Iberian Inspiration 2024

After breakfast we’ll take in all the highlights of this captivating capital on an orientation tour. Then we’ll 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 María la Blanca will help us get a grip on the area’s unique cultural heritage before we retire to our hotel for the night. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Carlos V (or similar)

Today our journey will continue south across the vast plains of La Mancha towards Valdepeñas – where we’ll pause to visit a local bodega for a wine tasting session and tapas lunch. Appetites satisfied, we’ll move on to beautiful Córdoba – our home for the next two nights. (B,L)

Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)

Prepare to step back in time to the days of Islamic Iberia – a locally guided tour of Córdoba’s Old Town awaits! After visiting the spectacular Mezquita (a UNESCO-protected mosque), you’ll be free to explore the city at your own pace. Seek out hidden squares and local cafés, pamper yourself at a traditional hammam or simply sit back and marvel at the city’s magnificent architecture – this afternoon is all about you. (B)

Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)

Our next stop will be Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town filled with spectacular Renaissance palaces. There will be just enough time to pause and taste some authentic Spanish olive oil before we move on to enchanting Granada. (B)

Accommodation: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)

An energetic university city with an ancient past – Granada is yours to explore at leisure today. No visit here would be complete without wandering the lavish interiors of ancient Alhambra. Purchase your tickets well in advance to secure the opportunity to explore the intricately carved archways and vibrant gardens of this breathtaking Moorish palace.(B)

Accommodation: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)

You can rest assured that today’s 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 we’ll get our bearings on an orientation tour. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Accommodation: Hotel Maestranza (or similar)

Today it’s back on the road – with stops at the picturesque white villages of Grazalema and Arcos to look forward to. This afternoon we’ll set our sights on Jerez – where we’ll 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. (B,L)

Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)

We’ve a full day to spend getting acquainted with the charismatic city of Seville. First, a locally guided walking tour and a visit to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alcázar of Seville. Then, the day it yours to spend at your leisure. 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 sample some Andalucían specialities at one of the city’s abundant bars. (B)

Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)

Back to nature today. After breakfast we’ll make tracks to the Sierra de Aracena, an unspoilt mountain range peppered with castles, quaint villages and pastures. While we’re here, we’ll pay a visit a local pig farm – where we’ll be lucky enough to taste some authentic jamón ibérico and local cheeses. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Convento Aracena (or similar)

Our first stop of the day will be Monsaraz, a charming Portuguese hilltop village with sweeping views of the Alqueva Dam. We’ll take some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Estremoz for an afternoon of leisure time. Tonight, we’ll raise a toast to our Iberian adventure over a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Accommodation: Pousada Castelo Estremoz (or similar)

Onwards to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region. This afternoon will see our tour come to a close in postcard-perfect Lisbon. (B)