Southern Europe Heritage and Highlights
Begin in Madrid and end in Lisbon on a 10 day sweep through Spain and Portugal – relaxed in pace yet big on variety. Zip to Córdoba by high speed train for the Mosque–Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter, then continue through olive groves to Granada for the Alhambra. Expect sea views around Nerja and Frigiliana, time in Málaga, and classic White Villages – Puerto Banús, Ronda and rock built Setenil. In Jerez you’ll sample winery heritage and see Andalusian horses, before Seville’s grand monuments, Roman Itálica and a cruise on the Guadalquivir. Cross via Mérida and Évora to Lisbon’s hills, tiles and Belém.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
LisbonMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
R 35 950,75
R 5 000,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
Córdoba
Baena
Granada
Nerja
Frigiliana
Malaga
Puerto Banús
Ronda
Setenil de las bodegas
Olvera
Jerez de la frontera
El Puerto de Santa María
Cádiz
Seville
Palos de la frontera
Huelva
El rocio
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid - Cordoba
Welcome to your tour. Around 11:00 – time to be confirmed – we board the high speed train from Madrid, travelling at up to 300 km/h and reaching Córdoba in under two hours, once the capital of the Caliphate in the Islamic period. After lunch, we meet our local guide for an included visit to the Mosque–Cathedral (admission included), a landmark that blends Islamic and Christian art, then continue through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and flower filled patios. You’ll have free time to stroll the city before we transfer to the hotel.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Cordoba - Baena - Granada
After breakfast, we drive through vast olive groves to Baena, a town with Roman roots renowned for its olive oil. We visit the Núñez de Prado Olive Oil Mill – one of the oldest in the Mediterranean – housed in a building dating from the 18th century, where we learn about production and enjoy a tasting of pan con aceite. We then continue to Granada for an included guided visit to the Alhambra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture – with lunch included. In the afternoon, you have free time to visit the cathedral or wander the Albaicín neighbourhood for superb views of the Alhambra.
Day 3 - Granada - Nerja - Frigiliana - Malaga
We leave Granada and cross the Sierra Nevada, enjoying spectacular mountain views, before following the Mediterranean along the Costa Tropical – a mild microclimate throughout the year that supports guava, mango and avocado, and in the past, sugar cane. We stop in Nerja to take in its dramatic cliffs, then continue to Frigiliana, considered one of Andalusia’s most beautiful villages, with steep streets and whitewashed houses. We then travel on to Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, known for its many museums, as the birthplace of Picasso, and for the unfinished cathedral nicknamed La Manquita – the One Armed Lady. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore the city centre, or, if the weather allows, you can head to the beach for a swim.
Day 4 - Malaga - Puerto Banus - Setenil de las bodegas - Ronda - Jerez de la frontera
We travel through the White Villages and the Andalusian mountains – one of the most scenic stages of the journey. Our first stop is Puerto Banús in Marbella, a luxury marina known for its yachts and boutiques, where we take a short stroll along the waterfront. We continue to Setenil de las Bodegas to see its distinctive streets and houses built into the rock, then on to Ronda, set high above the Tajo Gorge. A typical lunch is included. You’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace before we visit Ronda’s historic bullring – one of the oldest and most monumental in Spain – with entrance included. We end the day in Jerez de la Frontera, where you can wander the historic centre and enjoy tapas in traditional tabancos.
Day 5 - Jerez de la frontera - El Puerto de Santa Maria - Cadiz - Seville
After breakfast in Jerez de la Frontera, we visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art – tickets included – to explore the Carriage Museum and watch the training of the renowned Andalusian horses. Before we leave Jerez, we make a brief stop to photograph the exterior of the Moorish Alcázar.We continue to El Puerto de Santa María to visit the Osborne Wineries – tickets and tasting included – then you have some free time to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. We then board a boat for a scenic crossing of around half an hour to Cádiz. Here, in one of the oldest cities in Europe, you have free time to visit the cathedral and wander the characterful old town.Later in the afternoon, we travel over the bridge towards Seville, arriving by the end of the day.
Day 6 - Seville
After breakfast, we set out for Itálica – entrance and guided tour with a local guide included – an ancient Roman city and birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. We visit the amphitheatre, which once held 25,000 spectators, along with the baths and mosaics. We then continue to Palos de la Frontera, the port from which Columbus’s ships set sail for America in 1492, to explore the Monastery of La Rábida and the Wharf of the Caravels – entrance included – where we see replicas of his vessels. You’ll have free time for lunch in Huelva. In the afternoon we follow the Atlantic coast near Doñana National Park – famous for its biodiversity – and stop in El Rocío, known for its pilgrimage and rural charm, to visit the sanctuary and take in views of Doñana. We return to Seville in the late afternoon.
Day 7 - Seville
This morning we take a guided tour of Seville, taking in the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we enjoy an included boat ride on the Guadalquivir – a relaxed way to take in panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you can choose to attend a popular flamenco tablao.
Day 8 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Seville, travelling through rolling hills and wide pasturelands en route to Extremadura. In Mérida, we include entry to the Archaeological Ensemble – home to the remarkably preserved Roman theatre and amphitheatre – a World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time for lunch and to stroll through the pedestrian historic centre with its restaurants and local charm. We then continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora – also a World Heritage Site – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 9 - Lisbon
This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills – taking in its characterful lanes, iconic tiles and clear Atlantic light. We continue to the Belém neighbourhood, from where Portuguese navigators set sail across the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can wander the city centre or make your way up to Bairro Alto for its viewpoint – and, if you wish, you could join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we return to the hotel with a group transfer from lively Restauradores Square, lined with bars and cafés.
Day 10 - Lisbon
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Lisbon – thank you for travelling with us, and we hope you leave with wonderful lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Lisbon
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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