Andalucian Odyssey Culture, Coastlines, Charms

Upon your arrival in Madrid, our high-speed train will depart at approximately 11:00 a.m., whisking us away to Cordoba in under two hours. As we travel at speeds reaching up to 300 km/h, youll soon find yourself in a city rich with history, once the capital of the Islamic Caliphate. Youll have some free time to wander through Cordoba at your leisure and enjoy lunch in the local style. In the afternoon, we'll regroup to meet our local guide for an insightful exploration of the citys highlights. Our visit includes Cordoba's most celebrated landmark, the MosqueCathedral, an exquisite blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Following this, we'll meander through the charming Jewish Quarter, famous for its picturesque narrow streets and vibrant, flower-adorned patios. As evening approaches, between 21 June and 20 September, we have a special treat lined upa captivating nighttime tour of the majestic Medina Azahara, with tickets included. Outside of these dates, or if circumstances prevent the visit, we'll extend our panoramic experience with entry to one of Cordobas most iconic courtyards, ensuring your day is filled with memorable sights. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Following breakfast, we will journey through expansive olive groves towards Baena, a town famous for its Roman heritage and top-quality olive oil. Here, we will visit the Nez de Prado Olive Oil Mill, one of the Mediterranean's oldest producers, located in an elegant 18th-century building. We'll delve into the process of olive oil production and savour a tasting of pan con aceite (bread with olive oil).Continuing on, we will head to the captivating city of Granada, renowned for the Alhambraa stunning example of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guided tour and admission are included. Lunch is part of the experience. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the city's gems at your own pace. You might choose to visit the impressive Granada Cathedral or meander through the historic Albaicn neighbourhood, where breathtaking views of the Alhambra await.

Our adventure today begins as we journey across the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering breathtaking views before we head towards the Mediterranean coast via the Costa Tropical. Here, the region's delightful microclimate supports the growth of exotic fruits like guavas, mangoes, and avocados. Our first stop is the enchanting village of Nerja, famed for its dramatic cliffs. From there, we continue to Frigiliana, often hailed as one of Andalusia's most beautiful villages. Wander through its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses, each corner revealing its unique charm. Our travels then lead us to Mlaga, the vibrant capital of the Costa del Sol. Known as the birthplace of Picasso, Mlaga also boasts a fine selection of museums and the iconic, unfinished cathedral known as La Manquita, or "The One-Armed Lady." Here, you'll have time to explore the city centre, savour a leisurely lunch, or, if the weather permits, enjoy a relaxing visit to the beach.

On the fourth day of our journey, we set off early, travelling through the enchanting landscapes of Andalusia. Our first destination is Puerto Bans in Marbella, renowned for its luxurious marina and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can take a leisurely walk amidst the glitzy yachts and high-end boutiques.We then continue to Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique white village where homes are ingeniously built into the natural rock formations. After exploring this charming locale, we proceed to Ronda, a breathtaking town spectacularly perched on the edge of the Tajo gorge. In Ronda, enjoy the opportunity to wander the winding streets before we gather for a traditional lunch. Included in our visit is a tour of the remarkable bullring, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain.Our adventure then leads us to Olvera, celebrated for its striking Moorish castle and impressive neoclassical church, both set amidst classic Andalusian whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers. Explore the castle and local museum with us, gaining insights into the region's cultural tapestry.In the evening, we arrive in Jerez de la Frontera, a city rich in Andalusian tradition. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through its historic centre, perhaps stopping to savour tapas at a traditional tabanco, the quintessential local tavern.

Today, we find ourselves immersed in the vibrant culture of Jerez, a city steeped in the rich traditions of winemaking, equestrian excellence, and the passionate art of flamenco. We start our day with a visit to the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where we will tour the Carriage Museum and witness the impressive training of Andalusian horsestickets for this experience are included.Before leaving Jerez, we'll make a quick stop to admire and capture the exterior of the Moorish Alczar, a testament to the citys historical legacy. Our journey continues to El Puerto de Santa Mara, a delightful coastal town celebrated for its superb wines and fresh seafood. Here, we will visit the Osborne Wineries, with tickets and a tasting session included, offering us a flavour of the region's renowned viticulture.You will have some leisure time to soak in the local atmosphere before we embark on a relaxing boat journey to Cdiz. This scenic half-hour crossing takes us to one of Europes oldest cities, where you will have the opportunity to explore its grand cathedral and charming historic quarters at your own pace.Later, as our afternoon unfolds, we'll travel across the stunning bridge towards the vibrant city of Seville, arriving by days end.

After breakfast, we will head to Italica an ancient Roman city known as the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Our visit includes its impressive amphitheatre, which once accommodated 25,000 spectators, as well as well-preserved baths and intricate mosaics. From there, we proceed to Palos de la Frontera, historically significant as the departure point for Christopher Columbus's voyage to America in 1492. Here, we will visit La Rbida Monastery, where Columbus secured support for his expedition, and the Wharf of the Caravels, which houses accurate replicas of his ships (tickets included). Enjoy some free time for lunch in Huelva. In the afternoon, we will continue along the Atlantic coast, skirting the Doana National Park, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Well stop in El Roco, a village celebrated for its annual pilgrimage and rustic appeal, where you can visit its sanctuary and appreciate scenic views of Doana. We will return to Seville by evening.

Today, we'll embark on a captivating exploration of Seville. Our morning begins with a guided tour of this vibrant city, where you will have the opportunity to experience its rich cultural tapestry. We'll visit the majestic cathedral, famed for its Giralda tower, and stroll along the picturesque banks of the Guadalquivir River. Immerse yourself in the lively atmospheres of the Santa Cruz and Triana neighbourhoods, each offering a distinct flavour of Seville's unique character. Following our city tour, you'll enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, which promises breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape an included highlight of our day. In the evening, seize the chance to further immerse yourself in local culture with an optional visit to a flamenco tablao, where you can witness a vibrant and traditional Spanish dance performance.

Today, we depart Seville and journey through the tranquil landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pastures towards Extremadura. Our main stop is in Mrida, where you will have access to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mrida a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its remarkably preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. You'll have time for lunch and to explore the city's charming pedestrian-friendly historic centre, offering a vibrant atmosphere with its multitude of restaurants and local specialties. After Mrida, we continue the adventure by entering Portugal. Well stop in vora, also a World Heritage Site, celebrated for its iconic whitewashed streets, elegant Renaissance palaces, and its impressive cathedral. We are set to arrive in Lisbon in the evening, ready for the next stage of our journey.

Our day in Lisbon begins with an immersive sightseeing tour of the Portuguese capital, famous for its unique charm and historical significance. We'll explore the city's scenic alleys, admire the traditional azulejos tiles, and soak up the famed Atlantic light. As we wander through this city of seven hills, we'll visit the iconic Belm neighbourhood, where the great Portuguese explorers launched their voyages across the seas during the 15th century.In the afternoon, you have the freedom to delve further into Lisbon's wonders. Stroll through Bairro Alto and enjoy the stunning views from its viewpoint, or opt for an excursion to the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Our day will conclude in the vibrant atmosphere of Restauradores Square, where you can unwind in its lively bars and cafs before we return to our hotel for the evening.

On day 10, we set off early from Portugal, travelling through the scenic Alentejo region. We will pause for a coffee in Estremoz, a town that exudes authentic Portuguese charm with its medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and quaint architecture. As we venture into Spain, our next stop is Cceres, where you can savour a leisurely lunch and wander through its remarkably preserved historic centre, acclaimed as one of the world's finest examples of medieval and Renaissance urban design. Our journey continues towards Madrid, where we will arrive in the evening, concluding our tour with lasting memories of our travels. Make sure to check your flight details in case you require an extra night in Madrid.