OVERVIEW

Savor the slow pace and casual lifestyle so prevalent in the mountain villages north of Malaga, where you will linger over a home-cooked meal at a private residence. As you meander through white-washed village of Alfarnate, you can’t help but notice the relaxed pace. Life here reflects the town’s remote location, limited population and low-key economy. Days are meant to be enjoyed without stress or anything else that may interrupt the tranquility. It’s a refreshing attitude that the locals have wholeheartedly embraced. Nearby, you will find Alfarnatejo, another small and wonderfully serene mountain village, where goats seem to outnumber residents. Life here also unfolds slowly, as you will discover while visiting a private home for an authentic Andalusian meal. Your hospitable host will happily discuss the attractions of living in a quiet village and how most residents pass the time. The conversation can be as frank as you wish and no topic is off limits.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll the tranquil streets of Alfarnate, taking in the village’s stress-free atmosphere.
• Enjoy the similarly serene and slow-paced mountain village of Alfarnatejo.
• Dine on authentic Andalusian cuisine at a private residence in Alfarnatejo.
• Discuss daily life with your hospitable hosts, who will gladly share their views.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the charms of Granada, the architecturally stunning capital of the Andalusia region, by exploring a magnificent palace, the Royal Chapel and the city’s oldest quarter.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for scenic drive inland to Granada, a city likely named for the Spanish word for pomegranate, a fruit so abundant it is depicted on Granada’s coat of arms. Or Granada may have derived from its Moorish name, as the city was the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492.

Granada features a wealth of extraordinary architecture such as your first stop, the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex. Construction on the palace began in the early 16th century, following a Renaissance ground plan with a circular courtyard within a square building—the only one of its kind in Spain. Amazingly, a monarch has never lived in the palace, nor did it even have a roof until 1957.

Walking a bit farther, you will soon arrive in the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzin quarter (down part of the quarter), the city’s oldest section. UNESCO has deemed it a World Heritage site for its harmonious blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture.

Nearby, you will find the glorious Royal Chapel, the final resting place of Spanish monarchs such as Queen Isabella and Kind Ferdinand. Be sure to see the chapel’s mausoleum, spectacular altarpieces and ornate grilles before enjoying free time and perhaps lunch on your own in the surrounding historical area.

Afterwards, you will drive back to Malaga.

Discover the traditional ways being practiced in the fishing village Pedregalejo, where you will see how an old-style fishing boat is made and learn how to grill sardines on an open fire. The origin of the wooden boats, known as jábegas, dates to the Phoenician era. They have recently experienced a rebirth of sorts with rowing clubs using them in competitive events. Pedregalejo is also revered for its old-style beachfront restaurants known as chiringuitos. At one of the most popular chiringuitos, you will learn how to prepare espeto, which is barbecued fish, most often sardines. The fish are heavily seasoned with coarse sea salt and skewered on long flat bamboo sticks. They are then placed over an open fire of olive wood, which imparts an unmistakable flavor. If sardines are used, their silvery color will turn golden brown as they cook. Once the sardines are done, you can eat them with your fingers right off the skewer.

Discover the relevance of ancient alchemy as it applies to present-day life at Al-Huerta, a farm that promotes healthy habits and environmental education. The farmers recognize how classic symbols of alchemy such as air, water, fire and earth affect human life and agriculture. They rely on these influences to grow organic citrus, teach visitors how to make natural remedies, and strive to improve the environment and achieve a healthier, more balanced life. While walking through Al-Huerta’s orchards and gardens, which were designed to reflect Andalusian alchemy, you will learn about the plants’ medicinal and culinary uses. You will also gain insight into the ways that organic farming increases biodiversity and enriches the environment. During the laboratory workshop that follows, you too will practice a bit of alchemy by extracting essential oils that are often found in perfumes and cosmetics.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Recognize how ancient alchemy may influence present-day life and agriculture.
• Discover the benefits of the eco-friendly agricultural practices at Al-Huerta farm.
• Gain insight into the many medicinal and culinary uses of the plants grown there.
• Learn to extract essentials oils in the farm’s laboratory workshop.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a leisurely drive across Spain’s gorgeous Costa del Sol to Gibraltar, where you will delve into its history, see unusual landmarks and meander about at will during free time.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a wonderfully scenic, relaxing drive across southern Spain and on to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Once across the border, you will board a smaller vehicle that is ideal for negotiating the narrow streets.

You will then pass through the former Genoese fishing village of Catalan Bay on the way to Europa Point, Gibraltar’s southernmost tip. Its lighthouse was constructed in 1841 and it continues to be a familiar landmark, as the strait is one of the world’s busiest waterways. You can expect spectacular views, and if it is a clear day you can spot Africa in the distance.

Another highlight will be St. Michael’s Cave, which was believed to be bottomless in Roman times. As you stroll the cavernous interior, you will see eerily illuminated rock formations and learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period.

You will also pause at the Moorish Castle, parts of which date to the 11th century. Other parts have been converted into stylish residences. Still, Gibraltar’s most famous residents are the free-roaming Barbary Apes often spotted on the rocks and in the lower town. You may see the tailless primates up close while shopping during free time before returning to Malaga.

Note: Note: Transfer time is approximately two hours each way; time on your own is approximately 1¾ hours (depending on traffic and border crossing). Please bring your passport. Depending on your nationality, make certain that you have any visas that may be required for you to enter Gibraltar.

As this excursion involves walking over uneven ground, and approximately 120 steps; therefore, it is not recommended for our more agile guests and physically fit guests and not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with tread. The duration of this excursion may vary. The visit inside the caves is not guided; guests will have to follow the signs and instructions.

Spend hours relaxing as you please at Los Alamos Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand on the edge of Torremolinos. It won’t take long to reach the beach, so you will have all the more time to enjoy the setting. Long and wide with fine golden sand and typically light waves, Los Alamos is exceptionally popular. You might take a refreshing swim in the sea, meander along the shore and stroll along the paved promenade that follows the beachfront. Feel free to do nothing more ambitious than lie in the sun without a care in the world. Or you might just relax in the shade and read if that suits your mood. The ambiance at Los Alamos Beach is wonderfully inviting as plenty of amenities are nearby, yet you can easily find a spot to yourself on the sand. Because of its popularity, the beach is a great place to people-watch.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride an electric and solar-powered mini train to the Malaga Automobile Museum, where you will browse rare vintage cars and unexpected exhibits devoted to fashion design.

After departing from the pier, you will ride through Malaga on a mini-train that is both solar-powered and electric. You can be assured of a great seat, as the mini-train is completely open on the sides for excellent viewing of this city that the Phoenicians founded in the 8th century.

In keeping with the theme of intriguing modes of transportation, you will soon arrive at the Malaga Automobile Museum, a magnificent exhibition space that was once a tobacco factory. After a welcome glass of locally produced sweet wine, you will browse a collection of some of the world’s most prized vintage automobiles, including rare Ferraris, convertibles from the 1920s, a pink Cadillac and even a Rolls-Royce customized with Swarovski crystals.

Just as the mini-train uses alternative energy, so do some of the automobiles. For instance, there is a steam-driven car from 1910, an early electric car, a solar car and a prototype hydrogen-powered car.

As a rather odd complement to these extraordinary automobiles, several exhibits are devoted to haute couture by international fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior. Highlights include Marilyn Monroe’s favorite Givenchy gown and a hat shaped like a high-heel shoe created by Salvador Dali in collaboration with famed Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.

Following this multi-faceted immersion into design, you will ride the mini-train back to the pier.

Hike to Gibralfaro Castle atop a lofty hill overlooking Malago and then enjoy free time in the city after passing landmarks such as Pablo Picasso’s birthplace.

Your hike will start from the pier, and As you follow the vibrant promenade, you will pass La Malagueta, a 16-sided polygon bullring built in 1874. Spain’s legendary bullfighters have all performed here to crowds of more than 10,000. Before long, you will start the ascent to Gibralfaro Castle, taking in one spectacular view after another on the way to the summit. Constructed in the 10th century where a lighthouse once stood, the castle rises majestically out of a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees. The name Gibralfaro translates to “rock of the lighthouse,” and it is undeniably solid as a rock. One of the longest sieges in the re-conquest of Spain occurred here 1487, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella’s forces took three months to defeat the Moors. By walking near the ramparts and gazing down on the steep terrain, you can appreciate how difficult it would have been to conquer the castle. You will be presented with sweeping urban views from a different perspective on the descent. Upon reaching Malaga, you will pass the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the Cathedral, a National Landmark that took 200 years to build. Free time follows.

OVERVIEW

Explore a series of caves that were once under the sea and indulge in an inspired wine tasting at a nearby restaurant. The Treasure Caves are named for their unusual geology, their Paleolithic Age wall paintings and the legend that the monarchs of the Almoravid dynasty buried treasure there in the 12th century. As you walk through the eerily illuminated caves, you will notice how seawater shaped the interior over the eons. There are still subterranean lakes in some of the chambers. A tasting of premium Spanish wines thoughtfully paired with tapas follows at the Valle Niza restaurant. Those pairings may include a sparkling wine served with a ham-and-cheese board, a fruity white wine with confit cod, a red wine with braised ratatouille, and a moscatel dessert wine with French toast and coconut ice cream. The chosen pairings will be representative of Costa del Sol’s extraordinary wines and cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the Treasure Caves, which were once completely under the sea.
• See wall paintings from the Paleolithic Age in the caves.
• Sample several local wines paired with tapas at a restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a rousing flamenco performance and savor a traditional Andalusian lunch at Venta Luciano, a family-owned restaurant-club that opened in 1956. A wonderfully scenic drive along southern Spain’s sun-splashed Costa Tropical will bring you to this beloved venue in the town of Almuñécar. Over the years, it has hosted some of flamenco’s greatest performers and the scheduled Aires de Sacromonte show will be star-studded, as well. Once you settle into your seat, the flamenco performance will begin with all the flair and passion associated with this centuries-old art form. You can expect it to be mesmerizing as the performers tell emotional stories through song and dance. As the perfect complement, you will enjoy tapas and cava sparkling wine as starters and a hearty meal made with locally sourced ingredients for a true taste of Andalusia. Besides sangria, white Zacatín and red Lindaraja Roble wines from the award-winning Fontedei winery will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the seaside panoramas as you drive along the Costa Tropical, a subtropical paradise.
• Watch an expressive and emotional flamenco performance at Venta Luiciano.
• Savor traditional tapas and an Andalusian lunch with sparkling cava and other local wines.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride through downtown Malaga on, a small electric vehicle, ideal for navigating through an urban environment. According to the availability , you might be assigned either a Twizy - a half-car, half-motorcycle with seating for two people – made by Renault , a Ami, a funny e-minicar made by Citroen or a similar vehicle. Large windows and remarkable stability, will allow you to easily zip in and out of traffic. You can either drive or ride along as a passenger. As you travel from the pier through Malaga’s downtown, the guide will provide enlightening commentary over the vehicle radio. The exact route will depend on the traffic conditions, but you can expect to pass all sorts of historical landmarks before looping back to the pier. Stops will be made at points of interests such as Gibralfaro Castle, a 10th-century Moorish fortress that perches high on a hill overlooking the city. The views are spectacular from atop the castle’s medieval stone ramparts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Malaga in unique electric minicar
• Take the wheel or just ride along as a passenger, if you prefer.
• Enjoy commentary from the guide through the vehicle radio.
• Take in the panoramic views while stopping at the ramparts of a 10th-century castle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the Montes de Malaga Natural Park in a 4x4 vehicle made for exhilarating off-road adventure. On the approach to the park, you will notice that it is densely forested with Aleppo pines, which were planted throughout the surrounding Guadalmedina River basin to curb flooding from the park’s steep mountainous slopes. The pines are so plentiful that they have become synonymous with the area. As you tear through this densely forested landscape in a caravan of off-road vehicles, you can’t help but admire the natural setting. The guide will offer enlightening commentary about the flora and fauna during stops. Be sure to keep an eye out for birds of prey, as booted eagles, black kites and tawny owls are often spotted in the conifers. Later, stop at whitewashed town and continue your off-road adventure with a drink and a sampling of tapas that reflect the local Andalusian ingredients.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the mountainous Montes de Malaga Natural Park in a 4x4 off-road vehicle.
• Stop on occasion at the most scenic spots, where you may spot birds of prey.
• Follow your off-road adventure with a drink and tapas in a white-washed village.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.