Day 1 - October 15th - This morning we will meet in the lobby of our hotel for a brief orientation and then make our way out into the city for a Vintage Car Tour that combines the timeless allure of Porto's charm with the pristine beauty of the Douro River, all in a unique and enriching tour that reveals the intricate tapestry of history and nature of this remarkable region. This tour promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, guiding you through an amalgam of stories etched in stone and landscapes painted by the hands of nature itself as the city comes to life. Accompanied by our specialized guides, we will travel through the annals of time and the course of the river, learning about their intertwined narratives and the indelible marks that each one left on the other. After thoroughly exploring the city we will stop for lunch before having a Porto Port Tour with 3 cellars and 7 tastings. On our tour we will learn about the production process with our experienced guide and see the difference in production from small barrels to wooden vats with thousands of liters in order to understand how the wine ages. We will visit 3 completely different producers to better understand Port by tasting these amazing wines! The tours emphasis is on variety and quality because there is a big difference between drinking Port and good Port! You will then have some time in the city before we meet up for our Welcoming Fado Dinner and Musical Evening. Dinner and Overnight Porto. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - October 16th - Following breakfast this morning we will have a full day tour through the Douro Region, one of the most characteristics regions of Portugal. Douro Valley and its Douro River have been turning heads all over the world. Awarded by its Tradition, its Port Wine and its crystal-clear river, Douro is now one of the most attractive destinations in the world. Amarante is our first stop. This city became historical after St. Gonçalo´s has settled himself here, after his pilgrimage through Rome and Jerusalem, making this city an important religious stop in Portugal. Here, you can visit the convent and church, but also its beautiful bridge and Historic Center. We continue our trip to Galafura, a small village near Régua. On our way, we will stop at São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint, one of the most beautiful and famous viewpoints in the Douro Valley. From the top of its 640 meters height you have a spectacular view over the Douro River and the surrounding landscape. After a delicious lunch that allows us to enjoy the fantastic gastronomy of the area, we continue towards Pinhão, a village known for its breathtaking scenery, and some of the most important wineries. Here we will enjoy a panoramic cruise between Pinhão and Romaneira (1 hour) to relax and admire the fantastic Douro landscapes. Then we will stroll through its picturesque streets and city hall and visit one of the most famous Wineries – named “Quinta” – with a sweet Wine Tasting. On a guided tour, we will discover the whole process, from cultivation to grapes to wine production, discovering the magic behind this tasty wine! We then return to Porto where you have the evening free to explore. Overnight Porto. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - October 17th - This morning we make our way to Lisbon with a few stops along the way on our coastal journey. The first stop will be the the famous Canals of Aveiro. The tourist brochures say that Aveiro is the "Portuguese Venice", but the locals say that Venice is the Italian Aveiro! While here we will embark on an adventure on a Moliceiro boat trip. The Moliceiro is a traditional boat that is part of the Aveiro culture, similar to a Venetian gondola. Starting from the dock of Largo do Jardim do Rossio, we will pass through some of the most iconic sights of the city, such as the Art Nouveau, the Aveiro Salt Pan, the traditional neighborhood of Beira-Mar, the Jerónimo P. Campos ceramics factory, and the Fish Market. We will marvel at the breathtaking city from its channels together with our guide who will share their knowledge about the cities history and learn some secrets of Aveiro. You will then have some free time to explore and find some lunch on your own before continuing our coastal journey to Obidos, one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal with its picturesque hilltop setting. With its pretty white washed buildings with flowers creeping up the sides, winding cobblestone lanes and majestic medieval castle it is charming in every way. One of the best things to do while visiting Obidos is taking a walk around the town’s ancient walls. Spectacular views can be seen over the red rooftops and surrounding countryside. You will also see the amazingly well preserved medieval castle that sits on a hill dominating the town below. After our visit we continue to Lisbon where we get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Lisbon. (B,D)

 

Day 4 - October 18th - Lisbon or Lisboa in Portuguese is the capital of Portugal and is located in western Portugal on the estuary of the Tagus (Tejo) River. It is the westernmost capital city in continental Europe and serves as the country’s chief port, largest city, and commercial, political, and tourist centre. The best way to explore any city is on a walking tour so we will do just that. Our tour will introduce us to Lisbon's top attractions as we walk through the history of Portugal's capital city exploring must-see sights such as Baixa Pombalina, Rossio Square, the Santa Justa Elevator and the Praça do Comércio. The port city of Lisbon has been a major Atlantic hub since medieval times. A strong naval and maritime tradition, coupled with the country’s strategic position on the western shores of continental Europe, saw her colonial possessions expand to include parts of Southern Africa, Macao, East Timor and modern-day Brazil. While Portugal’s colonial days are long behind her, the country’s capital has been going through a revival in recent years, and some would say its influence on the world stage is greater than ever. Together we will explore all the nooks and crannies of this fascinating city. You’ll marvel at Gothic masterpieces like the Baixa Pombalina and Rossio Square, while hearing about the Portuguese Inquisition, the Carnation Revolution and the tiny kingdom’s Age of Discovery and then take in Barrio Alto; the world-famous haunt of bohemian writers and artists. Those who have been on tour with me before know my fascination for tea and teatime rituals and would have heard me tell how the English were introduced to tea by Portuguese Royalty, so while in the Capitol City we must partake of Afternoon Tea! You then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore Lisbon. Overnight Lisbon. (B,L)

 

Day 5 - October 19th - This morning we start our long journey to the Algarve which we will spread out over today and tomorrow. We will try to stay as coastal as possible as we travel along Comporta in Portugal, renowned for its wild and unspoilt natural landscape, peaceful atmosphere and charming traditional villages. We will stop at a few of these beautiful beaches and have lunch at a seaside restaurant. Located in the south of the Troia peninsula, Comporta Beach is known to be the trendiest around Lisbon. You can understand this enthusiasm when you discover this glorious stretch of white sand, which seems totally wild and is preserved by the dunes that surround it and the fields of rice that are on the other side. Between the blue of the ocean and the green of the paddy fields, Comporta beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Portugal.We then visit a less touristy beach, Praia do Pinheirinho, a quiet and unspoiled beach surrounded by native vegetation and with a spectacular view of the Arrábida Mountains. It is famous for its crystal clear waters, fine white sand and its isolated and peaceful environment. We next stop just south of Sines at a lovely hidden coastal restaurant for lunch and a walk on the beach. From here it is just a short hop to our accommodation at Porto Covo where you can spend more time exploring this coastline and lovely village. Dinner and Overnight Porto Covo. (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 - October 20th - This morning we continue on our way to Faro the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. Our first stop will be a comfort and leg stretch stop at Aljezur, a small town on the Vicentine coast with houses typical of the Algarve's rural architecture, where coloured window openings and platbands enhance the white façades. The winding, narrow streets of the town transport the visitor to the distant times of the Arab medina. At the top of the hill, the castle walls are a reminder of its historical past, a symbol of the fighting between Moors and Christians. In the 10th century, the town of Aljezur would have been almost an island - hence its Arabic name al-Yazira (the island) -, bordered by the Ribeira de Aljezur, which was once a river port for the old Almoravid Empire. We then make our way to the southern coast and to the town of Ferragudo, a white-washed fishing town situated at the mouth of the Arade River along the Southern Algarve Coast. You will be able to find some lunch here and then explore the town with a walk across the Arade River to Rua Infante Dom Henrique for the best views of the town. We then make our way even further south to Carvoeiro with history dating back to the 16th century, when pirates ruled the bay. The steep coast was a perfect shelter for them, but the following centuries turned it into a sleepy fishing town. Carvoeiro was built on rocky cliffs, which makes the town one of the most beautifully situated resorts in the whole of Portugal. There are many great things to do around Carvoeiro including walking the picturesque cliff top Carvoeiro Boardwalk and it is a perfect spot to have a glass of wine while taking in the beach. We then make our way to Faro to get settled into out accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Faro. (B,D)

 

Day 7 - October 21st - Today will be spent in and around Faro, the capital of the Algarve since 1756. We will shop for a picnic lunch and then join a relaxing guided boat tour through the canals of the Ria Formosa with a visit to 2 different islands: Deserta Island and Farol Island. You will be able to observe the nature of the park, feel the comfort onboard, and enjoy the unique landscapes, which make the Ria Formosa Natural Park one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal. The first stop and visit will be to Deserta Island, where Cabo de Santa Maria is located, which is the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. The second stop is Farol island, a small tourist village where the historic lighthouse of Santa Maria, built in 1851, is located. Once we return to Faro you will have some free time to do some exploring. The Manuel Bivar Gardens are a beautiful reception area for visitors, where everything overlooks the marina, the Ria Formosa and the sea. The Arco da Vila gives access to the old town, known as "vila adentro" (into the town). Here you will find the 11th century Arab Gateway, the oldest horseshoe arch in the country, which was the gate through the walls for those arriving by sea. From here, a tangle of streets begins that are well worth meandering through to explore their nooks and crannies. Many archaeological finds that testify to the city's history are to be found in the Municipal Museum at the 16th century Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção. This evening we have a  Discover the Flavours of Faro on a fun Walking Food & Drink Tour. Enjoy local food, wines and beers, in places only the locals know about. Friendly and fun, this is a private guided tour where you get to sample a slice of life in Faro, while enjoying some locally produced wines and beers. Our local guide will take us to places that we might struggle to find on your own, where we can experience some of the city's great food and vibe. Dinner and Overnight Faro. (B,D)

 

Day 8 - October 22nd - Today we will cross the border into Spain and start our journey to Seville. Our first stop will be the lovely village of Tavira, a beloved seaside destination that combines breathtaking beaches with Portuguese culture. Regarded as one of the most beautiful towns of the Algarve, you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences. It is sometimes also called the Venice of the Algarve. This historic town with picturesque plazas and cobbled streets has everything you need for a great visit. The main square of Tavira is called Praça da República it is full of shops, restaurants and is a great place to watch the world go by or some great people watching! The well-preserved ruins of Tavira Castle has exceptional views of the town and river. We will find some lunch here before we continue our journey to Seville to get checked in and settled into our accommodation before we are out to a Tapas and Flamenco Food Tour. Dinner and Overnight Seville. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9 - October 23rd - As we are about half way through the tour, the entire day will be spent at your leisure in the city of Seville (or Sevilla in spanish). Seville is the capital of the Spanish region and province of Andalusia and has about 700,000 inhabitants, making Seville the fourth largest city in Spain. In the cultural, political, economic and artistic realms, Seville is the most important southern Spanish city. Seville has the largest historic centre of Europe. The historic city centre of Seville offers many attractions, such as the Royal Alcázar de Sevilla, the Seville Cathedral with the Giralda Tower and the Torre del Oro at the river. Overnight Seville. (B)

 

Day 10 - October 24th - The end of today will find us in Gibraltar with a few stops along the way including some of the most beautiful places in Andalucia. Our first will be Arcos de la Frontera, situated on a steep cliff overlooking the surrounding countryside where you have spectacular views from the Plaza del Cabildo Viewpoint. From here you can walk around the village to see the rest of the attractions like the Convent of the Barefoot Mercedarian Order and the Abades Viewpoint which also boasts astounding countryside views. Our next stop before reaching Gibraltar is Cádiz where rough-hewn whitewashed houses and elegantly crumbling aristocratic palaces dazzle in the bright, intense light, while the sound of flamenco floods its cheerful medieval lanes and colorful plazas. Bounded on three sides by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, this is Europe’s oldest inhabited city, yet one of its most underrated. While not as eye-catching as Seville or Granada, this bleached-white ancient port, filled with intriguing monuments and vibrant freidurías (fried fish taverns), is magical in its own way. History emanates from almost every corner of its characterful neighborhoods brilliant museums shelter splendid marble Phoenician sarcophagi and the idyllic sandy beaches fringing the shoreline invite hours of lounging and playing in the languorous Andalusian sun. We then make our way to Gibraltar to get settle into our accommodation you have some free time to explore Gibraltar which stands like a fortress as the gateway to the Mediterranean. A stubborn little piece of old England, it's one of the last bits of a British empire that at one time controlled a quarter of the planet.  Gibraltar's old town is long and skinny, with one main street that is a delight to wander along. You may want to take the Cable Car that in just 6 minutes takes you to the Top of the Rock where you will enjoy not only the magnificent views but also the company of the famous Barbary Apes. From the terraces of the Top Station you can gaze down over the town below, look North towards Sierra Nevada over the Costa del Sol, look East over the blue Mediterranean Sea and South across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Rif Mountains of North Africa. In short you will view 2 continents, 3 countries and the meeting point of 2 great bodies of water. Dinner and Overnight Gibraltar. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - October 25th - This morning we make our way first along the coast to Estepona Old Town Quarter Casco Antiguo. Made up of a compact labyrinth of meandering throughfares and open, verdant squares, the historic centre of Estepona old town has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years to become one of the most attractive and best preserved towns on the Costa del Sol. Stretching from Avenida de San Lorenzo in the west, to Avenida de Andalucía in the north and east, and down to Avenida España, which runs parallel to the Playa de la Rada, the town’s biggest beach on the Mediterranean Sea, the old town today is a vibrant area that retains all the charm of the Costa del Sol in days gone by. We then turn northward through the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves to Ronda and its Puente Nuevo over El Tajo de Ronda where you can find some lunch on your own. Despite being a growing town, Ronda retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the Rio Guadalevín through its centre, and also for the 18th century Puente Nuevo, which straddles the 300 foot chasm below, before taking in the views from the Alameda out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains. We then make our way to another beautiful Andalucian village, Antequera, regarded as the hidden jewel of Andalusia. Antequera was historically dubbed ‘the crossroads of Andalusia’, being the more or less central point to Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. We will stop at a viewpoint overlooking the city before we make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Antequera. (B,D)

 

Day 12 - October 26th - We head further north today to Córdoba, one of Andalucia’s most fascinating cities. From its unique Feria de los Patios to the mighty Mosque-Cathedral, the city’s cultural and historic offerings mean it deserves a place on everyone’s must see list. Home to the largest old town in Spain and the only city in the world to have four Unesco-protected sites, Córdoba is a must visit for any traveler, with the star attraction being the Mosque-Cathedral, the only building of its kind in Spain. We will do some exploring in the Historic Centre of Cordoba which is comprised of the streets surrounding the Great Mosque and all the parcels of land opening on to these, together with all the blocks of houses around the mosque-cathedral. This area extends to the other bank of the River Guadalquivir (to include the Roman bridge and the Calahorra) in the south, to the Calle San Fernando in the east, to the boundary of the commercial centre in the north, and incorporating the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the San Basilio quarter in the west. You can find some lunch on your own and then we will have a tour of this 16th-century Cathedral built in the middle of a 10th-century Mosque. Key sights include the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – a palace built among the ruins of a Moorish fortress in the 14th century – a 16-arched Roman bridge and the remains of one of the greatest temples in the Roman Empire. On our guided tour we journey through the history of the landmark, from its birth as a Mosque under the Umayyad state to its 13th-century conversion into a Christian Cathedral after the Conquest. Walking around the forest of marble, granite and jaspe columns results in some amazing photographs. Cordoba's period of greatest glory began in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest, when some 300 mosques and innumerable palaces and public buildings were built to rival the splendours of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. We then make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Jaén. (B,D)

 

Day 13 - October 27th - Jaén is a city that every Andalucia lover should visit, enjoy and spend some time getting to know. Not only does the city have an ancient and fascinating history, but the castle that towers over its winding streets offers some of the most quintessentially Andalusian views there are to be had. And the area is well know for its Olive Oil. We will have a tour of the city where we will discover the Jaén of the three cultures and its emblematic sites, the Renaissance Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, the legend of the Lizard of Jaén and the Church of La Magdalena. And of course, Olive Oil Tasting. We will meet our guide in the Plaza de Santa María where we discover the buildings of the Town Hall, the Archbishop's Palace and the impotent Cathedral of Jaén. Jaén Cathedral was conceived in the 16th century to replace the previous Gothic temple of the 15th century. The construction took several centuries, although the original idea was maintained. Our tour will include its interior and all the richness it houses. We then continue through the streets of the Jewish quarter, where we find the Fuente de los Caños, Francisco del Castillo's drinking fountain. Continueing along Calle Rostro we wander through labyrinthine and narrow streets typical of the cities ancient past. Then we visit the Arab Baths of Jaén, the only Muslim bath that has survived to the present day out of the five that the city once had. They are housed within the imposing Villardompardo Palace. Once in the baths, we will visit each of its rooms: the Vestibule, the Cold Room, the Warm Room and the Hot Room. Then we will learn about the legend of the Lizard of Jaén, and see the exterior of the Church of La Magdalena, the only parish church in the city which, despite being Christian, still maintains vestiges of one of the major mosques of Jaén. We finish off our experience with a tasting of the best olive oils from the province of Jaén. With more than 66 and a half million olive trees, Jaén EVOO is classified as the best olive oil in the world, with numerous varieties and beneficial health properties. You then have some free time to find some lunch and do a bit more exploring before we return home. Overnight Jaén. (B,D)

 

Day 14 - October 28th - This morning we make our way to Granada where we find towering above the city's historic Arabic Quarter, the Alhambra, one of the world’s most breathtaking monuments. A masterwork of Moorish architecture, the enormous complex is home to fabulous palaces, courtyards, and gardens, displaying splendid Islamic geometric patterns and ornamental features. Colorful tiles, exquisitely carved wood, and beautiful calligraphy adorn the fortress’ sumptuous interiors, while outside, serene pathways meander through a gorgeous ensemble of pools, patios, and fountains, closely resembling the Garden of Eden. While on our guided tour we will discover the best preserved Muslim Medieval City in the world. We will visit the Nasrid Palaces: Mexuar, Comares, Lions and Generalife and then walk through the courtyards: of the Arrayanes, the Reja, the Acequia, the Sultana. We will enjoy the gardens: the Partal, the Medina, and of course the Generalife with its graceful water games and its labyrinthine design. After lunch we make our way south again and to Frigiliani, widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras de Tejeda, just above Nerja, its distinctively Mudéjar historic center is all cobblestone steps, steep sinuous lanes, and carefully preserved whitewashed houses draped with geraniums and bougainvillea. The romantic streets often lead to enchanting plazas and hidden rooftop tapas bars, and are complemented by the occasional viewpoint across the scenic surrounding countryside and the glittery Mediterranean coast. After some exploration we make our way further along the Costa Del Sol to Malaga. We then get checked into our accommodation in Málaga before you find dinner on your own. Overnight Málaga. (B,L)

 

Day 15 - October 29th - Our day will be spent in Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol. Beyond its sunny beaches, this Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean has a fascinating cultural side. And the birthplace of Pablo Picasso has reinvented itself in recent year, inaugurating museums for all tastes. If you take the combination of sea and culture and add a lively atmosphere, plenty of tapas served in its bars, fashionable neighbourhoods like Soho, areas such as the port that have been transformed to offer a more modern image, and monuments with centuries of history, the result is an exciting city everyone would want to discover. Our discovery will start with the Picasso Museum, the culmination of a wish expressed by Pablo Picasso himself: for his work to be on display in the city of his birth. The Museum is located in Buenavista Palace, a building representative of Renaissance civil architecture in Andalusia. The permanent exhibition comprises a selection of pieces from the private collections of two relatives, Christine Ruiz-Picasso and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. More than 200 works cover the different styles, materials and techniques used by the brilliant artist. There are also temporary exhibitions, as well as educational and cultural activities, held on Picasso-related topics. After lunch we will do some wine tasting as the winemaking tradition dates back nearly three millennia to the time of the Phoenicians, it's safe to say that the vino love runs deep in Malaga. The area is home to two of Spain's prestigious Denominación de Origen wine regions. The first, D.O. Málaga, is the region's signature ebony sweet wine. There's no better place to try it than Antigua Casa de Guardia, the oldest wine bar in the city, where they serve it straight from the barrel! Overnight Málaga. (B,L)

 

Day 16 - October 30th - We will take in more of beautiful Málaga as we start our adventure by walking in the footsteps of one of the most iconic civilizations to ever rule the city: the Ancient Romans. The theatre was built in the first century BC, under Emperor Augustus, and was used until the third century AD. Subsequently it was left to ruin for centuries, until the Moors settled in Andalucía. In 756-780AD the amphitheatre was used as a quarry by the Moorish settlers, to excavate the stone used to build the Alcazaba Fortress - you can see some Roman columns and capitals at the fortress today. Over time it became buried under dirt and rubble, and remained hidden there for almost five centuries. We will visit the Interpretation Center first to learn about and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating gem. We then move up the hill to visit Alcazaba Fortress, an Arab palace-fortress built in the 11th century by King Badis of Granada. It is perfectly adapted to the contours of the land, and takes maximum advantage of the elevation of a hill. It is made up of two concentric spaces: the outside part is on the lower level, and the inner part houses the palace. Located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill, it is crowned by the Arab defence works to which the Alcazaba is connected by a walled passage known as the Coracha. With the Roman Theatre and the Aduana Customs Building, this special corner offers the chance to observe Roman, Arab and Renaissance culture, all within a few yards of each other. You will now be able to find some lunch in the city, do some sightseeing on your own or do some shopping before we meet up for our Farewell Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Málaga. (B,D)

 

Day 17 - October 31st - This morning we make our way to the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport for the journey home.