Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada boasts one of the top historic sites in Spain, La Alhambra. The UNESCO listed monument was built by the Moors and it’s more than a palace, it’s a citadel with a complex of various palaces, gardens and a fortress once home to the Sultan. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of La Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens and explore this incredible sight.

Located on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, Sevilla is famous for flamenco and orange trees, and has a colourful cultural and architectural heritage. One of its famous claims is that it’s the birthplace of Tapas! It’s also home to The Alcázar, Europe's oldest royal palace, which is still in use today. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Seville, one of Spain’s most vibrant cities on our Andalucia holidays and we’ll see highlights like Plaza Espana, Seville Cathedral and San Telmo Palace.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent cities of medieval times, Córdoba is a dynamic blend of history and culture; founded by the Carthaginians, taken over by the Romans, then under Arab rule and eventually conquered by the Catholic Kingdom of Castile. Whilst taking a guided walking tour of Córdoba, we’ll explore the historic town centre and see the stunning Mezquita, which was once a mosque, and is now a Christian cathedral.

Nerja has a long history, which can be seen in the ancient paintings found in the Caves of Nerja. These caves are now believed to be just one entrance to a linked series of underground tunnels which extend many miles into the mountains between Nerja and Granada. It’s also famous for the "Balcon de Europa" or Balcony of Europe, aptly named by King Alphons XII and offers beautiful Mediterranean views. On our trips to Nerja, we’ll also have time to relax on the famous Costa del Sol.

Temperatures in Antequera during spring, early summer and autumn range from the early to late 20s centigrade on average.   The cities can be hotter, so it’s wise to dress in light layers. Take a rain jacket or umbrella, in case of sudden downpours. In winter the climate is mild with average daily temperatures of 16 degrees centigrade.

Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Spain is the Euro.

The people of southern Spain tend to eat late in the evening. A popular way to curb hunger pangs (or replace lunch or dinner altogether) is to nibble a few tapas (small snacks) with a drink. Most bars offer a free tapa with every drink ordered. They can be anything from a slice of bread and cheese or jamon (cured ham), to a fried quail’s egg or a plate of olives or boquerones (anchovies). This is an enjoyable way to take in local atmosphere, practice your Spanish, and discover new taste sensations! Accompany your tapas with a cool ‘tubo’ (small glass of light beer) or a dry Manzanilla or Fino sherry. Buen Provecho!

• The Hand of Fatima by Ildefonso Falcones
• South from Granada by Gerald Brenan
• Factory of Light by Michael Jacobs