‭Iberian Inspiration‬‬‬ with Backroads Tours

Enjoy and relax in your included airport lounge. Then, feeling refreshed, you’ll fly to Madrid. The tour will begin in vibrant Madrid, where you'll meet the group and kick off the adventure with a delicious welcome dinner

Stay: Hotel Puerta Del Sol, Madrid or similar (Superior)

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 to grips with the area’s unique cultural heritage before we retire to our hotel’s restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner.

Stay: Hotel Carlos V, Toledo (Superior)

Continue south across the vast plains of La Mancha, where Cervantes’ Don Quixote jousted with windmills. You’ll stop off at Valdepeñas to visit a local bodega for a wine and tapas lunch before arriving in to Cordoba. A thousand years ago, this city in southern Andalucía was the most important Islamic cultural centre in Western Europe, echoed today in its distinctive architectural style. Your home for the next two nights is right in its historic centre.

Stay: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba or similar (Superior)

On a walking tour of Cordoba’s old town, you’ll step back into the days of Islamic Iberia. The UNESCO-listed Mezquita is a particular highlight; at once a cathedral and a mosque, it’s regarded as one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture, combining Islamic detailing with grand proportions. You’ll then have the afternoon to explore at your own pace, seeking out hidden squares and local cafés, or pampering yourself at a traditional hammam.

Stay: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba or similar (Superior)

Our next stop will be Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town filled with spectacular Renaissance palaces. There will be just enough time to pause to taste some authentic Spanish olive oil before we move on to enchanting Granada.

Stay: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa or similar (Superior)

Intricately carved archways. Lavish interiors. Colourful tiles. Vibrant gardens. Today we’ll visit the incomparable Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish palace perched high on a hilltop outside the city. This afternoon will find us back in the city centre, where we’ll set you free to explore as you please

Stay: Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa or similar (Superior)

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 a walking tour. Tonight, we’ll come together for dinner in a local restaurant.

Stay: Hotel Maestranza or similar (Superior)

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.

Stay: Las Casas de la Judería or similar (Superior)

We’ve a full day to spend getting acquainted with the charismatic city of Seville. 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 kick back and sample some Andalucían specialities at one of the city’s abundant bars.

Stay: Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)

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. With a variety of well-maintained trails, the area certainly deserves its status as a fantastic place for a ramble! 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.

Stay: Hotel Convento Aracena or similar (Superior)

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. Then: the grand finale! Tonight we’ll raise a toast to our Iberian adventure over a farewell dinner.

Stay: Pousada Castelo de Estremoz or similar (Superior)

Onwards to Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, where we’ll take a look around the marvellous cathedral, the Templo Romano and the town square. And then? This afternoon will see our tour come to a close in postcard-perfect Lisbon.