Begin in Seville, the capital of Andalucia. Make the most of your time by booking an early-access or skip-the-line tour of the Alcázar, the city’s most famous attraction and a Game of Thrones filming location. Many city sightseeing excursions also include the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic building—climb the towers for sweeping city views. Then, wander the town center, people watching in the Plaza de España or learning about the history of bullfighting at the Seville Bullring.

Flamenco was born in the streets of Seville, so don’t leave town without an evening of Spanish guitar, singing, and dancing in one of the city’s tablaos. Foodie option: combine a flamenco performance with a walking tapas tour.

Head south to one of Andalucia’s often overlooked gems, Jerez de la Frontera. Visits typically revolve around sherry, with tours hopping among bodegas to sample fortified wine from some of the city’s best producers.

With your luggage perhaps a few bottles heavier, continue to Andalucia’s charming white hill towns (or Pueblos Blancos). In Ronda, the largest, walk across the bridge over El Tajo Gorge, and tour the historic bullring. There are numerous other white hill towns to visit, many far off the beaten tourist path: stroll the hilly streets of the old Arabian town Arcos de la Frontera, climb to the reconstructed castle atop Zahara de la Sierra, or check out the whitewashed houses built into the cliffs in Setenil de las Bodegas.

For the final stretch, make your way northeast to Granada, one of the last strongholds of the Spanish Moors. Orient yourself with a walk around the old town—and dinner inside a cave.

On your last day, experience Granada’s star attraction, the UNESCO-listed Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Some 2.5 million tourists pass through the gates each year, so save time with a skip-the-line tour. A guide provides extra insight into the significance of the Alhambra’s ornate apartments, sparkling fountains, tranquil pools, and elaborate inscriptions.