The south of the Iberian Peninsula : Spain and Portugal

Day 1 : Lisbon

Arrival in the great city of Lisbon. Night at My Story Hotel’s hotel.

Day 2 : Lisbon

Your journey will start with a half-day walking tour , discoverring the historic center of Lisbon .

Start with the Baixa and its beautiful Praça do Comércio lined with arcades and seat of different ministries or the Rossio and the Praça Don Pedro IV where stands the National Theater which is also located in the vicinity of the Elevador de Santa Justa classified as a National Monument. The Alfama , the oldest and most picturesque district of the capital, is a tangle of narrow, cobbled streets where you will find the Sé Patriarcal , a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral dating from the 12th century, and the viewpoint of Santa Luzia . Half day of visits with your Tour Leader . Night at My Story Hotel’s hotel.

Day 3 : Evora

A half day guided tour will take you to visit Evora . Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, Évora is an attractive city with a rich and long history. Its centre, surrounded by medieval ramparts, looks like a medina with its small winding streets or colourful terraces and patios. From Praça do Giraldo , a walking tour of about 2000 years can be made: the church of São Francisco , which began the Manueline period and is famous for its Chapel of the Bones , the Roman-Gothic cathedral, the Roman Temple of Diana , the Velha University (Exterior) founded in the 16th century.

Entrances inclded : Church São Francisco, Chapel of the Bones and University of Évora. In Arraiolos , a typical small Alentejo village, you will find Monte de Ravasqueira, a 3,000-hectare property dedicated to the wine and olive production. In Adega, you will find pure-bred Lusitanian horses with its last century team of horses.

A guided walk through the vineyard will conclude with 5 different wine tasting.

Duration of the guided tour is about 2h Night at a nice hotel in the historic center of Evora .

Day 4 : Mérida

Free day in Mérida:

Merida, was founded as a Roman colony in the year 25 BC. by Emperor Octavius Augustus to serve as a retreat for veteran (emeritus) soldiers. The most famous monuments that can be admired today come from Roman times. The archaeological complex of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993.

The Roman theater that is still used today for events and festivals will impress you with its size and excellent conservation. Located next door, you will find the amphitheater , where the gladiatorial battles and the shows that recreated battles. The Roman Bridge and the Temple of Diana are also a must in the city of Mérida. By the end of the day, you could rest in the lawn of the Aqueduct of Miracles. Night at Parador of Mérida hotel in standard room.

Day 5 : Mérida

Today you will discover the incredible city of Mérida with your English speaking guide.

You will of course visit the unmissable monuments: the theater and the Roman amphitheater. The you will have a walk in the streets that breathe the Roman Empire. And finally, you will head for the temple of Diana and the incredible Roman bridge.

Note : entrances to the Roman theater and the Roman amphitheater included Night at Parador of Mérida hotel in standard room.

Day 6 : Aracena

A little less than two hours drive between the capital of Extremadura : Mérida and Aracena. You will start the day with the visit of an Iberian pigs breeding farm.

For the 3 first hours, we suggest you :

– The visit of the dehesa (pastures) where you can see the Iberian pigs in their natural environment in semi-freedom.
– The visit of ham cellars , to know everything about the elaboration of ham and the Spanish traditional cooked meats.
– A generous ham tasting of the « Jabugo » designation of origin and cooked meats accompanied with PDO wines.

Lunch is included : a menu including typical Andalusian recipes based on local products. A safe bet for all the senses!

During the afternoon, you will go for a short hike (2h) that will enable you to get to know the amazing and unique landscape of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche. Meanwhile, you will walk through some forests full of green oak, cork oak and sweet chestnut trees. Your English speaking guide will explain the characteristics and disclose some of the secrets of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. About 1h30 drive from Aracena to Sevilla. Night at the La Rabida hotel in standard room.

Day 7 : Sevilla

During this half-day , you will visit the Alcazar with your English-speaking guide , a rich palace of Mudejar architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens . After visiting the Alcazar your guide will suggest several options to complete the visit. You could go to the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, to the Plaza de España , to the market , or to the Cathedral ( tickets of the Cathedral are not included and have to be paid there ).

Alcazar opening hours: From October to March from Monday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm – from April to September: Monday to Sunday from 9.30am to 7pm.

Cathedral opening hours: Monday from 11.00am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00am to 05.00pm and Sunday from 2.30pm to 06.00pm 2 hours private cruice and dinner on the Guadalquivir. Night at the La Rabida hotel in standard room.

Day 8 : Sevilla

The day will begin with the visit of Triana district with an English-speaking guide. Triana is the gypsy quarter , where the flamenco is in full swing. You will visit the market, schools and academies of flamenco (Manuel Betanzos, Angel Atienza – except in July/August) and also the only one Museum of Flamenco where you will learn all the techniques and different styles (the palos ). Flamenco show at 5pm, 7pm or 8.45pm.

Duration: 1h Night at the La Rabida hotel in standard room.

Day 9 : Sevilla

Self-drive from Sevilla to Cadiz. Free time in Cadiz: City with lots of charm. Crossing the old town through its narrow streets a must see. Its cathedral (here called the Eternal Cathedral, because it never ends), Tavira’s tower where you can climb to the top of Cadiz.

La Caleta is one of the most picturesque places of Cadiz. It is an urban beach located in the working district of La Viña (old town).

The beach like La Caleta Beach and other locations in Cadiz appear in the James Bond movie Die Another Day because of its resemblance to La Havana. You would be very lucky to meet Halle Berry coming out of the water in her orange bikini, but even without Bond La Caleta girl it’s really worth it.

Few markets can boast of what you can buy, and tapas in a restored 19th century building.

The Abastos (=supplies) market was built in 1837 being designed by the architect Torcuato Benjumeda, and later built by Juan Daura. Night at the La Rabida hotel in standard room.

Day 10 : Sevilla

Leisure time in Tavira , a traditional Portuguese town with Moorish influences and a relaxed atmosphere.

Let yourself be charmed by the serenity that emanates from the colourful or tiled houses, the streets of the old Arab quarter, or the river Gilão crossed by the city’s emblem: the Ponte Romana . Tavira has an important historical heritage with, among other things, the ruins of the fortress offering a beautiful view of the city, as well as 37 churches, including the Igreja de Santa Maria built on the foundations of the former largest mosque in the Algarve. Guided tour of an olive grove in Moncarapacho . Discovery of the cultivation of the olive tree, the production process of olive oil and olive oil tasting. Night at hotel.

Day 11 : Faro

Discovery of Deserta Island and the Lighthouse Island from Faro Marina. The Ria Formosa is a true haven of peace, where the fauna and flora are protected. Embark on a 3-hour excursion in a small group, during which you will visit two islands in the reserve. After 30 minutes of navigation, you will discover the Ilha desertas. Then you will continue your journey towards the second island, Ilha do Farol.

boat trip: about 3 hours Night at hotel.

Day 12 : Vicentine Coast

Making your way back up to Lisbon, spend the day taking in the amazing landscapes of the Vicentine Coast. Night .

Day 13 : Lisbon Airport

Drop-off of your rental car at Lisbon Airport counter.