The Secrets of the Alhambra - Small group tour

Granada , Spain

The Secrets of the Alhambra - Small group tour

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(104 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes...and that is actually our goal with this tour: To show you the famous "Alhambra and Generalife" from another perspective.

History and legend are intermingled in this jewel of the Nasrid dinasty of Al-Andalus that perfectly combines water, light, architecture and vegetation.

Do you want to know the symbolism behind each of these elements?

Esotericism, sufism, astrology, mythology... interesting, isn't it?

The Alhambra walls and fountains are actually a book full of poetry, religion and political propaganda, where we can also read the function of its rooms in the voice of a beautiful woman speaking with a delicate voice to the visitor.

Together we will experience the same overwhelming feeling of those ambassadors coming to visit the Nasrid king and its piece of paradise on earth...

Thousands book guided tours to the Alhambra every year...do they all come back home knowing its secrets?

Available options

Small Group in Spanish. 15 pax

Small Group in Italian. 15 pax

Small Group in English. 15 pax

What's included

Small group of maximum 15 people

English, Italian or Spanish speaking guide, you choose

Headsets included, for groups larger than 6 people

Entrance tickets to Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba

Guaranteed to skip ticket desks

Local expert guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Three palaces form this enclosure: the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares (Yusuf I) and the Court of the Lions (Mohammed V).

The Alcazaba, or fortress, is the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was built in the mid-13th century by the Sultan Alhamar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty.

Stop 3

The complex consists of the Patio de la Acequia (Court of the Water Channel or Water-Garden Courtyard), which has a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions, and the Jardín de la Sultana (Sultana's Garden or Courtyard of the Cypress).

Stop 4

The Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance building in Granada, southern Spain, located on the top of the hill of the Assabica, inside the Nasrid fortification of the Alhambra. The building has never been a home to a monarch and holds the Alhambra's museum.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

32 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

72 reviews

5★

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

VERY IMPORTANT: Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

VERY IMPORTANT: A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Audio-sets will be included, always for free, if the group is finally larger than 6 people

Dress code is smart casual

Please notice that the tour might be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances in relation to tickets availability, even though our cancellation rate is on average less than 0.3% annually. Alhambra tickets are limited and sometimes, they just may not be available for very concrete reasons. We do have a success rate of over 99% in obtaining them for our customers due to our full dedication and long experience. Please rest assured because this happens very rarely and you are in good hands. The above information is just to inform you about how the Alhambra's ticket sales system operates and all the travel agents proceed in the same way.

You must bring the same document that you use during the booking process.

Meeting point

Once in front of the Alhambra tickets’ area, please go right towards the Polinario Café Bar and your guide will be waiting for you in the bench on the right.

Important notes

• Meeting time might be earlier or later depending on access time to the Nasrid Palaces that day. Please check your email for updates.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Entrance tickets will be provided by your guide
• Audio-sets will be added if group finally larger than 6 people

About Granada

Granada is a city in southern Spain known for its rich Moorish heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to the iconic Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the city's historical significance and architectural brilliance.

Top Attractions

Alhambra

The Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the Moorish heritage of Granada. It is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Architecture 3-4 hours €14-€27

Albaicín

Albaicín is a historic Moorish district known for its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the Alhambra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for its unique charm and cultural significance.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a gypsy quarter known for its cave houses, flamenco performances, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life in Granada.

Cultural/Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, flamenco shows vary in price

Cathedral of Granada

The Cathedral of Granada is a stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is one of the most important religious buildings in Spain and a must-visit for its historical and architectural significance.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours €5

Granada Science Park

The Granada Science Park is an interactive science museum that offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It features a planetarium, aquarium, and various interactive exhibits.

Museum/Science 2-3 hours €6-€12

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tapa

A small dish typically served with drinks, often free with the purchase of a beverage. Common tapas include olives, cheese, ham, and seafood.

Appetizer Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Gazpacho

A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

Soup Vegetarian and vegan-friendly

Salmorejo

A thick, cold soup made from tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil, often topped with ham and hard-boiled eggs.

Soup Vegetarian option available (without ham and eggs)

Plato Alpujarreño

A traditional dish from the Alpujarras region, featuring a variety of meats (such as ham, sausage, and pork), potatoes, eggs, and sometimes blood sausage.

Main Course Contains meat and pork products

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Nevada Rock climbing Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Nerja Spa treatments Strolling through Albaicín Visiting the Alhambra Exploring Albaicín and Sacromonte

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

This is the best time to visit Granada as the weather is pleasant, and the city is not overly crowded. It's perfect for exploring the outdoors and visiting the Alhambra.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Granada is generally safe for travelers, but common sense and basic precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets and tourist attractions
• Use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be wary of distractions and common scams, such as fake petitions or spilled drinks

Getting there

By air

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Granada Station

By bus

Granada Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a cost-effective way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Albaicín Sacromonte Realejo Alaycín

Day trips

Alpujarras

70 km from Granada • Full day

The Alpujarras is a picturesque region in the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its white villages, terraced landscapes, and traditional way of life. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Andalusian culture and stunning natural beauty.

Sierra Nevada

30 km from Granada • Full day

Sierra Nevada is a stunning mountain range offering year-round outdoor activities, including skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The area is also home to the famous Pradollano ski resort.

Nerja

50 km from Granada • Half day to full day

Nerja is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and the famous Balcón de Europa, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Festivals

Feria de Granada • August (dates vary) Semana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary) Corpus Christi • May or June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Book tickets for the Alhambra well in advance, as they sell out quickly
Explore the city's historic neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Take advantage of the free tapas tradition by trying different bars and restaurants
Visit the Alhambra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and immerse yourself in the culture