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Treasures of Andalucia to Lisbon

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Madrid | Treasures of Andalucia to Lisbon

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request
6 days from

$3589

The Iberian Peninsula possesses one of the most flamboyant combinations of cultures on the planet. and on this 6-day small-group tour you will fuse Moorish marvels with flamenco dances and Spanish flavours on this journey through Andalucía and Portugal.

Day 1: Madrid | Toledo | Córdoba

Monday - Depart today to uncover the fusion of cultures that shaped Toledo, the former capital of Spain as you travel through Castilla-La Mancha, which was the backdrop for Don Quixote’s adventures. Leave the heart of Spain and head south to the former capital of the country, Toledo. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Tajo River, this city used to be known as the ‘City of Three Cultures'. To get the real feel of the place, wander through the cobbled streets and try to spot the Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Christian cathedrals. You then travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of the literary hero Don Quixote, before making a stop on the way through the Despeñaperros Natural Park, the gateway to Andalucía. Córdoba, your home for the night, then welcomes you with its bustling squares and delightful architecture.

Day 2: La Mezquita | Granada

Tuesday - Today you'll explore La Mezquita, an immense mosque-cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, you visit La Mezquita, one of the most spectacular mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain. This world-famous construction boasts countless rows of decorated arches and a serene interior and is large enough to have a cathedral built inside it! Next, we travel through rolling hills blanketed with the silvery-grey-green leaves of olive trees. It’s a sign you’ve entered the oil-producing province of Jaén. The journey continues south to the ruined hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota and we arrive in Granada early evening, our base for two nights. (B)

Included Activities:  Entrance to La Mezquita and to Fortaleza de la Mota with audio-guides included

Day 3: Granada

Wednesday - Wake up today in a city adorned with the most sensual palace of Europe, the Alhambra, which you will visit this morning. When you look at this famous monument, you’re transported to the tales of 1,001 Nights. Originally a fortress and then a palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site will seize your imagination. In the afternoon you'll uncover the Barrio de las Cuevas of Guadix, (a unique neighbourhood of house caves in Guaadix). Here you can choose to learn more about the history and evolution of this intricate maze of homes at the Guadix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre, located inside several original cave dwellings. There may be time for a photo stop of the Sierra Nevada mountains before we head back to Granada. Your evening in Granada is the ideal time to discover tapas restaurants and other culinary delights. *Sometimes this day will be reversed, and you will visit the Alhambra in the afternoon. (B)

Included Activity:  Entrance to the Alhambra with audio-guide included
Optional Activity:  Entrance to the Guadix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre

Day 4: Ronda | Seville

Thursday - Today is all about exploring the other faces of Andalucía; the beautiful wilderness and iconic Pueblos Blancos. You travel west to El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range, where you'll be amazed by the stunning limestone formations that have been formed over millions of years.  Our adventure then takes you through the landscapes of Malaga’s ‘Lake District’ before we reach Ronda. Precariously clinging to a steep cliff of the El Tajo Gorge, this commune will capture your imagination with its literary connections and history full of outlaws. Take some time to stroll along the city walls, explore picturesque plazas, and enjoy lunch. Before making our way to Seville, you'll have the chance to learn about how Spain’s ‘liquid gold’ is produced with a visit to an olive oil farm. Then cast a last glance over the Andalusian countryside and start your journey to Seville, your home for two nights. (B)

Included Activity: Entrance to an olive oil farm

Day 5: Seville

Friday - Seville signifies the very essence of Spain. This city will seduce you with its rich Moorish heritage, the orange trees, tapas and passionate flamenco and today it’s up to you to decide how to spend the day. You can dedicate your time to discovering the best gems of the city’s 80 chapels at the Seville Cathedral and marvel at La Giralda. Or go for a stroll along the bank of the Guadalquivir to admire the iconic Torre del Oro, a military tower dating back to the 13th century. Alternatively, you can join our half-day tour and travel to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy. Whichever option you choose, spend the late afternoon and evening strolling through the shaded arches of the grand Plaza de España. Warning: with the hypnotic Flamenco performances, delicious tapas, and buzzing bars, this city can keep you entertained till the small hours. (B)

Optional Activity: Sherry winery visit in Jerez with wine tasting and snack 

Day 6: Seville | Huelva | Lisbon

Saturday - Today's itinerary includes a chance to soak up the sun in Huelva on the Costa de la Luz and wander through Tavira, one of the most charming towns of the Algarve. Say farewell to Seville and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andalusian countryside as you travel west towards the Costa de la Luz, a land of bright sunlight and golden sandy beaches. We'll stop in the seaside city of Huelva, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip to find a western sea route to China & India. Here you'll visit the waterside exhibition, Muelle de las Carabelas, where you can see life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships. Next, cross the Portuguese border and stop at Tavira on the Algarve. Set on the River Gilão, this town exudes an irresistible charm and makes you want to discover its hidden corners. Wander through the cobblestone streets, cross an old Roman bridge, and perhaps get your first taste of Portuguese cuisine. Take in the last views of the Algarve as we journey north where laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening and our tour ends. (B) 

Included Activity: Entrance to Muelle de las Carabelas

Guaranteed departures!

Tour departs on Monday - May 8 & 22; June 5 & 19; July 3, 17 & 31; August 14 & 28; September 11 & 25; October 9, 2023.