Southern Europe Heritage and Highlights

Welcome to the beginning of your journey! Our adventure kicks off with a high-speed train departing around 11:00 a.m. (timing to be confirmed) from Madrid. In under two hours, travelling at impressive speeds of up to 300 km/h, we will arrive in Crdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate during the Islamic period. The morning is yours to explore at leisure and perhaps savour a leisurely lunch. Later, we'll reconvene for a guided tour to explore Crdoba's most notable landmark: the magnificent MosqueCathedral. This iconic site is a remarkable fusion of Islamic and Christian artyour entry is included. Following this, we'll meander through the picturesque Jewish Quarter, known for its narrow lanes and flower-festooned patios, quintessential aspects of Crdoba's charm.In the late afternoon, we'll embrace the enchanting opportunity to visit Medina Azahara, the majestic palace-city of the Umayyad Caliphate, under the stars (from June 21 to September 20). If this visit is not available, well instead extend our panoramic exploration with a visit to one of Crdobas classic courtyards, complete with tickets. 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.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, well set off towards Baena, a quaint town enriched with Roman history and celebrated for producing exceptional olive oil. Our stop here includes a visit to the illustrious Nez de Prado Olive Oil Mill, one of the Mediterranean's oldest, housed in an impressive 18th-century edifice. Well delve into the art of olive oil production and savour a traditional tasting of pan con aceitefresh bread featuring this locally produced olive oil. Following this, well journey on to Granada, a city renowned for the exquisite Alhambra. We'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage Sitean architectural marvel of Islamic artwith admission and a guided tour included. A delightful lunch will follow, providing time to relish the local flavours. In the afternoon, you're free to explore furtherperhaps visit the impressive cathedral or take a leisurely walk through the Albaicn neighbourhood, where breathtaking views of the Alhambra await.

On the third day, we journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, venturing towards the charming coastal village of Nerja, renowned for its striking cliffs. We then make our way to Frigiliana, often considered one of Andalusia's most picturesque villages, where narrow, winding streets lined with pristine whitewashed houses reveal delightful surprises around every corner. Continuing our trip, we arrive in Malaga, the heart of the Costa del Sol. Known as the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga also boasts an intriguing mix of modern museums and the unfinished cathedral, La Manquita affectionately termed "The One-Armed Lady". Take your time to savour lunch and perhaps wander through the city centre or, if the weather permits, head to the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Today, we embark on one of the most picturesque segments of our journey, traversing the enchanting White Towns of Andalusia and the surrounding mountain ranges. Our day begins with an early departure towards Puerto Bans, located in Marbella. Known as one of Spain's most opulent marinas, Puerto Bans is famed for its luxurious yachts and high-end fashion boutiques. After a leisurely walk here, we continue our adventure to Setenil de las Bodegas, a captivating village where the houses are ingeniously built into cliffs.Our next destination is Ronda, a breathtaking town dramatically perched atop the Tajo Gorge. You will have time to explore this enchanting setting and enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch. Post-lunch, we will visit Ronda's historic bullring, one of the oldest and most stunning in Spain, with entry included in your tour. As we journey onwards, we arrive in Olvera, renowned for its Moorish castle, neoclassical church, and vibrant floral balconiesprofound symbols of classic Andalusian charm. Admission to both the castle and the local museum is included. We conclude the day in Jerez de la Frontera, arriving by evening. A stroll through Jerez's historic centre is highly recommended, along with sampling tapas in a traditional tabanco, providing a delightful end to the day.

On day five, we delve into the heart of Andalusia, starting with Jerez de la Frontera. Known for its deep-rooted traditions in winemaking, equestrian art, and flamenco, Jerez offers a true taste of Spanish culture. After breakfast, we explore the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where we visit the Carriage Museum and witness the graceful training of Andalusian horsesentry tickets for this enchanting experience are included. Before departing Jerez, we'll pause briefly to photograph the exterior of the Moorish Alczar, a site rich in historical resonance.Our journey continues to El Puerto de Santa Mara, a charming coastal town celebrated for its wines and seafood. Here, we will tour the Osborne Wineries, with tickets and tasting included, providing an immersive glimpse into the local wine-making heritage. Enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere before we embark on a scenic boat trip to Cdiz, one of Europe's oldest cities, lasting approximately half an hour. In Cdiz, you'll have the opportunity to wander at your leisure, exploring the striking cathedral and the delightful historic district.In the late afternoon, we cross the stunning bridge towards Seville, arriving by day's end, ready to embark on further travels or simply unwind in this vibrant city.

After breakfast, we will set off for Italica, an ancient Roman city and the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Here, we will explore the amphitheatre, which once accommodated up to 25,000 spectators, and admire its well-preserved baths and intricate mosaics. Our next stop is Palos de la Frontera, significant as the departure point of Christopher Columbus's ships in 1492. We will visit La Rbida Monastery, where Columbus secured backing for his historic voyage, as well as the Wharf of the Caravels, offering a fascinating insight into maritime history with replicas of his iconic ships. Afterwards, we will head to Huelva for lunch. In the afternoon, we will follow the picturesque Atlantic coast near the renowned Doana National Park, celebrated for its impressive biodiversity. We will pause in El Roco, a quaint village famous for its annual pilgrimage, to visit its sanctuary and take in delightful views of the surrounding landscape. We plan to return to Seville by the evening, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Today, well immerse ourselves in the vibrant city of Seville. Our morning begins with a guided tour of this stunning city, where youll marvel at the imposing cathedral, famous for its Giralda tower, and explore the lively districts of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we'll head off on an enchanting boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, offering splendid panoramic views and a unique perspective of the city (included). In the evening, you have the chance to experience an authentic flamenco performance at a local tablao, a perfect way to end your day in this captivating city.

Today we bid farewell to Seville and set off towards Extremadura, enjoying a scenic route through rolling hills and vast pastures. Our first stop is in Mrida, where youll have access to the Archaeological Ensemble, a site of extraordinary historical significance and a designated World Heritage Site. The Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre stand out for their remarkable preservation. Youll have ample time to explore the lively pedestrianised historic centre, offering a great selection of dining options for lunch. Afterwards, we journey onwards to Portugal, pausing in vora, another World Heritage Site celebrated for its charming whitewashed streets, grand Renaissance palaces, and impressive cathedral. As evening descends, we continue to Lisbon, where our day concludes.

Today, we'll embark on a captivating journey through Lisbon, exploring this vibrant city renowned for its unique charm and rich history. We'll start with a sightseeing tour, immersing ourselves in the enchantment of Lisbon's seven hills, meandering through its picturesque alleys adorned with iconic ceramic tiles that echo the city's past. We'll experience the vibrant Atlantic light and sense of "saudade" that permeate the atmosphere. Our explorations will take us to the historic Belem neighbourhood, from where Portugal's intrepid navigators once set sail in the 15th century to discover new worlds. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity for independent exploration. Perhaps wander through the lively Bairro Alto, known for its bustling nightlife and breathtaking viewpoint. For those interested, there's an optional excursion to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril, offering a glimpse of Portugal's stunning landscapes and coastal beauty. As the day closes, we'll regroup at the lively Restauradores Square, a hub of activity with its vibrant bars and cafs, before heading back to our hotel for the night.

As we conclude our delightful journey, enjoy a final breakfast in Lisbon a city steeped in charm and history. While our planned activities draw to a close, we hope you've created lasting memories of your time exploring vibrant cultures, picturesque landscapes, and architectural wonders. Safe travels on your onward journey, and may the experiences of this tour inspire future adventures.