DAYS
6
TOUR CODE
SVAN-27
COST
£2295
DAYS
6
TOUR CODE
SVAN-27
COST
£2295
History and culture intersect in the vibrant capital of Andalusia, renowned for its breathtaking architecture – from the Moorish Alcázar Palace to the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences of the cathedral and Plaza de España.
Overview
Cultural Breaks
This tour is part of our new series of cultural breaks, specially designed for the more independent traveller. These tours benefit from the same high level of cultural content as our standard tours with time also given to independent exploration. As they tend to be based in city centres, these tours typically make more use of public transport as an easier and quicker way of accessing sites. The Tour Director and Tour Manager will also be on hand throughout to introduce travellers to some of the lesser known sites and recommend local places to wine and dine. Read more about our Cultural Breaks here.
Founded in the 2nd century BCE as a Roman city, Seville boasts a rich cultural heritage where the echoes of ancient Rome, the ornate beauty of Mudéjar craftsmanship and futuristic modern aesthetics coexist in harmony. From the intricacy of its cathedral to the grandeur of its Alcázar, on this new tour to the ‘Pearl of Andalusia’ we will consider its enduring historical and architectural legacy, examining how different civilisations and cultures have shaped its unique identity.
“Seville is a vibrant, eclectic city where Islamic art, Jewish heritage, Christian grandeur, and the legacy of exploration remain woven into the urban fabric"
– Tour Director Meg Bernstein
At the Antiquarium – a remarkable subterranean archaeological complex – we will descend into the earliest layers of the city’s narrative. This unique site is an extraordinary time capsule of habitation, with vibrant Roman mosaics and the foundations of a 1st century CE fish-salting factory, offering insight into the city's ancient trade links, alongside delicate Almohad-era dwellings. Concealed beneath the colossal, futuristic structure of the Metropol Parasol – locally known as ‘Las Setas’ – the Antiquarium offers an architectural juxtaposition, where the city’s deep roots are seamlessly ingrained into the fabric of its present cityscape.
Our journey continues to the magnificent Alcázar, renowned as one of Europe's oldest royal palaces still in use today. Here, we will immerse ourselves in the beauty of its stunning Mudéjar architecture, a rich blend of Christian and Islamic design traditions. Beyond its architecturally impressive halls, the palace boasts intricate gardens, serene reflecting pools and the fascinating Salón de Embajadores, celebrated for its fabulous, celestial ceiling.
This fusion of Islamic and Christian artistic influences extends to the nearby Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, which stands as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Built on the site of a 12th century Almohad Mosque, the church is famous for housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus and its iconic bell tower – the Giralda. Its main altarpiece, widely regarded as the largest in Christendom, features over 200 sculpted figures and 44 finely detailed reliefs.
Visits to some of Seville’s palaces will offer a glimpse into Spain’s aristocratic history. Famously described as the ‘best paved palace house in Europe’, the 16th century Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is home to an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics. By contrast, the 15th century Palacio de las Dueñas, which currently serves as a residence for the House of Alba, is celebrated for its stunning blend of Gothic-Mudéjar and Renaissance architecture.
A visit to the Real Maestranza de Caballeria, or ‘Catedral del Toreo’, will trace Seville's aristocratic traditions back to the 13th century. Widely known as the cradle of modern, foot-based bullfighting, it stands as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious bullrings. Architecturally, the Maestranza is a magnificent example of 18th century Baroque design, featuring a striking white and orange façade alongside its iconic entrance – Puerta del Príncipe. While its purpose is controversial, this historic ring remains an important symbol of the city's cultural legacy and identity.
Originally fortified by imposing city walls, the remnants of which can still be seen around the city and interlaced into its modern border, Seville was transformed into a major naval trading centre during the Age of Discovery, igniting a ‘Golden Age’ of unmatched opulence and wealth. Constructed in the 13th century, the Torre del Oro served as a defensive fortress, controlling river traffic and protecting the city's port from naval attacks, and today, is appropriately home to the naval museum where we will discover another aspect of the city's narrative. Nearby, travellers will have the option to visit the Fundación Nao Victoria and Museo Exploraterra, which offer unparalleled insights into this fascinating history.
Tour Director
Meg Bernstein
Meg Bernstein is an experienced lecturer and art historian who brings medieval art and architecture vividly to life.
Meg Bernstein, PhD, is an art historian specialising in medieval European art and architecture. She earned her PhD in Art History from UCLA in 2019, following earlier degrees from Smith College, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Yale University. Her academic career has included fellowships at the Courtauld Institute of Art, the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and the University of York where she received a Fulbright US Scholar award in History of Art. A lecturer in medieval art, Meg has taught courses on medieval visual culture, materiality, and architecture at a variety of institutions across the US and UK.
– ACE customer on a 2025 tour
Our Accommodation
We will be staying at the four-star Hotel Boutique Palacio Pinello. This 15th century house, once the residence of Genoese merchant Francisco Pinello, is situated in the heart of the Barrio Santa Cruz. Beautifully blending historical character with authentic Sevillian aesthetics, this establishment features original coffered ceilings, interior courtyards and exquisite Mudéjar details. Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace offers spectacular views over the city, including over the nearby Giralda and cathedral.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Gatwick 0755 on British Airways, arriving Seville 1140. Transfer to Palacio Pinello for five nights. Orientation walking tour to view the city’s architecture, including Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish Quarter). Welcome and introduction.
Day 2
Visit to the Basílica de la Macarena, city walls and General Archive of the West Indies. Afternoon: guided visit of the Alcázar followed by free exploration. Free evening.
Day 3
Morning: Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador followed by guided tour of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See and La Giralda. Afternoon walking tour of Plaza España followed by free exploration. Free evening.
Day 4
Morning: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija followed by the Antiquarium and Setas. Afternoon: Palacio de las Dueñas followed by free exploration and free evening.
Day 5
Morning: Real Maestranza de Caballeria (historic bullring with museum featuring matador costumes, historical posters and artefacts) followed by free time. Afternoon: Torre del Oro. Optional visit to Fundación Nao Victoria and Museo Exploraterra. Evening flamenco show and dinner.
Day 6
Depart Seville 1340, arriving London Heathrow 1530.
Please Note: Tour departs London Gatwick airport and returns to London Heathrow airport.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer. Sites can experience last minute closures owing to staffing or local events. Sometimes temporary exhibitions or restoration works will take place at shorter notice, and this may affect which parts are accessible. It may, therefore, be necessary to confirm certain visits closer to departure, adjust arrangements on the ground, or change certain visits to exterior-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
A good level of fitness is required for this tour, as a number of visits will be made on foot, and participants should be aware that walking around the historical cities and sites involves traversing uneven ground, cobbled streets and some uphill sections with at times demanding gradients. For more details on ACE’s minimum fitness requirements, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £140.
Cost Details
Seville: Pearl of Andalusia
January 11 - 16, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, five breakfasts, two dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, cosy double room for single use supplement £295.
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