From tapas to toe-tapping flamenco music, and from wine to winding walks, Southern Spain is the destination you’ve been waiting for! Join us on this Choice Touring holiday where you can enjoy fiestas and siestas in Southern Spain, and the chance to design your holiday, your way. Take your pick from a range of included YourChoice excursions when in Madrid, Seville and Jerez based off your interests, tastes or even what you may feel like on the day. Read on to find out more.
Madrid
Delve into the reign of Spain
For the history buffs or those interested in brushing up on their Spanish history, join your Local Guide for a fascinating exploration through Madrid’s old city and Habsburg Quarter. Named El Madrid de los Austrias, the historic centre was built during the Habsburg Dynasty reign in Europe. Madrid’s main square, the Plaza Mayor, is one of the most notable constructions from this era. You’ll also see the cathedral, Royal Palace, and Royal Theatre; rounded off by a tasty treat of churros con chocolate.
Gaze at the City of Three Cultures
Say ‘ola!’ to Toledo, the former capital of Spain. It is well-regarded as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns and on top of that, it has an extraordinary cultural melting pot of Jewish, Islamic and Christian influences so the ‘City of Three Cultures’ is an apt nickname. Not only will you visit Toledo’s cathedral, synagogue and the Church of Santo Tomé, but you will also learn about steelmaking and sword-smithing at a local Damascene workshop. This is an ancient craft whereby gold, or silver, is inlayed into black steel, creating a powerful statement end piece.
Seville
Gaze at the shining star of Carmona
Found on a ridge overlooking the Andalusian countryside, is the shining Spanish star of Carmona. It is one of Spain’s iconic ‘white villages’ with Moorish influences woven into its communal squares. Once you have completed your guided tour of the village, you’ll have some free time to explore to your heart’s content. You may wish to browse the shops or settle in at a café to try some local specialties whilst people watching.
Create your own espadrilles
Just think of how unique a memento this would be! Historically worn by peasants in the fourteenth century, espadrilles have evolved over time to become an iconic fashion statement. Head to the artisan quarter of Seville to an espadrilles workshop. Here, skilled artisans will help you create your own pair of espadrilles to take home. To keep those creative juices flowing, indulge in some local wine and tapas afterwards.
Sip on Spanish wine – wine not?
If you didn’t know already, there are many vineyards that surround the city of Seville. Some of these have origins dating back to centuries ago. Sweet wines are common in Seville (and Southern Spain) – think orange wine and sherry. It’s only fitting that this Choice Touring holiday includes a wine tasting experience, complete with local cheese and ham to really bring that Spanish vibe.
Jerez
Stroll through ancient Cadiz
Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. While in Jerez, you can choose this YourChoice excursion if you feel like getting out in the fresh air whilst walking through picturesque scenes. Your route will take you from Caleta Beach to the Old Quarter of Cadiz, via the Gardens of the Genoves. Along the way, you’ll be mesmerised by pastel-coloured homes with Mirador windows, palm trees surrounding cute plazas, a cathedral by the sea and city towers that reach for the sky.
Taste your way through Jerez
Photo by @galeriadeljerez on Instagram
Jerez is one of the best cities to visit in Southern Spain if you’re a foodie, or even if you’ve been spellbound by the Spanish cuisine during your time here. Its prime location near the coast means it has plenty of fresh seafood, while its countryside provides plenty of meat options. We also can’t forget that Jerez translates to ‘sherry’, so you’ll find this local drop everywhere you go! This Southern Spain Choice Touring holiday offers an option to explore taste your way through Jerez while discovering its architecture, monuments and plazas. A wonderful combination, we think.
This Choice Touring by Globus holiday gives you much more than fiestas and siestas in Southern Spain with a range of included excursions on offer! Take a look at the full itinerary here, as well as the full range of Choice Touring by Globus holidays through Europe and North America.
