Nat Geo Day Tour: Echoes of Al-Andalus in Malaga

Full day Tour of Cordoba during the Patio Festival

On this full day tour, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed old town of Cordoba in May, when it comes to life during the annual patio competition. You'll see the flower-festooned patios on a guided tour, discover the great mosque and enjoy free time to explore. Paco, one of our local guides, says, ‘Scratch beneath the surface in Cordoba, and you'll find the orient. Everywhere you look, the past stares back at you. And for a true flavour of modern Cordoba, make sure to try our trademark chilled salmorejo soup.'Once the biggest city in Europe, Cordoba offers up an exotic mix of Roman, Moorish, Christian and Jewish influences – all reflected in the old town. You'll set off on an extended walking tour of the San Basilio neighbourhood to see it all for your own eyes, while also taking in a couple of the patios decorated in flowers for the festival that takes place throughout May. They bring so much colour to the city and are eminently instagrammable. Afterwards, you'll be handed your ticket to enter the medieval mosque, or Mezquita – Cordoba's showpiece. Get the lowdown from your expert local guide on the history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts 800 two-tiered arches, honeycombed domes and many more treasures. Uniquely, it hosts a no-expense-spared decorated Renaissance cathedral in its core. There's also free time for lunch – why not head to La Juderia for a salmorejo? – and the chance to cross the famous Roman Bridge by foot.

Gibraltar Shopping

Gibraltar's shopping scene is surely unique. With plenty of tax-free goods, unique souvenirs, and vibrant shopping districts, this tour from Costa del Sol gives you roughly five hours to bag a bargain in this sunny slice of Britain.A scattering of Union Jack flags, red phone boxes and arched doorways gives Gibraltar town centre a distinctly British feel. And we'll drop you off in the heart of it for a spot of retail therapy. Pedestrianised Main Street is a great place to pick up everything from clothes to crystals. It has all the British high street chains as well as international brand boutiques. You'll find that electronic goods, spirits and tobacco are much cheaper in Gibraltar, too.Fashionistas will love the cosmopolitan waterfront-complex, Ocean Village, with a host of stylish boutiques, trendy shops, and high-end brands. Or, if you're after souvenirs to take home, a trip to Gibraltar's lively market is a must.

Mijas & Malaga Christmas Lights Tour

Step into Christmas for an afternoon of festive fun on the Costa Del Sol. With the bells ringing, we'll kick make our way to Mijas, the most popular whitewashed village on the coast. Here, you'll enjoy a seasonal treat of artisanal ring-shaped pastries and a festive assortment, paired with a glass of Muscat wine or anise liqueur. It's the perfect start to get into the festive mood. Next, we'll head to Malaga, a city that truly knows how to celebrate Christmas. You'll have some free time to explore the historic heart of the city, with its bustling holiday markets, local artisan stalls, and cosy cafes. Did you know Malaga was one of the first cities in Spain to decorate its streets with Christmas lights? Today, it's famous for its spectacular light displays – and you'll see why next. As evening arrives, it's time for the highlight of the day – the switching on of Malaga's famous Christmas lights. Watch as the streets come alive with colourful displays. It's a magical moment that's sure to leave you feeling Christmassy before we jingle back to the resort.

Seville Visit by Bravo

Seville was one of Europe's most important and wealthiest cities, made rich by the voyages of discovery – a fact reflected in its buildings to this today. This day trip featuring the Plaza de España, cathedral and Giralda as well as the Santa Cruz district is the perfect introduction to the Andalusian capital.To kick things off, a panoramic bus tour will give you a great overview of some of Seville's most impressive landmarks. Along the way, you'll stop at the Plaza de España, whose fountains, mini-canals, towers and hand-painted coloured tiles create a dreamlike scene.Then there's Seville's most important monument – the world's largest Gothic cathedral, with its famous Giralda, a one-time minaret converted into a belfry. And if you chose the guided tour, a local guide will give you expert insights on the cathedral and Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, during a walk. You'll also have free time to explore the city at you own pace – and make sure to sample some tapas along the way.