Day 1: Seville – Tapas and Twilight
Land in Seville, where the air smells like orange blossoms and tapas bars hum with life. Check into a boutique hotel in Santa Cruz—think tiled courtyards and wrought-iron balconies. Drop your bags and head out by 4 p.m. for a private tapas tour with a local foodie guide. Hit tiny, hole-in-the-wall spots in Triana. Try espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpea stew) and crispy fried pescaíto. The sherry’s dry and cold—order a fino and let it sink in. Your guide’ll share stories of Seville’s food scene, maybe how the locals fight over who makes the best tortilla.
By 8 p.m., settle into a buzzing plaza for dinner at a taverna. Go for salmorejo, a chilled tomato soup that’s like summer in a bowl, and maybe some Iberian ham, sliced thin as paper. The vibe’s lively—locals laughing, glasses clinking. If you’re up for it, catch an impromptu flamenco show at a nearby peña. It’s raw, not touristy, and the guitar’ll give you chills. Crash at your hotel, dreaming of tomorrow’s flavors.
Day 2: Seville – Market Mornings and Flamenco Lessons
Wake up early, grab a café con leche at your hotel, and head to Mercado de Triana by 9 a.m. This market’s a riot of colors—red peppers, green olives, golden olive oil. Your private guide, maybe a chatty chef, walks you through stalls, picking out fresh ingredients for a cooking class later. Snag some manchego cheese to nibble; it’s nutty and perfect. You might fumble a bit bargaining with vendors—don’t worry, it’s part of the fun.
Mid-morning, roll up your sleeves for a private cooking class in a historic courtyard. Learn to make paella, the real deal with saffron and seafood, and maybe a gazpacho that’s fresher than anything back home. Eat what you cook, paired with a glass of crisp albariño. It’s messy, hands-on, and you’ll laugh when your paella sticks to the pan.
Afternoon’s for flamenco. Head to a small studio for a private lesson with a dancer who’s all passion and zero fluff. You’ll stumble through basic steps—zapateado, those stompy foot moves—but it’s a blast. Feel the rhythm in your bones; it’s Andalusia’s heartbeat. By 4 p.m., you’re free to wander Santa Cruz’s alleys. Pop into a tiny bar for a tinto de verano—red wine with lemon soda, so refreshing.
Dinner’s at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Giralda tower. Order carrillada, slow-braised pork cheek that melts, with a bold Rioja. The city glows at night, and you’ll feel like you’re in a painting. Back to your hotel, maybe sneak a nightcap on the terrace.
Day 3: Jerez – Sherry and Horses
Catch a morning train to Jerez (about an hour) and check into a charming hacienda-style inn. By 10 a.m., you’re at a family-run sherry bodega for a private tour. Walk through cool, dark cellars, smelling oak and sweet wine. Taste fino, amontillado, and creamy palo cortado straight from the barrel—your guide’ll explain why each one’s got its own vibe. You might get tipsy; it’s okay, sip slow. Buy a bottle of oloroso for home; it’s like liquid caramel.
Lunch is at a nearby tabanco, a traditional sherry bar. Try ajo blanco, a chilled almond soup, and grilled prawns with a glass of manzanilla. The locals might be singing; join in if you’re brave. Afternoon’s for Andalusian horses. Visit a private equestrian school to watch a dressage show—those stallions move like dancers. If you’re feeling bold, book a short riding lesson. No pressure, just fun.
Evening’s chill—dinner at a countryside finca, with a spread of grilled meats, roasted peppers, and patatas bravas. The star’s a dessert flan, wobbly and sweet. Sip a digestif under the stars, then back to your inn for a cozy night.
Day 4: Granada – Alhambra and Gypsy Vibes
Drive to Granada (about 2.5 hours) and settle into a boutique hotel near the Alhambra. By noon, you’re on a private tour of this Moorish masterpiece. The tilework and arches are unreal—architecture nerds, you’ll lose it. Your guide shares tales of sultans and poets, making the history pop. Wander the Generalife gardens after; the roses and fountains are pure romance.
Lunch is in the Albaicín, Granada’s old Muslim quarter. Find a taverna with a view and order lamb tagine or migas, crispy breadcrumbs with sausage. Pair it with a cold Alhambra beer—ironic, but tasty. Post-lunch, stroll the Albaicín’s steep, cobbled streets. It’s like stepping into Morocco, with whitewashed houses and jasmine in the air.
Evening’s for flamenco in Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter. Your private guide takes you to a cave venue—yes, a real cave—for a raw, soul-stirring show. The dancers’ heels and singers’ wails hit deep. Dinner’s nearby, maybe rabbit stew or grilled octopus, with a glass of Granada wine. You’ll feel the city’s pulse as you head back to your hotel.
Day 5: Granada to Seville – Farewell Feast
Morning’s for a lazy breakfast at your hotel—think churros dipped in thick chocolate. By 10, visit a local olive oil press for a private tasting. Drizzle peppery oil over bread; it’s simple but mind-blowing. You’ll learn how Andalusia’s “liquid gold” is made—nerdy but cool. Grab a bottle as a souvenir.
Drive back to Seville (2.5 hours) for a final afternoon. Wander the Alcázar, a palace with Moorish tiles and lush gardens. It’s quieter than the Alhambra, perfect for soaking in the details. If you’re shopped out, skip the markets and just chill in a plaza with an espresso.
Your farewell dinner’s a big one—a private chef’s table in a historic mansion. Expect a multi-course feast: think gazpachuelo (fish soup), oxtail croquettes, and a sherry-soaked dessert. The chef might join you, sharing stories of Andalusian food traditions. Raise a glass of Pedro Ximénez to your adventure—it’s sweet, dark, and the perfect end. Back to your hotel, buzzing with flavors and memories.
