Picasso in Malaga

Málaga is said be one of the oldest cities in the world. Phoenicians, Romans and Moors ruled over it and evidence of their influence can be seen throughout. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks, it is here that Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the world-renowned painter, was born in 1881 and lived here until the age of ten.  Throughout his life the artist would acknowledge the role the city’s culture and traditions played during his artistic career in developing his Spanish and more particularly his Andalusian roots.
Picasso had always wanted his work to be displayed in the city of his birth and as a result, through the energies of local and international administrations, as well as his family, the city has become a vital centre for both his work and the growth of modern and contemporary art. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Malaga
Transfer to the city centre for a short orientation walk with Peter, then check-in to our hotel which is located opposite the Church of Santiago where Picasso was baptised. Welcome drink and dinner this evening.

Day 2: Museo Casa Natal de Picasso and Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga
We start our tour with a visit to the building where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and lived until 1884. It houses works and personal belongings of the artist and his family. We have a special private visit before it opens to the public, and in the museum's conference room Peter will give a lecture: 'Picasso: The man from Andalusia'. Free time for lunch (own expense) then we visit Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga, which is excellent for  Spanish painting, mostly 19th century and Andalusian. Many works are by artists who were early inspirations to Picasso, and provide valuable insights and comparisons into the directions the young artist was to take, including his lifetime commitment to exploring his ‘Spanishness’ and cultural identity.

Day 3: Museum of Malaga and the Picasso Museum
This morning we learn about the city’s history at the Museum of Málaga, where there’s a particularly strong collection of paintings depicting scenes – “raucous” celebrations after bullfights, elegant garden parties and so on – from the era of Picasso’s childhood. After lunch (own expense) we walk to the Museo Picasso where Peter will provide a brief introduction in the courtyard of the museum. Opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace, the museum has over 250 works donated by the members of Picasso’s family. From his first pieces that were created in his early life, to his later work with Cubism, his other classics and ceramics, the museum celebrates the artist’s life and work, as well as the reflection of the city he was born in across many of his paintings.  It is the third Picasso museum in Europe after the locations in Paris and Barcelona. This evening, Peter will give a second lecture at the hotel: 'Picasso and the birth of the Cubist revolution'.

Day 4: Centre Pompidou Málaga
Located in the remarkable building known as The Cube, Centre Pompidou houses numerous works from the Paris collection designed to add to the recognition of the importance of modern art to the city, and in homage of its major founder of modern art. Free time this afternoon to explore independently, visit the city's oldest tavern where Picasso was known to have enjoyed a drink, or take a second visit to the Picasso Museum. 

Day 5: Malaga sights
This morning's visits provide a powerful sense of the city’s ancient roots and the idyllic aspects of life here. First visiting the Roman theatre which dates back to the 1st century AD, and then the Moorish hilltop fortress, the Alcazaba, with its elegant arcades, lush gardens and countless fountains. We have a guided tour of the Alcazaba then free time for lunch. This afternoon we further explore the Old Quarter with a visit to Cathedral with its stunning architecture, and then a guided tour of La Malagueta Bullring where Picasso was taken by his father as a young child. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: Depart
Free time this morning to relax at the hotel or take a last walk in Malaga before we transfer to Malaga Airport for return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding because all touring is on foot. The only coach included is airport transfers to and from the hotel. Each day there is a lot of time walking and standing for viewing at attractions. There will be limited places to sit during the museum visits. For further information please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Malaga
• Five nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Palacio Solecio, Malaga
• Welcome drink, plus two dinners
• Airport transfers 
• Entrance fees and guided tours as per the itinerary
• Dr Peter Higginson throughout
• Two lectures by Dr Peter Higginson
• Tour manager throughout
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £645
• Porterage and gratuities
• Personal items such as drinks, meals, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Meals other than those stated
• Travel insurance

HOTEL

Palacio Solecio, Malaga

This four-star 'Small Luxury Hotel of the World' is located in the heart of Malaga is near to the Picasso Museum and well located for the other attractions included in our tour. This historic building dates from the 18th century and maintains the original architecture and artistic style along with everything you'd expect from a four star hotel, including a bar, restaurant, roof top bar, terrace, fitness centre, and small heated outdoor swimming pool.
The comfortable bedrooms feature TV, desk, safe, hairdryer, air-conditioning/heating, and telephone.

Hotel website