A TASTE OF SEVILLE Gastronomy and Artistic Heritage in the Capital of Andalusia | Limited availability
6 days | £3425 per person with flights | 22 - 27 April 2025
Gastronomy and Artistic Heritage in the Capital of Andalusia
Seville, founded (it is said) by Hercules, was praised by Lorca for its oranges and women. Its location on the Guadalquivir River made it a natural entry point for Atlantic trade, and it grew rich on Spain’s plunder from the Americas. The city’s wealth in its 16th century golden age can be seen in its private palaces, most notably the spectacular Alcazar, originally the seat of Moorish kings. The city also has a rich artistic history. Two of Spain’s great painters, Velázquez and Murillo, were born in Seville and examples of their work can be found in Seville’s marvellous galleries alongside countless other treasures. However, the glories of Seville cannot be enjoyed through sight alone. From the meltingly delicious Jamón Ibérico, to the crisp, jewel-toed sherry and exquisite tapas served in Seville’s charming and lively tapas bars, is as vital a sense as any other in the exploration of this city. Join Sue Rollin on this Art Pursuits tour, a joyful celebration of art, architecture and gastronomy in the seductive capital of Andalucia.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning flight from London to Seville. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a wine and tapas tasting together.
Day 2
Leave our hotel on foot to explore the narrow streets of Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter. We visit the Hospital de los Venerables, which has an outstanding collection of paintings and sculptures by masters such as Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán, and then continue to the cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, built in the 15C on the site of the 12C great mosque. Christopher Columbus and his son Diego are buried there. There is an opportunity to climb the Giralda, the 105m-high bell tower which was once the minaret of the mosque. After a group lunch together, we see the magnificent baroque church of El Salvador and continue to the Casa de Pilatos, one of Seville’s most beautiful palaces, a mixture of Renaissance and Mudéjar styles, embellished with fine azulejos. Independent dinner.
Day 3
Morning excursion by coach to the extensive ruins of Roman Italica, birthplace of the emperor Trajan, which boasts a large amphitheatre and villas with well-preserved mosaics. We return to Seville by coach to the Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The tiled walls of the huge semi-circular complex represent the different provinces of Spain. Independent lunch and afternoon at leisure. Reconvene in the evening for a meal together.
Day 4
Our first visit this morning is to Real Alcázar, the former royal palace, an exquisite example of the decorative Mudéjar style, which draws on Islamic art to achieve striking results. We continue to the Archive of the Indies, housed in the old merchants’ exchange. Moving on to Triana for free time to visit the food market and enjoy an independent lunch within. Crossing back over the river, we visit the Santa Anna church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, renowned for its intricate design and rich historical significance. Optional visit to the Torre d'oro, a majestic 13th-century watchtower, originally built to protect the city's riverbank, which today stands as a symbol of Seville's maritime history and a popular landmark along the Guadalquivir River. We regroup in the evening for a flamenco performance at the Casa de la Memoria, followed by an included meal.
Day 5
All day excursion north-west of Seville by coach to the Sierra de Aracena where the acorn-fed Iberian pigs are bred. We visit a ham producer to learn about the curing process of the famous jamón iberico and enjoy a guided tasting. We continue to a nearby Ibérico farm and take a stroll through the Dehesa forest where the pigs roam free. There is a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before we return to Seville for a farewell meal together.
Day 6
This morning we visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, housed in a beautiful former convent, which has a fine collection of Spanish art, considered second only to that of the Prado. We continue to the Casa de las Dueñas, former home of the Duchess of Alba, a splendid palace built in the 15C in Renaissance style with lovely gardens and Mudéjar patios. There is time for a leisurely independent lunch and some free time before our late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Hotel Las Casas de la Judería
Crossing the threshold of this hotel means immersing yourself in a Seville known to only a select few. Comprising of 27 traditional houses, it has 134 different rooms which are linked through 40 patios, gardens and a labyrinth of small passageways. The hotel Is located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter and just minutes away from the main landmarks. The remains of pedestals, Roman statues, amphoras, earthenware jugs, antiques and original furniture decorate each of its corners, giving it a unique atmosphere. Rooms are air conditioned and feature a TV, minibar and safe.
With Flights: £3425
Join Direct: £3275
Single Supp: £320
Deposit: £450
Departure Dates:
22 - 27 April 2025
Duration:
5 nights / 6 days
Your Holiday Includes:
- Scheduled return flights between London and Seville airports
- Five nights' accommodation at Hotel Las Casas de la Judería in Seville
- Private coach transfers and excursions
- Three dinners and two lunches, one tapas and wine tasting
- Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
- Services of the tour lecturer and tour manager
- Detailed programme and study notes
- All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
Tour Lecturers
Sue Rollin
Sue Rollin specialises in the ancient and Islamic Middle East and Mediterranean. An archaeologist and linguist by training, she lectures for the Arts Society and the Art Fund and has led study trips in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Sue speaks Spanish, Italian, French and German and works regularly as an interpreter for international organisations. She is co-author of two travel guides: the ‘Blue Guide to Jordan’ and ‘Istanbul: A Traveller’s Guide’
Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.
Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.
Stamina
Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.
