Self Drive Tour of Southern Spain

Today you’ll arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ubeda, west of the magnificent Cazorla and Segura Mountain Ranges near the Guadalquivir River. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Located in the city’s old quarter, this historic hotel is housed in a lovely 16th-century palace on the expansive Vázquez de Molina Plaza. Úbeda’s architecture resembles an Italian Renaissance city with a touch of Andalusia charm. The austere façade of Parador de Úbeda conceals a lavish and beautifully decorated interior courtyard. The hotel’s guest rooms are also stylish, comfortable and offer spectacular views of Vázquez de Molina Square.

Úbeda has an amazing wealth of cultural heritage, reflected in its palaces, churches, convents and monasteries. During the Moorish era, Úbeda became a flourishing city. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Ubeda was first ruled by the Almoravid empire and later by Almohads. However, Úbeda is best known as the birthplace of the Andalusian Renaissance. You will see splendid examples of Renaissance architecture in several buildings, including the Santiago Hospital, Cadenas Palace and Santa Maria de los Reales Alcázares Church.

Just a short walk away from your hotel, you’ll find some of the most important monuments of Ubeda, including the El Salvador Chapel, the Marquis of Mancera Palace and Vázquez Molina Palace (now the city hall building). Start out on the Calle de la Redonda de Miradores, which offers a wonderful viewpoint overlooking olive groves. Continue along the city’s winding streets, stopping at antique shops, museums and traditional ceramic workshops. Be sure to take a stroll down the picturesque Valencia Street, where you will find artisan potters hard at work in their shops—an experience that will take you back in time many centuries.

This morning, you’ll travel to Cazorla. Along your scenic drive from Ubeda to Cazorla, you’ll travel through miles of olive groves until you begin ascending into the mountains. The hotel is located in the heart of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Spain. This pristine natural setting transports you to an oasis of beauty and tranquility. High in the mountains, you’ll enjoy panoramic views and the fresh aroma of pine trees. Only the cheerful chirping of birds will interrupt your sunbathing sessions and scenic strolls. Take in the beauty of remote spots like Cañada de las Fuentes (Springs Hollow) and Linarejos Waterfall as you commune with nature.

An inviting place to spend a few nights, your hotel is designed in the tradition of Andalusian country houses with a typical whitewashed exterior and red tile roof. Sunlight floods the bright interior, which is designed in classic style. There is a spacious lounge where you can enjoy leisurely afternoon chats beside the fireplace.

The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by pine trees with lovely views of the nature reserve. Take advantage of the surroundings to truly enjoy a peaceful escape from modern everyday life.

The hotel’s location provides the ideal starting point for hiking or mountain biking in the nature reserve. Go on a nature walk along the Guadalquivir River and admire the beauty of ancient yew trees. Explore the nature reserve’s Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) or travel to see Roman ruins in the nearby village of Peal de Becerro. You should also spend some time in Cazorla, a walled Andalusian village with the characteristic whitewashed houses clustered at the base of the mountain range. At the top of the mountain, you’ll see the ancient Yedra Castle that overlooks the village of Cazorla. The sight appears to be right out of a child’s storybook, and children would imagine that a princess lives here waiting for a knight to rescue her.

Spend one glorious night in the magnificent Alhambra complex at the Parador de Granada. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the beautiful grounds, among the flourishing gardens and rushing fountains. The peaceful setting evokes the grandeur of the Andalusian past, when Arabs, Jews, and Christians lived together in harmony. Parador de Granada occupies a former monastery converted from a Nasrid palace for the Catholic Monarchs. With its idyllic setting, enchanting Moorish interior and peaceful courtyard, the hotel exudes the magic of the Alhambra. The original cloister and other rooms are decorated with traditional works of art and plush furniture. The hotel has a lovely dining room with a summer terrace for enjoying meals outdoors. Sample the finest local cuisine such as Gazpacho Andaluz (cold tomato soup), Habas a la Granadina (fava beans with fresh artichokes), and Piononos (cake rolls topped with whipped cream), a specialty from the nearby village of Santa Fé.

With the Sierra Nevada Mountains as its dramatic backdrop, the city of Granada is one of the loveliest places in the world. Thanks to its Moorish heritage, the city is resplendent with enchanting Islamic architecture and magical gardens. The Moors considered Granada their oasis and made wonderful use of the region’s freshwater in the many artistic fountains found throughout the gardens, creating a cool respite on hot sunny days. Granada is a gift for the senses. Spend the day discovering this paradise. Begin at the Alhambra palaces and Generalife gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alhambra is Granada's most emblematic monument and a place of exceptional beauty. The complex includes several palaces surrounded by spectacular gardens. As you wander about the gorgeous grounds, enjoy the scent of blossoming flowers and the sound of flowing water.

Another wonderful site in Granada is the old Arab quarter of the Albaicín, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this ancient neighborhood’s charming medieval streets and lovely courtyards. The Albaicín is a visually appealing combination of small whitewashed houses, baroque churches, and old Arab cisterns. Be sure to visit the old Arab Baths to take in the splendid Islamic decor. After visiting the Albaicín, head over to the Gypsy quarter of Sacromonte. Here you can enjoy an evening of “zambra,” a form of Flamenco dance that is performed in the caves of the Sacromonte.

Today you’ll travel to your last destination of the tour, the legendary city of Cordoba. You’ll be staying at a contemporary hotel, which occupies the site where Abd-ar-Rahman I once had a summer palace. The cool modern hotel features spacious contemporary rooms and marvelous views of the city. To take advantage of the beautiful natural setting, there is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a refreshing garden called Los Naranjos because of its flourishing orange trees. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant offers exquisite regional cuisine, featuring specialties such as spicy sausages, eggplant omelets and roast hen. Typical desserts include honey doughnuts and Almojábanos (a special fresh cheese pastry). While staying in Cordoba, you will enjoy enchanting dinners at the restaurant’s outdoor terrace and peaceful nights of rest.

Spend your last day exploring the splendors of Cordoba. This UNESCO World Heritage City is a treasure chest of historic monuments. Allow plenty of time to visit the old mosque, la Mezquita, which is the most important Islamic monument in Europe and one of the most amazing sites in the world. Then wander around the old Jewish quarter to discover its medieval charm. You’ll find many of Cordoba's emblematic courtyards with fountains, flowers and potted palms. Cordoba’s quaint houses are also famous for their balconies decorated with flowerpots. The courtyards and balconies are in their fullest glory during the annual Festival de los Patios (Courtyard Festival), when the entire city celebrates and the ancient streets dance to the rhythms of Flamenco, marvelously scented with orange and jasmine blossoms. During your visit, you’ll experience the city's spectacular sights, atmospheric streets and houses filled with flowers, and the joy at every turn.

Today you will say goodbye to an enchanting country but the memories will last a lifetime.