Spain & Portugal Tour

Madrid | Cordoba | Granada | Seville | Algarve | Lisbon | Sintra

The Itinerary

Day 1 - Madrid

We will explore the only european capital with islamic roots. Its origin dated back to the 9th century emir Muhamad I built a fortress to protect the routes to Toledo. We will explore the trendy and beautiful quarter Las Letras heading to world famous Plaza Mayor and the square Puerta del Sol. Near the Royal Palace we will find the remains of the 8th-century old fortress. We will explore too the quarter La Latina the muslim quarter Moreria for centuries after the christian conquest in 1085. The foodies may want to visit one of the top food market, San Miguel. Shopping tour in the best areas of Madrid like Gran Via or Serrano.

Day 2: Madrid - Granada

We will travel to Granada (Andalucia) in the southern region of Spain (4h)
Orientation tour in the historic center of the city that has better preserved the islamic heritage of Al-Andalus of the whole Iberian Peninsula.

Day 3: Granada

Enjoy the guided tour of the Alhambra including Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife. Visit to the museum inside Carlos V Palace. Discover the local handicrafts: the Fajalauza a traditional ceramic technique of hand painted glazed clay brought 500 years from Middle East. And the Taracea a decorative art consisting in adding pieces of ivory, silver or bone in wood.

Day 4: Granada - Cordoba

Discover the heart of ancient Madinat Gharnata today Albaicin quarter, an UNESCO heritage site. We will walk through the riverside boulevard to see the 16th century palaces and lovely bridges, and explore narrow streets of this historic quarter. Stop in beautiful lookouts like San Nicolas square and lively streets. Later, we will explore the Sacromonte quarter where you will amaze with the house-caves.
Continue the journey heading to Cordoba (2h30)

Day 5 - Cordoba to Seville

Enjoy the walking tour of ancient Madinat Qurtubah. Explore the city’s labyrinthine streets of typical whitewashed houses and admire the characteristic balconies and courtyards overflowing with flowers. Delve into the fascinating history of this city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit local crafters in their workshops and, will stroll trough a popular quarter: San Basilio, to see one of the famous courtyards of Cordoba. You will also discover why cordobese jewelry techniques are world famous.

We will take us to see the most emblematic and best-known sights in Cordoba, including the Roman Bridge in the Wad al-Kabir (great river), Calahorra tower, the Fortress of the Christian Kings, the Gate of the Moon, the Synagogue, the Souk and Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral.

On your guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, we’ll discover a unique monument declared a World Heritage Site, which houses exceptional Islamic and Christian art. It was the second largest mosque in the world, dated in year 785, and it consecrated as a catholic church in the 13th century. The impressive building combines Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Umayyad styles.

Continue the journey heading to Seville for overnight.

 

Day 6: Seville

Explore the iconic Seville Cathedral, the stunning Alcazar of Seville and Archivo de Indias. Our expert guide will unveil the history behind these magnificent sites and their role during Al-Andalus age. The Almohads built significant structures, including the Giralda Tower, which was originally constructed as a minaret for the city’s mosque (now the Seville Cathedral). Walk through the ancient medina of Ishbiliya to discover the trace of the islamic, the remains of mosques, hammam, markets, mills, watching tower and the city walls.

Wander through the enchanting gardens and intricate palace rooms of the Real Alcazar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Stroll through charming streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter, known for its narrow alleys, flower-filled courtyards, and cozy tapas bars.

Enjoy Triana quarter skyline from the river Guadalquivir boulevard while learning about Seville’s Port of Indies, once served as a major gateway for Spanish expeditions to the New World. Marvel at the grandeur of the Plaza de España, a stunning architectural masterpiece with colorful tiles representing different regions of Spain.

Free time add-on: Take an hour river cruise. Adult 18 €

Day 7: Seville - Tavira - Olhao - Lisbon

Road journey to Portugal (3h) heading south to the region of Algarve.
Wander around Olhlao, the Algarve’s biggest fishing port. With an active waterfront, medieval buildings and bustling old quarters, the city has a Northern African feel.

Next stop, Tavira, set on either side of the meandering Rio Gilão, is arguably the Algarve’s most charming town. The ruins of a hilltop castle, an old Roman bridge and a smattering of Gothic and Renaissance churches are among its historic attractions. An enticing assortment of restaurants and guesthouses makes it an excellent base for exploring the Algarve’s eastern reaches.
Will continue the journey to Lisbon for overnight.

Day 8: Lisbon

Continue the journey to Lisbon (3h) making stops on the way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Algarve. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is located on the banks of the Tejo river much of its character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles.

Enjoy the walking tour through the old town, discover the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Al Andalus times and sits on the highest point. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. Explore Bairro Alto quarter and beautiful palaces, the  belvederes of Graça and 16th-century houses of the Alfama quarter. Enjoy  to the to the historic neighborhood of Belem.

Day 9: Lisbon - Sintra - Lisbon

Today we will visit Sintra a beautifu mountain village 30 km away from Lisbon to explore its world heritage cultural landscape.   The exotic gardens on the hills and the palaces give the National Park of Sintra the look of a fairy tale! Visit the 19th-century Romantic Da Pena Palace, located on a high peak, dominating the views from the town. We will get back to Lisbon afterwards. Afterwards we will stop at the Moorish castle a fortification founded in the 10th century.

Day 10 - Lisbon

We will continue exploring downtown in the morning according to your flight departure. Private shuttle to airport.

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