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The Traditional Iberia in 11 days

The south of Spain and Portugal are beautiful regions that you cannot miss, paying attention and exploring in detail. A contrast of two fantastic countries, their essence, which makes them precious. Olive groves, balconies full of flowers, orange trees, architecture, culture, and picturesque landscapes of cork trees is exactly what you should expect in your trip to the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Two countries, both possessing a very particular beauty.

 

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IBERIAN CAPITALS

 Day by Day Itinerary and suggested Accommodation

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid. Private transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we suggest you make a tapas route through the food markets and taverns of the historical center of Madrid with our guide. You can finish with the entry in the best flamenco show in the capital.

3-night accommodation at Hotel Hospes Puerta de Alcalá *****

Day 2: Visit Madrid. From the door of your hotel, our driver and our local guide will accompany you on this full-day tour of Madrid. You can visit the most emblematic areas of the town, such as Paseos del Prado and Recoletos, where the three main museums of the capital are located, as well as the Plaza de Cibeles, the Retiro Park or the Puerta de Alcalá. Going up the Gran Via, Madrid's "Broadway", you can contemplate the palatial architecture of Madrid, and reach the historic center, where Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Oriente are located with the majestic Royal Palace. A flexible itinerary that our professionals will adapt to your tastes and desires.

Day 3: Visit Toledo. In this full-day tour with driver and guide, not only can you enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the birthplace of the painter El Greco from the Tagus River, but you can also enter its narrow streets to visit its many monuments, which are footprints visible of the three religions that for centuries coexisted tolerably: Christians, Arabs and Jews. Our guide will suggest the best place for lunch.

Day 4: Transfer to Seville and visit the city. Today, our private driver will take you to Madrid-Atocha Station to take your high-speed AVE train to Seville. It's a trip between 2h30 and 3 hours. Upon your arrival, another of our drivers will pick you up to take you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, our expert local guide will take you to know the Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest in Europe, with its Giralda Tower, and the magnificent Royal Alcazar. Do not miss visiting the Barrio de Santa Cruz and its narrow and picturesque streets full of charisma and history.

At night, we will reserve for you a place in the best flamenco tablao in the center of the city. Discover the "goblin" of this art while enjoying a drink or dinner.

2-night accommodation at Hotel Mercer Sevilla *****

Day 5: Full day tour to Jerez de la Frontera. Our driver will take you to Jerez, a stately city south of Seville, recognized not only for its flamenco singing and purebred Spanish horses but for the quality of its Sherry wines. You can enjoy a walk with our local guide inside the Alcázar, as well as preferred seats in the equestrian show of the Royal Cavalry School. A unique horse dance in the world. After the visit, you can visit a family winery where you will taste some varieties of Sherry, the local, internationally known wine. During the day, our expert will suggest taking some tapas in a "tobacco" or traditional Jerez tavern.

Day 6: Transfer to the Algarve Region. In the morning our driver will take you to cross the border of Portugal and enter the Algarve region. Upon arrival, we recommend having the rest of the day free and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

2-night accommodation at Anantara Vilamoura *****

Day 7: Excursion to the Eastern Algarve. Our driver and local guide will take you to discover this magnificent region. Starting with the town of Vilamoura, Faro, Olhão, Almancil or even Albufeira, you can have a deep vision of the region of southeast Portugal and its lifestyle: tuna factories, fish markets, seaports, citadels, craft shops, white houses ... During the day our guide will recommend the best place to take your lunch.

Day 8: Transfer to Évora and visit the city. Our driver will take you in the morning to your next destination, Évora, the capital of Alentejo in Portugal. In the afternoon you can enjoy a walk with our local guide to this wonderful city and there you will discover why it is a World Heritage Site.

1-night accommodation at Hotel Convento do Espinheiro *****

Day 9: Transfer to Lisbon and visit the city. In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Upon your arrival, our expert local guide will introduce you to a bohemian and flavored atmosphere in old Lisbon. They will visit some of the most traditional places in the city and taste some of their gastronomic specialties, called "petiscos".

2-night accommodation in Pousada de Lisboa *****

Day 10: Visit the Estoril Coast, Cascais and Sintra. The Estoril Coast is closely related to an atmosphere of charm, with numerous attractions, such as famous beaches and charming villas such as Estoril and Cascais. Regarding the city of Sintra and all its natural environment and its heritage, it can be said that it is one of the symbols of Portugal, also declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

Day 11: Departure Transfer to the airport. Three hours before the departure of your flight, our driver will take you to the Lisbon International Airport.

 

 

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CITIES AND TOWNS ON THE ITINERARY

If you wish to know a bit more about the places to go

MadridStrategically located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, it is the Capital City of Spain and therefore, one of the most touristic and important cities of the country. Because of its central location and high altitude, the climate of Madrid is characterized by warm dry summers and cool winters. Madrid is a city of great monuments. Among its highlights are the medieval center dating back to the Habsburg Empire and the Prado Museum. As the capital, Madrid is home to the Royal family, the Spanish Government and many other national institutions. The town has a long and fascinating history and all over Madrid, there are monuments and museums of great artistical value. It is a city full of life where travelers will feel welcome. Enjoy the street life and the numerous tapas bars and cafes where you will enjoy the “madrileños” passion for life. 

Toledo: Located on the banks of the river Tagus, was known as Toletum during the Roman presence before the 2nd century BC. A very important area for a long period in history, Toledo became known as the “city of the three cultures”, for Christians, Arabs and Jews dwelled together here for centuries. This accounts for the incredible cultural legacy to be found here, which led to the declaration of World Heritage by UNESCO. In Toledo, you can admire several monuments with influences from these different cultures, such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, the church of Santo Tomé, where you can find a famous painting by El Greco, and the Alcazár Fortress.

Seville: The Andalusian Capital, will enchant you with its impressive monuments and history. It has already been Arab, Jewish and Roman, which provides her a very rich culture. A walk by the district of Santa Cruz will lead you through the streets of the historic and artistic quarter where you will see 12th-century buildings like the Royal Citadels, the Hospital of the Venerable and the City Hall. Don’t miss the architectural and artistic heritage which includes the Cathedral, the Alcazar Arab fortress, and India’s Archive. These patrimonial sites have been declared a World Heritage Site, by UNESCO.

Jerez de la Frontera: Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its wines, horses and for being the birthplace of flamenco. Discover its historical center, granted with the historic-artistic designation, and surrounded by old walls, where you will see the church of San Mateo and San Lucas and the Riquelme and Permantín palaces. The city is also home to the Horse Fair, a festival declared of International Tourist Interest, where horse-riding and competitions are accompanied by singing, dancing and food. Don’t miss a visit to the wine cellars and taste some exquisite wine.

Algarve: The most famous summer retreat in Portugal with the best beaches. From the magnificent white sandy beaches to the rocky coastline and steep cliffs, Algarve is diverse with gorgeous coastal landscapes. Nightlife and animation is something that you can enjoy in this region too. This region is the most famous place in Portugal to play golf, having numerous fields of worldwide renowned quality.

Alentejo: The widest region of Portugal. Here the landscape is “gentle” composed by rolling hills covered by cork oak trees, vineyards and wheat fields. The lifestyle is serene in the small villages with whitewashed houses where the time slowly passes by… The gastronomy is robust and creative with wines to match it, in contrast with the calmness of the local people of the region.

Évora: A beautiful small town in the Alentejo region. Still surrounded by the old walls it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and will attract you for its medieval appearance, the narrow streets, the historic center and the kindness of the locals. Amongst several interesting monuments, you shall not miss the Roman Temple from the 1st century, unique of this kind in both Portugal and Spain. This is also the perfect place for a great gastronomic and wine experience, as this is one of the regions in Portugal with more traditional and quality at this level. You shall not miss the opportunity of having a meal in one of the city's restaurants.

Lisbon: Capital of Portugal, located at the mouth of the Tagus River and from where the Portuguese boats set sail overseas in the 15th and 16th centuries towards East. At that time, the Maritime Discoveries period, the city became the center of a large empire, still visible in the monuments of the Belém section. Well known for its historic traditional neighborhoods you'll be amazed by the sections of Chiado, Bairro Alto and Alfama as well as the Castle of Saint George and the gorgeous views you can enjoy from the top of its hill.