Beautifully preserved Cordoba boasts a wealth of historic sights and attractions. Discover its UNESCO-listed old town, famous for its flower-festooned patios, and its magnificent cathedral-mosque. You'll also get the chance to see the historic Royal Stables. 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.'
It's a fragrant start to our visit to the city, with a visit to the picture-postcard Patio de la Asociación in the San Basilio neighbourhood. Depending on the season, this courtyard is either overflowing with blooming flowers or immaculately manicured potted plants. They bring so much colour to the city and are eminently instagrammable. You'll then wind your way through alleys that are a medley of Roman, Moorish, Christian and Jewish influences in the wonderfully atmospheric former Jewish district, still known as La Juderia.
After seeing the Royal Stables, you'll have plenty of time to admire the city's showpiece – the thousand-year-old mosque. Boasting more than 850 two-tiered arches, this UNESCO World Heritage Site uniquely has a Renaissance cathedral in its core. You can choose a lunch option or find somewhere yourself to try that salmorejo soup. And don't forget to cross the famous Roman Bridge by foot.
