, as all our itineraries can be adjusted/ extended to your preference.