Iberian Inspiration

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.

From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and ancient customs as we go.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Economy class flight from Sydney to Madrid, returning from Porto
• 12 day Iberian Inspiration guided holiday with Back-Roads Touring, Madrid to Lisbon
• Includes 16 meals, highlights such as a traditional Flamenco show, a visit to a UNESCO-protected mosque plus more
• 10 day Discover Portugal guided holiday with Back-Roads Touring, Lisbon to Porto
• Includes 14 meals, highlights such as a scenic ride along the Douro River, a tasting of locally produced cheeses plus more
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Porto
• Private transfer from hotel to airport
• Airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 27 August – 17 September 2022

Single traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Iberian Inspiration

Tour Highlights:

• Experience the historic charm of Córdoba, Granada, Úbeda, Estremoz and Ronda with stays in charming old town hotels
• Taste 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

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Madrid

Our tour will begin in vibrant Madrid, where we’ll meet the group and kick off our itinerary with a delicious welcome dinner. Salud!

Day 2 - Madrid – Toledo

After breakfast we’ll take in all the highlights of this captivating capital on an orientation tour. Then 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.

Day 3 - Toledo – Valdepeñas – Córdoba

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 tapas lunch. Appetites satisfied, we’ll move on to beautiful Córdoba – our home for the next two nights.

Day 4 - Córdoba

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.

Day 5 - Córdoba – Úbeda – 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.

Day 6 - Granada

An energetic university city with an ancient past – Granada is yours to explore at leisure today. No visit here would be complete without wandering the lavish interiors of ancient Alhambra. Purchase your tickets well in advance to secure the opportunity to explore the intricately carved archways and vibrant gardens of this breathtaking Moorish palace.

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.

Day 8 - Ronda – Grazalema – Arcos – 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.

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 it 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...

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.

Day 11 - Sierra De Aracena – Monsaraz – 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.

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.

Discover Portugal

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy a scenic ride along the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat
• Indulge in a tasting of delicious locally produced cheeses near Viseu
• Explore the wonderfully atmospheric and history-laden streets of Coimbra

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick-off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead!

Day 2 - Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon

After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to a local tile painting atelier – where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to medieval Sintra. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sintra National Palace – a treasured regal residence and designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying an afternoon of free time to explore this captivating town, we’ll return to Lisbon.

Day 3 - Lisbon – Óbidos – Nazaré – Alvados

The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today – where we’ll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados – where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves?

Day 4 - Alvados – Tomar – Alvados

Today we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered – and we’ll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We’ll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we’ll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails.

Day 5 - Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu

Along the road to Viseu, we’ll travel to Coimbra – where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city’s medieval centre. Later, we’ll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese and we’ll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 6 - Viseu – Lamego – Pinhão – Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley

First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão –where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel.

Day 7 - Douro Valley

The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 - Douro Valley – Amarante – Penafiel – Braga

After breakfast, we’ll head to Amarante – a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We’ll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we’ll set a course for Penafiel where we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga.

Day 9 - Braga – Guimarães – Braga

This morning we’ll set our sights on Guimarães – where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we’ll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together – with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale.

Day 10 - Braga – Porto

Our final destination will be Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the Ribeira district and the cathedral on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon we’ll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 04 May 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities.  Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. 241xtra pricing does not require a 241 certificate.