Take a leisurely drive through the picturesque neighborhoods of Salobreña before enjoying tapas and then lunch. The whitewashed village Salobreña sprawls across a steep rocky hill on Spain’s lovely Costa Tropical. The castle that crowns the city has been a fixture since being built in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty. American author Washington Irving set his tale “The Legend of the Three Beautiful Princesses” at the castle, and you will pause nearby to hear parts of the story read aloud. A sampling of traditional tapas will follow at Venta Luciano, one of the more popular bodegas in Salobreña. In all likelihood, it will be busy and offer an authentic glimpse into daily life. Continuing on, you will soon arrive at Casa Emilio, another favorite venue among the residents. The restaurant is a chiringuito or beach bar, and seafood is prominently featured on the menu.

Spend hours of free time in Granada, exploring the attractions you find most intriguing, whether landmarks such as the Alhambra or lesser-known areas for shopping and dining.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada, the capital of the Andalusian region. The Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492, Granada still bears a Moorish influence.

For starters, there is the Alhambra, the fortress-palace of the Nasrid sultans. Walking through the seemingly endless rooms and courtyards is an unforgettable experience, as the Alhambra complex is adorned with richly colored mosaics, ornamental columns and romantic archways. The adjoining Generalife gardens are just as magnificent.

You might also wander the labyrinthine streets in the historical Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage site where the Moors once resided. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex and some original Moorish homes.

Another highlight is the ornate cathedral where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie in the Royal Chapel. As an alternative to sightseeing, you might spend time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada.

If you choose to dine, try regional favorites such gazpacho or garlic and almond soup, and a hearty dish of paella for the main course.

Gaze out over Malaga from the Gibralfaro Castle hill before exploring the city in-depth on an enlightening walk, taste some tapas in a typical taberna and learn about nougats, a truly Spanish sweet treasure!. Constructed in the 10th century on a hilltop where a lighthouse once stood, the castle rises majestically out of a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees. From this elevated vantage point, you will enjoy a spectacular view of Malaga, an Andalusian city with Moorish roots and an illustrious past. It looks even more magnificent up-close as you will discover while meandering the atmospheric streets. You will pass highlights such as the 1st-century Roman amphitheater, the home where Pablo Picasso was born and glorious Malaga Cathedral, whose construction started in 1528. It dragged on for centuries and the planned second tower still hasn’t been built, giving rise to the cathedral’s nickname: the “one-armed woman.” In a centrally located shop, learn about nougat, by the hand of master makers, possibly the most popular Spanish Christmas desert, and have the chance to taste it and purchase some of excellent quality and made according to traditional way. Next, visit a traditional bar to taste some local tapas washed down by a drink of your choice, before continuing your independent exploration of the friendly pedestrian city centre of Malaga for extended shopping, dining and an even deeper look at the landmarks.

Experience a definitive tour of Málaga, viewing landmarks such as Gibralfaro Castle, with ample free time for shopping and exploration. Journey west along the Costa del Sol to Málaga, a Moorish-influenced settlement founded by Phoenicians in the 7th century BC. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the picturesque city, and behold astonishing Gibralfaro Castle, protector of Málaga for over 1,000 years. You may roam the extensive ramparts, which boast commanding views of the surrounding landscape, and immerse yourself in the castle’s turbulent history at its museum, a building once used to store gunpowder. In the heart of the city, discover the superlative Cathedral of Málaga, a masterpiece under continuous construction from 1528 to 1783, at which time the coffers ran dry. You’ll learn the planned second tower never came to fruition, giving rise to the cathedral’s quaint nickname of manquita, or one-armed woman. Visit the Picasso Museum, which is housed in the 1881 birthplace of the legendary artist. Explore the city’s architecturally rich center on a walking tour and settle in for a lunch of tapas at El Pimpi, a traditional Andalusian bodega. You’ll relish free time to shop and wander this city of endless charms.

See Granada’s most important Moorish-influenced attractions, including Carlos V Palace and the Albaicin neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive inland to Granada, the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492. The capital of the Andalusia region, Granada boasts a wealth of extraordinary architecture, including the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex, your first stop.

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.

Next, walk down the Albaicin quarter, an ancient Moorish neighborhood of winding streets and whitewashed houses. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex, some original Moorish homes and plenty of unique stores selling handmade merchandise.

Continuing on, you will browse a former Moorish-influenced gran Market, the only fully preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. Called “The Corral del Carbón” and built in the fourteenth century, served as a warehouse for merchandise to be sold there, as well as housing the merchants who passed through the city. Later, it was used as a hostel and as coal warehouse in their basement; that's where his current name comes from. After that, in the sixteenth century, Christians adapted it for theatrical performances.

Lastly, you will also visit the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel, where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. After which you will enjoy free time to shop or have lunch on your own in one of the many atmospheric bars and restaurant in the sourroundings.

OVERVIEW

Ride through Granada’s most historical districts in the comfort of a small tourist train after which you will dine on traditional tapas. Granada was the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492 and there is plenty to see, especially in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaycin quarter. UNESCO has recognized this oldest section of the city as a World Heritage site for its harmonious blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture. The medieval Alhambra fortress is another dominant attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site that blankets an adjacent hill. In the heart of downtown, you will find Los Manueles, a restaurant that has been an institution for more than a century. You will be served a selection of tapas made with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the cuisine. They may include fried squid, chorizo and eggplant with cane honey. Wines will be served to complement the meal.

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.

Discover the considerable charms of the whitewashed town Frigiliana, which lies within the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, an environmentally protected mountain region. Browsing the archaeological museum will offer an enlightening glimpse into Frigiliana’s history from Neolithic times to the present. Highlights include a 16th-century dagger excavated from the castle ruins and a number of Phoenician vessels. The architecture throughout the historical town center is also well worth a look, especially the 17th-century Church of San Antonio. A leisurely walk along the town’s cobblestone streets, which feature beautiful inlaid Moorish patterns, will bring you to a restaurant for a tasting of muscatel wine and sun-dried raisins, two of the products most associated with Frigiliana. A heartier traditional meal will be served at a nearby tavern. The dishes there may include a tomato gazpacho that is thicker than most, meatballs in a flavorful almond sauce and gachas, a warm dessert of fried bread squares topped with honey.

Marvel at Granada’s Moorish sites of monumental importance, the 14th-century Alhambra fortress-palace and the medieval Albaicín quarter, where the Moors once resided. Tour Granada’s superb Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered to be the most spectacular example of Moorish architecture in Spain. Appreciate the magnificent approach as the Alhambra’s towers rise imposingly from a forest of cypress and elm trees. Inside the huge complex, you’ll find the delicate Palacios Nazaries, a series of stunning administrative and residential quarters. As you wander through seemingly endless rooms and courtyards, you’ll be dazzled by richly colored mosaics, intricate ceilings and romantic archways. See the decorative richness of Nasrid Palace and the astonishing Courts of the Lions, whose fountain is symbol of decorative richness and synthesis of the hydraulic complex of the enclosure.

Relax with a traditional Andalusian lunch and begin your exploration of the old Moorish Quarter of Albaicín, a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow, crooked streets remarkably well-preserved since medieval times. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll pass cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas and the crumbling remnants of the old city gate. Seek out enticing stores selling handmade merchandise such as ceramics, hammered metalwork and exquisite leather goods. The bewitching splendor of Granada awaits under every Moorish archway and behind every intricately carved door.

Indulge your senses on an excursion to one of Spain’s last remaining Moorish gardens, as well as a tour and tasting at an esteemed winery. In the charming village of Vélez de Benaudalla, discover the stunning medieval Nazarí Gardens, where you’ll enjoy approximately an hour to explore at your leisure. You’ll realize the serene gardens were designed to stimulate the senses, which is evident as you roam among flowers in full bloom and inhale the park’s heavenly scents. Seek out an iconic stand of cypress trees, verdant minarets soaring up into the clouds. Journey to the renowned Bodega Señorío de Nevada, nestled in a valley where Romans produced wine centuries ago. After touring the historic winery, settle in for a delectable tasting of tapas and wine, likely sampling vintages crafted from Spain’s native tempranillo grape. You’ll learn the name tempranillo translates to “little early one,” a quaint moniker that denotes the tendency of this grape to ripen early. Appreciate this varietal’s spicy, aromatic and flavorful wines, a fitting conclusion to your stimulating tour.

Spend a delightful afternoon at an estate in Almuñecar, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch and flamenco show that will add a cultural dimension. The venue will be Venta Luciano, an inland estate within Spain’s wind-sheltered Costa Tropical, which boasts a micro-climate that is ideal for farming. You will initially enjoy the bounty of the land by sampling a selection of tapas such as marinated Aliñadas olives, Alpujarra ham and local cheeses. As a sorbet of sorts between courses, you will watch a seductive flamenco show, a folkloric style of dance and music that originated in Andalusia 500 years ago. A lunch of classic dishes follows, which may include tomato-based salmorjo soup, chicken grilled over an oak fire and succulent cod, all prepared according to traditional Almuñecar recipes. The dishes will be thoughtfully paired with local red and white wines. Seasonal fruits from the estate’s eco-friendly farm will be served for dessert.

Journey to the alluring region of Las Alpujarras, or The Grasslands, where whitewashed villages cling to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Admire the region’s deep valleys and gorges, which run to the Mediterranean and create a unique micro-ecosystem. In this mountain paradise, discover dozens of villages that were once the last stronghold of the Moors. Stop for photos at the Presa de Rules, an impressive dam inaugurated in 2004, and pass through the town of Órgiva, whose church’s twin spires pierce the crisp, blue sky. Discover the village of Pampaneira, which lies almost 5,000 feet above sea level, and appreciate the town’s distinctive Berber-style architecture, featuring terraced clusters of gray-white box-shaped houses with flat, clay roofs. Enjoy approximately an hour to explore this intriguing town at your leisure, with a choice to follow your guide or wander independently. Travel to the spa hamlet of Lanjarón, renowned for its pure spring water, and relish approximately 45 minutes of free time, perhaps seeking out the fountains bearing poems by Federico García Lorca. Allow the refreshing charm of Andalusia’s mountain villages to inspire you.

OVERVIEW

Explore and dine in the whitewashed village of Pampaneira in the mountainous Alpujarras region, which is known for its therapeutic thermal springs. The drive will be extraordinarily scenic as you travel inland through the Sierra Nevada National Park, a natural wonderland with some of the highest peaks in Spain. Like its neighboring villages, Pampaneira hugs the steep slopes of the lush Poqueira River gorge. The population is small – just a few hundred residents – so it will be easy to make your way around the village. In the main square, you will find the 16th-century Church of Santa Cruz, which was designed in the Mudéjar style. While shopping, be sure to look for colorful woven goods made from the thick fabric jarapa. You will dine at Ruta del Mulhacén, a restaurant acclaimed for its regional dishes. Your lunch will likely include an appetizer with Alpujarra ham and a pork loin dish as the entrée.

Enjoy an enticing look at the fabled city of Granada with a visit to the Moorish Quarter, the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral of Granada. Explore the old Moorish Quarter of Albaicín, a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow, crooked streets that has been remarkably well-preserved since medieval times. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll pass cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas and the crumbling remnants of the old city gate. From an ideal viewpoint, capture photos of the glorious Alhambra Palace. You’ll marvel at Granada’s extraordinary cathedral and the adjoining Capilla Real, or Royal Chapel. Within the chapel, find the tombs of influential Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand, who chose to be buried in enthralling Seville rather than in Castile and Aragon, their native lands. View Isabella’s personal art collection in the sacristy, including works by masters such as Botticelli. At the ornate Renaissance cathedral, delight in the marvelous façade, resplendent gold-and-white interior, spectacular main altar and imposing bell tower. This architectural jewel is certain to leave you with enduring memories of marvelous Granada.

Become familiar with Finca San Ramon’s sustainable farming practices that yield an abundance of tropical fruit while improving the environment. The estate is located along Spain’s wind-protected Costa Tropical, which boasts a micro-climate that is ideal for farming. As you tour the grounds, your host with describe the agricultural methods used to grown tropical fruits such as mangos, papayas, avocados and cherimoyas, which are also known as custard apples for their creamy texture. Chances are, you will pick and sample some of the ripe fruits, which are all grown without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. Afterwards, you will visit nearby Almuñecar, a coastal village with steep, winding streets that were laid out in the Middle Ages. One of the highlights will be exploring the Moorish fortress St. Michael’s Castle, parts of which were built by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The castle was used to successfully defend Almuñecar against Berber pirates.

Discover geological wonders such as the world’s largest stalagmite in the Caves of Nerja and then meander through the lovely old quarter in the seaside village of Nerja. The caves stretch nearly three miles and although archaeological evidence shows that they were occupied from about 25,000 BC to the Bronze Age, it wasn’t until 1959 that the caves were rediscovered. As you walk through this underground wonder, you can expect to see eerily illuminated stalactites and stalagmites in the Hall of Ghosts, formations that look like frozen waterfalls and geological debris in the Hall of the Cataclysm that an earthquake caused millennia ago. Back in Nerja, you will explore its oldest quarter, a beautiful setting with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses with wrought-iron terraces overflowing with geraniums. Following a guided walking tour of the quarter, you will have free time to discover some of Nerja’s other charms. Later, you will pass the Bridge of the Eagle, a towering aqueduct.

Behold the haunting beauty and geological wonders in the Natural Park of El Torcal and then explore the historical landmarks in the village of Antequera. The park is a karst limestone landscape that was covered by the sea millions of years ago. As the water receded, it exposed the imprint of marine skeletons and shells. Parts of the porous limestone also eroded, leaving an abundance of caves and towering stacks of rock. You will observe these unusual geological structures and marine fossils in the rocks on a short walk through the stark terrain. If you spot birds, chances are they will be griffon vultures. Continuing on, you will soon arrive Antequera, a town whose architecture bears Roman, Moorish and Spanish influences. Many of the buildings date to medieval times, and the town’s stone monuments known as dolmens are estimated to have been built in 3,000 BC. The Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor church is also worth a look.

Revel in the alluring heritage of southern Spain by lingering in the magnificent gardens of a 19th-century mansion and touring an idyllic coastal village. Enjoy a scenic drive to Casa de los Bates, a 19th-century estate that is now an exclusive boutique hotel. You’ll marvel at the elegant manor’s two different, yet equally exquisite gardens, which boast a multitude of blooming flowers, centuries-old trees and meticulously manicured ornamental shrubs. Stroll the winding garden footpaths or relax next to a coral fountain twinkling in the sunlight, glass of sherry in hand if you choose, with the distant Sierra Nevada mountains as a spectacular backdrop. Travel to nearby Almuñécar, a coastal village with steep, meandering streets punctuated by sunlit plazas and balconies festooned with vivid geraniums. Above it all, find the impressive Moorish Saint Michael’s Castle, established by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Learn the castle successfully defended Almuñécar against Berber pirates, as revealed by the city’s grisly coat of arms, which depicts the turbaned heads of these would-be invaders adrift at sea. Appreciate free time to explore the village at your leisure and further uncover its intriguing Roman, Moorish and Christian influences.

Watch a moving flamenco performance next to Granada's bull fight ring and then enjoy free time in Granada exploring everything from little-known attractions to those as famous as the Alhambra.

Depart from the pier and drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada, an Andalusian city that reveres flamenco. Upon your arrival in Granada , marvel in front at the Bullfight Ring ( Plaza de Toro), one of the 10th largest in Spain and active agenda. Next, you'll be treated to a highly charged, passionate flamenco performance. Through dance, song and guitar music, the seductive gypsy art of flamenco tells an emotional story with themes ranging from love to oppression. Its roots can be traced back more than 200 years, and nowhere is flamenco admired more than in Granada.

After this pure Andalusian experience, you'll transfer to the city center, where you're free to spend the afternoon doing whatever you wish. Wander the labyrinthine streets and plazas in the historic Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage Site where the Moors once resided. Behold the ornate cathedral and the Royal Chapel next door where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Or simply spend your time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada.

After approximately 4 1/2 hours on your own, you'll rejoin your coach and escort at the appointed time and place and make the return journey back to Motril. Those who are not on time for the return transfer will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.

Immerse yourself in the everyday life of a small, agricultural Andalusian town by touring an olive oil mill, strolling the historic downtown and joining a local family for lunch. Drive through the picturesque Andalusian countryside to Alfarnate, a quaint village nestled in a fertile plain where olives, almonds, chickpeas and cherries flourish in the sun. Agriculture has long fueled Alfarnate’s economy, as you’ll discover at a mill that presses olives from a grove first planted more than 1,000 years ago. After observing the mill’s fascinating production process, relish a taste of the resulting olive oil, which has a distinct local flavor. You’ll enjoy a walking tour of the town, whose Moorish character is evident in the three-level tower of the 16th-century Church of Santa Ana. In nearby Alfarnatejo, tour an age-old traditional residence and partake in an enjoyable wine tasting. You’ll meet a group of friendly residents, who will greet you warmly and escort you to their family home for an authentic Andalusian meal, regaling you with tales about life in this quaint village. You’ll bask in the true spirit of the Andalusian people on this illuminating excursion.