Highlights
Palaces
Walks
UNESCO Heritage Sites
National Parks
Mountains
Beaches
Wine
Places you explore
Toledo – The former capital of Spain, this charming ‘City of Three Cultures’ boasts 2,000 years of history and beautiful architecture
Castilla-La Mancha – Vineyards, castles and windmills: travel through the region immortalised in the novel about Don Quixote
Córdoba – This ancient Andalucían city will take your breath away with the marvels of La Mezquita and the Palace of the Christian Kings
Granada with Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountains – Get mesmerised by the lavish palace built by the Moors and explore the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada National Park
Ronda – Discover a spectacular white town dramatically perched on top of the El Tajo gorge
Pueblos Blancos – Fall in love with beautiful white villages built on hilltops overlooking Spain’s wild landscapes
Seville – Get dazzled by the history, spectacular architecture and magic of Flamenco in the city influenced by a number of civilisations
Tavira – One of the most charming towns in the Portuguese Algarve set on the Rio Gilão
Your journey
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 Southern Portugal.
You experience the architectural wonders of the Alhambra Palace, a location that transports you into a story from 1,001 Arabian Nights. You explore national parks and plains that take you 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.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
- Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
- 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
- Entrance to La Mezquita
- Entrance to an olive oil production site
- Entrance to the Alhambra with audio guide included
- Meals, unless listed above
- Attractions, unless specified above
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Córdoba, two nights in Granada, and two nights in Seville. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.
How does the accommodation work?
A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.
So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.
Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.
Are there any extra accommodation costs?
The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you’re booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.
Do I need a visa to take this tour?
You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it’s worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
Europe’s historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.
To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.
We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It’s simple: you book, you go. This means we’ll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can routes change?
Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we’re unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.
Do you take children on your tours?
We’re unable to permit children under 15 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
What are ‘included activities’ and ‘optional activities’?
We’ve arranged experiences for you on your tour. The ‘included activities’ are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase ‘optional activities’ while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don’t need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What should I do if I have too much luggage?
It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.
But if you’re travelling with more than 20kg, don’t worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.
Should I tip the driver and the guide?
Let’s be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it’s up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
- Uncover the fusion of cultures that shaped Toledo, the former capital of Spain
- Travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the backdrop for Don Quixote’s adventures
You leave the heart of Spain and head south to the former capital of the country, Toledo.
Sitting atop a hill and overlooking the Tajo River, 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 Christian cathedrals.
You travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of the literary hero Don Quixote. Next, you stop on the way through the Despeñaperros Natural Park, the gateway to Andalucía.
Córdoba, your home for the night, welcomes you with its bustling squares and delightful architecture.
Accommodation
Hotel Eurostars Maimonides or similar, Córdoba
- Explore La Mezquita, an immense mosque-cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Learn about olive-making and take in views of endless olive groves
In the morning, you visit La Mezquita, one of the most spectacular mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain. This world-famous construction boasts countless rows of decorated arches and a serene interior and is large enough to have a cathedral built inside it!
Next, we travel through 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. Savour the chance to learn how Spain’s ‘liquid gold’ is made at an olive oil production site.
We continue our journey south to the ruined hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota and arrive in Granada early evening, our base for two nights.
Included Activities
- Entrance to La Mezquita
- Entrance to an olive oil production site
Optional Activities
- Entrance to Fortaleza de la Mota
Accommodation
Hotel Porcel Alixares or similar, Granada
- Set your sights on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the inspiration for a great Spanish poet
- Become entranced by the ornamentation of the Alhambra Palace
You wake up in a city adorned with the most sensual palace of Europe, the Alhambra.
Follow in the footsteps of Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet and a theatre director who drew his inspiration from Spanish folklore, during our half day excursion.
To awaken your own literary creativity, we first head to the 20th-century villa in Huerta de San Vincente where he wrote many of his best works.
Then, you delve into the rugged landscapes of the Cumbres Verdes mountains on the forefront of the Sierra Nevada.
After a morning filled with poetry and vistas, you return to Granada at lunchtime.
Alternatively, you can spend the morning discovering the fusion of Arabic and Christian cultures in Granada.
Your afternoon is blessed with a visit to the Alhambra*. When you look at it, you’re transported to the tales of 1,001 Nights. Originally a fortress and then a palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site will seize your imagination.
You spend tonight in Granada. Use this time to discover tapas restaurants and more of the culinary delights.
*Sometimes this day will be reversed, and you will visit the Alhambra in the morning.
Included Activities
- Entrance to the Alhambra with audio guide included
Optional Activities
- Lorca’s House Museum at Huerta de San Vicente
Accommodation
Hotel Porcel Alixares or similar, Granada
- Discover the charm of Ronda, the most stunning of the pueblos blancos
- Delve into a maze of cobbled streets in Arcos de la Frontera
Today is all about exploring the other faces of Andalucía; the beautiful wilderness and iconic pueblos blancos.
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.
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 abundance of beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.
Cast a last glance over the Andalusian countryside and start your journey to Seville, your home for two nights.
Accommodation
Hotel Exe Sevilla Macarena or similar, Sevilla
- Marvel at the allure of La Giralda and the Seville Cathedral
- Soak up the grandeur as you stroll through the Plaza de España
- Try the finest sherry in Jerez de la Frontera
Seville signifies the essence of Spain. This city will seduce you with its rich Moorish heritage, the orange trees, tapas and passionate flamenco.
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’s 80 chapels at the Seville Cathedral and marvel at La Giralda. Or go for a stroll along the bank of the Guadalquivir to admire the iconic Torre del Oro, a military tower dating back to the 13th century.
Alternatively, you can join our half day tour and travel to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy. It’s also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, famous for its specially-trained horses that star in incredible performances.
Whichever option you choose, spend the late afternoon and evening strolling through the shaded arches of the grand Plaza de España. Warning: with the hypnotic Flamenco performances, delicious tapas and buzzing bars, this city can keep you entertained till the small hours.
Optional Activities
- Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
- Seville combination ticket (Cathedral and La Giralda)
Accommodation
Hotel Exe Sevilla Macarena or similar, Sevilla
- Soak up the sun in Huelva on the Costa de la Luz
- Wander through Tavira, one of the most charming towns of the Algarve
Say farewell to Seville and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andalusian countryside as you travel west towards the Costa de la Luz, a land of 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.
Next, you cross the Portuguese border and stop at Tavira in the Algarve. Set on the River Gilão, this town exudes 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 laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening.
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