Madrid Trip Overview
The Iberian Peninsula possesses one of the most flamboyant combinations of cultures on the planet.
It straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are Roman monuments sheltering Moorish artefacts, fragrant wines accompanying cumin-spiced dishes, and Arabian melodies paired with Latin dances.
On this tour, we take you to Lisbon through the beautiful contrasts of Andalucía, Southern Spain and Portugal.
You experience the architectural wonders of the Palace of Alhambra, a place where you feel transported into a story from 1,001 Arabian Nights. You explore national parks and plains that take your imagination back to the times of knights and kings. And you finish your trip on the Portuguese coast.
Join this tour and experience the wonders created by the collision of cultures.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Madrid, Spain
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Madrid Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
The Iberian Peninsula possesses one of the most flamboyant combinations of cultures on the planet.
It straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are Roman monuments sheltering Moorish artefacts, fragrant wines accompanying cumin-spiced dishes, and Arabian melodies paired with Latin dances.
On this tour, we take you to Lisbon through the beautiful contrasts of Andalucía, Southern Spain and Portugal.
You experience the architectural wonders of the Palace of Alhambra, a place where you feel transported into a story from 1,001 Arabian Nights. You explore national parks and plains that take your imagination back to the times of knights and kings. And you finish your trip on the Portuguese coast.
Join this tour and experience the wonders created by the collision of cultures.
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid – Toledo – Castilla-La Mancha – Cordoba
Stop At: Toledo, Toledo, Province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
You leave the heart of Spain and head south to the former capital of the country, Toledo.
Sitting atop a hill and overlooking Río Tajo, this city used to be known as the ‘city of three cultures’. To get the real feel of the place, wander through the cobbled streets and try to spot the Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues and Gothic cathedrals. Make sure to sample the local specialities while you admire this amazing architectural ensemble.
Duration: 4 hours
Pass By: Castile-La Mancha, Castile-La Mancha
You catch a glimpse of the iconic windmills as you travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of the literary hero Don Quixote.
Stop At: Parque Natural de Despenaperros, 13768 Santa Elena Spain
Next, you stop on the way through the Despeñaperros Natural Park, a river gorge that forms a dramatic gateway to Andalucía.
Duration: 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cordoba
Day 2: Cordoba – Jaen – Fortaleza de la Mota – Granada
Stop At: Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, Calle del Cardenal Herrero 1, 14003 Cordoba Spain
Here, you have time to admire the countless rows of decorated arches in the serene interior of La Mezquita, the most spectacular mosque constructed by the Moors in Spain. Or wander through the lush gardens of Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, the ‘Castle of the Christian Kings’. Whatever you choose, soak up the unique atmosphere of this city shaped by various cultures.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Jaen, Jaen, Province of Jaen, Andalucia
Next, you travel through the rolling hills blanketed with the silvery-grey-green leaves of olive trees. It’s a sign you’ve entered the oil-producing province of Jaén. You have a chance to visit an ecological olive oil plantation to find out more about the secrets of the trade and enjoy some lunch.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Castillo-Fortaleza de la Mota, 23680 Alcala la Real Spain
You continue south and stop at Fortaleza de la Mota, a ruined hilltop fortress before you arrive in Granada early evening, where you stay for two nights.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Granada
Day 3: Free day in Granada – see options to choose from
Stop At: Sierra Nevada National Park, Sierra Nevada National Park, Province of Granada, Andalucia
In the morning, you may contrast the bustling city with the peaceful mountain scenery of the dramatic and rugged Sierra Nevada National Park. This is a half day option through the landscape of sheer-sided gorges and torrential rivers. To learn more about this land, you visit a botanical garden where you can discover plants that are native to the region. You’ll be back in Granada by lunchtime to try some local delicacies which are a mixture of Arabic influences and native traditions. And the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Granada, Granada, Province of Granada, Andalucia
Alternatively, you can spend the whole day discovering the fusion of the Arabic and Christian heritage of Granada. From the Great Bazaar to the Granada Cathedral, this city will carry you away with its energy.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: The Alhambra, Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n Palacio de Carlos V, 18009 Granada Spain
And then there’s the pearl of Moorish architecture, Alhambra, with its arabesques, stylish arches, graceful columns, and exotic gardens. When you look at it, you feel like you’ve been transported to the world from the tales of 1,001 Nights. Originally a fortress and then a palace, this UNESCO heritage site will seize your imagination and haunt you with its beauty.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Granada
Day 4: Granada – Pueblos Blancos – Sierra de Grazalema National Park – Seville
Stop At: Ronda, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Province of Malaga, Andalucia
Your adventure takes you west through the landscapes of Malaga’s ‘Lake District’ before you reach Ronda. Precariously clinging to a steep cliff of the El Tajo gorge, this commune captures your imagination with its literary connections and history full of outlaws. Stroll along the city walls, explore picturesque plazas, and enjoy your lunch before the next pueblo blanco.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Arcos de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
You leave the rural part of the region and travel past Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park to Arcos de la Frontera. This stunning white town has it all: dramatic clifftop location, spectacular vistas, and an old town with a maze of beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seville
Day 5: Free day in Seville
Stop At: Seville, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
Today it’s up to you to decide how to spend the day.
You can dedicate your time to discover the best gems of the city. Lose yourself in one of the 80 chapels in the enormous Seville Cathedral or take in views of the city from La Giralda, the bell-tower which used to be a minaret. Then, delve into the exotic gardens of the palace of Real Alcázar and marvel at its dream patios, opulent domes and intricate carvings.
Alternatively, you can join our half day tour in the morning and travel to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy. It’s also home to Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, famous for its specially-trained horses that star in incredible performances. Sample some sherry or wine in one of the local bars and soak up the atmosphere before you return to Seville for lunchtime. Whichever option you choose, spend the afternoon strolling through the shaded arches of the grand Plaza de España and enjoy the night pulse of Seville.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Seville
Day 6: Seville – Huelva – Tavira – Lisbon
Stop At: Huelva, Huelva, Province of Huelva, Andalucia
Say farewell to Seville and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andalusian countryside as you travel west towards Costa de la Luz. It translates into ‘the coast of light’, this refers to the bright sunlight and golden sandy beaches. You stop in the seaside city of Huelva, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip to find a western sea route to China and India.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tavira, Tavira, Faro District, Algarve
Next, you cross the Portuguese border and stop at Tavira in the Algarve. Set on the River Gilão, this town exhumes an irresistible charm and makes you want to discover its hidden corners. Wander through the cobblestone streets, cross an old Roman bridge and try Portuguese cuisine for the first time.
Take in the last views of the Algarve and journey north where the laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
