Art & History Abroad Tours
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.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr Peter Higginson
Peter is a highly respected lecturer specialising in the art and culture of early modern Europe and the modern period. His publications include work on art and society in seventeenth-century Baroque Rome and the patronage of Caravaggio, a particular focus of his research.
He has taught numerous university courses abroad and leads cultural programmes across Europe, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona. Peter’s enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment have earned consistently strong reviews from Travel Editions travellers, making his tours both scholarly and highly enjoyable.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: London Heathrow to Málaga and Introduction to Picasso’s City
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: Picasso’s Birthplace and Andalusian Artistic Influences
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 (not included) 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. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Málaga’s History and Picasso’s Childhood World
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.
Free time this afternoon to explore independently, perhaps a visit to the city’s oldest tavern where Picasso was known to have enjoyed a drink. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Modern Art, Centre Pompidou and the Picasso Museum
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. 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 5: Roman, Moorish & Historic Málaga
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 the 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: Picasso Museum Revisited and Return Home
Free time this morning before our second visit to the Picasso Museum to view his works again in a different light. Time for a quick lunch (at own expense) followed by an early afternoon transfer to Malaga Airport for return flight to London Heathrow.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“An absolutely marvellous tour in every way. The content was superb, and our guide Peter could not have put more passion and effort into bringing Picasso’s world to life. The tour manager was outstanding, and the hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of Malaga, was excellent. Truly a tour not to be missed, by far the best I’ve been on with Travel Editions.”
Mrs Irene Herman, October 2025
“I thought this was an excellent tour from start to finish. Everything ran smoothly, the itinerary was well put together, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The accommodation was very good, and both the Tour Manager and the Tour Lecturer contributed greatly to making the holiday so enjoyable. I was very happy with every aspect of the trip.”
Mrs A, October 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was the enjoyment of travelling with such a well-organised group, supported by excellent accommodation, a well-planned itinerary and outstanding guidance from both the Tour Manager and Tour Lecturer. The whole trip was extremely enjoyable and very well run.”
Mrs T, October 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was discovering Spanish art and gaining a deeper understanding of Picasso’s heritage and inspiration. Peter was an excellent and enthusiastic guide who truly brought the subject to life, while Sandra made sure every aspect of the holiday was comfortable and enjoyable. It was an exceptional trip with a real wow factor, not least thanks to the superb hotel.”
Mrs R, October 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was staying in a centrally located and very comfortable hotel, combined with the expertise of an enthusiastic, energetic and deeply knowledgeable tour leader who unravelled the complexities of cubism with clarity. The multiple handouts enriched our learning, and the second visit to the Picasso Museum was greatly appreciated. The Tour Manager was quietly efficient and ‘oiled the wheels’ throughout, making this one of the best, if not the best, study tours we have experienced, whether travelling alone or as a couple.”
Anonymous, October 2025
“One of the real highlights for us was trying the restaurants recommended by Sandra, whose suggestions were absolutely spot on. Peter’s lectures added real depth and insight to the trip, making the whole experience even more enjoyable and enriching.”
Mrs D, travelled October 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Palacio Solecio, Malaga
This four-star ‘Small Luxury Hotel of the World’ is located in the heart of Malaga, 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
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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