Granada and the Magnificent Alhambra

Your two-day adventure begins in Málaga with a visit to the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, perched on a hill offering panoramic views. You will then journey to the magnificent Moorish kingdom of Granada, where your exploration begins in the labyrinthine streets of the district of Albaycin, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site comprising all of medieval Granada. You will walk to the Palace Dar al-Horra, nicknamed the Little Alhambra for elements in common with the grand palace that is your ultimate destination. In San Nicolas Square, admire the most famous view of the Alhambra, rising from wooded hills with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop. You will also tour Granada’s ornate Carthusian monastery before continuing to the Sacromonte neighborhood, known for its traditional cave homes. Housed in one of these caves, the Venta El Gallo restaurant will provide you an authentic Spanish culinary experience as well as a passionate flamenco performance in a truly unique setting. The second day of your getaway focuses on Granada's crowning glory, the Alhambra. The last stronghold of the Moorish kings, this citadel complex and palace commands attention. Begun as a small fortress in 889, it eventually became a center of art and culture so impressive that Christian conquerors did not dare destroy it. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the splendid buildings with intricately carved ceilings and tiled interiors, as well as the gardens with elaborate fountains. Of particular note is the marble colonnade leading to the Court of Myrtles and the Patio of the Lions, among the most photographed sights in Spain with its alabaster basin supported by twelve marble lions. You will also stroll the beautifully landscaped pathways of Generalife, the Moorish rulers' summer palace, renowned for gardens of terraced flowerbeds and wonderful views of the city.