Compare Discover Moorish Spain by G Adventures vs Lisbon & Southern Spain Explored by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,349 | $ 11,155 |
| Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 930 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
Andalucia exudes history and romance, from its grand plazas and iconic architecture to soulful traditions and evocative alleyways. Experience the spirit of southern Spain on a captivating voyage through five alluring cities. Explore Madrid’s famed museums, join a local historian along the cobblestoned streets of El Greco’s Toledo, and take a flamenco lesson in Granada. Along the way, glimpse the region’s Moorish legacy amid a string of spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
On the western edge of the continent, Portugal is home to culturally rich cities influenced by its leading role in the Age of Discovery, as well as an abiding Catholic faith that it shares with nearby Spain. Our specialists will draw on their knowledge of the country to plan your tour of Portugal, where you could hear melancholy fado music in Lisbon, taste port wine in Porto and the Douro Valley, and sample the traditional custard tarts of Belém. |
Day 1 Madrid
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. If arriving early, head out and explore the city. Madrid has it all; history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks, and wild nightlife. The capital's most exciting street is the Gran Vía, but be sure to visit the Plaza Mayor – the true heart of Madrid. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafés and watch the world go by. After the group meeting, opt to head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group.
If you want more time to explore the city, we recommend booking pre-nights in Madrid. Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.
Day 2 Madrid
Drive south to the ancient walled city of Toledo, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Tagus River. Join a local historian on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with churches, synagogues, mosques, and plazas. Explore the old quarter and glimpse the soaring tower of the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Return to Madrid and enjoy free time to admire the world-renowned artworks at the Museo del Prado, relax at a café, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife.
Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.
Day 3 Madrid/Córdoba
Take the high-speed train to Córdoba, a beguiling Andalusian town steeped in history. As the capital of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) until its fall in 1236, Córdoba was once the largest city in Europe, known for its mosques, palaces, and libraries. Discover the medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or Mezquita, where a 13th-century Catholic cathedral stands in the center of a former Moorish mosque that dates to the 8th century. Afterwards, stroll the historic Jewish quarter’s maze of winding lanes and traditional whitewashed houses. This evening, opt to savour the city’s distinctive gastronomy—a mélange of Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.
Day 4 Córdoba/Granada
Arrive in Granada and set out on a CEO led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city. Here, in the birthplace of flamenco, take a private dance class in a professional studio. This evening, put your new moves to practice as you experience the city’s upbeat nightlife on your own.
Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.
Day 5 Granada
Spend today immersed in the majesty of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. This fortress and palace built by 13th-century Nasrid sultans crowns a hilltop overlooking Granada. On a guided tour of this extraordinary World Heritage site, marvel at the intricate stuccowork, elegant archways, and intimate courtyards bursting with blooms. Later, explore on your own time as you amble through the old Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, and enjoy views of the Alhambra glowing in the twilight.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Due to revised regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at least 30 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.
Day 6 Granada/Seville
Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk and choose to climb the cathedral Giralda’s bell tower or visit Casa Pilatos, a prototypical Andalusian palace that combines Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar architectural styles. Get a glimpse of traditional gypsy culture by opting to witness a soulful performance of flamenco dance.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 7 Seville
Enjoy a full day of free time to follow your impulses in Seville. Lose yourself among the winding alleys, flower-draped patios, and picturesque squares of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Opt to visit the ornate Mudéjar palace and gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site and former filming location for Game of Thrones.
Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 8 Seville
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.
Day 1 Lisbon
Lisbon
Your flight arrives into Portugal's capital, Lisbon, where your private driver meets you and takes you to your hotel. Later, get your first introduction to the city by touring Lisbon's hilly streets in a tuk-tuk.
Day 2 Lisbon
Lisbon
Today, leave Lisbon to visit nearby Sintra, known for its storybook architecture, where you can visit fantastical buildings and take in sweeping views of the sea. When you return to Lisbon this evening, enjoy a special dinner accompanied by traditional Portuguese fado music.
Day 3 Lisbon
Lisbon
Spend your final day in Lisbon at leisure, perhaps taking the opportunity to visit the city's outer district of Belém. Tonight, enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Tagus accompanied by wine and canapés.
Day 4 Seville
Lisbon , Seville
Journey across the border from Portugal to Spain today as you make your way from Lisbon to Seville, stopping along the way in Évora where you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the city's Roman architecture.
Day 5 Seville
Seville
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Seville to see the city's highlights, including the Giralda Tower and the Real Alcázar. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure and this evening, take a tapas tour of the city, ending at a special flamenco performance.
Day 6 Seville
Seville
Take a day trip to Córdoba today, well-known for La Mezquita, the great mosque-cathedral. In addition to Córdoba, visit Almodóvar Castle, a Moorish castle dating back to 760.
Day 7 Seville
Seville
Today, witness a traditional Andalusian horse riding exhibition at a prestigious school before eating lunch by the sea. Later enjoy a sherry tasting in Jerez, where the fortified wine originated.
Day 8 Seville
Seville
Get a closer look at Andalusian cuisine today as you head into the kitchen to learn how to prepare traditional regional fare. After you enjoy what you've made, spend the afternoon at leisure in Seville.
Day 9 Granada
Seville , Granada
Continue journeying through southern Spain today by heading to the Moorish city of Granada, stopping on the way to explore Ronda, with its Roman bridge and plunging gorges.
Day 10 Granada
Granada
Witness the majesty of the Alhambra up close today as you take a private guided tour, enjoying lunch within the grounds. After lunch, continue exploring the city with your guide, from the Baroque cathedral to the white-washed streets of the Albayzin.
Day 11 Malaga
Granada , Malaga
Explore a different side of Andalusia today with a hike through the Alpujarras, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After your hike, continue on to the seaside town of Málaga to spend your final night in Spain at leisure.
Day 12 Return home
Malaga
Your journey in Spain comes to an end as you make your way to the airport for your flight.
