Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Lisbon	Alfama & Belem Areas, Tram 28, Saint George’s Castle & Jeronimos Monastery, Street art, Sintra	H10 Duque de Loule, Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel
3 - 5	Algarve	Lagos, Picturesque Coastline with Grottos & Caves, Ria Formosa Nature Park, Beaches & Relaxation, Hiking	Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort, Hotel PortoBay Falesia
5 - 7	Seville	Royal Alcázar, Cathedral, Old Jewish Quarter, Plaza de España, Tapas	EME Catedral Mercer Hotel, Hotel H10 Casa de la Plata
7 - 9	Granada	Alhambra Complex, Palacio de Generalife, Albaicín District	Hotel Catalonia Granada, Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos
9 - 10	Córdoba	Mosque-Cathedral, Roman Bridge, Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs	NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba
10 - 12	Madrid	Royal Palace, Prado & Sofia Reina Museum, El Retiro Park, Gran Via	Hotel Emperador, Catalonia Las Cortes

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

You will be transferred from Lisbon airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

Lisbon

2 Nights

Explore Lisbon, Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital that graces the Tagus estuary on the Atlantic coast. Covering seven hills and a natural harbor, this intimate city welcomes you with an inclusive culture and a spirit of exploration!

Included Activities

Personalized Tour: Unique Views of Lisbon
Take in beautiful views of Portugal’s capital city, its surroundings and landmarks from various vantage points. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this bustling modern city with a rich history. Head up to the observation deck at the Statue of Jesus Christ for views of Lisbon and the river. The viewpoint at Edward VII Park offers vistas of the city’s historical neighborhoods. Accompany your knowledgeable guide to Saint Peter’s observation point and enjoy beautiful views of the ancient Alfama district. Make your way to the fortress of Saint George that sits perched on the city’s highest hill as you listen to lesser-known historical facts. After enjoying all round views from the high fortress walls, stop by the viewpoint at ‘Gates of the Sun’ for gorgeous views of the old port area and the monastery of Saint Vincent. Wind up your tour with unforgettable memories of a unique experience. (Duration: Half Day; Starting Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Ending Time: 1300/1800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Part of this tour involves walking.)

Group Tour: Dinner and Fado Show in Lisbon
Immerse yourself in the rich folk traditions of Lisbon at this intimate dinner show. Make your way to a cozy restaurant in the historic neighborhood of Alfama. Settle down at your table and take in the elegant ambience of the space. Enjoy the best of Portuguese cuisine as you listen to a live performance of authentic Fado music by talented artists. Return to your hotel with cherished memories of a unique experience. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity; Dinner Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel Options

H10 Duque de Loule – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Square Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 3 - 5

You will be transferred from your hotel to Lisbon train station in a private vehicle

Board your train from Lisbon to Algarve: Albufeira (Duration: 3 hrs)

You will be transferred from the Algarve (Albufeira) train station to your hotel in a private vehicle

Algarve

2 Nights

The Algarve is a sun-soaked sliver of coastline set at the southernmost end of Portugal. Bordered by the magnificent Atlantic Ocean on two sides and blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate, it makes for an idyllic holiday destination.

Included Activities

Personalized Lagos Attractions with Group Grotto Tour
Enjoy a tour of Lagos as well as the spectacular grottos off the west coast. Even before you reach Lagos, there is something to catch your eye – the unique pottery of this region at an en route craft center. Arrive at Lagos to discover its ancient history and seafaring traditions, evident in robust coastal defenses, ruins of a 15th century slave market, the Baroque Church of Santo António and artifacts at the local museum. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the city center, pausing at quaint stores and charming cafes for a light lunch break. Later, set out on a boat tour that takes you through the caves of Ponta da Piedade. Marvel at the ochre hued rocks and azure blue sea water which lights up grotto walls with shimmering reflections. You can extend this sensory delight even further with a spot of swimming and sunbathing on the rocks. (Duration: Full Day; Private Lagos Tour & Transfer; Shared Grotto Tour; Time: 1000 – 1700 hrs; Guests are requested to bring bathing suit, windbreaker and sneakers as well as water and sunscreen; Fitness level: easy)

Hotel Options

Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Sea View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Hotel PortoBay Falesia – Opt 2

Room	Twin Sea View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Day 5 - 7

Your chauffeur will drive you from Algarve to Seville in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Seville

2 Nights

Seville is a city of flamenco music and dance, of medieval Moorish history and architecture, wild parties, grand parades and fiestas.

Included Activities

Walking Explorations of Seville
Explore the highlights of sun-drenched Seville as you traverse its historical neighborhoods. Soaking up the Andalusian vibe, begin your tour with a visit to the Seville Cathedral that houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Marvel at the expansive structure that showcases stunning late Gothic architecture, and features dozens of chapels inside. Drop by Giralda bell-tower next door, which is a minaret of the former mosque on this site, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city. Continue onward to the 14th century Royal Alcázar of Seville that is still in use by the Spanish royal family. Strolling through ornamental gardens and beautiful courtyards of this palace complex, admire the Mudéjar, Islamic, and Gothic styles of architecture. Finally, navigate the maze of narrow streets at Seville’s former Jewish quarter Santa Cruz that features colorful houses, and intimate plazas dotted with orange trees. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

EME Catedral Mercer Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Hotel H10 Casa de la Plata – Opt 2

Room	Double Room Atrium View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 7 - 9

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will drive you from Seville to Granada in a private vehicle (Duration: 3 hrs)

Granada

2 Nights

Comfortably ensconced at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain, the grand Andalusian city of Granada is best known for the Alhambra, the symbol of Europe’s colorful Moorish history from the middle ages.

Included Activities

Discover Granada & the Alhambra Palace
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra palace complex and the city of Granada. Learn about the history of the Alhambra that was built by the Nasrid emirs in 1238. Symbolic of the end of 800 years of war against the invading Moors, it is also known for being the place where Columbus got permission from the Queen to set sail to America. Marvel at the distinctive features of the monument – an Alcazaba (fortress), an Alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one. After lunch, continue on your own to the Royal Chapel – an Isabelline style, 16th-century building, which was the burial place of the Spanish and Catholic monarchs. Learn why this location was chosen for its construction and the socio-political factors that led to it. (Duration: 6 hours; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; A tour guide, entrance fees, and taxi from your hotel to Alhambra and to Sacromonte.)

Hotel Options

Hotel Catalonia Granada – Opt 1

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos – Opt 2

Room	Dreamer Alabaster Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 9 - 10

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Granada train station in a private vehicle

Board your train from Granada to Cordoba (Duration: 1 hr).

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Cordoba train station and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle

Córdoba

1 Night

Cordoba’s colorful historical past and an equally vibrant present brought together with a medieval Islamic heritage delights travelers from all over the world.

Included Activities

Walking Explorations of Cordoba
Admire the historic architectural highlights of Cordoba that hark back to the time when it was the capital of Islamic Spain. Visit the multi arched La Mezquita mosque-turned-Catholic church with its columned prayer hall, Byzantine mosaics, and the Renaissance-style nave. Admire the iconic Roman Bridge that was originally built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river. Take a trip back in time as you stroll through the fascinating narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter past well-preserved Medieval-era buildings including the Calle Judios is Casa de Sefarad museum and the city’s traditional flower-adorned patios. Drop into the famous Alcazar that was once the residence of monarchs, a defense fortress, and was even a garrison for Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. Admire the distinct Mudejar architecture of the oldest remaining synagogues which survived the Spanish inquisition. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Tour guide, and entrance fees included.)

Hotel Options

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba – Opt 1

Room	Superior Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba – Opt 2

Room	Standard Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 10 - 12

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Cordoba train station in a private vehicle

Board your train from Cordoba to Madrid (Duration: 2 - 2.5 hrs).

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Madrid train station and accompany you to the Madrid airport in a private vehicle

Madrid

2 Nights

The beautiful city of Madrid serves the global traveler an amalgamation of Spain’s glorious history and modern culture on a platter.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour: Madrid Meander and Museums
Discover old Madrid on this historic walk, in the company of your local English speaking guide. Stroll down popular old streets, lingering around the many plazas surrounded by public buildings and magnificent palaces. Walk to Plaza de Oriente by which the Royal Palace stands. Enter the 18th century Royal Palace, which once housed royal receptions, hosted foreign dignitaries and saw the signing of historic treaties. Head to either the Museo Nacional del Prado for a taste of classical Spanish art or the Museo Reina Sofía for a taste of modern 20th century Spanish art. At the Museo Nacional del Prado admire the museum’s famous masterpieces, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest by El Greco, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya. At the Museo Reina Sofía see masterpieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Don’t miss Guernica, one of Picasso’s most recognizable masterpiece. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfer; Admission Included; Drink & Snack tasting included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Personalized Tour: A Night of Tapas
Discover Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene, accompanied by a local expert guide, after dusk. Take a walk through stylish neighborhoods dotted with centenary bars and cozy taverns tucked away in lively cobbled streets. Getting introduced to Spanish cuisine while listening to live commentary, learn about the origins, inspirations, and ingredients of tapas. Interacting with madrileños over vermouth – Madrid’s national drink – join in on the city’s aperitif ritual. Test your Spanish skills by ordering tapas plates from the daily chalkboard menus. Savor an assortment of traditional and modern gourmet tapas paired with an array of regional drinks. Expect to try Iberian ham, salted cod croquettes, cheeses, olive oils, eggplants with honey, Spanish omelets, and chickpea stew among others. Round this off with a plate of typical Spanish desserts, and knowledge of Madrid’s hidden gems before dispersing. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfers; Tapas and drinks included; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hotel Emperador – Opt 1

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Catalonia Las Cortes – Opt 2

Room	Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Your Spanish speaking chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the Madrid airport in a private vehicle

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 5,790 /person
Option 2 From $ 6,190 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 12 days / 11 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Lisbon – Algarve: Albufeira
- Granada – Cordoba
- Cordoba – Madrid
All activities as listed :
- Lisbon: Personalized Tour: Unique Views of Lisbon
- Lisbon: Group Tour: Dinner and Fado Show in Lisbon
- Algarve: Personalized Lagos Attractions with Group Grotto Tour
- Seville: Walking Explorations of Seville
- Granada: Discover Granada & the Alhambra Palace
- Cordoba (Spain): Walking Explorations of Cordoba
- Madrid: Personalized Tour: Madrid Meander and Museums
- Madrid: Personalized Tour: A Night of Tapas
A Mercedes car for all your transfers and drives within Spain
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
All transfers as indicated above

Not Included

Portugal: Tourism tax of around 2 Euro per adult (18 years and above) and night, payable locally at hotels
Spain: Visitor’s tax 2.50 to 5 Euro per person and night, payable directly at the hotels
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Entrance fees, unless otherwise stated in the activity descriptions
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return), unless specified under the trip inclusions above

Portugal and Spain: Historical Wonders

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Lisbon

Algarve

Seville

Granada

Córdoba

Madrid

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included