ABOUT THIS TRIP
Are you ready to see some of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean? This 17-day small-group tour of Portugal and Spain will take you on a whirlwind adventure! Your journey will begin in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. This is a wonderful place to learn about the rich history and culture of this Western European gem. Visit the local city market and learn how to make tasty Portuguese dishes before you make your way to Sintra to see fairytale landscapes and beautiful vineyards. Visit a local cheese factory to try some delicious varieties, and set out to explore Evora, a World Heritage City with more than 2000 years of history. Have lunch in the largest organic farm in Portugal before you cross the border into Spain and drive to Seville, a breathtaking city oozing in history and culture, and try the famous Iberian ham with a delectable local lunch. See the Rock of Gibraltar with its unique location at the mouth of the Mediterranean and proximity to Africa, pay a visit to Ronda, a historic town with dramatic views, and travel to Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace. Next, you will explore Malaga, a captivating cultural city, and take a high-speed train to Madrid, the lively Spanish capital, where your small-group tour of Portugal and Spain will come to an end!
15 NIGHTS
38 MEALS
Special Lunches and Dinners
TRANSPORT
Economy Class Train
FLIGHTS
Today you will make your own way to your local gateway airport to board your international flight to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. Enjoy inflight meals and services onboard.
Overnight Onboard Flight
Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival at the Lisbon International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lisbon at your own pace, the breathtaking capital of Portugal and one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Western Europe. This fascinating city blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and offers a rich and varied history with a lively nightlife experience. Lisbon is blessed with a glorious year-round climate that offers sunny skies and nice temperatures! Enjoy a scrumptious “Welcome Dinner” with a private Portuguese chef in the evening.
Overnight in Lisbon
After a delicious breakfast, visit a local factory that processes fourth range fruits into crunchy snacks and fresh fruit packs that are ready to eat. This factory delivers these fruits and snacks to various Portuguese supermarkets and exports as well! Later in the morning, visit the Cork oak tree forest along with the cork observatory. In the afternoon, you will explore a handmade tile factory and try your hand a painting one. Enjoy free time before dinner at Fado (a musical genre with a tapa dinner restaurant).
Overnight in Lisbon
In the morning, you will visit the local city market for a tour and a hands-on cooking class. This market features fish and produce vendors and will give you the perfect opportunity to learn about the colorful lifestyle of the locals. Let the chef teach you how to cook and enjoy a typical Portuguese three-course lunch served with fish, meat, and the famous Portuguese custard tarts for dessert. In the afternoon, head on a tour to explore the famous city of Lisbon via the Eco Tuks, which will include old and historic neighborhoods and viewpoints in the Portuguese capital. Prepare for a delicious dinner this evening at your hotel.
Overnight in Lisbon
Following a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, depart Liston to visit Sintra, a UNESCO heritage village with a fairytale setting. Home to Portugal’s monarchs, this magnificent town features marvelous historic mansions, set against the backdrop of the lush hills. This afternoon’s highlight will be a visit to the Colares Wine Region that lies within two miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Its label states “the westernmost vineyards in Europe”. After a scenic stroll through to the vineyards with a breathtaking view through to the Atlantic Ocean, you will taste the world-class varieties in this beautiful winery. From there, return to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Lisbon
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue your journey east to visit a local cheese factory for a tour and tasting of some of his wares. From there, you will visit a family wine producer, that produces rare and limited-edition wines produced in special years. In the afternoon, get ready to see the Torre de Palm Wine Hotel and Winery, dating to the 14th century. You will see the vineyard area, followed by a wine tasting opportunity. In the evening, together with the chef of the hotel’s restaurant, your group will learn how to prepare the dinner, a three-course meal based on the unique, hearty regional cuisine of Alentejo.
Overnight in Evora
In the morning, get ready to explore Evora with a wonderful walking tour. This tour will include the Roman Temple, the Cathedral, and Giraldo Square. Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage City with more than two thousand years of rich history. It is rated as one of the best Portuguese cities to live in. In the afternoon, enjoy a winemaking masterclass in Ervideira dating to the 19th century. You will learn about the Helix cork stopper as well as how to blend monovarietal wines into your own in-person wine. Visit a local cork factory before dinner at the hotel, which will be made and served by local producers of the area!
Overnight in Evora
Following a delicious breakfast, visit the largest organic farm in Portugal, where you will have lunch. You will discover an olive grove and mill that is the fourth largest exporter of olive oil in the world. Prepare for a wonderful tasting of the different types of olive oil being produced in the area. In the evening, enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” in Portugal at a typical regional restaurant with a Cante Alentjano chorus live performance. Later in the night, you will reach your hotel in Beja, for your final evening in Portugal.
Overnight in Beja
After a scrumptious breakfast, you will have time to explore your quaint hotel that was once a monastery. From there you will visit a hydroponic strawberry greenhouse housing over 200,000 plants. Enjoy lunch at a local winery before saying farewell to Portugal, and cross the border into Spain, a gem in Western Europe. Arrive at your hotel in Seville, where dinner will be served.
Overnight in Seville
In the morning you will learn about the fascinating world of the preparation of the famous Iberian ham. You will see how Portugal’s traditional and natural practices continue to be used in the production of the finest quality hams. Lunch will include a taste of local products, cured cheese, local homemade cakes, and a selection of regional wines. In the afternoon, head on a scenic tour of Seville, with admission to the Cathedral included. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant in the area.
Overnight in Seville
After breakfast, you will visit the Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm, situated near the town of Jerez. From its creation at the end of the XV century, the adjacent Monastery of the Cartuja became well-known for breeding Jerezano thoroughbred Andalusian horses, a tradition that continues to this day. During your visit, you will head on a guided tour of the facilities, which will include the stallion yard, harness room, coach-houses, mare barn, and the clinical service area. Your visit will come to an end with a show in the covered dressage ring for free-running colts of different ages, with hitches, classical dressage, “cobras” of mares (a group of mares tied together with one handler), and so on. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit a Sherry wine cellar and see the exciting world of Sherry wines as well as their unique Art Gallery. Drive towards Gibraltar for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Gibraltar
In the morning you will discover the iconic “Rock of Gibraltar”. With its unique location at the mouth of the Mediterranean and its proximity to Africa, Gibraltar has played a vital role in the defensive military strategy for centuries. Depart for Ronda for an overnight stay. Despite being a growing town, Ronda still retains much of its historic charm – particularly in its old town. It is known worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the Rio Guadalevín through its Centre. In the afternoon, you will visit the Bullring. The “Plaza de Toros” occupies a very special place in modern Spanish culture and history, as the home of the Rondeno style of bullfighting and the Real Maestranza De Caballería De Ronda. The bullring was built entirely of stone in the 18th century during the golden years of Pedro Romero’s reign as a champion bullfighter.
Overnight in Ronda
After breakfast, today you will drive to Granada and visit the Alhambra Palace. Situated atop a splendid hill overlooking Granada in Southern Spain, lies the majestic and breathtaking Alhambra. Both fortress and palace, it has served as a home to kings and vagabonds. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an awe-inspiring blend of Moorish and Christian architecture and design.
Overnight in Granada
After breakfast at the hotel, visit a greenhouse in the morning, and enjoy lunch served in a tropical fruit farm. You will transfer to your hotel in Malaga, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain, for dinner. Spend the night here.
Overnight in Malaga
After breakfast, explore Malaga on a walking tour. Make your way through the historic, cultural provincial capital. The tastefully restored historic center is a true delight to see, with the Gothic cathedral surrounded by narrow pedestrian streets flanked by traditional and modern bars and shops. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore on your own, with dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Malaga
After breakfast at the hotel, in the morning you will take the "High-Speed Train" to Madrid. Upon arrival enjoy a delicious lunch, before you depart for Madrid for further sightseeing. Enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” in the evening for your final night in Spain!
Overnight in Madrid
After breakfast, check out of your hotel transfer to the airport in Madrid. Board your flight back home.
Hotel Ramada Lisbon (Lisbon)
Featuring breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, this 4-star hotel is a 10-minute drive from Parque das Nações and the riverside. The hotel's restaurant serves tasty Mediterranean cuisine. The nearest Metro Station is Olaias, just across the street from the hotel. The air-conditioned rooms at Ramada Lisbon are decorated with wooden furniture and carpeted floors. All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom. Some rooms have a separate living area. A daily breakfast buffet is served in the hotel's meal area. The Navegadores restaurant offers stunning views of the Tagus River, and a décor featuring paintings by Luis Pinto Coelho.
Hotel Vila Gale Evora (Evora)
Located just a 5-minute walk from the historical medieval walls of Évora, Vila Galé Évora offers high-standard accommodation and access to both indoor and outdoor pools. This hotel features a complete spa and wellness service along with a fitness centre. The soundproof and air-conditioned rooms boast a modern, clean décor. They are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a telephone, a wardrobe, a safety deposit box (available for a surcharge), and a minibar. The private bathroom includes a bath, a shower, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy a varied menu that includes regional dishes at the on-site restaurant. In the evening, after a day spent exploring the monuments of Évora, guests can unwind at the hotel bar and enjoy a beverage. Vila Galé Évora offers a 24-hour front desk, meeting and banquet facilities, as well as daily maid and laundry services. Breakfast is served every morning, and guests have the option to enjoy it in the privacy of their rooms.
BejaParque Hotel (beja)
Located in Beja, Alentejo, this hotel is less than 2 km from many of Beja’s top attractions including the Castelo de Beja. It features an outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms with balconies. Overlooking Beja or the Alentejo countryside, all rooms at BejaParque Hotel have modern décor and include a satellite TV and minibar. The Restaurante Seara serves regional cuisine and international dishes in a charming setting, with views of the garden and the pool. Seara’s bar offers local Portuguese wines. BejaParque Hotel is less than 3 km from the bus and railway station, and 800 metres from the centre of Beja. Free private parking and a car rental service are available.
AC Hotel Sevilla Forum (Seville)
AC Hotel Sevilla Forum is 10 minutes’ drive from Seville Airport and Santa Justa Train Station. It offers a gym, outdoor seasonal pool. The modern air-conditioned rooms at AC Hotel Sevilla Forum have satellite TV, a safe and a work desk. The private bathroom comes with a bath and shower, as well as a hairdryer and toiletries. The Forum’s minimalist AC Lounge serves creative cuisine and has an extensive wine list. Sevilla Forum has a lounge with free WiFi, free daily newspapers and a large flat-screen TV. Guests have access to the fitness room, which includes Turkish bath. The hotel is next to the A4 Motorway and on-site parking is available for an additional charge. The hotel is about 15 minutes' drive from Sevilla Cathedral and Plaza de España Square.
The Rock Hotel (Gibraltar)
This magnificent landmark hotel is situated on the Rock of Gibraltar, and has stunning views. Built in 1932, it is decorated in a colonial style, and its famous past guests include Sir Winston Churchill. Rooms at Rock Hotel come with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. Each also has its own bathroom, and views of the sea. The hotel’s restaurant also has panoramic views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Guests can enjoy an open-air seawater pool, which sits in its own secluded garden. The town centre is just 1 km from Rock Hotel, with a shopping centre within 2 km. There are botanical gardens to visit just 100 metres from the building. Please note that there is a possibility that the swimming pool may be closed some days due to weather, at the discretion of the management.
Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria (ronda)
Overlooking Ronda’s spectacular Tajo Gorge, the renovated Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa offers an outdoor pool, a spa, extensive gardens and an à la carte restaurant with panoramic views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The Victorian-style Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa was built in 1906 and fully renovated in summer 2012. It was once the home of the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Decorated in a sleek contemporary style, the air-conditioned rooms feature an LCD satellite smart TV equipped with Chromecast app, a minibar, safe and modern bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. Many rooms have a terrace with views of the gorge. Available at an extra cost, the spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, a hydromassage hot tub, a Scottish Shower, an ice cold bucket shower, an ice fountain and a dry sauna. These services are available at an extra cost. There is also a gym and a relaxation terrace with panoramic views. A range of health and beauty treatments are available. The Azahar restaurant serves Andalusian and Mediterranean dishes with impressive views of the surroundings. In addition, the hotel houses a breakfast room and a cafeteria-bar.
Hotel Abades Guadix (Granada)
Nestled in the Andalusian countryside, this elegant hotel has impressive interiors and an à la carte restaurant. Enjoy views over the fascinating landscapes. Relax in the classy lounge areas of the Hotel Abades Guadix. The decor has taken inspiration from Andalusia’s traditional architecture which has Arabic influences. Notice these features in the attractive archways and Mediterranean colours. Savour a morning espresso in the cafe and head to the restaurant for exquisite dishes which blend regional and modern cuisine. Conveniently set along the road which can take you from Levant to Andalusia, the Hotel Abades Guadix is perfect for exploring the natural environment and surrounding towns. Make a visit to the fine city of Granada and make an expedition to the caves of the area.
Hotel Sol Don Pedro (Malaga)
AC Hotel Atocha (Madrid)
