Iberian Journey - Southern Spain and Portugal
From Lisbon to Madrid, this journey invites you to experience the soul of southern Spain and Portugal. Hear Fado echo through tiled laneways in Lisbon, explore the vineyard-lined Douro Valley, and stroll Porto's riverside charm. In Spain, roam Cáceres' medieval streets, admire Seville's Mudéjar beauty and fragrant plazas, and feel the flamenco spirit in Granada beneath the Alhambra. Ending in elegant Madrid, this is a journey of culture, connection, and discovery, designed to be savoured.
Highlights
- Privately guided tours through historic town centres and Moorish palaces
- Relax in Portugal's stunning Douro Valley
- Learn to cook local Portuguese dishes and taste the famous Torta del Casar cheese in Cáceres
- Experience Flamenco and Fado traditions
- Melt into bliss at the Hammam baths
- Elegant, centrally located accommodation in quality hotels
Day 1: Lisbon - Welcome to Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon, a city of pastel-colour buildings, old-world charm, and sweeping views. Settle into your boutique hotel and let the city's gentle pace and authenticity draw you in.
In the late afternoon, meet your fellow travellers and learn about each other over dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the conversation and delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Day 2: Lisbon - Tarts & Tiles
Explore Lisbon's most iconic neighbourhoods with a private guide. Wind through narrow lanes, discovering colourful façades and intricate azulejo tiles. Learn the city's maritime and artistic history while tasting local treats like the iconic pastel de nata (Portuguese tart).
At night, we meet to further explore the neighbourhoods with a private guide and experience a traditional Fado performance followed by tapas and wine.
Day 3: Lisbon - Cook Up a Storm
We meet at lunchtime to be guided through how to prepare a traditional 3 course Portuguese meal in our own private cooking class.
Enjoy the meal together and spend the afternoon how you please - relax with a drink by the sea, walk up to one of the city's many stunning view points or wander the old town!
Day 4: Lisbon to Porto - Wine by the River
Head to Porto, Portugal's hillside city famed for its port wine, cobbled medieval riverside district and bridges. Along the way, we stop for a break in the medieval city of Coimbra, Portugal's former capital city and home to the historic University of Coimbra, founded in 1290.
After arriving in Porto, your private room invites you to unpack and relax, with the option to join your host for a local dinner if you choose. Get ready - Porto's charm reveals itself slowly, one sip at a time.
Day 5: Porto - Exploring
Embark late morning on a private guided walk through Porto's UNESCO-listed centre, soaking up the colourful history and unique architecture such as the beautiful Beaux Arts tiles of the São Bento train station and the Porto Cathedral.
Free time to explore further or enjoy quiet moments by the river in the Ribeira quarter during the afternoon, with the option to meet your host for dinner.
Day 6: Porto - Port Wine
In the afternoon, cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine tasting in one of the city's iconic cellars.
Porto's rich wine history has many fascinating stories of inspiring women who pioneered leadership in a man's world, adding another dimension to this delicious wine.
Wander back to our accommodation and relax, later perhaps head out to enjoy some local seafood or option to join your host for an evening meal.
Day 7: Porto to Douro Valley - Views
Travel into the lush Douro Valley, home to Portugal's most breathtaking wine landscapes, stopping at the picturesque town of Vila Real for a break on the way.
Arrive at our peaceful accommodation and prepare to relax before dinner together at the hotel's highly regarded restaurant.
Day 8: Douro Valley - Vineyards
Our privately guided tour takes us through the stunning valley to visit and taste regional wines at two estates, accompanied by a luxurious long lunch with paired wines overlooking the vista, vines and local village.
An absolute feast for the senses in this magical part of the world!
Day 9: Douro Valley - Relax
Today is all about relaxing and soaking in the scenery. Read a book, take a nap, chat in the sun - come together in the evening for dinner together at our beautiful hotel.
Day 10: Cáceres
We cross into Spain and travel to the region of Extremadura, arriving in the Roman city of Cáceres, known for its maze of cobbled streets, fortified towers and palaces.
After checking into our central hotel, choose to wander the ancient streets or join your host for an optional dinner experiencing the vibrant local food scene.
Day 11: Cáceres - History and Gastronomy
Take a late morning privately guided tour to walk through the fascinating history, beautiful buildings spanning Roman, Islamic and Renaissance influences and stunning plazas of Cáceres.
Learn about the local specialty cheeses and Iberian pork products that can be enjoyed in this medieval gem.
Take the afternoon to explore at your own leisure with the option to join your host for a local meal in the evening.
Day 12: Cáceres to Seville
We travel south to Seville, the heart of Andalusian culture and known for its romantic architecture, festivals, flamenco and tapas.
After checking into your hotel, relax and decide if you would like to join your host for an optional tapas dinner.
Day 13: Seville - Walk Through History
Join our private guide late morning for a stroll through Seville's atmospheric lanes, courtyards shaded by orange trees, grand plazas and sights such as the incredible Gothic Cathedral and Plaza de España.
In the evening, option to join your host to explore local tapas bars or simply relax at your hotel.
Day 14: Seville - The Real Alcázar
Today features a privately guided visit to the Real Alcázar, one of Spain's most impressive palaces with roots in Moorish and Christian design.
Wander through lush gardens and detailed royal rooms, learning about the history of this impressive site.
The afternoon is yours - perhaps enjoy a siesta, shop for ceramic tiles, or sip sangría on a terrace. Seville always invites you to slow down and soak it in.
Day 15: Seville to Granada - Journey Inland
Travel inland to the Andalusian city of Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Moving through the scenic countryside, we will stop at the famous town of Jerez, home of Sherry, for a tasting at a Bodega along the journey.
Known for its stunning Moorish architecture and layered history, Granada is a feast for the senses and the home of tapas! Relax after hotel check in and join your host for an optional dinner in the neighbourhood.
Day 16: Granada - The Old Town
Granada has a fascinating history over centuries of Islamic and Spanish rule. A private walking tour with a local guide will lead you through its historic centre and immerse you in the stunning architecture such as the Renaissance-style cathedral and Royal Chapel.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco performance in the historic Albaicín district. Tapas and wine accompany the show, giving you a taste of Andalusia's passionate spirit.
Day 17: Granada - The Alhambra
Granada's crown jewel is the Alhambra, a majestic palace-fortress renowned for its intricate architecture, tranquil courtyards, and breathtaking views across the city.
A private walking tour with a local guide will lead you through its stunning buildings and Generalife Gardens, offering panoramic views and rich cultural insights.
In the afternoon, unwind with a relaxing visit to the Hammam, a traditional Arab bathhouse, an experience of calm and cleansing.
Day 18: Granada to Madrid - Celebration
We travel north to Madrid, stopping for a wine tasting in the La Mancha wine region along the way.
Spain's lively capital seamlessly blends regal elegance with bustling energy. Settle into your central hotel and take your time adjusting to the city's rhythm.
Tonight we meet for dinner to celebrate and share stories of our journey and time together. Salud!
Day 19: Madrid - Farewell
Meet for breakfast together before goodbyes.
Stay on and explore Spain's capital, head home, or on to the next part of your adventure, with special memories of the experiences you've had, the connections and friendships you've made and inspired for what's next!