Golf & Culture in Andalucia
7 Days
from
$4,669
to
$5,145
per person*
Highlights:
Andalusia
(Casares, Ronda)
,
Costa del Sol
(Malaga)
Trip Start/End:
Malaga
/
Malaga
Andalucia is truly a golfer’s paradise! Andalucia's climate encourages year round play, and the region has a multitude of great courses including Andalucia’s newest luxury hotel and golf resort, Finca Cortesin, (arguably the best in all of Spain). Only 40 minutes west along the coastline from Malaga, Finca Cortesin Golf Club, is quickly showing why it is becoming a must-play course destination. Finished in 2006, the course was recently named the new home of the Volvo World Match Play Championship. Divide your time between Casceres and the picture-perfect town of Ronda, which boasts an impressive gorge which divides the town in two. When you are not practicing your short game, spend time exploring the area on private guided tours showcasing the rich history and culture of the region, luxuriate in sumptuous accommodations and revel in the appetizing local cuisine.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Malaga - Casares
| - Spain - Welcome Package
- Transfer - Private - Malaga - Casares [1hr 15mins] - Vehicle/Driver
- Finca Cortesin: Round of Golf - Green Fees - 18 holes
- Finca Cortesin: Restaurants on-site
| Finca Cortesin (5*) (B)
Junior Suite ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Casares
| - Private - 1/2 d Mijas & Wine Museum with lunch & Wine tasting (4hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/(Guide-2hrs)
- Finca Cortesin: 1 Indoor & 2 Outdoor Pools with pool bars
- Dinner (not included)
| Finca Cortesin (5*) (B)
Junior Suite ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Casares
| - Private - Finca Cortesin: Jack Nicklaus Coaching Studio - 1hr
- Finca Cortesin - Optional Lunch at Golf Club House
- Afternoon at Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Finca Cortesin (5*) (B)
Junior Suite ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Casares - Ronda
| - Transfer - Private - Casares - Ronda [1hr 15mins] - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (4hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Time at leisure in Ronda
- Dinner at leisure: Optional Fine dining restaurant:Tragabuches
| Parador Ronda (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Ronda
| - Private - 1/2 d Winery Visit (4hrs) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Time at leisure in Ronda
- Dinner (not included)
| Parador Ronda (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Ronda - Malaga
| - Transfer - Private - Ronda - Malaga [Airport, 1hr 40 mins ] - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 Day Picasso Museum & Baroque Cathedral (4 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Malaga
| - Optional Round of Golf
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Andalusian Town
Schilo Restaurant
Finca Cortesin
Day 1: Malaga - Casares
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Transfer from Malaga to Casares in a private chauffeur driven vehicle. The transfer should take just over one hour.
Enjoy a round of golf today. Designed by Cabell Robinson, the Finca Cortesin Golf Club is set in the foothills of the Casares Mountain range and measures almost 7,000 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest courses in all of Europe. Although attractive to the big hitter with its long holes and wide-comfortable fairways, the course is kept competitive by elevating tee boxes and bringing the Mediterranean Sea breezes into play. By using five tee sets, placing over 100 bunkers in challenging locations, containing championship pin positions on bunker-protected sloping greens, and utilizing the water that comes into play on five holes, Robinson makes the Par 72 course attractive to players of all abilities. Look no further than the signature 13th hole to see all of the elements put into action.
Avail of any of the three onsite restaurants. The Schilo Signature restaurant features a mix of Arabic and Asian influences, indeed, some of the spices are actually cultivated in the hotel garden. The "El Jardin de Victor" restaurant focuses on traditional Iberian food. Finally, the "Don Giovanni" restaurant serves exquisite Italian fare under the guidance of Master Chef Andrea Tumbarello.
Accommodation: Finca Cortesin (5*) (B) The newly opened luxurious Finca Cortesin Hotel (5*) stands proudly amidst 530 acres between Sotogrande and Marbella. The original finca – a traditional farmhouse- remains while the other buildings have been recently built keeping true to the ambiance of the original building. The all-suite resort has 67 suites nestled within a raised horseshoe curve golf course. The resort has no less than three onsite restaurants, a world class spa, three pools, and a championship golf course and Jack Nicklaus Academy. Behind the property Andalucia´s hills begin their rise into the distance and with the coast only about half a mile away, the resort affords sweeping ocean views. Indeed, on clear days one can see all the way to Morocco. Please note that the Schilo Restaurant and El Jardin Restaurant, which offer quite formal dining are open in low season, while in medium and high season there are more options such as the beach club restaurant, the pool restaurant and Don Giovanni, Italian restaurant.
Finca Cortesin Outdoor Pool
Day 2: Casares
Spend the day exploring the hinterlands in the company of a private chauffeur driven vehicle with an English speaking guide. One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level. It is a great example of the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalucia, and has managed to retain much of its quaint traditions, one of which being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. Explore the town with your guide in the web of narrow cobbled streets complete with terraces overflowing with geraniums, red tile roofs and archways. Mijas has one of the country's few oval bullrings (it's also small) and some interesting churches and other monuments giving insight to its past: Roman, Moorish and Spanish. After your exploration, enjoy a visit to the Wine Museum where, with the explanations of an expert, you will learn about the variety and secrets of the different wines of Málaga followed by a wine tasting and a gourmet sampling menu.
The Hotel Finca Cortesín offers an indoor heated pool and two outdoor pools, one of 35 meters and the other of 50 meters, both equipped with pool-bars and surrounded by abundant gardens rich with trees from the area. In the Pool Bar 50 you will be able to try bespoke cocktails while enjoying the Andalucian sun. The best place to try Arabian mezze, lamb or fish kebabs and a variety of fresh pastas and salads influenced by Middle Eastern flavors or any other kind of comfort food is the Pool Bar 35.
Accommodation: Finca Cortesin (5*) (B) 
Golf Course
Day 3: Casares
The Jack Nicklaus coaching studio designed by Jack Nicklaus gives golfers the chance to gain one on one attention with a pro, and get feedback on their swing or putting stroke through the application of the latest in integrated technologies. The use of the finest evaluation and analysis tools in the world speeds up the learning process so you can reach a level of playing your "A" game. Spend time today with a private lesson where you will be given instruction on areas that you would like to brush up on; whether it be improving your long game, short game or putting.
Located at the entrance of Finca Cortesin’s golf course and with stunning views to the Mediterranean Sea you will find the Club House. Including a small shopping area and a spacious terrace from where you can appreciate its peace, tranquility and fresh air, it is definitely the best place to relax after a memorable and exciting golf day. The gastronomic selection is based on a proper golfer´s menu with healthful salads, club sandwiches, pasta and hamburgers.
In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.
Accommodation: Finca Cortesin (5*) (B) 
Ronda
View of the hotel
Day 4: Casares - Ronda
Enjoy the drive from Casares to Ronda today in the comfort of your private, chauffeur driven vehicle. The transfer should take about one hour and 15 minutes.
Spend half of the day in the company of a local guide for a walking tour of Ronda. One of the oldest cities in Spain, Ronda retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the Guadalevín river through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains. Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, today glimpsed once a year at the spectacular Feria Goyesca. The bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, has now a museum, and visitors can stroll out into the arena.
Ronda has a dizzying number of historical sites and monuments from various periods from Prehistoric, to Dolmen, Roman, Arab, to Gothic and more. Take time to explore this fascinating town visiting the particular places of personal interest.
There are many great restaurants to choose from in Ronda - not least the wonderful Michelin starred restaurant of Tragabuches which specializes in creative Andalucian cuisine. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like a reservation made for you at Tragabuches.
Accommodation: Parador Ronda (4*) Ronda Parador is situated in the former town hall, in the centre of the city. It is located in a very privileged spot next to the emblematic Puente Nuevo in Ronda. From the windows guests may appreciate the unique views of the Tagus, a gorge with depths of 120 meters deep. Inside colorful materials adorn the sofas and have been made into curtains. These bright and spacious living rooms have an abundance of plants while the bedrooms and comfortable split-level suites have beautiful views of the town or the swimming pool. The menu in the Parador restaurant has local and international dishes. There is a special menu for those on a gluten free diet.
Day 5: Ronda
The Bodega Finca Los Frutales represents a fascinating and productive visit while you are in the Ronda area. It is situated near the ruins of Roman Ronda la Vieja where the wine was so famous they minted coins showing vines, and the area also has many Muslim influences. The journey of about 20 minutes from the historic city of Ronda centre to the bodega is a pleasure in itself. You will have views of the once bandit-ridden Serranía de Ronda, as well as views of the city itself, and on approaching the bodega, you will see it beautifully situated on a south facing slope resembling a French Château. Like all Ronda bodegas, it is small but perfectly formed. The oenologist will show you how the wines are made, taking you through the press house, the fermentation room with its huge stainless tanks, and on into the aromatic ageing warehouse, full of barrels of delicious wine, and finally into the bottling hall. He will also explain the totally organic viticulture practiced there, and of which they are justly very proud. After the tour of the bodega, enjoy a tasting of the five different wines accompanied by Iberian Ham and olives - a staple of the area.
Ronda has a dizzying number of historical sites and monuments from various periods from Prehistoric, to Dolmen, Roman, Arab, to Gothic and more. Take time to explore this fascinating town visiting the particular places of personal interest.
Accommodation: Parador Ronda (4*) 
Malaga
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
Day 6: Ronda - Malaga
You will be transferred to Malaga in a private chauffeured vehicle today. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the drive.
Enjoy a private half day tour in Malaga today in the company of an English speaking Guide and in a comfortable vehicle as you explore the wonderful Picasso museum. The museum was in response to Picasso's own desire for his work to be shown in his own home town. The 233 works in the collection cover Picasso's revolutionary innovations as well as the wide range of style, materials and techniques he mastered. Marvel at this great Masters works of art before you are brought to the magnificent Baroque Cathedral in the city. After having had some time to explore the interior of the structure, you will be transferred back to your hotel or left in the city centre if you wish to do some independent exploring.
Accommodation: Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro (4*) Standing on the hill alongside the city's landmark Moorish Fortress, you get magnificent views of the port, the Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the grand leafy avenues below. Its impressive façade is made entirely of stone and wood and the interior offers an atmosphere of old-fashioned luxury and comfort where you can relax in peace.
Day 7: Malaga
Consider playing a final round of golf this morning at one of the many coastal golf courses around Malaga.
Enjoy your private airport transfer.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesin Private Villa
Finca Cortesin (5*) (B) - Casares
The newly opened luxurious Finca Cortesin Hotel (5*) stands proudly amidst 530 acres between Sotogrande and Marbella. The original finca – a traditional farmhouse- remains while the other buildings have been recently built keeping true to the ambiance of the original building. The all-suite resort has 67 suites nestled within a raised horseshoe curve golf course. The resort has no less than three onsite restaurants, a world class spa, three pools, and a championship golf course and Jack Nicklaus Academy. Behind the property Andalucia´s hills begin their rise into the distance and with the coast only about half a mile away, the resort affords sweeping ocean views. Indeed, on clear days one can see all the way to Morocco. Please note that the Schilo Restaurant and El Jardin Restaurant, which offer quite formal dining are open in low season, while in medium and high season there are more options such as the beach club restaurant, the pool restaurant and Don Giovanni, Italian restaurant.
- View of Parador of Ronda
Parador Ronda (4*) - Ronda
Ronda Parador is situated in the former town hall, in the centre of the city. It is located in a very privileged spot next to the emblematic Puente Nuevo in Ronda. From the windows guests may appreciate the unique views of the Tagus, a gorge with depths of 120 meters deep. Inside colorful materials adorn the sofas and have been made into curtains. These bright and spacious living rooms have an abundance of plants while the bedrooms and comfortable split-level suites have beautiful views of the town or the swimming pool. The menu in the Parador restaurant has local and international dishes. There is a special menu for those on a gluten free diet.
- Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro (4*) - Malaga
Standing on the hill alongside the city's landmark Moorish Fortress, you get magnificent views of the port, the Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the grand leafy avenues below. Its impressive façade is made entirely of stone and wood and the interior offers an atmosphere of old-fashioned luxury and comfort where you can relax in peace.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Spain
VISA/PASSPORT
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Spain for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/spain.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Madrid.
Government: Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.
Language: The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano). Catalan (in the northeast, with variations spoken in Valencia and The Balearics), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque (in the north, bordering France) are also spoken.
Religion: There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Time: Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.
Telephone: Country code +34.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good throughout most of the country.
Internet: There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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