Mediterranean Magic

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Lisbon

   The capital of Portugal since 1255 when King Alphonse II moved the court from Coimbra, Lisbon is not only regarded as one of the sunniest of the European capitals but one with a rich history on display. The soft white limestone facades of the oldest neighborhood, Alfama, welcome tourists, and locals, calling to them through the medium of Fado music drifting wistfully from the abundance of bars, or the smell of petisco (Portuguese tapas) wafting from a myriad of restaurants. Like its ancient rival Porto, Lisbon rests on mighty rivers originating from the eastern Spanish highlands. Remnants of human settlements in the vicinity of the city date back to the Neolithic period and since that time successful invasions have resulted in occupation by Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths, and Moors. The rich tapestry of Lisbon’s history has been woven into the very fabric of the city.

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Lisbon's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. The duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.

2. Day 2 Traveling to Lagos by Private Transfer / Arrival in Lagos

   

   Today, you will travel by private transfer from Lisbon to the picturesque coastal town of Lagos. A driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Lisbon at your preferred departure time and take you directly to Lagos. The journey will take about 3 hours.

    

   For an additional fee, we can arrange a stop in Castro Verde. Once an ancient hill fort, Castro Verde is renowned for its unique beauty. Surrounded by countryside, it has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can admire golden cereal grain fields, natural grasslands, and endemic bird species.

   Upon your arrival to Lagos a driver will greet you and take you to your hotel.

3. Day 3 Your First Full Day in Lagos

   

   Half-Day 4WD Jeep Southwest Algarve Small Group Tour

   Experience the wild side of the southwestern Algarve on this incredible jeep tour. Explore the stunning south and southwest coastline, discovering local customs and secret beaches with breathtaking landscapes. Visit tranquil Praia da Luz and picturesque Burgau, known as the Portuguese Santorini, before heading to the historic ruins of Almadena Fort and the scenic Salema Beach. Finally, journey through Sagres to the Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse and finish with panoramic views at Miradouro da Cordoama, perfect for capturing lasting memories.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Benagil Caves Private Speedboat Tour

   Start from Lagos Marina on a thrilling speedboat adventure to Benagil. Enjoy stunning views of the coastline as you travel to the famous “Gruta do Algar de Benagil” and explore its breathtaking caves and beaches. Your captain will share insights about the Algarve coast, enriching your journey with local knowledge. This private tour lasts about two hours, with time for exploration and a scenic ride back to Lagos.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Your Second Full Day in Lagos

   

   Lagos Morning Food Group Tour

   This unforgettable food tour starts with a visit to a vibrant local market. You will then explore four traditional restaurants in the Algarve and taste ten of Portugal’s most iconic dishes. As you wander through charming streets, you will discover hidden secrets and hear captivating stories about the past. Your expert guide will take you through authentic neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and local spots, offering a perfect introduction to the Algarve.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Praia da Luz Tuk-Tuk Private Tour

   Explore Praia da Luz, a picturesque fishing village in the Algarve known for its family-friendly beaches and calm waters. Take a 90-minute tuk-tuk tour through the village’s narrow alleys and scenic squares, stopping for photos along the way. Visit the historic Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz and the Fortress Square, dating back to 1575. End the tour with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the beautiful Luz coastline.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Seville by Private Transfer / Arrival in Seville

   

   You're leaving Portugal behind today and heading to Spain. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Lagos, and transport you directly to the beautiful city of Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region in southern Spain. The journey is expected to last approximately 3 hours.
   
   Additionally, for an extra fee, we can arrange a 2-hour stop in Palos de la Frontera. This town holds historical significance as the starting point of Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas in 1492. During your stop, you'll have the opportunity to explore the town on your own and/or enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.

   Although it may not be the most famous city in Spain, Seville is considered by many to be the most beautiful. You get a sense of its unique charms as you meander through winding streets surrounded by characteristic white and pipeclay yellow walls of the painted buildings. Due to the hustle and bustle of port activity, 16th century Seville was the richest city in Spain. Goods of all splendor brought from the New World arrived at the feet of awestruck locals. Venture further into the city to marvel at the largest Gothic Temple in the world, Seville Cathedral, or try to imagine the sense of pride and awe felt by locals for hundreds of years as they gazed up at The Giralda Tower. This minaret was built in the Almohad period and was, for centuries, the tallest building in Spain and constructed as part of a Grand Mosque.

   Upon your arrival to Seville, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Seville

   

   Seville Major Monuments Private Tour

   This tour is an exclusive journey through Seville’s three most iconic sites, guided by a local expert. Explore the Santa Cruz neighborhood, uncovering its rich history, legends, and the time when Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted. Visit the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral, and admire the Moorish Giralda tower. Conclude your tour at the Alcazar of Seville, where you’ll discover stunning palaces, gardens, and a harmonious blend of Christian and Muslim architecture.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Learn About & Experience Flamenco

   Seville is renowned for flamenco, an expressive art form rooted in the diverse folk music traditions of southern Spain, particularly originating from Andalusia. The Museo del Baile Flamenco showcases the allure of this art through exhibitions on dance, singing, and guitar. Visitors can explore flamenco costumes, video displays, and various educational exhibits. Additionally, the museum houses a Flamenco School and hosts daily performances from 5 to 9 pm, providing an immersive experience into the captivating world of flamenco. If you'd prefer more of a dinner-and-a-show performance, we can arrange for a table at Tablao el Arenal, another famous flamenco venue in the city.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Seville

   

   Gibraltar Rock Private Day Trip

   Gibraltar, perched on a grand rock in southern Iberia, offers stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, just 14km (8.7 miles) from Africa. This tour begins at the Pillars of Hercules viewpoint, known for its breathtaking panoramas. Then, you will explore the impressive Cueva de San Miguel, which has stunning geological formations. Continue through the rock to meet Gibraltar's famous wild monkeys. Conclude with a stroll along Main Street, a shopper’s paradise, in this unique English colony.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 11 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Cordoba Day Trip Private Tour

   On this tour, you will embark on an extraordinary adventure with a knowledgeable historian and guide. The tour starts with a guided tour of the mesmerizing Mosque of Cordoba. Then, you can wander through the charming labyrinthine streets of the Jewish Quarter, where you'll discover hidden gems like the Synagogue, the vibrant Artisans' Souk, and the monumental tribute to Maimonides. The exquisite Chapel of San Bartolomé is next, and as the day unfolds, you can immerse yourself in history at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. You can then enjoy some free time to grab lunch before bidding farewell to Cordoba and returning to Seville, where you'll be escorted back to your hotel.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Traveling to Granada by Train / Arrival in Granada

   

   You're leaving Seville behind today and heading to Granada. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are several train departures to Granada daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. The journey takes around 3 hours.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Granada by Private Transfer with Stop and Visit in Cordoba

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is one of the most visited cities in Spain. What makes this place so unique is that it was the capital of the Moorish kingdom until it was captured by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. Today you will find a fascinating city, rich in multicultural history - a beautiful reflection of its Arab and Christian past. The Alhambra, a spectacular Arab citadel and palace, is certainly one of the main highlights of Granada but besides seeing this signature sight, you'll also enjoy being in the birthplace of tapas. True to its roots there are still places in Granada where the tapas is free with your drinks. Granada is one of the preferred destinations for European students, giving it a fun, vibrant university city feel. It is also a city with an important artistic energy. Strolling along the streets you will surely come across artisans and musicians showcasing their talents.

   When you arrive at Granada's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Visit the First Spanish Renaissance Church

   When you think about what to do in Granada, you will not want to skip a free visit to the downtown district and its imposing cathedral, which happens to be the first Renaissance church built in Spain, and where you can appreciate an extensive art collection. Next to the cathedral is the Royal Chapel, which holds the remains of the Catholic monarchs whose commissioning of naval expeditions resulted in the discovery of the Americas and the birth of the Spanish Empire.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Granada

   

   Alhambra and Generalife Premium Group Tour

   On this tour, you will go on a captivating journey through the Alhambra, expertly led by an official guide. This immersive experience ensures comprehensive access to every facet of the monument, allowing you to explore renowned areas such as the Nasrid Palaces, La Alcazaba, the Generalife Palace and its meticulously manicured gardens, and the glorious Carlos V Palace.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Granada 4 Cultures Private Tour - Albaicin and Sacramonte Granada's UNESCO Districts

   On this tour, you will explore Albaicin and Sacromonte, two renowned neighborhoods in Granada. The adventure commences in Albaicin, where you will visit its narrow, labyrinthine streets, and an expert guide will share enchanting stories about this neighborhood. You will then be taken to viewpoints that unveil breathtaking panoramas of the illustrious Alhambra, enabling you to capture these mesmerizing scenes in photographs. The exploration continues to Sacromonte, which has its famous cave houses that are still inhabited today. During this visit, you will have remarkable views of the city center and the Darro Valley. This tour serves as your key to unlocking Granada's essence—a journey that transcends borders and resonates with the spirit of every traveler.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Hammam Al Andalus Experience

   Experience the tradition of an Andalusian Arab bath at Hammam Al Ándalus. Enjoy a self-guided journey through various thermal baths, from hot to cold springs and a steam room. During the 90-minute session, indulge in massages with natural soap, kessa gloves, or essential oils. Immerse yourself in the soothing rituals and connect with your inner self through water and relaxation.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Traveling to Madrid by Train / Arrival in Madrid

    

    You're leaving Granada behind today and heading to Madrid. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a number of daily departures to Madrid, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on 3.5 hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Madrid by Private Transfer with a stop in Baeza and Ubeda

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.

    When you arrive at Madrid's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

    

    Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.

    Start out by getting your central Madrid bearings by strolling two of the city's most impressive squares, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. Then make your way into the adjoining La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars. Explore the narrow streets and hop from one tapas bar to another, savoring a variety of local flavors and specialties.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Madrid

    

    The Madrid of the Austrians

    Today you'll be joining a group tour that will give you a thorough grounding in the rich history of the Austrian era and gain insights into the architectural, artistic, and spiritual evolution of Madrid. This tour is inspired by the 16th and 17th centuries when Madrid, under the rule of the Austrian Habsburg Dynasty, ascended to become the capital of Spain. Known locally as the 'Austrias', this central neighborhood encapsulates all the major and noteworthy landmarks of the Spanish capital. Your leisurely stroll will guide you past iconic sites such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, the Prado, and numerous other captivating structures, churches, verdant parks, lively squares, expansive avenues, and charming alleys. And to keep your energy up, in the most Madrid way possible, a hot chocolate and churros stop is included!

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Small portions, grand flavors

    In Madrid, where the harmonious blend of traditional meals and international flavors has thrived since the 16th century, immerse yourself in the authentic dining experience of a light and varied traditional meal – tapas! For early risers, exploring local markets offering fresh produce on a daily basis is a must. A visit to a Spanish food market promises an unforgettable experience. If you desire to embark on a culinary journey guided by an expert, choose from a food tour with tastings or immersive cooking classes.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Paella and Tapas - Madrid Group Cooking Class with Market Visit

    Uncover the secrets of the traditional paella and other regional dishes on a journey across the tastes of Spain without ever leaving the country's vibrant capital, Madrid. After a guided visit to a local market, in the company of your small group, you will head to a unique private cooking space reserved just for you at one of the quaintest restaurants in Madrid. During this cooking class, an expert local guide and chef will guide you through the fascinating process of preparing a mouthwatering homemade lunch of Spanish staples, such as paella and tapas.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Tapas & History - Gastronomy Group Experience in the Madrid Old Town

    Enjoy an introduction to the history of Spain and Madrid with a walking tour in the old district, visiting four emblematic taverns and bars. These visits include a VIP Pass – that is, no queues at the bar!
You will be guided by a local guide specializing in history and food.
You will get to try more than 16 flavors and different Spanish wines, with every taste explained in detail.
Finish your gastronomy experience by enjoying the best churros and chocolate in town!

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Madrid

    

    Toledo & La Mancha Wine Region Small Group Tour

    On this wine-tasting tour through La Mancha, you will follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote. You will start by exploring Toledo. Its dramatic landscape is home to century-old olive groves, vineyards, expansive plains, and towering windmills. You will visit one traditional winery where high-quality wines and artisan and new-style wines are produced. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, including Manchego cheese, which the region is well-known for producing.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 10 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

    On this excursion, you'll first explore Avila, with its impressive 12th-century walls and medieval ambiance on a private tour. Next, you'll visit Segovia to marvel at the grand Roman aqueduct and the well-preserved Alcazar. End your tour with a visit to Segovia Cathedral, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 9 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

13. Day 13 Departure Day

    The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.