Iberian Grandeur

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Iberian Grandeur



Tour Description:

Soak up the vibrant life in Spain and Portugal on this 11 day luxury tour starting in Lisbon. Visit Évora, Seville and Granada before ending in Madrid.
Itinerary also travels in reverse.

Map for Iberian Grandeur
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Dates & Pricing

Wednesday 15 May 24 — Saturday 25 May 24Starting at $5,570Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 25 Jul 24 — Sunday 04 Aug 24Starting at $5,080Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon. Settle into your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.  Considered the second oldest capital after Rome, Lisbon was once thought to be the farthest edge of the world. Founded on seven hills and the banks of the Tagus River, this important port city is a vision of white-washed buildings with red tiled roofs that topple down the terraced hillside to the sea. Within the winding alleyways of the Old Town, you’ll find historic 19th century buildings, which were built after a devastating 1755 earthquake, charming cafes serving Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese tarts), iconic yellow Lisbon trams hauling visitors up the steep hills, and fado music drifting in the air.

Lisbon
Take a guided tour of Lisbon this morning, including the National Tile Museum, which explains the significance and traditions of Portuguese tile work – from geometric patterns to intricate artworks – that adorns the facades of the city’s historic buildings. This museum, founded in 1509, displays five centuries of decorative tiles. You will also visit Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of 16th century architecture in which lies the tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Enjoy a taste of Pasteis de Nata, Portuguese custard tarts, which were first invented by local monks right here in the 18th century.  Freechoice: This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice: Sintra tour with National Palace*: Take a guided tour of the town of Sintra, located a short drive from Lisbon. Discover its spectacular natural beauty, which could easily slot into the pages of a fairytale. The World Heritage-listed town is nuzzled into undulating forest and filled with charming historic buildings. Here, you will visit the impressive National Palace, perched high above the town, the palace is a glorious blend of Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture topped with twin conical chimneys.*Please note this is an active tour due to steep inclines and steps. Maritime Museum: Located in the west wing of Jeronimos Monastery, the Maritime Museum showcases Portugal’s pioneering role in world exploration and honours centuries of naval history. View some of the 17,000 items on display including model ships, old maps and globes while learning about some of the discoveries that changed the world.

Lisbon > Évora
Head to Evora today, travelling through the winegrowing region of Setúbal. Stop in Azeitão to visit a traditional tile manufacturer, one of the most important in the region. From here continue to Evora, where you will spend the next two nights.   Once an important trading route and religious centre, this walled city is dotted with crumbling Roman ruins, whitewashed buildings and elaborate cloisters and cathedrals lining its narrow, cobbled streets. Here you will enjoy a guided tour, where you’ll see the Evora Cathedral, a large Gothic-style medieval church completed in the 13th century. It boasts an impressive marble portal and a Renaissance organ, one of the oldest in Europe.

Évora
Travel through landscapes blanketed with lush vineyards and olive groves to the estate of Herdade do Esporao. Enjoy a tour of this exclusive estate and enjoy a World of Wines workshop, where you’ll learn about the wines produced in this region. Sample some during a relaxing long lunch in the Galeria do Esporao restaurant. Return to Evora later this afternoon for time at leisure. Wander the ancient streets to see the ruins of the Roman Temple of Diana built some 2,000 years ago, pay a visit to the Chapel of Bones, which is decoratively adorned in human bones, or spend time in Giraldo Square, with a coffee or a regional wine or beer.

Évora > Seville
Today you will travel to Siera de Aracena, a mountain range that straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. You’ll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon (ham), before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville, Spain.  This Andalusian city was built on The Guadalquivir River, the only navigable river in Spain, which made it an important trading centre. Today it is renowned for its Moorish buildings, having the world’s largest gothic cathedral, which houses the tomb of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, a breathtaking palace that has been built over 11 centuries, and flamenco dancing.

Seville
Your exploration of Seville starts with a walking tour of Barrio de Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of winding streets that lies within the historic centre. Once the old Jewish quarter, this district leaves a lasting impression with impressive landmarks including the immense Seville Cathedral and Real Alcazar, which has a 1,000-year history and is still a working palace to this day. Within these atmospheric streets you’ll also find tapas bars and a flamenco museum.  Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from these Scenic Freechoice options: Explore Seville by Horse & Carriage: Take in the city from a different angle during a horse and carriage ride, trotting past all the key sights such as the spectacular Plaza Espana. The city’s most famous square is actually a semi-circular space flanked by Renaissance revival and Moorish buildings and towers decorated in ornate tiles. You’ll also see Torre del Oro, the impressive 12th century Golden Tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Flamenco Dance show: Flamenco is a form of music and dance that originated in the southern reaches of Spain in the 18th century and was historically associated with gypsies. But its popularity quickly spread, and it is now a complex artform, recognised by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Feel the passion expressed during this riveting dance at a performance today, accompanied by traditional music, singing, clapping and finger snapping.

Seville > Ronda > Granada
Enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, an Andalusian town dramatic in scenery and history. Teetering on a clifftop above the El Tajo Gorge, an 18th century bridge spans the 100-metre drop to connect the town. Located on the site of an ancient Iberian settlement, it’s home to original Arab baths that were used for 600 years, and Spain’s oldest bullfighting ring, which is said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon. Soak up the splendour of this town on a walking tour, visiting the bull ring constructed entirely of stone and Casa Don Bosco, a local mansion with views across the canyon. Continue to Granada, where you will spend the evening. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and nestled between two rivers, Granada is one of Spain’s most striking cities, resplendent in Islamic architecture and overlooked by an impressive hilltop fortress.

Granada > Córdoba
During a morning tour of Granada, you will visit the Alhambra, the 13th century palace and fortress set against the peaks of Sierra Nevada. The complex of ancient buildings is a sight to behold, built on a high plateau above the city, and is a remnant of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Islamic kingdom in Western Europe. It’s also home to Generalife Gardens, featuring manicured flower beds, water features, colonnades and pavilions. Afterwards, you will travel to the mountain village of Alfarnatejo, where you’ll sit down to a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals who will share insights into the customs and traditions of the region. After lunch you will continue to Cordoba where you’ll stay overnight.   Cordoba is the only city in the world to have four World Heritage-listed Sites, ahead of Rome and Paris. It includes the archaeological site of Medina Azahara, a 10th century city, the UNESCO-protected Patio Festival, when floral blooms adorn the city, the Historic Centre, and its 8th century Great Mosque, which boasts a breathtaking sea of orange-and-white-striped arches. You will see the latter two on a city tour this afternoon.   After an exciting day of touring, enjoy time to relax tonight at your unique hotel. 

Córdoba > Toledo > Madrid
On your way to Madrid this morning, you will stop in the fascinating 2,000-year-old city of Toledo, which sits on a gorge of the Tagus River and was the former Spanish capital before Madrid. Within its historic centre, you’ll find mosques, synagogues and cathedrals coexisting, which gave the city its name the ‘City of Three Cultures’.   Continue to Madrid for a two-night stay. At almost precisely the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1562 and has held the role continuously since 1606. All of Spain’s roads lead to Madrid, quite literally. And while the city has a storied past, it has a youthful energy, exciting nightlife, excellent gastronomy and is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the world. On arrival, join a guided tour to see the 17th-century Austrian Quarter (Madrid’s oldest surviving district), as well as other significant sites.  This evening in Madrid you will enjoy dinner at a well-known local restaurant featuring Tuna Folk Music, traditional Spanish music typically performed by students. The tradition is said to date back to the 13th century.

Madrid
Freechoice: This morning, you will have the choice to visit one of Madrid’s most renowned museums or to learn the art of Flamenco through Scenic Freechoice: Prado Museum: Visit the Prado Museum where a guide will escort you through the exquisite collections including masterpieces by Francisco Goya, El Greco, Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Opened in 1819, the Prado Museum has successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting, and enriching its collections of art, including the most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings in the world. Flamenco Dance workshop: Put on your dancing shoes and join a workshop to learn the art of Flamenco dance, which has been mesmerising audiences from all over the world over for centuries. Discover the passion and skill involved in creating this performance art. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Madrid on your own. Perhaps this evening you’d like to find a cosy tapas bar and enjoy these popular bite-sized foods with a regional wine or beer, dine at Sobrino de Botin, the world’s oldest continually operating restaurant and one of Hemingway’s favourite haunts.

Madrid
After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport for your homebound flight, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.