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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Iberian Inspiration

12 day small group tour

East meets West and past meets present: Spain and Portugal offer a heady mix of treasures, from Arabic palaces and Roman temples to Catholic cathedrals and Jewish synagogues. Join us as we take to the scenic back roads on this journey into the heart of ancient Iberia.

Your tour highlights

  •  Experience the historic charm of Córdoba, Granada, Úbeda, Estremoz and Ronda with stays in charming old town hotels
  •  Sample authentic jamón ibérico at a traditional farm in Sierra de Aracena
  •  Enjoy a traditional flamenco show in Seville
  •  Visit the spectacular Córdoba Mezquita – a UNESCO-protected mosque

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Madrid

Our tour will begin in vibrant Madrid, where we’ll meet the group and kick off our adventure with a delicious welcome dinner. Salud! Accommodation: Hotel Quatro Puerta Del Sol (or similar)

Day
2
Madrid - Toledo

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and head for Toledo – a beguiling riverside city where centuries of history come alive. A guided city tour and visits to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca will help us get a grip on the area’s unique cultural heritage before we retire to our hotel for the night. Accommodation: Hotel Carlos V (or similar)

Day
3
Toledo - Valdepenas - Cordoba

Today our journey will continue south across the vast plains of La Mancha towards Valdepeñas – where we’ll pause to visit a local bodega for a wine tasting session and lunch. Appetites satisfied, we’ll move on to beautiful Córdoba – our home for the next two nights. Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)

Day
4
Cordoba

Prepare to step back in time to the days of Islamic Iberia – a locally guided tour of Córdoba’s Old Town awaits! After visiting the spectacular Mezquita (a UNESCO-protected mosque), you’ll be free to explore the city at your own pace. Seek out hidden squares and local cafés, pamper yourself at a traditional hammam or simply sit back and marvel at the city’s magnificent architecture – this afternoon is all about you. Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)

Day
5
Cordoba - Ubeda - Granada

Our next stop will be Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town filled with spectacular Renaissance palaces. There will be just enough time to pause and taste some authentic Spanish olive oil before we move on to enchanting Granada. Accommodation: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)

Day
6
Granada

An energetic university city with an ancient past – Granada is truly magnificent. No visit would be complete without stepping foot in the ancient walled Alhambra fortress. One of the world’s best examples of Islamic architecture, we’ll enjoy a guided tour around a few sections of this intricately decorated complex. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore Granada at your leisure. Accommodation: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)

Day
7
Granada - Ronda

You can rest assured that today’s journey will be just as much fun as the destination! From Granada, our path will turn east as we make the scenic journey to the mountaintop city of Ronda, where we’ll get our bearings on an orientation tour. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner in a local restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel Maestranza (or similar)

Day
8
Ronda – Grazalema, Arcos and Jerez – Seville

Today it’s back on the road – with stops at the picturesque white villages of Grazalema and Arcos to look forward to. This afternoon we’ll set our sights on Jerez – where we’ll be treated to a sherry tasting session and tapas lunch at a local winery. Tonight, a traditional flamenco show will help us settle into Seville. Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)

Day
9
Seville

We’ve a full day to spend getting acquainted with the charismatic city of Seville. First, a locally guided walking tour and a visit to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alcázar of Seville. Then, the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Whether you want to seek out Roman ruins, hunt down Moorish mosaics or visit classical squares, there are plenty of historic sites to keep you occupied here. Feeling hungry? You could always sample some Andalucían specialities at one of the city’s abundant bars… Accommodation: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)

Day
10
Seville - Sierra de Aracena

Back to nature today. After breakfast we’ll make tracks to the Sierra de Aracena, an unspoilt mountain range peppered with castles, quaint villages and pastures. While we’re here, we’ll pay a visit a local pig farm – where we’ll be lucky enough to taste some authentic jamón ibérico and local cheeses. Accommodation: Hotel Convento Aracena (or similar)

Day
11
Sierra De Aracena – Monsaraz (Portugal) – Estremoz

Our first stop of the day will be Monsaraz, a charming Portuguese hilltop village with sweeping views of the Alqueva Dam. We’ll take some time to explore its narrow streets before moving on to Estremoz for an afternoon of leisure time. Tonight, we’ll raise a toast to our Iberian adventure over a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Estremoz (or similar)

Day
12
Estremoz – Évora – Lisbon

Onwards to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region. This afternoon will see our tour come to a close in postcard-perfect Lisbon.

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Tour pricing:

from $6,319

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Meals 

  • 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Accommodation

  • 11 nights in hand-picked accommodation

Crew

  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Transport

  • Premium mini-coach transportation

Not included:

Conditions:

You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular Alhambra on day 6. Due to last-minute closures and private events, the sections you visit may differ depending on your departure date.
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne