Stop. Before you get there. In Spain...
Whether you’re on a city break, heading down to the coast or into the great outdoors, renting a car abroad keeps you in control of your holiday and helps you get the most from your experience. Often the journeys are as memorable as the destinations themselves; stopping off to see natural wonders and picturesque towns gives you a greater sense of connection to the country you’re visiting. With Hertz you can have just that: a hassle-free experience with a great range of vehicles to choose from, whether you want to feel the coastal breeze through your hair in a convertible, tackle winding country roads in a four-wheel drive or zoom around in a small, fun city car.
Coffee at the Picasso Museum
Málaga’s best-known art museum, the Picasso Museum, is housed in the beautiful 16th-century Palacio de Buenavista, the internal courtyard of which is a great place to stop-off and refuel with a morning coffee. And if you’ve time during your stop over, have a wonder around this superbly maintained museum to see some of the finest works of Malaga’s famous son, who was born just up the street – on Plaza de la Merced – in 1881. The museum was opened in 2003 by Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, Picasso’s daughter-in-law and grandson, and the permanent collection features over 200 works from every stage of the artist’s prolific career.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
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2. Egypt
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Opening Times: July – August: 10am–8pm, Sep – October: 10am–7pm, Nov – Feb: 10am–6pm, March – Jun: 10am–7pm
Museo Picasso, Palacio de Buenavista, 8 Calle San Agustín, Málaga, +34 952 12 76 00
Málaga Cathedral
After coffee with Picasso, you needn’t even park your car in order to reach your next stop, as it’s just a five-minute walk away to Málaga’s great cathedral, known locally as ‘La Manquita’, or ‘The One-Armed Woman’, due to its uncompleted second tower. Built between 1528 and 1782 near to the site of an early Almohad mosque, original plans for this huge Renaissance and Baroque-style cathedral had included two towers, but the second was never built because of a lack of funds. Construction dragged on for over 200 years before the Mayor of Málaga commissioned Aragonese architect José Martín de Aldehuela (1729–1802) to finish the cathedral off in the late 18th century. Aldehuela’s other iconic contributions to the province include Ronda’s stunning ‘New Bridge’ (see below) and bullring.
Opening Times: Mon – Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat, 10am–5pm; Sun, 2pm–6pm
9 Calle Molina Lario, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 22 03 45
Lunch at La Alcazaba Restaurant in Mijas Pueblo
Once you’ve taken in Málaga’s huge cathedral, it’ll be time to stop off for lunch – the most important meal of the day in Spain and one which often lasts for two or three hours. For some of the best views in the province, head about 20 miles (30 mins drive) out of Malaga to La Alcazaba restaurant in the whitewashed village of Mijas, where donkeys are still used as taxis. Opened five years ago by a group of young entrepreneurs, Alcazaba offers a high-end, pan-Mediterranean menu that can be enjoyed in one of several spaces with panoramic views over the countryside and ocean.
Opening Times: Tues – Sun: 12.30am–4pm, 7pm–11pm, Mon: Closed
Plaza de la Constitución, s/n, Mijas, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 48 63 97
Ronda Old Town
You’ll be reluctant to tear yourself away from Alcazaba, but a stop off at Ronda – located about an hour and half’s drive to the north of Mijas – is well worth the detour. The clifftop location of this beautiful pueblo blanco has led to it being one of the most visited locations in the province. The original Moorish part of Ronda: La Ciudad – or The Town – is a typically labyrinthine web of cobbled lanes centred around the main thoroughfare, Calle Armiñan, on the south side of Puente Nuevo. The best time to explore this ancient barrio (Ronda was under Muslim dominion from 712 to 1485) is in the evening or at night, when the coach-loads of tourists are in their restaurants or hotels on the other side of the El Tajo canyon.
Ronda New Bridge
Cruise through El Tajo, Ronda’s epic Puente Nuevo, or New Bridge, which links El Mercadillo (The Little Market), the newer part of town, with La Ciudad. Completed in 1793, it took some 40 years and the lives of 50 construction workers to build. For just 2.50 euros you can park up and visit the museum in a little stone-walled cavern in the middle of the bridge, which was used as a prison throughout the 19th century and during Spain’s Civil War of 1936–1939. It is also said that during the Civil War both Republican and Nationalist prisoners whose luck had run out were thrown from the bridge to their deaths.
Opening Times: Mon to Friday 10.00am–18.00pm (19.00 spring and summer), Saturday 10.00am–13.45pm and 15.00pm–18.00pm, Sunday 10.00am–15.00pm
This summer, wherever you’re going #goviahertz. Visit hertz.co.uk/culture-trip.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
