Journey to glorious Granada and immerse yourself in the Alhambra, an architectural marvel and one of Spain’s ultimate bucket-list destinations, on this unmissable private day trip from Seville.
On this private day trip, you will:
- Traverse the Andalusian countryside as you journey from Seville to Granada;
- Get a crash course in the history of Granada from your knowledgeable local guide;
- Take in the stunning landscape of Granada surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains;
- Thoroughly explore the Alhambra in all its glory, a UNESCO World Heritage site;
- Let your guide lead you through the most emblematic sites located within the Alhambra complex including the Nasrid palaces and the Genaralife Gardens;
- Enjoy the panoramic views from the Alcazaba Fortress;
- Have a closer look at the key features of Islamic architecture showcased throughout the Alhambra;
- Learn about the momentous transition from Nasrid rulers to Christian kings in the palace of Charles V;
- Stroll through the charming Albaycín neighbourhood;
- Enjoy free time to explore Granada at your own pace, discovering its charming streets and local shops before departing to Seville.
Our day will begin at your hotel in Seville where your private driver guide will pick you up and embark upon the epic drive across Andalusia. Your destination will be the spectacular city of Granada. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and served as an important Roman settlement before it was taken over by the Moors from the 8th century onwards. It quickly became one of the main cities of Al-Andalus (present-day Andalusia). The Muslim kingdom of Granada was established in 1013 and it increased in prominence after nearby Cordoba fell into the control of the Christians in the 13th century. This transfer of power made way for a prosperous period that was presided over by the Nasrids, the last and longest reigning Muslim dynasty in the Iberian peninsula for whom the Alhambra palace complex was erected.
Granada was the last Spanish stronghold of the immense Muslim empire to be conquered when the Nasrid sultan Boabdil infamously descended from the Alhambra to surrender to the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The King and Queen were so enamoured with the beauty of the city that they moved their royal court to Granada and were eventually buried in in Royal Chapel next to Granada Cathedral. In modern-day Granada, the legacy of these conquering Christian rulers is still evident throughout the city, which is also characterized by its vibrant student community and generous tapas culture.
Once you arrive in Granada, your guide will have tickets on hand to allow you to access the city’s most famous monument and reason for your journey: the Alhambra. This immense complex is a palimpsest that showcases the different civilizations that have shaped the destiny of Granada. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the Alhambra is a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture unparalleled in Europe. You could easily spend days getting lost amongst its labyrinthine passages and lush gardens, but your guide will make sure you make the most out of your visit by showing you the most important aspects of the site. The oldest surviving part of the Alhambra is the Alcazaba fortress, where you can enjoy a privileged view of the city from its strategic position on the western tip of the complex.
A highlight of your visit will no doubt be the Nasrid Palaces, the primary attraction and best-preserved part of the complex. Meandering through the sumptuous rooms, you will admire many emblematic features of Moorish architecture such as horseshoe arches, carved wooden ceilings, intricate stonework, colourful tiles, and even ornate Arabic calligraphy. Outside of the palaces, you can wander the Generalife gardens which were specifically designed to provide an oasis of calm for the Nasrid rulers. You can see the Moorish design principles applied to the gardens, with an emphasis on the harmony between nature and architecture would go on to inspire generations of architects including Gaudí. The charming courtyards contain an abundance of greenery and fruit trees and are meticulously arranged in geometric shapes.
Another must-see part of the Alhambra is the palace of Charles V where you can appreciate a style of Spanish Renaissance architecture in contrast to the Islamic style you have seen throughout the rest of the complex. Your guide will explain how King Charles, the grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella, commissioned the palace to show off his power and assert his dominance over the formerly Muslim city of Granada. As you conclude your visit, you will have a much deeper understanding of the remarkable beauty and historical significance of the Alhambra, which entices almost 3 million visitors every year.
The rest of your time in Granada will focus on the city’s most traditional neighbourhood, the Albaycin. This part of town enjoys the same UNESCO World Heritage status as the Alhambra and contains a myriad of monuments in addition to the medieval street plan which remains largely unchanged since the Nasrid period. Last but not least, no trip to Granada would be complete without trying the wonderful array of local tapas which are often served free of charge when you order a drink. Your guide will allow for some free time and suggest some great spots to try traditional dishes (not included) such as berenjenas con miel de caña (aubergines with cane honey) and habas con jamón (broad beans with Spanish ham).
As your excursion draws to a close, your driver will be on hand to take you back to Seville. You will be dropped off at your hotel or your preferred location in Seville city centre with lasting memories of a day spent at one of Spain’s most remarkable monuments and the wonderful historic city that surrounds it.