Andalucia at Christmas

Day 2 Malaga & Mijas

After breakfast we'll set off for our included excursion that will introduce us to the highlights of Malaga, famed as the birthplace of artist Picasso. Malaga is enveloped by 3,000 years of history, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Its highlights include the elaborate cathedral and Alcazaba, a palace-fortress which dates back to the Moorish period. After, we will explore the cobbled streets of Mijas which are lined with pretty whitewashed houses decorated with brightly coloured bougainvillea, lavender and jasmine flowers. The views here towards the coast are simply stunning, so remember to bring your camera!

Day 3 Mijas

Spend today at leisure, or join our optional full-day excursion to Granada and the world-famous Alhambra Palace. Standing high on a hill overlooking the city, the palace was built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th centuries and has been added to over time to become a magnificent complex of pink stone courtyards, pools, fountains, grand halls and cool patios.

Day 4 Christmas Eve, Frigiliana & Nerja

We are off to the beautiful hilltop village of Frigiliana today, situated in the foothills of the Almijara Mountains, and is the first stop on our included excursion. Easily explored on foot, this picturesque village is a maze of cobbled streets and its historic centre has a distinctively Moorish appearance. We'll have time to explore its winding alleyways before heading onto Nerja, with its lovely sandy beaches and hidden coves. Once a sleepy fishing village, its old quarter remains virtually unchanged, with narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed houses and wrought-iron terraces overflowing with fragrant geraniums.

Day 5 Christmas Day, Mijas

It's Christmas Day so enjoy some time to relax and take the opportunity to explore. Maybe you'll decide to have a leisurely day at the hotel, or perhaps you'll wander around Mijas with your fellow travellers. Back at the hotel we'll get together for a festive Christmas Day dinner with wine.

Day 6 Boxing Day, Ronda

Admire magnificent scenery as we drive to the lovely clifftop town of Ronda. Enjoying a spectacular location on a towering plateau, the town is divided by El Tajo, a precipitous gorge more than 600ft deep. On one side of the forge stands the old Moorish town of La Ciudad, with the more modern El Mercadillo part of town on the other. El Tajo is spanned by the 18th century Puente Nuevo Bridge, and we'll take in the fabulous views from here and look down to the waters of the River Guadalevin below.

Day 7 Mijas

Explore at your own pace today, or join our optional full-day excursion to Gibraltar. If you wish, there will be time to ride the cable car to the top of 'The Rock' and see the famous Barbary apes that call this British colony home. It's the final day of our holiday, so we'll enjoy a farewell get-together over dinner this evening.

Day 8 Departure