The Costa del Sol is Spain's Mediterranean jewel, stretching along 72 miles of coastline. It is surrounded by a chain of mountains, providing protection from the Northern winds, and has an ideal year-round climate. Decide how long you want to spend in this wonderful resort area of superb beaches, golf courses, marinas, restaurants, casinos and exciting nightlife. You can discover the unique towns of Seville, Granada, Tangier, Gibraltar, located nearby. Do everything or nothing -- Spain's "Sun Coast" is a vacation paradise!
The morning visit includes the fabled Alhambra, the supreme monument of Arabic architecture, and the gardens of Generalife, the radiant summer palace of Moorish Kings. After lunch at a typical restaurant, we'll visit the Gothic Cathedral to admire the tombs of the Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
The town of Ronda, which is reached by going north on an inland highway, is of Celtic origin and one of the oldest towns in Europe, having been declared of special historic and artistic interest. It is built on a magnificent natural "amphitheater" in the middle of the "serrania," a vast circle of mountains, and is divided into two parts by an enormous gorge. The old and new quarters, on both sides of the impressive Tajo Gorge, are joined by an extraordinary bridge which took decades to construct. We'll visit the cathedral, the old quarter, the bullring (the oldest in Spain) and see remains of the Prehistoric, Roman, Arabic and Christian cultures that have all left their traces in Ronda. We'll have lunch and some free time for strolling before we return to the Costa del Sol.
Seville, in the heart of Andalucia, is the cultural center of the region. This is the home of the well known painters Murillo and Velazquez, and the famous writer Gongora. It was here too, that flamenco was born and fighting bulls in the area became popular form of bravado. Seville owes much of its wealth and cultural heritage to her long associations with the New World. Much of the Spanish American gold found its way to this great city of the Iberian peninsula. During the course of the day you will see the Plaza de Espaņa, the largest Gothic Cathedral in existence, which has the Giralda Tower adjoining it, offering a panoramic view of the city. Wander through the narrow passageways of Santa Cruz (the ancient Jewish quarter) undisturbed by centuries of peace, or stroll the beautiful grounds of Maria Luisa Park. Opportunity to visit the Expo 92 grounds. Lunch is included and you can expect to be back at the hotel during the evening.
We will drive along the scenic coastal highway in a westerly direction to Tarifa. This is the shortest distance between Europe and the African continent with only 14 km. separating the two. We will board our modern ferry for a crossing of approximately 1 hour.
Our tour of Tangiers, the "Moroccan crossroads of the world" includes a visit to the colorful oriental Kasbah and we will see the natives dressed in their djellabahs and the street vendors trying to sell their wares. Lunch is in a Moroccan restaurant and you will be entertained by belly dancers. During the day you will visit the international part of the city and see the beautiful Atlantic beaches. In the early evening, we will make our way back to Tarifa by ferry and our bus will be waiting to take us to the Costa del Sol. A day to be remembered, and we feel sure that you will feel you have been transported back in time -- not to be missed!!
Traveling north along the coastal road (known as 340) towards La Linea, we will catch our first look at the famous Rock of Gibraltar. Our mini-buses will be waiting for us and our tour will begin. The famous Barbery Apes are a must, and these are almost the mascot of the Rock. Your tour will also take you to St. Michael's Caves to see the impressive stalagmites and stalactites, Punta Europa and Caleta. There will be time for shopping in the "British" way and also to have lunch in a restaurant.
This is a short excursion, full of Andalusian charm and beauty, taking us just a few miles to the north of Fuengirola to the typical village of Mijas. It's a very small village situated about 1,500 feet above sea level with wonderful panoramic views of Fuengirola and Los Boliches. You'll love strolling along the quaint, narrow street with the typical shops and whitewashed buildings. We'll visit the bullring, built during the Arab domination of the country, take a peaceful walk, look at local arts and crafts and have the chance to browse in the local stores.
This interesting excursion takes us inland, away from the more touristic and cosmopolitan coastal cities, enabling us to have a look at the rural life of the "real" Andalucia. As we drive through this fertile region, you'll see typical and enchanting villages such as Alhaurin, Coin, Monda an Ojen, with their whitewashed houses, narrow streets and picturesque countryside of fruit and olive trees. Before returning to the Costa del Sol, a visit will be paid to a farmhouse and the famous fruit market in the town of Coin.
Drive along the main road of the Costa del Sol to Marbella. A walking tour will be conducted, exploring some of the beautiful streets and squares of this versatile town. Continue to Puerto Banus, the most important and sophisticated yacht harbor of the southern Mediterranean, frequented by the "jet set." Free time to wander around this beautiful harbor with its exclusive boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. Return by the same route.
This is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining nighttime tours available on the Costa del Sol. Drive to Benalmadena where the "Torrequebrada" is located. Time for gambling in the Casino before the show and during the intermission.
Assistance to the spectacular flamenco show at the Fortuna nightclub. There are two parts, the first consisting of Spanish dances and the second of modern dance and various entertainment acts. Half a bottle of champagne per person is included during the shows.
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