Southern Spain and Lisbon

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel where you will have some free time before the tour begins. Please check the information signs in the hotel reception for the schedule of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we will provide transport to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most popular area for nightlife and tapas. You can choose to dine at a restaurant of your choice, with options including Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a thorough tour of central Madrid, taking in key sights such as Paseo del Prado, the impressive Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Afterwards, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where we see the lake and the elegant Palacio de Cristal. Included in the tour is admission to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the world’s top football clubs. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, with a return transfer to the hotel provided in the evening.

We depart Madrid early, travelling south through the plains of La Mancha. Our first stop is Puerto Lápice, a quaint village closely linked to the story of Don Quixote. From there, we continue into Andalusia via the Despeñaperros pass and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. We suggest visiting the Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or wandering through the Albaicín district to enjoy panoramic views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Please note that admission to the Alhambra is not included; if you wish to visit, it is best to secure tickets in advance through the official website or authorised tour providers.

Today we leave the Sierra Nevada mountain range behind and follow the Mediterranean coastline along the Tropical Coast, known for its year-round mild climate that supports the growth of tropical fruits such as guavas, mangoes, and avocados, as well as historical sugar cane cultivation. We stop in Nerja, a charming seaside town noted for its dramatic cliffs, before continuing to Málaga. As the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga offers a lively atmosphere and a beautiful historic centre. There will be time for lunch and a leisurely walk around the city. Afterwards, we journey into the Andalusian sierras to Ronda, a striking whitewashed town famous for the deep gorge that divides it in two. Later in the afternoon, we arrive in Seville, where dinner is included at the hotel.

This morning, we’ll take a guided tour of Seville, visiting the Cathedral and its iconic Giralda tower, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Guadalquivir, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you have the option to experience a flamenco performance at a traditional tablao.

We depart Seville, travelling through the gentle hills and open pasturelands of Extremadura before arriving in Mérida. Here, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, a remarkably well-preserved Roman site featuring both a theatre and an amphitheatre, recognised as a World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll around the lively pedestrian historic centre, renowned for its local atmosphere and inviting restaurants. Afterwards, we cross into Portugal to Évora, also a World Heritage Site, known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance architecture, and cathedral. We continue on to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.

We begin the day with a guided tour of Lisbon, travelling through the city of seven hills to discover its narrow streets, distinctive azulejo tiles, and the unique atmosphere shaped by the concept of "saudade" and the Atlantic light. We will visit the Belem district, historically significant as the departure point for Portuguese explorers during the 15th century Age of Discovery. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—you might choose to stroll through the vibrant Bairro Alto neighbourhood, enjoy its viewpoint, or consider an optional excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. In the evening, we will return to the hotel from Restauradores Square, known for its lively bars and cafés.

After breakfast, the tour concludes, leaving you with plenty of time to reflect on your journey and savour the memories made. We’ll ensure your transfer to the airport or your next destination is arranged, providing a smooth and comfortable farewell.