Compare Andalucia Spain Walking Tour by Walking Connection vs Spanish Tapas, Sherry & Culture Discovery in Seville by Iberian Escapes

Day 1: Arrival in Seville

Upon arrival in Seville, you check into your boutique hotel, located near the historical center. One of Europe’s most authentic urban cores, Seville contains three UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. For dinner, you can venture out nearby to some of the country’s best tapas bars.

Day 2: Transfer to Aracena

Transfer to Aracena.

Town exploration and cheese tasting Today you depart Seville and drive north to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, a protected range of hills stretching in an arc north of Seville and containing bucolic landscapes of oak and cork forest alternating with valleys, ancient villages, and Moorish forts and castles. Your destination and home for two nights is the region’s capital, Aracena, a town of 8,000 inhabitants, over which stand the ruins of a 12th-century Moorish fortress, which was in large part destroyed by Napoleon’s army in 1812. The entire town center has been declared “of Cultural Interest” for its many historical buildings and monuments, lovely squares, museums, and churches. Your local Representative, Ángel, guides you on a short exploration of the town before meeting an artisan cheese-maker’s shop for a tasting. If you wish, there is time to visit the stunning cave system of the Gruta de las Maravillas before dinner on your own.

Day 3: Corteconcepcion loop

Corteconcepcion loop; 9.6 miles, easy to moderate, 820-ft. elevation gain and loss. Tasting and visit at authentic producer of Ibérico ham.

This introductory walk takes you out to the pretty village of Corteconcepcion, passing farms, gurgling streams, olive groves and hillsides where you can see the famous Ibérico pigs roaming freely. In the village of Corteconcepcion you meet up with Ángel again for an interpretive visit of a small, family run finca. This farm specializes in rearing Ibérico pigs—the famous black pigs that produce the most exclusive hams in the world. You tour the extensive grounds, learning about the flora and the fascinating dehesa ecosystem and its associated farming process. Afterward, you enjoy a tasting of their mouth-watering hams. There is plenty of time for a casual lunch in the village before walking back to Aracena this afternoon, following a different path, giving you a new appreciation for this diverse landscape. Later you can stroll out and explore the many plazas of Aracena, with ample cafés and restaurants to choose from for an evening drink and dinner.

Day 4: Aracena to Cortelazor

Aracena to Cortelazor; 7 miles, easy to moderate, 985-ft. elevation gain, 1,050- ft. elevation loss.

You depart Aracena this morning and stop in the village to pick up picnic supplies, before venturing out into the countryside of chestnut groves and small farms. The last part of your walk is on ancient cobbled pathways—part of the medieval network of paths across Spain known as the Caminos Reales or “royal roads”. Your destination is Cortelazor, a charming village of just 300 inhabitants dating back to Roman times and surrounded by cork and chestnut forests. You may wish to enjoy a drink at one of the three bars in the main square, all serving local tapas-style food, as you watch a bit of local life. As throughout Andalucia, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and in the center you also find a shop, a 16th-century church, and a small crafts museum.

Day 5: Cortelazor loop

Cortelazor loop; 8.7 miles, moderate with challenging sections, 1,640-ft. elevation gain and loss.

Today, a loop walk takes you out through some of the prettiest and most remote parts of the hills. As well as the cultivated woodlands of the dehesa, the mixed forest and pastureland typical of southern Spain and Portugal, you walk through forests and along fertile river valleys between small villages. Along the way, you stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of a chestnut tree looking out over the forested mountains. The Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche nature park has been recognized by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. With more than 600 miles of trails, this park in the foothills of the broader Sierra Morena contains archaeological traces pre-dating the Romans. The area is also teeming with bird life, including birds of prey such as an important population of black vultures, and golden, short-toed, and Bonelli’s eagles. Almost every village church is topped with a stork’s nest, and the endangered black stork is found here. Wandering past streams, sightings of heron and egrets are also common. For dinner in this authentic pueblo, you walk with your host to one of the village bars for a simple but tasty meal—a true taste of the local life.

Overnight: Cortelazor

Day 6: Cortelazor to Alájar

Cortelazor to Alájar; 7.8 miles, easy to moderate, 1,310-ft. elevation gain, 985-ft. elevation loss.

Today’s walk takes you first through oak forests to the pretty village of Fuenteheridos. Passing through dehesa, you see farmers working both the land and the trees—producing honey, picking mushrooms and gathering chestnuts, while also harvesting cork and bringing the animals to graze on acorns. In Fuenteheridosyou can rest in the picturesque square and have lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants. From here your path takes you uphill to cross the Sierra through one of the most bountiful chestnut forests of the region. Once at the top, views extend south over the village of Alájar—today’s destination—and surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, all the way to sea. A narrow wooded path leads you all the way to the doorstep of your lovely hotel set high in the hills above the village. You can relax with a drink on the terrace or enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner in the warm dining room.

Day 7: Olive oil tasting. Alájar loop

Olive oil tasting. Alájar loop; 6.8 miles, moderate, 1,310-ft. elevation gain and loss.

This morning starts with a delicious breakfast before you set off down the hill and into the village of Alájar to meet Ángel at his home—a charming posada that he and his wife Lucy have meticulously restored over several years. Both are avid cooks, and one of their passions is olive oil, and you discover their extensive collection as you sample several varieties. As you continue walking, you notice the design of cobbled “door mats” in front of the traditional whitewashed houses, unique to this village. The route then continues through the semi-abandoned hamlet of Los Madroneros and into the beautiful forested countryside leading to Linares de la Sierra. In the village, you may encounter locals still gathering at the communal lavanderia to wash their clothes. In contrast, it is also the location of one of the best modern restaurants in the region, making it a perfect stop for lunch (based upon availability). This afternoon, you walk uphill for a short distance before emerging into the beautiful grounds surrounding your hotel, or decide to celebrate the week’s accomplishments with a visit to the local hammam and take a taxi back instead (at your own expense).

Day 8: Departure

Departure

After breakfast at your inn, you depart by private transfer from Alájar to Seville (1½ hours).

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.