Embark on a scenic day trip to the picturesque cliffside city of Ronda. Enjoy a guided tour of Ronda’s historical landmarks, including the dramatic Tajo Gorge and the historic bullring. Graze on the local specialties for lunch and participate in an olive oil tasting at LA Organic, followed by an exclusive flamenco performance and private paella dinner at a charming Andalusian country house.
Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Drive from Málaga to Ronda
Enjoy a scenic 1h30 min. coach ride from Málaga to Ronda, taking in the beautiful Andalusian countryside.
Walking tour of Ronda with our local guide
Ronda was founded by the Romans as a fortified settlement and it straddles two rock escarpments almost 400 feet above the rushing green Guadalevín River and a stone bridge connecting the two halves of the town. The old town has a lovely roofscape of pantiles and white walls and the houses have shady internal patios, splashing fountains and gorgeous floral tiles.
Our walking tour will of course include a visit to the Ponte Viejo, or Old Bridge, which dates to the 16th century and offers picturesque views of the Tajo gorge and river below. Whatever your feelings on bull-fighting, a visit to the massive, white-painted Real Maestranza bull ring is a must. The corrida is to key in Spanish culture and the actual building is so dramatic, with its red sand and massive banks of seats, and it’s probably the nearest you will ever get to seeing how the Romans ran their gruesome gladiatorial spectacles (not literally - the season here runs from November to February).
Other must-see stops include La Casa del Rey Moro, an 18th-century palace known for its lush gardens (home to several peacocks) and an impressive water mine staircase carved into the rock, leading down to the Guadalevín River. Visit Casa Museo Don Bosco, a charming house museum showcasing early 20th-century furniture and decorative arts with stunning views over the gorge. Explore the Arab Baths, dating back to the 13th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Moorish history of Ronda with its well-preserved warm, hot, and cold rooms.
Finally, if time allows, we will see the Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas and Iglesia de la Merced, a Carmelite convent since 1622 at the city’s highest point. This houses the incorruptible left hand of St. Teresa, seized by Franco in 1937: he is alleged to have kept it by his bedside and died clutching it. The convent is so significant that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (And equally significant, serves great pastries to sample, hand baked by the nuns!)
Lunch - Lunch & olive oil tasting at LA Organic + Philippe Starck Museum
Visit the LA Organic estate, renowned for its production of high-quality olive oil. Graze on local specialties, and learn about the art of olive oil production, its importance in Andalusian culture, and the estate's innovative approach. Pop into the newly opened museum next door, designed by the famous designer Philippe Starck, dedicated to ecological agriculture, the production of organic olive oil, gastronomy and culture.
Evening - Relax at Andalusian country house, La Cazalla
Arrive at La Cazalla and take some time to relax in this serene and picturesque setting. This spacious Andalusian ranch house in a sheltered valley, 10 minutes from Ronda, has an original Roman floor, whitewashed walls, a weathered tile roof, lush gardens and a lovely swimming pool.
Exclusive Flamenco Performance
Experience the passion and artistry of a private flamenco performance, a traditional Andalusian dance and music form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Cultural note: Flamenco is far more fascinating than just drumming heels and frothy dresses: listen to the rhythms, because you will hear sounds not just of Andalusia and its gypsy culture – some believe the pounding beat in the music comes from the sound of the anvil used by gypsy blacksmiths – but the sounds of India as well. Moorish and gypsy music and dance travelled from India via trading routes to southern Spain. (Note that the word ‘gypsy’, offensive in many western cultures, is widely used in Spain.)
Private Paella Dinner
Enjoy a paella dinner cooked up for us by our hosts, savoring this classic Spanish dish in our relaxed countryside home.
Return to Málaga
Board our private coach for the return journey to Málaga, arriving back by 10:30 p.m., capping off a day filled with cultural and historical discoveries.