Prepare to step back in time to the days of Islamic Iberia during this morning’s locally guided tour around Córdoba Old Town. The highlight will be the spectacular UNESCO-protected Mezquita where we’ll marvel at the former mosque's mishmash of architectural styles – walking beneath orange and white striped Islamic arches and across glass floors which reveal the remains of ancient Roman mosaics. 

We’ll follow this up with a stroll around Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter. Wander past the bronze Maimónides Monument – dedicated to a famed medieval philosopher – and revel in the vibrant atmosphere of the artisan souk (known locally as El Zoco). Nestled in a small courtyard around the corner from the city’s 14th-century Synagogue, it’s the perfect spot to pick up local keepsakes like intricate silver filigree jewellery and hand-carved wooden puppets. 

Then, you’ll have another afternoon free to slow down and soak up Córdoba’s treasures. Tuck into some sugar-dusted churros at a cafe in Plaza del la Corredera: the site of the city’s bullring in the 16th century. Or settle down at a bodega to sip on a fifty-fifty – a heady local cocktail made with equal parts white wine and sweet sherry. Delicioso! 

Pomegranates are traditionally symbols of success and abundance – so it’s no surprise that Granada was named after this sweet, ruby-red fruit. The city has stood proudly at the foot of the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains for over 2,000 years, with its tapestry of incredible monuments a testament to its immense history. 

No visit would be complete without stepping foot in the ancient walled Alhambra fortress: one of the world’s best examples of Islamic architecture. The corridors of this intricately decorated complex whisper of enthralling stories – from the expulsion of the Moors in the late 15th-century to the bombardment of its towers by the French during the Napoleonic Wars. We’ll enjoy a guided tour around a few sections, remembering to pause and feast our eyes on the Alhambra's sweeping outlook across Granada’s Moorish old town. 

Then, you’ll have the rest of the day to weave your own path through Granada’s historical streets. Get lost in Albayzin's tangled web of lanes, admire the sunlight shining through the stained-glass windows of Granada Cathedral or clap your hands along to some flamenco at a cave bar in Sacromonte.  

There’s no better way to complete a day in Granada than settling down in a cosy local tapas bar. It’s still common for drinks to be served with complimentary tapas, too. A glass of full-bodied Tempranillo paired with fried anchovies or potatoes dipped in garlicky aioli? Yes, please!

Two words to sum up Seville? Charismatic and colourful. This ancient city has stood proudly on the banks of the tumbling River Guadalquivir for over 2,000 years, and it shimmers with architectural gems. We’ll delve into one of its most famous – the UNESCO World Heritage Alcázar of Seville – on a locally-guided tour. 

Then, the rest of the day is free to get lost in local Sevillian life. Centuries of history make up the rich tapestry of this city and you could easily spend several hours roaming rugged Roman ruins, hunting down Moorish mosaics or ambling leisurely around the sweeping, classical-era Plaza de España. Alternatively, embrace the contemporary at the Setas de Sevilla: a series of space-age, mushroom-like structures housing the city’s archaeological museum and a sprawling marketplace.  

And, finally, don’t forget to end your explorations with a refreshing glass of quintessential orange wine at one of the abundant bars in the atmospheric Santa Cruz neighbourhood.