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In June 2026, Rob and his wife joined Travelsphere’s A Week in Andalucia tour. Having travelled with Travelsphere before to Croatia and Canada, they were excited to discover another destination, and this one certainly didn't disappoint.
When we booked the tour, we knew we'd be visiting some of Spain's most famous cities. From exploring spectacular palaces and ancient streets to discovering mountain landscapes that felt like another world, every day brought something different.
Everything felt effortless from the moment we arrived. We flew from East Midlands and were met by the local team before transferring to the hotel, where we met our Holiday Director, Simona and the rest of the group.
There were around 30 of us altogether, which felt like the perfect size. Everyone was friendly, and Simona encouraged us to mix with different people each evening at dinner, so it didn't take long before everyone got to know each other.
Simona was genuinely exceptional and made sure every part of the holiday ran smoothly. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she made everyone feel included throughout the trip.
When people think of Andalucia, they often picture the Costa del Sol and beach holidays. This tour showed me a completely different side of southern Spain. Staying inland meant we experienced the real Andalucía, full of history, beautiful architecture and fascinating cities. Every destination had its own personality, and I loved seeing somewhere that felt so authentically Spanish.
One of the first places we visited was Córdoba, and it quickly became one of my favourite days. The highlight was visiting the incredible Great Mosque. Nowhere else have I seen a building where Christian and Islamic history exist together in quite the same way. Our local guide brought the city's history to life before we enjoyed some free time to wander through the charming streets, stop for lunch and simply soak up the atmosphere.
Seville had a completely different energy.
The city was full of life, with beautiful squares, narrow shaded streets and lively cafés everywhere we looked. Even though it was incredibly hot, around 35°C while we were there, the city's layout meant there were plenty of cool spots to escape the sunshine. One of the highlights was our included tapas lunch at a traditional local restaurant. The dishes just kept coming, and because it was full of local people, we knew we'd found somewhere authentic.
It's definitely somewhere we'd love to return to for a long weekend.
If there was one place everyone was looking forward to, it was the Alhambra.
Even though I'd visited before, it was just as impressive as I remembered. Walking through the beautiful gardens, ornate palaces and peaceful courtyards was an unforgettable experience.
Our local guide was outstanding and had a wonderful way of bringing the history to life. Looking around, it was easy to see everyone else felt the same sense of wonder.
For me, it was without question the highlight of the entire holiday.
One of the optional excursions took us to El Torcal Natural Park near Antequera.
I honestly wasn't prepared for how dramatic the scenery would be. After leaving the town, it felt like we'd been transported somewhere completely different. The extraordinary limestone rock formations looked almost like the surface of the moon.
Our guide explained the area's geology, wildlife and history, making it one of the most interesting excursions of the week.
Although we packed an incredible amount into eight days, there was still enough flexibility to enjoy some downtime.
On our final full day, we decided not to join the optional excursion to Málaga and instead spent the day relaxing by the hotel pool. After several busy sightseeing days, it was the perfect way to round off the holiday before flying home.
If you're thinking about booking this tour, I'd definitely recommend packing comfortable walking shoes. You'll spend plenty of time exploring beautiful cities and attractions like the Alhambra, so they're essential.
If you're travelling during the summer months, be prepared for the heat too. Temperatures reached around 35°C while we were there, so carrying plenty of water and taking advantage of the shaded streets whenever you can makes a big difference.
Most of all, I'd say come ready to discover a completely different side of Spain. This isn't just about beaches it's about incredible history, beautiful architecture, welcoming people and unforgettable experiences.
For anyone wanting to experience the real Andalucía, I couldn't recommend this tour enough.
This relaxing holiday gives you the chance to unwind and soak up the sun whilst discovering the best of Andalucía.
