Iberian Inspiration

Itinerary

Day 1 Madrid – Toledo

After meeting in vibrant Madrid, well board the mini-coach and head for Toledo – a beguiling riverside city where centuries of history come alive. A guided city tour and visits to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Synagogue of Santa Mara la Blanca will help us get to grips with the areas unique cultural heritage before we retire to our hotels restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda del Cardenal (or similar)

Day 2 Toledo – Valedepenas – Cordoba

Today our journey will continue south across the vast plains of La Mancha towards Valdepeas – where well pause to visit a local bodega for a wine tasting session and tapas lunch. Appetites satisfied, well move on to beautiful Crdoba – our home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judera (or similar)

Day 3 Cordoba

Prepare to step back in time to the days of Islamic Iberia – a walking tour of Crdobas Old Town awaits! After visiting the spectacular Mezquita (a UNESCO-protected mosque), youll be free to explore the city at your own pace. Seek out hidden squares and local cafs, pamper yourself at a traditional hammam or simply sit back and marvel at the citys magnificent architecture – this afternoon is all about you.
Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judera (or similar)

Day 4 Cordoba – Ubeda – Granada

Our next stop will be beda, a World Heritage-listed town filled with spectacular Renaissance palaces. There will be just enough time to pause to taste some authentic Spanish olive oil before we move on to enchanting Granada.
Accommodation: Villa Oniria (or similar)

Day 5 Granada

Intricately carved archways. Lavish interiors. Colourful tiles. Vibrant gardens. Today well visit the incomparable Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish palace perched high on a hilltop outside the city. This afternoon will find us back in the city centre, where well set you free to explore as you please.
Accommodation: Villa Oniria (or similar)

Day 6 Granada – Ronda

You can rest assured that todays journey will be just as much fun as the destination! From Granada, our path will turn east as we make the scenic journey to the mountaintop city of Ronda, where well get our bearings on a walking tour. Tonight, well come together for dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria (or similar)

Day 7 Ronda – Grazalema – Arcos – Jerez – Seville

Today its back on the road – with stops at the picturesque white villages of Grazalema and Arcos to look forward to. This afternoon well set our sights on Jerez – where well be treated to a sherry tasting session and tapas lunch at a local winery. Tonight, a traditional flamenco show will help us settle into Seville.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Romana (or similar)

Day 8 Seville

Weve a full day to spend getting acquainted with the charismatic city of Seville. Whether you want to seek out Roman ruins, hunt down Moorish mosaics or visit classical squares, there are plenty of historic sites to keep you occupied here. Feeling hungry? You could always kick back and sample some Andalucan specialities at one of the citys abundant bars…
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Romana (or similar)

Day 9 Seville – Sierra de Aracena

Back to nature today. After breakfast well make tracks to the Sierra de Aracena, an unspoilt mountain range peppered with castles, quaint villages and pastures. With a variety of well-maintained trails, the area certainly deserves its status as a fantastic place for a ramble! While were here, well pay a visit a local pig farm – where well be lucky enough to taste some authentic jamn ibrico and local cheeses.
Accommodation: Hotel Convento Aracena (or similar)

Day 10 Sierra de Aracena – Monsaraz – Estremoz

Our first stop of the day will be Monsaraz, a charming Portuguese hilltop village with sweeping views of the Alqueva Dam. Well take some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Estremoz for an afternoon of leisure time. Then: the grand finale! Tonight well raise a toast to our Iberian adventure over a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Pousada Castelo Estremoz (or similar)

Day 11 Estremoz – Evora – Lisbon

Onwards to vora, the capital of the Alentejo region, where well take a look around the marvellous cathedral, the Templo Romano and the town square. And then? This afternoon will see our tour come to a close in postcard-perfect Lisbon.