Andalusia

Arrive in Seville and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre. Afternoon at the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with the Giralda minaret tower converted to a belltower offering views over the entire city. Walk through the adjacent Alcazar palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extraordinary Moorish tilework and courtyard gardens still used by the Spanish royal family. Evening walk through the Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, with its narrow jasmine-scented lanes and orange-tree plazas. Overnight Seville.

Morning at the Metropol Parasol at sunrise for rooftop views over the city before the heat builds. Walk across the Guadalquivir River to the Triana neighbourhood, the traditional home of flamenco and the best ceramics in Seville, with its tile-fronted bars and the remarkable covered market. Afternoon at the Casa de Pilatos, a stunning private palace combining Renaissance and Moorish architecture. Evening authentic flamenco show in Triana, the neighbourhood where the art form was born. Overnight Seville.

One-hour drive to Cordoba. Morning at the Mezquita, the Great Mosque converted to a cathedral in 1236, one of the most extraordinary buildings on earth with its forest of 856 red-and-white striped arches disappearing into the shadows. Walk through the Juderia, the old Jewish quarter, to the well-preserved medieval synagogue. Afternoon on the Patios Trail through Cordoba's famous flower-filled courtyards, a UNESCO cultural heritage tradition at its most vibrant in May. Return to Seville or overnight Cordoba.

Drive two hours to Ronda, one of Spain's most spectacular towns perched on a sheer cliff divided by the El Tajo Gorge, 120 metres deep. Walk across the Puente Nuevo, the dramatic 18th-century bridge over the gorge, and explore the old Moorish town on the far side. Drive through the White Villages of Andalusia, clusters of brilliant white houses on hilltops in the rolling countryside, stopping at Zahara de la Sierra for views over the reservoir. Arrive in Granada for the evening. Overnight Granada.

Full day at the Alhambra, the greatest surviving Moorish palace complex in the world, built by the Nasrid sultans between the 13th and 15th centuries. Begin in the Nasrid Palaces with their honeycomb stucco ceilings, carved plasterwork, and reflective pools. Walk the military Alcazaba fortress for panoramic views over Granada and the Sierra Nevada. Afternoon in the summer gardens of the Generalife with their water channels and rose gardens. Evening in the Albaicin for the finest views of the illuminated Alhambra. Overnight Granada.

Morning walking tour through the Albaicin, the ancient Moorish quarter of narrow cobbled streets, Moorish-influenced houses, and neighbourhood tea houses serving mint tea with Moroccan pastries. Visit Granada Cathedral, built over the main mosque, and the adjoining Capilla Real with the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. Late afternoon at the Alcaiceria, the old silk market, for souvenirs. Evening flamenco performance in the cave theatres of Sacromonte, the traditional gypsy quarter carved into the hillside. Overnight Granada.

Two-hour drive south to Malaga on the Mediterranean coast. Morning at the Picasso Museum in the house where the artist was born, with an excellent permanent collection. Climb to the rooftop of the Malaga Cathedral for views over the old city and the port. Walk through the Atarazanas Market for last-minute Andalusian olives, almonds, and local wine. Transfer to Malaga Airport for your departure. End of tour.