Spain has been on my family’s bucket list for years. Madrid, Seville, Granada’s Alhambra, Ronda’s gorge, and Cordoba’s La Mezquita were must-sees. I also wanted to continue to build personal travel experiences to bring to my clients. So my husband, daughters, and my 2 sisters-in-law decided to make it happen. I didn’t know much about the region, history, culture, or food. The 6 of us had a grand adventure!

What I learned

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is amazing! We made Seville our home base. We could easily get to all the sights by train or guided tour. The city is walkable, accessible, the people are friendly, and the pace of life is lovely. It is hot. Be sure to take a hat and use lots of sunscreen.

Moorish Influence:  One reads about the Moorish influence in the region. You have to see it to believe it. The colors are amazing. The tile work, arches, and towers are everywhere and are testaments to their lasting legacy. Walking through the narrow, winding streets, you can almost imagine yourself back in time.

Ancient Romans loved Seville too:  I found the Itálica Roman ruins outside Seville, behind a small gas station. Take a 20-minute bus ride (170A) from Seville. You will find breathtaking mosaics, a huge amphitheater, and remnants of temples, bathhouses, aqueducts, and ancient streets. There aren’t many tourists, and you should bring your own water. If you don’t make it to Itálica, keep your eyes out; you will spot ancient Roman aqueducts throughout Seville.

Hotel Splurge:  We decided to pay a bit more for the hotel, knowing we’d be on the go, go, go, seeing all the sights. This turned out to be one of our best decisions. We were very comfortable, and when we were tired from our day of sightseeing, we could cool off and enjoy the city from the rooftop!

Guided Tours:  I love a good guided tour, and it can be a real game-changer. We participated in small group and private guided tours. What makes this so remarkable? You’re accompanied by both a driver and an expert, making it a true 2-for-1 deal. The tour takes care of transportation, handles parking, and since they are locals, they offer insights that you won’t find in guidebooks, and most offer VIP or front-of-the-line access.

• Private Tour at Alhambra. Our guide told us about the history, brought details to life we would have missed, took pictures of the group in cool places, and made sure we were in front of the line when it mattered. He was local and gave us great advice on other sights to see and places to eat in Granada.
• Driver and tour guide for the White Villages. Our guide took care of everything from pick-up to drop-off. We visited Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, and Ronda. Each stop was customized to our travel preferences and interests. We stopped at a field of giant sunflowers just to take a picture. At lunch, we sat at one of the best tables in Ronda overlooking the gorge.
• Seville Cathedral rooftop tour: Now for something different. This was my FAVORITE! This large group tour, hosted by a local historian, took us behind the scenes and on the roof of the cathedral.

Spanish Food:  I was told Spanish food was just OK. Wrong! The food was amazing. We ate tapas, jamón, artisanal cheeses, hummus, rich stews, and so on. Spanish food was affordable, approachable, and delicious!

Sangria:  Locals told us Sangria is for teenagers, and Spanish adults don’t drink it! I drank it. I loved it!

What I would do differently

Trains: I adore train travel. I booked round-trip tickets for Madrid to Seville. I banked on buying tickets to Granada and Cordoba on the day of travel so we could have a bit of flexibility. Buying tickets proved to be complicated and time-consuming. Next time, I will book all train tickets ahead of time. I also recommend downloading the train and transportation apps to your phone so you can keep up with train delays and construction detours.

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Journey

Our trip to Andalusia was incredible. From Seville's vibrant culture to the stunning landscapes, everything captivated us. The architectural wonders and culinary delights were unforgettable. Andalusia's rich history and beauty left a lasting impression. I can't wait to share these new insights with my clients and inspire their adventures. Southern Spain is one of my favorite destinations. 

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