Andalusia

Start in Seville (suh-BEE-ya to locals), the capital of Andalusia, and explore the old quarter of Santa Cruz, with its centuries-old gardens and lime-washed houses, and the mighty Alcazar, the city’s magnificent royal palace. Then make like the sevillanos do, embarking on your own tapeo, or tapas crawl, wandering maze-like alleys to buzzing tapas bars, from traditional to contemporary.

Today venture north into the Sierra de Huelva, homeland of the world-renowned Iberian pig. Wend your way through hilltop towns near the Portuguese border, where jamón ibérico de bellota—the world’s finest—are cured for up to three years. Your host will give you you a personal tour of his family pig farm in the foothills, with a rustic farm lunch devoted to the region’s bounty—young cheeses, mushrooms, wild asparagus and artichokes, and more jamón ibérico, of course—all accompanied by spectacular local wines.

Spend the morning exploring Seville’s central market: garden-fresh produce, freshly caught seafood, straight-from-the-oven bread, olives and spices. Pick out our favorite items, then head to a nearby restaurant for a master class on cooking with sherry, courtesy of a local chef. The area just outside Seville produces much of Spain’s olive oil; you’ll be treated to a private tour of a local almazara (olive mill). Appetites well-oiled, dinner is at a Michelin-starred kitchen with courses paired with a variety of cheeses and regional wines. 

In Spanish, they say that quien no ha visto Granada, no ha visto nada—the person who hasn’t seen Granada hasn’t seen anything—and for good reason. Granada’s exquisite beauty is a direct product of centuries of Arab influence. Every corner hides a surprise, whether it’s an unexpected vista spied through a stone window, or a sunset turning stone ramparts of the old town a gentle rose-gold. After settling in, explore the heart of the old town, then reconvene for dinner and a traditional performance of flamenco. This typically Andalusian spectacle of music and dance strikes such an emotional chord that there’s even a special word for it: duende. 

They say a visit to the Alhambra “breaks all the senses.” You’ll spend the morning exploring this sprawling, hilltop fortress complex, with its stunning array of royal palaces, serene patios and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty. A World Heritage site since 1984, it has been a tourist attraction for centuries. You’ll also explore the Lecrín Valley, where whitewashed villages and orange groves tumble down the hillsides. Your hosts Scarlett and Chris invite you to join them at their farmhouse, immersing yourselves in the timeless rhythms of the Spanish countryside and creating a feast to remember.