Your 2-Week Vacation at Superior 4* Beachfront Amaragua Hotel Includes:

• Round-Trip Airfare
• Meeting and assistance on arrival
• Round-trip airport transfers in Costa del Sol
• 13 Nights at 4-star beachfront air-conditioned Amaragua Hotel in rooms with private bathroom and balcony.
• 26 MEALS as follows:
  13 Buffet Breakfasts
  10 Dinners at your hotel with wine, beer, bottled water, or soft drinks, (including a Farewell Dinner with wine, coffee, champagne, and special dessert the last night of your stay)
• 3 Dine-Around Dinners with wine, beer, or soft drinks at any of 10 selected local restaurants within walking distance from your hotel.
• 3 SIGHTSEEING TOURS from our Exclusive Discover Andalucia Series including a "Full Day Taste of a Village Tour" featuring a home-hosted lunch (Jan-mar).  During the rest of the season the included tours are:  Countryside Marbella/Mijas, Ronda, and Nerja/Frigiliana.
• Heated Indoor Pool & Spa at a fee to be paid locally.
• The exclusive services and assistance of a Sun Holidays Hostess.
• All hotel taxes and service charges.

PLEASE CHECK OUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOVER ANDALUCIA TOUR PROGRAM -
3 TOURS ARE INCLUDED WITH ALL PACKAGES:

All “Discover Andalucia” tours listed below have been carefully designed for Sun Holidays customers. Three of these tours are assigned to each traveler departing January 4-March 15. During the rest of the season the included tours are: Countryside Marbella & Mijas, Ronda, and Nerja/Frigiliana.

ANDALUCIA
The jewel of historic Spain, Andalucia is the country’s largest and most quintessential region. It offers genuine folklore, boundless sightseeing, rich history and culture, and scenic beauty.  The region occupies the entire southern Iberian Peninsula, including the provinces of Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga, and Seville. Andalucia has become a vacation Mecca for its charming villages, seaside resorts, excellent shopping, local seafood restaurants, olive and citrus groves, and year-round temperate climate. The exclusive “DISCOVER ANDALUCIA” tour series described below has been carefully designed to provide our customers with a unique perspective and deep appreciation of the land they are visiting. The selected itineraries, run and operated exclusively by Sun Holidays staff overseas, combine unique cultural, historical, and educational insights that will enliven your vacation experience.

ALHAMA DE GRANADA
This tour heads northeast to the province of Granada, crossing the Malaga mountain range. Some 40 miles southwest of the city lays ALHAMA DE GRANADA, (2.700 ft over the sea-level), with a population of 6.000 inhabitants, which was once capital of the last Moorish kingdom in Spain. Founded by “Turdule Iberians,” its origins date back to pre-Roman times. The Romans called it Artigi. During Muslim rule it took the name of Al-Haman ("The Bath") due to the curative properties of its thermal waters, becoming a place of “retreat” and relaxation for the nobility of the Moorish Kingdom.  Today it is still one of the most prestigious medicinal Spa facilities in the country. Due to its strategic location Alhama de Granada was a very important stronghold in the Nasrid kingdom and played an important role in The War of Granada. Besieged on several occasions by the Christians, it was not until 1482 when it was finally taken by the Duke of Arcos. Once we reach its old neighborhood,  we start a walking tour through its narrow, whitewashed streets, during which we’ll discover ancient vestiges of its past, the House of the Inquisition, (16th century), the Old Prison (17th century), the Old Grainery, (originally a 13th century Synagogue), and the main church of Our Lady of the Incarnation (15-16th century), the Museum of Liturgical Costumes, (15-17th century), and the Hospital of Queen Isabella (16th century). All monument entrance fees are included. After the guided tour, we’ll have some free time for lunch (not included) and to explore and then return to your hotel in Torremolinos.

PRIEGO DE CORDOBA
The tour begins passing the city of Malaga and crossing the Antequera valley, from where we head north through the mountain ranges of Andalucia, to PRIEGO DE CORDOBA. PRIEGO is the largest town in the region, located 2.000 ft. above sea-level, and is perched on the side of a deep gorge protected by “La Tiñosa Mountain” (4.800 ft.), the highest peak of the mountain range. This is a rich community of 22,500 inhabitants which rightfully prides itself of hosting the highest number of national monuments in the region, and for being the birthplace of Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, president of Spain’s II Republic, (1931-1936). Here, we start our discovery of its beautiful art visiting the Historical Municipal Museum, which also houses the Private Art Museum of “Adolfo Lozano Sidro”, renowned local artist of the XIX century. Then we visit the “Fountain of Health” (XVI) and the “Fountain of the King” (XVIII), with Versailles-like baroque pools and statues. Later we enter the labyrinth “Barrio de la Villa” (ancient part of the town), walking through its streets and squares to explore its rich and diverse past. Our visit will include a selection of the most outstanding examples of religious art: San Francisco Church (XVI-XVIII), and La Aurora Church (XVIII) built on the site of an old 15th century Shrine, both considered  “the jewels” of Cordoba’s baroque art. Upon exiting the “Barrio de la Villa” we will pass the town’s Moorish Castle (IX – XV). (All monument entrance fees are included). After the visit, there will be free time to explore and have lunch -not included- before returning to your hotel in Torremolinos.

ZUHEROS
Drive north of Malaga, through “Las Pedrizas” mountain, crossing the Antequera Valley, headed for the heart of Cordoba´s “sub-Betic” mountain range. Amidst rocky peaks containing vestiges of ancient human Stone Age settlements, we arrive at the town of ZUHEROS, surrounded by countless orchards of olive trees. This is a calm and charming village of just 900 inhabitants, located 2.000 ft. above sea-level, where time seems to stop. We begin visiting its interesting Museum of Popular Crafts, the largest one in the region, which exhibits are a genuine reflection of the town’s ancient social and economic customs, now disappeared including tools furniture, crafts, etc.   We walk through the main square to enjoy views of the village and the ruins of Zuheros’ ancient castle. (All monument entrance fees are included). Free time for lunch (not included) and to explore on your own. Late afternoon return to your hotel.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VILLAGE (Home-Hosted, Full Day)
This unique tour takes us through the Spanish countryside to feel the spirit and tradition of the ancient peoples of the Andalusian countryside and offers us the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, customs, and heritage. Passing by centuries-old routes traveled by Spain’s legendary kings and their entourage, bandits, and villagers. We will experience the changing terrain and breathtaking landscapes of “La Ruta del Aceite y Los Tajos” (route of the olive oil and the gorges) through the mountains of Malaga. Our first en-route stop is a traditional Andalusian roadside inn for a first glimpse into the history of the area before continuing to the Sierra village of Alfarnate (population 3.500)  where we stop to visit an Olive Oil Mill (producers of the best quality oil in the region) then go on to visit the beautiful sixteenth-century Church of Saint Ann.  After Alfarnate, we proceed to our final destination, the tiny village of Alfarnatejo (population 400).  After a warm welcome by the villagers and a glass of local sweet wine, our “host families” will invite us into their homes for a traditional midday meal (included). This authentic Andalucian day in a rural mountainside village is a life-enriching experience and one that you will probably cherish and remember for years to come.

ANTEQUERA (Full Day)
Antequera is located approximately 40 miles north of Malaga. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the city hosts the most important pre-historic burial dolmens in Europe. The Menga dolmen (2,500 BC) is a valuable example of genuine Megalithic art. The Romans appropriately named the city Antik-Aria (ancient area) and established seven enclaves, which flourished in this fertile land dotted with monuments, churches, palaces, and architecture that is testimony of centuries of ancient history. We will admire some well-preserved 17th and 18th-century convents, churches, and summer palaces. The valley offers a breathtaking view of the town below on our way to the ancient citadel. We will also visit the Moorish Alcazar, to see the ruins of the Roman Baths and the magnificent Renaissance Collegiate Church of St. Mary the Great (1505-1550). Visit the Palace of Najera (18th century), which houses an archaeological and fine art museum including the Roman hollow-bronze statue of the “Ephoebus of Antequera”, and a unique masterpiece statue of St. Francis of Assisi carved in wood by the renowned Spanish classic sculptor Pedro de Mena. There will be time for lunch (not included) in the town center. All monument admission fees are included.

All Discover Andalucia Tours listed above operate during January, February and March only. (Similar tours are included during the rest of the season). These tours are assigned by your hostess upon your arrival in Costa del Sol. Please be advised that some tours may not be available at all times. Lunch is always on your own except on the Day in the Life of a Village tour where the local families will invite you into their homes and offer you a home-cooked dinner. Please note that moderate to extensive walking is involved on some excursions. Check with your host for advice and, very important, make sure you sign in for your tours within 48 hours of your arrival. These tours are not exchangeable. Once you are committed and signed in for a tour, there can be no replacement or exchanges. If you can’t show up for whatever reason, you will regretfully forfeit the tour. Sun Holidays reserves the right to ultimately assign or change tours as deemed necessary due to weather, availability, or any other unforeseen circumstances. These tours may also be purchased locally from your hostess for approx. $39.

During the months of September, October, November, December, April & May, the packages include the following 3 tours:

RONDA (Full Day)
Spanning more than four centuries of Spanish architecture, this quaint town is sure to transport you back in time. One look at the famous “El Tajo” and the impressive sheer drop of the mountain cliffs illustrates its origins as a military stronghold. While in Ronda, marvel at its architectural variety, including the walled Old Town, a residential palace of nobility, the Cathedral, the bullring - the oldest existing in Spain - and the “Bullfight Museum.”  Free time for lunch on your own and shopping prior to returning to your hotel.

FRIGILIANA & NERJA (Full Day) 
Drive along the eastern coast of Malaga province to Frigiliana in the "Lower Axarquia" Region, where history traces back through Moorish, Roman, Greek, and Phoenician civilizations to the Bronze Age. Often called the most picturesque town in Andalucia, Frigiliana shows the indelible mark of ancient culture in its Moorish “Mudejar” neighborhood with its outstanding mosaic paved streets, immaculate white houses, and the cornucopia of colors provided by abundant flowers.  Free time is allowed to stroll this quaint town and perhaps taste its delicious locally made sweet wine.  The tour continues on to the site of the magnificent underground prehistoric Caves of Nerja.  Free time is provided for lunch (not included) and to visit this cave, often called “Nature’s Baroque Cathedral.” Admission fee to the cave is included. Afterwards, we drive to the old section of Nerja and then walk to the nearby “Balcony of Europe, ” set 100 feet above the sea and renowned for its spectacular views

COUNTRYSIDE: MARBELLA AND MIJAS
This tour heads from the coast and covers a number of charming towns in the rich Guadalhorce Valley including Alhaurin de la Torre and Alhaurin el Grande. A stop is included at Alhaurin el Grande’s Wholesale Farmers Market before continuing through the valley and the Sierra Blanca Mountains. This picturesque route leads past the white town of Monda, and then towards the Sierra Alpujata Mountains to the town of Ojen. After a brief stop in Ojen, head toward the coast to Marbella, where sightseeing of the old section of this enchanting town is included.  Marbella has long been a favorite destination of the rich and famous, and its beautiful scenery and coastline provide the perfect backdrop to this city. Departing Marbella, the coastal road leads to Fuengirola en route to Mijas, located about 1300 ft. above sea level and surrounded by the dramatic Sierra de Mijas Mountains. A sightseeing tour of the town is included as well as free time for shopping and lunch (lunch not included).

Optional Tours in Costa del Sol:

These are some OPTIONAL TOURS that may be purchased locally from your hostess after arriving in Spain (approximate rates in US $)

• Full Day Tour to Ronda with lunch: $54
• Full Day Tour to Granada with lunch: $88
• Full Day Tour to Seville with lunch: $81
• Full Day Tour to Tangier (Morocco) with lunch: $84
• Full Day Tour to Gibraltar visiting The Rock: $43

TOUR PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Exact prices and descriptions of these tours are available from your local Sun Holidays hostess after your arrival in Spain.

Granada & The Alhambra Palace. (Full Day Tour) 
Early drive along the Costa del Sol through the mountains of Malaga towards Granada. Half way we will stop briefly in Loja and then continue to Granada. As we enter the city you’ll be able to see the peaks of the white-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. A sightseeing city-tour will lead us to the Alhambra Palace. ”Alhambra” is an Arabic word that means red, the colour of its fortified walls. Built during the 13th and 14th century, it took nearly 100 years to be completed. Visit includes the Court of the Myrtle´s, the Court of the Lions, the Hall of Secrets, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Alcazaba, the castle that guarded the Palace.  We will also visit the beautiful gardens of the Generalife with its green water gardens and the fountains that inspired several famous Spanish composers. Over the centuries the Alhambra gradually fell into ruins but, curiously, it was the American Author Washington Irving who helped prod the city into having the monument restored. Irving lived in the palace early in the 19th century, where he wrote his book "Tales of the Alhambra". Now the Alhambra is completely restored and rebuilt.

Cordoba: The Moorish City (Full day)
A wonderful tour starts with long and scenic drive through the real Andalusian countryside. We pass the city of Malaga, travel through the mountains of Malaga, cross the plains of La Vega de Antequera and arrive at the Moorish city of Cordoba. Cordoba is one of the few cities in the world still characterized by a tremendous feeling of spirit. Founded by the Carthaginians, Cordoba was conquered by the Romans, invaded by the Goths and rebuilt by the Moors in 711, when Cordoba became the capital of the vast Emirate. In the middle of the 8th century a new emir, Abderraman I came to power and gave Cordoba a glorious period of prosperity, reaching its peak with Abderraman II. In the 10th century Cordoba became the most densely populated and civilized city in the West. Its mosque became the richest and most splendid Islamic monument. We will visit the Mosque/Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings in the world, pass through the Jewish quarter strongly influenced by Islamic and Mudejar art, see the Roman Bridge, the Synagogue, the only one preserved in Andalucia and dating back to the XIV century and a pleasant walk through the Jewish quarter. There will be free time for lunch (not included) before returning to your hotel.

Seville: Capital of Andalucia (Full Day Tour) 
The beautiful Andalusian countryside will be the setting for a great view of typical towns such as Antequera, Estepa, Osuna and, finally, Seville.  The fourth largest in Spain, this is a city humming with life and prosperity, holding magnificent buildings and monuments, and considered the most popular and attractive in the whole country. Our visit will start with the Alcazar, which served both as Palace and Fort, and will continue in the Cathedral, a unique beauty all its own combining old Arabic and Christian architecture. The cathedral was built on top of a former mosque and is now the third largest in the world. Adjoining it, the Giralda tower stands 322 feet high.  We continue our visit to the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter where we will ramble along the narrows streets with it small bars and restaurants. Not to be missed is the beautiful Maria Luisa Park with its sunken gardens, the decorative fountains, and the lovely "azulejos"(tiles) in the Plaza de España, a semi-circular square with a great building around it.  We finish our trip to Seville with a drive over the Isla de la Cartuja area, where the Universal Exposition took place in 1992.

Tangier: The African experience (Full Day Tour)
An early start this morning with a drive along the coast to Algeciras of Tarifa, closest point in Spain to Africa, where all participants will board the ferry to sail across the strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, formerly the most important free port of Africa. Tangier was in Spanish hands till 1956, when it was handed over to the kingdom of Morocco after Moroccan Independence. Back in the 1940´s and1960´s Tangier was an International zone. Once in Tangier the motor coaches will take us on a panoramic drive through the countryside with a stop at the Cape to have a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Then we drive through the different areas of Tangier: the Italian, French, Spanish, and American area. After this tour and lunch in a typical restaurant, we will walk into the past and visit the Zocco and the market area, a bustling mixture of sights, sounds and smells, the mysterious Medina, the old town and the Kasbah, and the citadel where snake charmers show their skills. The Moroccan merchants in the bazaars are used to price bargaining so we recommend you use caution and offer a quarter off what they ask for before attempting to buy anything at all. After this interesting experience we return to the port and embark to the ferry to the Spanish mainland, where the motor coaches will take us back to our hotel.

Gibraltar: The Rock (Full Day Tour)
A drive along the southern Costa del Sol will take us to La Linea de la Concepción, the border town with Gibraltar. We will cross the border and enter Gibraltar crossing the runway of the airport where people transfer to small vans for a tour around the Rock. This tour takes us to the highest point with fantastic panoramic views of the Bay of Algeciras, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the African coastline. We also visit the Saint Michael’s caves with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Once taking the road down again, we will see the Barbarian apes that still live in Gibraltar. Free time for tax-free shopping or having a snack at the various English or Spanish-type pubs and restaurants.

The Upper Axarquia Region (Full Day)
This tour heads to the interior crossing the mountains of "Sierra de Malaga" where we ascend through forests of pines, almond-trees, and cork-oaks enjoying incredibly scenic views of Malaga Bay and the coast prior to reaching the town of Colmenar in the Upper Axarquia Region.  We continue through mountains and valleys past Riogordo onto the village of Periana, located just a few miles below a limestone formation with caves of Neolithic prehistoric settlements. Ruins of ancient Roman Baths have been found near this village. Here we will also visit an olive oil factory that prides itself on producing the finest extra virgin olive oil in the region. On our descent to lower Axarquia we will pass the colorful Valley of Velez and the town of Velez-Malaga (capital of the region) with a stop at the seaside town of Torre del Mar where you will have free time for lunch (not included) and to explore on your own. All monument admission fees are included.

MALAGA (Full Day) 
Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol and 6th largest city of Spain, is just about 10 miles east of Torremolinos.  Originally named “Malaka,” the town was founded by the Phoenicians, (merchants & navigators from the Middle East), who arrived to its shores on the 12th century BCE, just about 50 years after the destruction of Troy. Through its ancient past, Málaga was Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Visigoth, and a main port of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada until its was conquered by the Catholic Kings in 1487.In recent history, Málaga was the town of the Galvez family, members of the local nobility. Bernardo Galvez was the commander of the Spanish expedition sent to the US to fight alongside the rebel patriots against the English rule during the American Revolution. At that time he became a personal friend of President Washington and was a hero in the battlefields achieving relevant victories such as at the battles of Mobile and Pensacola. He was also the founder of the city of Galveston in Texas. We will drive through the city's most interesting sections and main avenues, such as the park and the harbour, and start a walking guided tour to visit the Cathedral that dates back to the 16th century. (Admission fee is included). After that we will visit the 11th century Moorish Palace located above the ruins of the 2000 year-old Roman Theatre. (Admission fee is included). We will also walk through the old centre of the town to take a look at modern and old cobblestone streets and alleys full of restaurants and bars where the traditional “Tapas” are served. There will be a couple of hours of free time to explore the city and its stores, have lunch on your own, or visit the 16th century Palace of the Counts of Buenavista, which houses the “Picasso Museum”, containing an important collection of this great artist's masterpieces. (Pablo R. Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881). At a defined time and place we will meet to drive back to your hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: Valid passport is required. Shops are closed on Saturday afternoon and all day Sundays.

The superior 4-star Amaragua Hotel

The Amaragua Hotel is located on the beach in Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain overlooking the Mediterranean.  Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and include full bath and large private balconies with seaview. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge with piano music in the evenings, extensive outdoor gardens, sauna, and a steam room and spa (additional fees apply for spa services).There is a promenade between the hotel and the beach which is perfect for strolling and provides access to nearby shops and restaurants. Just 15 minutes away walking on the promenade you will find the Benalmadena Marina, famous for its extensive dinning and shopping options. A few steps away is the quaint fishing village of La Carihuela, dotted with stores and fresh local seafood restaurants. Just a short ride away is the town center of Torremolinos with its lively shopping district, Calle San Miguel, offering good shopping for unique souvenirs such as handmade leather goods, linens, and Lladro figurines.
Numerous daytrips are available including Granada, Gibraltar, Cordoba, and Morocco.

Sun Holidays Discount Policy (Club Members Only)

• 5% Automatic Club Member Discount
• 3% Additional Discount for Early Birds (*)

(*) Early Bird Discount is valid for reservations made at least 120 days prior to departure and paid in full within 7 days.

To qualify, please join our Travel Club. Thank you.

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