Alhambra Tour: Exploring the Secrets of Nasrid Dynasty's Jewel in Al-Andalus

Uncover the hidden secrets of the Nasrid Dynasty’s jewel in Al-Andalus, the Alhambra. Explore the symbolism behind its water, light, architecture, and vegetation, and discover the esotericism, sufism, astrology, and mythology that shaped this magnificent palace.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nasrid Palaces - Three palaces form this enclosure: the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares (Yusuf I) and the Court of the Lions (Mohammed V).
  • Alcazaba - 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.
  • Generalife - 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).
  • Palace of Carlos V - 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 Included
  • Small group tour for a personalized experience
  • Choice of languages for the guide: English, Italian, or Spanish
  • Headsets provided for clear audio on tours with more than 6 people
  • Includes entrance tickets to Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba
  • Skip-the-line access at ticket desks
  • Guided by a knowledgeable local expert
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

The true journey of exploration is not in finding new scenery, but in gaining new perspectives, and that is precisely what we aim to achieve on this tour: Introducing you to the renowned ‘Alhambra and Generalife’ from a different angle.

This gem of the Nasrid dynasty of Al-Andalus is a place where history and myth blend seamlessly, creating a splendid arrangement of water, light, architecture, and greenery.

Are you curious about the symbolic meaning behind each of these components?

Mysteries of the esoteric, Sufism, astrology, and mythology await you. Fascinating, isn’t it?

The walls and fountains of Alhambra are akin to an open book filled with intriguing tales of poetry, faith, and political persuasion. The purpose of its rooms can even be discerned in the gentle whisperings of a charming woman’s voice to the visitor.

Join us in experiencing the awe-inspiring emotions felt by diplomats who visited the Nasrid king and his earthly paradise.

Each year, thousands participate in guided tours of the Alhambra, but do all return home with an understanding of its mysteries?

  • 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.
Location
Polinario Café Bar
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(57 Ratings)
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M_nicarh58ut
Aug 14, 2024
Visit to the Alhambra and Nazaries palaces - The guided tour with Esther was excellent, and I learned a lot about the history of the Alhambra and pomegranate. Recommended places to visit in the city and surroundings
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adrian_m
Jun 29, 2024
Amazing Alhambra with Excellent Guide Jose - Best experience during our two week trip to Spain! We had a small group tour with Jose which ended up being a private tour. Over four hours, we walked the entire site, including Alcazar and the Gardens up to the summer palace. Jose is an extremely knowledgable and multi-lingual guide who provided deep historical, social, and political insights to the history of the Alhambra. We learned so much which was important for us since we were traveling with our teen and wanted the experience to be educational and fun. Jose delivered on both and is a joy to spend time with. His friendly thoughtful disposition gave us plenty of time to stroll through the very large site at a nice pace, stopping when needed for photos or questions or to just simply soak in the amazing architecture. Choosing a semi-private small group tour was worth every penny as we were able to maneuver around larger groups at the three checkpoints. The highlight of the tour was a less traveled view point where Jose took us to look back at the Alhambra from the summer palace and enjoy the shade and cool breeze. Truly amazing experience, I would definitely sign up for a private guide with Jose again.
Review provided by Viator
Joanne_t
Jun 25, 2024
Captivating tour through history - Small group of 4 was ideal. Esther was an excellent host - so knowledgeable and friendly. Excellent English. We really loved the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Cni1592nb
Jun 23, 2024
The tour is very much worth it - Very good experience. Our tour guide Juan was very knowledgeable about the story and history of the Alhambra, and was able to give a lot of meaning to things we would have otherwise missed. Highly recommend the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kap23
Jun 15, 2024
A Great Alhambra Tour - The highlight of our visit to Spain! Jose made the tour enjoyable with the way he presented the history and the way he showed us small details. He did a good job keeping our group together and keeping a good pace that allowed brief rest breaks. The group had 9 persons and that was a good size.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vicki_b
Jun 15, 2024
A must do in Granada - The entire tour was an incredible experience, made even more so by our guide Ester. Ester was extremely knowledgable, spoke very clear English and was very respectful to all her guests. She paced the tour at just the right tempo so everyone was catered for.
Review provided by Viator
Maria_r
Jun 12, 2024
The best tour - The best tour I have taken. The guide was excellent, his knowledge of the history and also the legends of La Alhambra made it fun and entertaining. I will recommend this tour without a doubt. Gracias Jose.
Review provided by Viator
Dorik465
Jun 2, 2024
Excellent tour! Well worth it!! - Jose was a fantastic guide!! Many interesting historical details and excellent pace of the tour. We were so happy we booked a tour! Much easier than trying to navigate the Alhambra on our own. The audio devices were perfect- we could always easily hear him. Thank you so very much! Don’t hesitate to book with this company!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Affie
May 23, 2024
Exceptional Tour! Esther was amazing. - Esther did an amazing job explaining the history of Alhambra and showing us the beauty of the site. The tour was exceptional- she explained things well, held our interest, showed us the best places to take pictures and gave us time to do so while keeping the tour moving. My college-aged kids loved it, and it was one of the best tours I’ve experienced.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alburquerquem
Jun 16, 2024
DISASTROUS!! FATAL!! NO ONE SHOWED UP!! - After purchasing my reservation online, I go on the day at the appointed time with all my enthusiasm to see the Alhambra, with the Nasrid palaces. 89 euros per person!! The time comes and no one comes there. I ask other guides and no one knows the company. After 20 minutes past the hour, by chance, someone who saw my concern and who was at the bar at the meeting point contacted a certain Esther by phone and after 5 minutes of conversation she told me that they had sent me a cancellation email. of the tour. The email arrives immediately after with the cancellation. Nobody picked up the phone, they didn't answer WhatsApp, nobody gave me any explanation. NOTHING!! In the end they gave me my money back, and I didn't file a complaint, but I was left without my visit to the Alhambra by this company and a trip to Granada wasted. It's incredible that businesses like this exist. I do not recommend to anybody!! I'm giving it one star because it won't let me give zero to comment. Horrible! The worst of the worst. They play with people 😡
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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