Costa de la Luz

Traditional in style and pace, the Costa de la Luz is well placed for easy access to an array of Spain's highlights. Head to Andalucia's regional capital, Seville, discover the Columbus Trail and relax on sun-kissed beaches.

Overview

What's included

• 7 nights all inclusive in a 4-star hotel (own room)
• 21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
• Specialist Local Guide
• Farewell drink
• Overseas transfers & other transportation
• Porterage
• Audio Guide

Included excursions

• Seville tour
• The Columbus Trail
• Visit to Huelva

Optional excursions

• Tavira tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Faro

Join your fellow travellers in Punta Umbria, just across the border from Portugal on Spain's Costa de la Luz. We'll gather as a group this evening for a welcome drink before dinner.

Day 2 – Punta Umbria

You can spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel. It occupies a lovely location set on a peninsula with a river and estuary on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It's also just a few steps to the lovely golden-sand beach, so why not soak up the sun and take a dip in the clear waters here.

Day 3 – Seville

Today we include an excursion to the beautiful city of Seville, the regional capital of Andalucia. Take a stroll along citrus-lined streets, admire mighty churches, and visit the Alcazar, the royal palace built on the site of a Moorish fort. You could choose to head to the Plaza de España, a semi-circular complex which is home to monumental staircases, fountains and a beautifully tiled alcove for each of Spain's provinces. If you're feeling peckish, be sure to dip into some of the many tapas bars here. It's traditional to sample one or two dishes then move on to the next bar to try something different. Perhaps enjoy your tapas with a cool white sherry, another Andalusian speciality.

Day 4 – The Columbus Trail

Andalucia was a hugely significant location for Christopher Columbus, and the aptly named Columbus Trail pinpoints the main sites connected with this great explorer. On an included tour today, we will visit La Rabida Monastery, where Columbus stayed whilst waiting for financial backing from the Catholic monarchs for his voyage to the New World in 1492. We'll also head to the Harbour of the Caravels, to see full-size replicas of the three vessels that made this historic journey, the Santa Maria, Pinta and Niña.

Day 5 – Tavira

As we're so close to the border with Portugal we have the ideal opportunity today to join an optional excursion to Tavira, on the beautiful Algarve. The town's origins date back to around 2000 BC but in 1755 virtually all of its buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. However, it was rebuilt and is now home to fine 18th century architecture displaying Roman, Arab and Christian influences, as well as 37 churches.

On our visit we can admire the Roman bridge which spans the River Gilao, stroll along the riverbank, or perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink and lovely views from one of the pavement cafés.

Day 6 – Punta Umbria

Spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel. You might choose to relax by the swimming pool, treat yourself to a spa treatment or head to the beach.

Day 7 – Huelva

Today's included excursion takes us to Huelva, perhaps one of the oldest settlements in Spain, with a history dating back more than 5,000 years. On our tour we'll discover pretty plazas and historic monuments.

Day 8 – Departure Day

At the end of the tour, you can join your fellow travellers on a transfer to the airport or choose to make your own arrangements.