HOLIDAYS

Signup BTN

Western Andalucia – Isla Canela, Rio Tinto & the Guadiana River

From £1149/ per person

This holiday offers a delightful mix of relaxation, cultural immersion, and exploration, set against the picturesque backdrop of southern Spain and Portugal. Your adventure begins with a transfer from Faro, Portugal, to your comfortable hotel in Isla Canela, Spain, where you’ll enjoy seven nights of half-board accommodation.

Throughout your stay, you’ll have ample time to unwind at the resort and soak in the tranquil surroundings. The itinerary includes a scenic boat ride along the Guadiana River, allowing you to explore the charming town of Alcoutim. A full-day excursion to Seville provides a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant culture of this iconic city, with visits to famous landmarks like the Tower of Gold and the impressive Plaza de España.

Another highlight is the visit to the unique Rio Tinto mines, where you’ll experience a striking Martian-like landscape and learn about the area’s mining history. The holiday also takes you to Caravelle Wharf and La Rabida Monastery, offering insights into Christopher Columbus’s journey to the New World, followed by a visit to the spiritual site of El Rocio, located near the Donana Natural Park.

With a balance of guided excursions and free time to explore at your own pace, this holiday promises a rich and varied experience, blending relaxation with fascinating cultural and natural discoveries.

Western Andalucia – Isla Canela, Rio Tinto & the Guadiana River Highlights
  • Seven nights half board at the four star Vila Galé Isla Canela in Huelva
  • Local knowledgeable walking guides
  • Flights included from your local airport
  • Transfers & Luggage included as standard
  • No single supplement for solo travellers
  • 3 Included excursions including a visit to the popular city of Seville

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Day One Arrival Day

On arrival at Faro in Portugal, transfer to your hotel in Isla Canela in Spain for seven nights half board accommodation. Transfer time is approximately one hour, but you have to put your watches on an hour when you cross the Guadiana which is the border.

Day Two Free day in resort.

Free day in resort.

Day Three Excursion to Alcoutim

Depart the hotel for Ayamonte where you will board your boat for a ride up the Guadiana River, through the beautiful scenery of the gentle hills of the Guadiana valley.  On arrival at Alcoutim, you will have some free time to buy lunch and explore before returning to the hotel by coach. 

Day Four Excursion to Seville

Depart the hotel for an included trip to Seville.  The tour includes a drive past the Tower of Gold, the University, the Macarena Quarter, and a stop at the impressive Plaza de Espana.   You will have free time before returning to your hotel in Isla Canela

Day Five Excursion to the Rio Tinto mines

Depart the hotel for your second included excursion to the unique landscape and ecosystem that are the Rio Tinto mines.  In the museum, in the town of Rio Tinto, there is an excellent re-creation of the Roman mine.  The museum is housed in the company’s hospital and its offices are now the town hall.  The highlight of the tour is the rail journey through the open cast mines where you’ll see an amazing ‘Martian’ landscape with the red (bright red!) Rio Tinto River running through it.  Note:  the train is accessed down a long flight of steps – no ramp.  Please note there is direct access to the carriages without having to use the stairs for anyone who wishes to take this option.

Day Six Excursion to Caravelle Wharf, La Rabida Monastery and El Rocio

Depart the hotel for your third included excursion to Caravelle Wharf, La Rabida Monastery and El Rocio.  At Caravelle Wharf you will see the full size replicas of Columbus’ three ships – the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria.  A very short distance away is La Rabida Monastery, where Columbus stayed with the monks before his voyage to the New World in 1492.    After time here, you will continue to the major pilgrimage site of El Rocio, at the edge of the Donana Natural Park. 

Day Seven Free day in resort

Free day in resort.

Day Eight Departure Day

Free time until you transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Accommodation

  • Isla Canela Vila Gale

    Location: Huelva, Spain
    Air conditioned TV with satellite channels safe (additional charge) Private Bathroom Hairdryer Free Wi-Fi Outdoor pool Indoor pool Spa & Wellness Centre Beachfront Fitness Centre Buffet Restaurant with show cooking Spa and Wellness Centre (additional charge) Hot tub/Jacuzzi (additional charge) Coffee House on site Restaurant Bar Snack Bar Evening Entertainment

    Availability: 10 Twin/Double | 20 Single Room

  • Peoples
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms

Boasting direct access to the beach, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of the Costa de la Luz, Huelva, the Vila Gale Isla Canela is housed in a building with Arabic-influenced architecture and décor, ideal for enjoying the region’s stunning sands. It has 300 rooms with balconies, two swimming pools, two restaurants, Versátil and a Massa Fina pizzeria, and three bars, including one by the pool. Each of the Hotel Isla Canela’s modern, air-conditioned rooms has a balcony and contemporary décor. All accommodation has a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and a fully equipped bathroom with a hairdryer. The Chef Restaurant serves buffet cuisine and also has show-cooking. Guests can enjoy a poolside bar as well as a gastro bar, which offers an evening entertainment programme. The Centre has an indoor swimming pool with hot tubs. Treatments include massage and aromatherapy. A gym and a spinning room are also available in the property. Local activities at an additional cost include horse riding, golf and fishing at the nearby Guadiana River.

We respect your privacy.