Overview

Moorish and Arab influences combine to make this a fascinating destination; the best of the old and the new.

The capital of the Granada Province, Granada itself is situated close to the Sierra Nevada mountains and 70kms from the coast. The city is famous for the Alhambra, its Arabic heritage and also the caves of the Sacromonte. The narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses of the Albaicin, the old Arabic quarter of the city, are home to numerous squares and terrazas, perfect for watching the world go by. The Sierra Nevada is a 30 minute drive away and so easily accessible for a half day visit and total contrast to the city.

With summer temperatures that can reach into the 40’s and mild winter temperatures, Granada bathes its visitors in sunshine for much of the year and as the heat is dry rather than humid, summer temperatures are more tolerable than other parts of Spain.

Accommodation

Hotel Monasterios de los Basilios

3 Star

The hotel is located just a short 10 minute walk from the city centre and the main attractions and is ideal for groups. It is, as the name suggests part of a monastery and able to offer its guests a warm welcome in a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms for students are for 2-3 persons with private facilities while staff will have twin or single rooms. Meals are taken in a lovely dining room, which doubles as the bar on request and all diets can be catered for if notified in advance. There is a TV room and cloister with quiet courtyard and seating areas on each landing.

Hotel Don Juan

3 Star

The hotel is located in the city centre, a five minute walk from the historical sites, and easily accessible from the ring road. The hotel was completely renovated recently, is air conditioned and has 80 comfortable bedrooms which have been completely refurnished and include air conditioning, sound proofing, TV, safe and full private facilities including hair dryer. Meals are half board with packed lunch or just half board. The hotel is family run and extends a warm welcome to its guests.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Depart from school for journey to Spain. Arrive at the accommodation in time to settle in and for dinner. Depending upon time of travel, a local visit/activity may be possible.
  Eve: In-house
• Day 2

  Morning visit. Lunch. Afternoon visit/activity.
  Eve: Arab Tea Houses
• Day 3

  Morning market/souk. Lunch. Afternoon visit/activity

  Eve: Flamenco lesson
• Day 4

  Morning market/souk. Lunch. Afternoon visit/activity

  Eve: Tapas
• Day 5

  Depart after breakfast for transfer to airport and return to UK. Dependent upon flight times there may be a free morning in the city or time in Malaga.

  This is a suggested itinerary only and can be of any length, combined in a variety of ways and be tailored to include the excursions and visits that you require. Any quotation will INCLUDE excursion and entry fees as stated in the itinerary. We will provide a guide price for any additional visits/activities.

Excursions

ALHAMBRA and GENERALIFE.

Rising above the modern, lower town is the Alhambra which together with the Albaicin forms the Medieval part of Granada. To the east of the Alhambra fortress and residence are the wonderful gardens of the Generalife, the former residence of the rulers of this part of Spain the 13^th and 14^th centuries. A guided tour will bring this UNESCO monument to life.

ALBAICIN.

The Albaicin is the old Moorish quarter of the city and is located on a hill facing the Alhambra. The Zirid monarchs established a court here iin the 11^th century although only the crumbling perimeter walls remain. The legacy of the Albaicin is the myriad of winding, narrow, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, occasionally opening onto small squares that take you back in time....

SACROMONTE.

The museum of caves in the Sacromonte is situated in Granada, close to the Albaicin and opposite the Alhambra. Here it is possible to visit the caves and also to find out about the geography, vegetation and landscape of the region.

SCIENCE PARK.

The Science Park is easily accessible and provides a very modern alternative visit in the city. It houses several buildings that explore different aspects of science and includes a Planetarium.

SIERRA NEVADA.

The city of Granada is overlooked by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snow capped for much of the year they rise to 11,000 feet and provide an opportunity to visit a different landscape. It is possible to visit a ski resort for chocolate con burros and do a visitor questionnaire – in Spanish of course. In the foothills of the mountains is the village of La Calahorra and one of Spain’s best castles which hides an amazing Renaissance interior.

MALAGA.

If the return flight is a late one, why not spend a day in Malaga on your way to the airport? The renowned Picasso museum, opened in 2003, a visit to the bull ring, some shopping or a little time on the beach can be built into the return journey.

GAUDIX.

Gaudix is off the beaten track and is a large bustling country town with a character all of its own. The history dates back to Phoenecian and Roman times and the ochre terrain and whitewashed buildings contrast with the snow covered peaks of the mountains. Gaudix is unusual as 2000 inhabitants are troglodytes and live in cave dwellings.