Costa del Sol, Malaga, Seville and the Algarve by car
This itinerary can be adjusted to your personnel needs and preferences.
Highlights
- Independent tour at your own rhythm
- Centrally located hotels
- Discover 2 countries
- Costa del Sol
- Seville
- Algarve
- Malaga
- Sun, beach & discovery
- Spain’s & Portugal’s rich food culture and famous wines
Included
Flights
Arrival transfer
Accommodation
Car rental
All breakfasts
ITINERARY
Arrival in Malaga, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Visiting the Costa del Sol will be an opportunity to take a real “road trip” among some of the prettiest cities in southern Spain. Marbella and Malaga with its Moorish fortifications are waiting for you. Some of the classic activities in this area are hiking, diving and afternoons at the beach. We also recommend that you visit the town of Nerja and its wineries, where you will appreciate the presence of old paintings dating back to the Bronze Age.
For an unusual outing, take a half day to discover the Strait of Gibraltar, a busy migratory route for large marine mammals, some of which live in the area while some are just passing through. With a little luck you can witness the presence of sperm whales, orcas and dolphins.
You can also allocate some time to visit the local vineyards, such as Remsamem, Nilva or Bentomiz, where you will learn about local wine production and taste the finished products!
The Costa del Sol is also a veritable paradise for golf enthusiasts with 70 courses, some designed by world renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones.
In terms of food, you will surely find “shoes that fit” perfectly! Do not miss trying Espeto, sardines on wooden skewers, grilled over high heat on or near the beach. Served with drizzled lemon juice and a glass of white wine, it is a delicious and healthy local snack. The fish is served whole, but it is enough to chew the “meat” off the main backbone, leaving the head and the tip of the tail behind.
Meals: Breakfasts
Overnight in Costa del Sol
Pick up your rental car and head to the Algarve.Situated in the extreme southern part of Portugal, the region of Algarve is famous for its climate and lovely beaches. The best-known city in this area? Faro. You can also take advantage of driving along the coast to visit Lagos and Portimao.
This region is highly regarded for its hiking routes such as the Rota Vicentina or the Via Algarviana. There are also spots for amateur divers such as Albufeira, open to tourists.
After hiking and diving, take advantage of the area to relax in the sun. For those that love the night life, explore the Vilamoura Marina and sample one of its many restaurants. The days here pass quickly so make sure you don’t miss anything!
Foodies, take advantage of the proximity to the sea to taste the Bulhao Pato (clams in sauce), barbecued sardines and fresh fish and seafood. Also try the Lulas (braised squid), the Polvo (boiled octopus) and the Filetes de Pescada (hake fried in an egg batter).
Main activities in Algarve: Sun, beach, diving, water sports, hiking, visiting Faro, exploring grottos, enjoying the local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfasts
Overnight in the Algarve
Depart to Seville, a city that you will love. The Andalusian capital enjoys a rich history. With Greek, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman influences, it is characterized by its pleasant lifestyle, its famous “siesta” and its culinary and cultural heritage, specific to the region.
Begin your stay in Seville by discovering the Royal Alcazar, a former royal palace combining Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance structural elements, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue on to the famous Cathedral of Seville where you will discover sumptuous works of art as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Among other must-sees on this first day in Seville is a visit of La Giralda, an incredible minaret with 24 bell towers. On the way back down towards the city center, head to the Santa Cruz district, a labyrinth of narrow streets in which yellow, white, red and blue mingle colorfully. If you have some time left, visit the impressive Baroque Palace of San Telmo, built in 1682. It was formerly a university for navigators and is now the seat of the presidency of the Andalusian Autonomous Government.
Main attractions in Sevilla: Royal Alcazar, La Giralda
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Seville
Start your second day in Seville by walking through the Maria Luisa Park which will take you straight to Plaza Espana. This is a huge, oval space surrounded by a moat and topped with a long pavilion that features an elaborate design full of imaginative tilework. The Plaza Espana has served as a backdrop for several Hollywood productions including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.
In the afternoon, head to the Metropol Parasol, an interesting and amusing building with an unusual shape which claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world. You can buy a ticket for 3 Euros and walk along the summit to admire the view from its panoramic terraces. Conclude your day with a visit to the Real Maestranza, the Royal Bullring, the site of one of the best-known bullfighting festivals in the world. Bullfighting is subject of much debate, but this is a good place to learn about Andalusian history and tradition.
Regarding local places to eat, Casa Morales is an institution where tapas are a must. Melting carillada (braised pork cheek), albondigas (meatballs) and croquetas (fried croquettes stuffed with ham and cheese) are recommended. El Rinconcillo, where you can taste typical Sevillian tapas such as espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) is a tavern that is worth trying. Bodeguita Romero and Bodega Santa Cruz are also highly recommended, especially for the quality of their dishes but also their wines, which often come from Jerez, a nearby town.
Main attractions in Seville: Maria Luisa Park, Plaza Espana, Metropol Parasol.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Seville
Drive to Malaga. Founded in the Phoenician period, in 800 BC, Malaga later passed under Roman influence, as can be seen from the presence of an ancient theatre. A commercial city whose port made its reputation, Malaga is today a tourist hotspot in Andalusia with many sites to discover.
It would be unthinkable to miss exploring the sumptuous cathedral, but what may surprise you the most is the Alcazaba, a complex of Moorish and Roman foundations where you will find the ancient theatre. Then take time to climb up Mount Gibralfaro from where you have a splendid view of the city.
Back down in the city center, pass through Muelle Uno, a chic square in the city, facing the sea. There are also several museums to explore: the Picasso Museum, the Malaga Contemporary Arts Centre, and the Malaga Museum.
From a culinary point of view, you will end your stay in Spain in style! El Tintero is an establishment not to be missed if you love fresh fish and seafood. El Pimpi is a tapas restaurant that mixes excellent wines with complete fresh meals (we recommend the anchovies with vinegar). For a more rustic experience, choose La Alacena de Francis.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Costa del Sol
Drop off your rental vehicle at Malaga airport. Return flight to Montreal.
Meal: Breakfast
DATES
Daily departures
INCLUSIONS
This trip includes:
- Return flights from Montreal/Malaga
- Transfer from Malaga airport to the hotel
- 13 nights in double occupancy in a standard room, hotels according to the chosen category
- 13 breakfasts
- 9 days car rental category ‘C’ including unlimited mileage, CDW & TP insurances, local taxes
- Airport taxes
This trip does not include:
- Any activities, tours or entrance fees to monuments
- Car rental’s compulsory insurance and other additional services such as deductible insurance, rental of a GPS, second driver, a full tank is required when the vehicle is returned etc.
- Parking, tolls, fuel & fines
- Items of personal nature such as mini-bar, safety-box, wi-fi etc.
- Tips and baggage handling at airports/hotels
- Spain’s & Portugal’s tourist tax
- All types of travel or personal insurance
- PCR tests
- Anything not stated explicitly in the inclusions
- Contribution to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents: 3.50$ per 1000$
Featured Hotels
Package in standard hotels (or similar)
| Costa del Sol | Sol Don Pedro 4* |
| Algarve | Santa Catarina 3* |
| Seville | Sevilla Center 4* |
Package in superior hotels (or similar)
| Costa del Sol | Sol Don Marco 4* |
| Algarve | Pestana Dom Joao II 4* |
| Seville | Petit Palace Marques Santa Ana 4* |
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