Iberian Inspiration: Madrid, Andalusia, Lisbon & More
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,689
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: This program takes you from the capital cities of Spain and Portugal, including cities in between like Toledo, Corboda, Seville, Granada and Estremoz. Steeped in history, discover magnificent architecture, try delicious food, and learn about Moorish influences. Your journey ends in Lisbon.
Join one of our unique small group Back-Roads touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader. Click here for all the EXCLUSIVE DIFFERENCES.
This 11-day trip from Madrid tp Lisbon takes you through Spain’s most historic regions.
Madrid is the cultural heart of Spain, so consider arriving a few days early to explore all the city has to offer. Then set out for Toledo, which served as Spain’s capital until the 16th century. Eclipsed by famous neighbours, Toledo is nonetheless a World Heritage listed city, noted for its astonishing cathedral and the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. From here, head east into La Mancha, where the spirit of Don Quixote defines local lore, in between servings of magnificent wines and tapas.
Few places on Earth bring together Roman, Islamic and Spanish culture and architecture, but Corboda is one such city. A walking tour transports you to Spain’s 8th century Islamic Al-Andalus period. You’ll also visit the old Heritage Listed town of Mezquita, and have the option of indulging in the luxury of an Arabic bathhouse.
Go on to Seville, where you can try your hand at making tapas and sangria. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure, or rest before a spectacular evening flamenco show. There’s plenty to see in this city, where many of Spain’s most familiar images come to life. Explore the Jewish Quarter and see the Alcazar de Sevilla, Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use.
Head the Atlantic Coast, enjoying a tour through one of Jerez de la Frontera’s wineries en route. Then spend a night in the ancient town of Ronda, before exploring Granada, the historic stronghold of the Moorish empire in Spain. Today, it’s one of the country’s most beloved cities. You’ll visit the famed Alhambra palace, the crowning glory of the town’s Moorish influences. Roam its patios, rooms and gardens before exploring Granada at your own pace.
Your final day of sightseeing is spent exploring Ubeda and Baeza. These unassuming towns will surround you with glorious renaissance architecture, creating the perfect ambience for an olive oil tasting, before spending your last tour night in a beautiful 17th century mansion hotel.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,689
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Madrid
Your tour will begin in vibrant Madrid, where you’ll meet the group and kick off the adventure with a delicious welcome dinner. Salud!
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Madrid - Toledo
After breakfast you’ll take in all the highlights of this captivating capital on an orientation tour. Then you’ll board the mini-coach and head for Toledo - a beguiling riverside city where centuries of history come alive. A guided city tour and visits to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca will help you get a grip on the area’s unique cultural heritage before you retire to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Carlos V (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Toledo - Valdepeñas - Córdoba
Today your journey will continue south across the vast plains of La Mancha towards Valdepeñas - where you’ll pause to visit a local bodega for a wine tasting session and lunch. Appetites satisfied, you’ll move on to beautiful Córdoba – your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Córdoba
Prepare to step back in time to the days of Islamic Iberia - a locally guided tour of Córdoba’s Old Town awaits! After visiting the spectacular Mezquita (a UNESCO-protected mosque), you’ll be free to explore the city at your own pace. Seek out hidden squares and local cafés, pamper yourself at a traditional hammam or simply sit back and marvel at the city’s magnificent architecture - this afternoon is all about you.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Córdoba - Úbeda - Granada
Your next stop will be Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town filled with spectacular Renaissance palaces. There will be just enough time to pause and taste some authentic Spanish olive oil before you move on to enchanting Granada.
Accommodation: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Granada
An energetic university city with an ancient past - Granada is yours to explore at leisure today. No visit here would be complete without wandering the lavish interiors of ancient Alhambra. Purchase your tickets well in advance to secure the opportunity to explore the intricately carved archways and vibrant gardens of this breathtaking Moorish palace.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Granada - Ronda
You can rest assured that today’s journey will be just as much fun as the destination! From Granada, your path will turn east as you make the scenic journey to the mountaintop city of Ronda, where you’ll get your bearings on an orientation tour. Tonight, you’ll come together for dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Maestranza (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Ronda - Grazalema, Arcos and Jerez - Seville
Today it’s back on the road - with stops at the picturesque white villages of Grazalema and Arcos to look forward to. This afternoon you’ll set your sights on Jerez – where you’ll be treated to a sherry tasting session and tapas lunch at a local winery. Tonight, a traditional flamenco show will help you settle into Seville.
Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Seville
You’ve a full day to spend getting acquainted with the charismatic city of Seville. First, a locally guided walking tour and a visit to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alcázar of Seville. Then, the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Whether you want to seek out Roman ruins, hunt down Moorish mosaics or visit classical squares, there are plenty of historic sites to keep you occupied here. Feeling hungry? You could always sample some Andalucían specialities at one of the city’s abundant bars...
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Seville - Sierra De Aracena
Back to nature today. After breakfast you’ll make tracks to the Sierra de Aracena, an unspoilt mountain range peppered with castles, quaint villages and pastures. While you’re here, you’ll pay a visit a local pig farm – where you’ll be lucky enough to taste some authentic jamón ibérico and local cheeses.
Accommodation: Hotel Convento Aracena (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Sierra De Aracena - Monsaraz (Portugal) - Estremoz
Your first stop of the day will be Monsaraz, a charming Portuguese hilltop village with sweeping views of the Alqueva Dam. You’ll take some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Estremoz for an afternoon of leisure time. Tonight, you’ll raise a toast to your Iberian adventure over a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Estremoz (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Estremoz - Évora - Lisbon
Onwards to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region. This afternoon will see your tour come to a close in postcard-perfect Lisbon.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: March 25; April 8, 22; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 15;
August 5, 26; September 2, 5, 16, 19, 23, 30; October 7, 14
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 11 nights first-class accommodations
- Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
- Guided visits and orientation in Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Ubeda, Granada, Ronda, Seville
- Tastings at local venues including: wine, olive oil, sherry, tapas, jamon iberico, cheeses
- Traditional Flamenco show in Seville
- Entrances to sights as per itinerary
- Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 2 lunches, 3 Dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share. Subject to availability. The hotels have been hand-picked from an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours, hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.
14 Oct 2023
