Best of Portugal & Andalucia

After arriving at the airport, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the Portuguese capital at your own pace.

After breakfast, we explore Lisbon, once known as Olissipo. Our morning city tour takes us through its main squares and avenues, including Belem Tower and the exterior of the Jeronimos Monastery, both symbols of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, as well as the Monument to the Discoverers. In the afternoon, you are free to wander through the city’s historic quarters, such as Alfama with its narrow lanes and traditional houses, or join an optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais - both recognised as World Heritage Sites.

Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba. We travel towards Merida, capital of Extremadura and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable Roman remains. You will have free time to admire highlights such as the Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre and the impressive Roman Bridge.We then continue to Cordoba, once the capital of the Islamic Caliphate in Al-Andalus.

Cordoba - Seville. After breakfast, we visit the extraordinary Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture later transformed into a Cathedral. We stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic city. In the afternoon, we travel to Seville - a journey of approximately two hours.

This morning we enjoy a panoramic tour of Seville, including entrance to its Cathedral - the second largest in the Catholic world after St Peter’s in Rome. We also explore the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz, closely linked to the legends of Carmen and Don Juan, and see Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de Espana. The afternoon is free for you to discover Seville’s vibrant streets and local flavours at your own pace.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we drive south through typical Andalusian villages to Ronda. You will have free time to explore this dramatic town of Celtic origin, set above a deep gorge with sweeping views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Later, we continue to the Costa del Sol - one of Spain’s most important international resort areas.

Costa del Sol - Granada. We travel to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish kingdoms until 1492. We visit the world-famous Alhambra and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, whose palaces and courtyards inspired works such as Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Flamenco Zambra show.

After breakfast, we head north to Madrid. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Madrid - Toledo - Madrid. We meet at our office on C/ San Nicolas, 15 to begin a panoramic tour of Madrid. On a walking tour through the historic centre, we discover Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Villa. We then board our bus to drive past many of the city’s key landmarks, including Madrid’s oldest bridge with views of the Royal Palace, Gran Via, Las Ventas Bullring, the Cibeles Fountain, Puerta de Alcala and the recently renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. We pass Calle Serrano and Atocha Station before finishing at Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace.

You will have free time before meeting at our office at the scheduled time again to travel to Toledo. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo reflects a unique blend of Arab, Jewish and Christian heritage. On our walking tour, we see the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes - sponsored by Queen Isabella of Castile, the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca - a remarkable museum of Mudejar style, and the Church of Santo Tome - home to El Greco’s masterpiece "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz". We conclude outside Toledo Cathedral, regarded as Spain’s finest example of Gothic architecture. Free time before returning to Madrid, where the tour ends at Plaza de Oriente.

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport.