Pre tour - October 17th - Arrive into Porto, Portugal and make your way to our accommodation to get rested up for the tour and get adjusted to the time change. The tour will start the following morning from our hotel lobby. (B)

 

Day 1 - October 18th - 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 walking tour with a local guide. We will visit the most famous and photographed places in the city of Porto, including one of the most recognized bookstores in the world, the Nasoni Tower, the Cathedral and the Classic Majestic Coffee where we stop for a taste of the city. Our guide will share the main squares where we find great landmarks, and then walk through of the old part of the city and through the old streets and neighborhoods. After thoroughly exploring the city we will stop for lunch and then visit Porto Cathedral better known as Sé do Porto. Built in the highest point in the city in the 12th century, the Sé Cathedral is the most important religious building in Porto and is the most important religious edifice in the city. Situated in the upper part of Porto it has been declared a National Monument and is very close to the walls that once protected the city. The cloister dates back to the fourteenth century and is decorated with tiles painted with some of the scenes from the Bible. We will also visit the Casa do Cabildo, which features the Cathedral Treasure, a collection of it’s most precious possessions. You will then have some time in the city before we meet up for our Welcoming Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Porto. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - Following breakfast this morning we will visit Palácio da Bolsa(Stock Exchange Palace), headquarters and property of Associação Comercial do Porto. Is a neoclassical style building, whose construction started on the 6th October 1842, the day where the first stone was put to place, due to the closure of the stock exchange that obliged the Porto traders to discuss their business in open air. On our guided tour we will visit the large central courtyard called Pátio das Nações (Courtyard of the Nations), enclosed by a glass structure which lets in a beautiful natural light into the whole Palace. Afterwards, we will be taken up an impressive marble and granite staircase and explore the Golden Room, which is covered with gold-leaf, the General Assembly Room, completely decorated in wood and other splendid rooms until you get to the Palace’s highlight, the Arab Room. This 300-metre sized room is decorated in Moorish style, inspired by the Alhambra and is where the official receptions are held. After our visit we will have another walking tour, but of a completely different nature as it will be focused on the tastes of Portugal. As we walk around the city we will make stops along the away and savour all the famous delicacies and subtleties of this amazing city. The tour guide supports smaller and local businesses and promoting its culture, idiosyncrasy and above all, tradition. They believe that the very best way to discover this famous "identity" is through food and wine - what else? - while relaxing around a table. While at the table our guide will share odd stories and tales and tidbits of history, all while feasting in local appetizers and savoring the best wines produced in the region. The rest of the day and evening is free to explore this beautiful city and all of its delights. Overnight Porto. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - 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. We will also check out the amazingly well preserved medieval castle that sits on a hill dominating over 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 - 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. Lisbon is the city of the seven hills and our tour starts in Restauradores Square, an essential point of the city from where it is possible to see the most important avenue of Lisbon: Liberdade Avenue. From there, we will take the 19th century Glória Funicular, which will take us to the marvellous San Pedro viewpoint. Then we will explore the historic quarters of Bairro Alto and Chiado, going then to the downtown area, Baixa, where we will have a tasting of a traditional custard tart. Our tour continues towards Mouraria Quarter where the Fado has it's heart and Alfama where Christians, Muslims and Jews left their legacy. Finally we will get to Praça do Comércio, the monumental entrance to the city. 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 will then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore Lisbon. Overnight Lisbon. (B,L)

 

Day 5 - This morning we make our way a short ways out of the city to Sintra, a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountain. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. We will meet our local guide at the Town Hall and walk through the streets of the town that was the first European site listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape. We will visit the Sintra National Palace, built in the 16th century and noted for its different architectural styles including Moorish, Manueline, Gothic, and Mudéjar. We then continue our walk to the Seteais Palace, built in the 18th century, it now operates as a luxurious hotel and offers panoramic views of the Pena Palace. As we move through Sintra, we get to know the legends that surround this city from our expert local guide. In addition, we will discover its most typical gastronomy with a stop to try the traditional Queijadas de Sintra Pastry and some regional Colares Wine. We will lunch in Sintra before returning to the city. You will have the afternoon free until we meet up for a Fado Tour of Lisbon which will start with a typical Portuguese Dinner in the Alfama district where we will get to know about the local habits and cuisine in the city's oldest district, where Fado was born in the early 19th century. Then we wander down the alleys of the old part of town on a short walking tour of Alfama which ends at a traditional Fado house where we listen to the mournful melodies of Fado. Lose yourself in the atmosphere and mood of the music. The quintessentially Portuguese genre is produced with a Portuguese guitar and characterized by heartfelt lyrics. Dinner and Overnight Lisbon. (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 - This morning we make our way to Faro the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. We will be up early this morning as we have a long journey ahead of us. It will be a spectacular coastal journey with visits to some of Portugal's loveliest towns and villages making the long journey very enjoyable. Our first stop will be Sines, one of those beautiful small towns in Portugal with its simple white houses with blue outlined edges and the smell of the sea and fresh fish. A walk on the promenade is in order before we make our way further south to Ferragudo, a white-washed fishing town situated at the mouth of the Arade River along the Southern Algarve Coast. When we arrive we will start our visit by exploring the town center and the streets leading up to Igreja de Ferragudo Church. We will have lunch before we 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 datingback 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. We then make our way to Faro to get settled into out accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Faro. (B,L,D)

 

Day 7 - This morning we take a walking tour which will give us a real feel for Faro, its history, and its people. We our local guide we will discover Faro’s main attractions, and why the Moorish times were so important for the city. We will explore the medieval walls of the Old City, a chapel of human bones, the marketplace, the municipal museum, and Alameda Garden. At the garden you will be free to feed the pigeons and peacocks, which roam the grounds freely. Following that, visit intricately tiled and gilded churches, as well as a museum where you can enter into a world of Portuguese legends. As a coastal town, it’s easy to indulge in the eternal joys of sunshine whilst there. Get ready to experience Portugal from a different perspective revealing interesting facts about this picturesque city. After our walking tour we take to the sea to visit the best desert beaches and some of the best secret spots, while you enjoy all the luxury aboard our private boat. We will tour the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a natural system on the Algarve coast and a real natural paradise where fauna and flora coexist in perfect harmony and with wonderful white sand desert beaches and crystalline water bays. Our journey will take us through sheltered waters with no waves, which provides a better and more relaxing experience to all and specially to those not used to navigating in open waters. We will bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy while we explore. Once back in Faro you will have the evening free to enjoy the city. Overnight Faro. (B,L)

 

Day 8 - 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 visit Muelle de las Carabelas (Warf of the Caravels), a waterfront exhibition with life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships: the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María, built for the 500th anniversary celebration. You are able to climb onto the ships and enter the replica of Columbus's cabin. The medieval recreation shows a harbour along with an idea of the atmosphere prior to the discovery that people lived on a daily basis, such as a market, a potters barn, horse and cart, along with other trades of that time. The objects found in the market, such as ceramics, pieces of iron and esparto etc, give us an idea of the load that would occupy the holds of the ships. This space demonstrates the fundamental neighbourhoods of Palos de la Frontera and its role played during the discovery of America. We then continue our journey to Seville to get checked in and settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Seville. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9 - 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. This evening we are out to take a walk through the history and culture of Seville with a 1-hour flamenco show at the Casa de la Memoria. In an intimate theater that dates back to the 15th century, dive into the colorful world of flamenco as dancers move to propulsive guitar rhythms. Marvel at elaborately-crafted costumes and the performers’ undeniable talent. Feel the emotional resonance of the flamenco tradition, gaining a powerful appreciation for an art form that defines a region. Overnight Seville. (B)

 

Day 10 - The end of today will find us in Gibraltar with a few stops along the way including some of the most beautiful villages 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 is Jerez de la Frontera where we find Alcázar de Jerez, with its square shape, it is a building of Almohade origin, built in the 12th Century and residence to the Caliphs of Seville and headquarters of the Christian governors after the city fell into the hands of Alfonso X. Its various parts, which have been magnificently restored, include the Christianised Mosque dedicated to Santa María la Real, the Arabic Baths, the Oil Mill and the beautiful gardens. The Dark Chamber is located in the tower of Villavicencio Palace (17th-18th centuries) in the Fortress, the oldest monument in this city. Our last 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 before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Gibraltar. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - We will spend the morning in 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. The rock itself seems to represent stability and power. The sea once reached these ramparts. Modern development grows into the harbor and today half the city is built upon reclaimed land. Gibraltar's old town is long and skinny, with one main street. The Highlight to any visit to Gibraltar is a trip on the Cable Car that in just 6 minutes takes us to the Top of the Rock where we will enjoy not only the magnificent views but also the company of the famous Barbary Apes. The Rock itself is an impressive sight but it’s only when seen from on high that you appreciate why so many have wished to conquer this small isthmus and how it has played such an important part in world history. 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. Impressive is not the word! We then make our way north 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 where we get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Antequera. (B,D)

 

Day 12 - 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. It features a 16th-century cathedral built in the middle of a 10th-century mosque. Other 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. We will have a guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral where 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 so,e amazing photographs. We will stop for lunch and then you will have some free time to look around the city. 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. The Historic Centre of Cordoba now comprises 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 GuadaIquivir (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 AIcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the San Basilio quarter in the west. We then make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Jaén. (B,L,D)

 

Day 13 - 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. First stop however is to visit and Olive Oil Mill as as the province of Jaen is the home of olive oil. On our tour we will have introduction to the olive oil worldin Jaen, its landscape, its olive groves and varieties. We'll learn about the different types of olive oil that are produced in an olive mill and the reasons for each one. We will see where the olive oil was produced more than 20 years ago with its old hydraulic presses. We'll learn about the conservation at the old cellar dated on 1926 before entering the modern factory, where technology and modern systems are now used. The visit will end with a good taste of their three types of Extra Virgin Olive Oils with 3 different three flavors abd 3 different smells and learn to identify their nuances. After we stop for lunch we visit the best-preserved Arab baths in Europe with this Arab Baths and Villardompardo Palace Tour. We'll meet our guide at the Arab Baths Cultural Centre to begin a tour of the Villardompardo Palace, a 16th century Renaissance building under which the Baths are located. The guided tour will begin at the Palace, the residence of the First Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru, Fernando de Torres and Portugal. Built in the 16th century in an unbeatable location in the heart of the historic centre of Jaen, it has passed through different owners and functions. We'll also visit the two museums that are currently inside it, first the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs, a reflection of the crafts that have been lost throughout the city's history. Then we'll visit the Naïf Art Museum, unique in Spain. We'll continue into the largest Arab Baths in Europe, with an area of 450 square meters. Dated in 1002, they are a sample of the operation and washing ritual carried out by the Muslim population. During the tour, we'll see the four rooms of these traditional Arab baths. After approximately an hour and a half, we'll end our guided tour on the Terrace-Viewpoint, with fantastic views of the city. Dinner and Overnight Jaén. (B,L,D)

 

Day 14 - 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. We will stop for some lunch here before we make our way just a few minutes down the road to Nerja, a pretty seaside town with fairytale caves, glittering sandy coves, and some of the best sea views in the whole of Europe. Balcón de Europa, a staggeringly positioned palm-shaded belvedere, makes the most of this postcard-perfect setting, offering sprawling vistas over the rocky coastline and the cerulean Mediterranean Sea beyond. We then get checked into our accommodation in Málaga before you find dinner on your own. Today is known as Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches) in Spain and Malaga will be teaming with witches, zombies and vampires and lots of parties. Overnight Málaga. (B,L)

 

Day 15 - The celebrations continue today as it is Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and the 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 so me 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! Celebration Dinner and Overnight Málaga. (B,L,D)

 

Day 16 - The revelry continues today on what is the largest event of the 3 day celebration, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). 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 - November 3rd - This morning we make our way to the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport for the journey home.