Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Portugal & Spain
Alentejo & Andalusia – Golden Plains of Spain and Portugal
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Marvão, Alentejo ©RCL Rui Cunha
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Évora, Alentejo ©Antonio Sá
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Plaza de España ©Sevilla City Office
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Real Alcázar of Seville ©Sevilla City Office
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Landscape, Portugal ©Arch.TdP
Let yourself and discover the heritage, culture, people, traditions and legends of the Golden Plains of Alentejo, Portugal’s prestigious wine region. Enjoy an unforgettable journey from Lisbon to Seville, through the provincial region of Alentejo to discover ancient towns and attractive villages, including the historic Évora, the Marvellous Marvão, the magical Extremadura, Roman Mérida before finishing in the jewel of Andalusia, Seville.
Ancient Cities & Golden Plains of Alentejo
In the Alentejo the power of the land marks the time and cities like Elvas and Évora, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, show the history of this beautiful area. These memories of the past are also shared by other cities, like Portalegre and Beja, and in the former Jewish quarters.
The golden plains that you will travel through are truly a stunning sight of nature to behold. Thye extend as far as the eye can see. To the north, you will see an array of green of the flatlands, then as we travel further south the landscape combines with the sun, the heat and a slower pace of life. The vastness of the landscape is dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that withstand time. Here and there, you find a walled town, such as Marvão, high above overlooking the stunning landscape. Around the hills, low, whitewashed houses stand on small knolls, castles evoke battles and conquests and the yards and gardens are witness to the Arab influences which shaped the people and nature.
The Jewel of Andalusia; Seville
Seville is truly a fascinating city to discover. Especially, the historic Santa Cruz district. Take the time to wander through its streets and perhaps visit the imposing Cathedral, the largest in the world. Visit the nearby and breathtakingly spectacular Real Alcazar. Additionally, the old palace of Andalusia’s Moorish royals is an ornate masterpiece that will leave you in awe. There is a great range of sights and attractions to explore and visit. See the iconic Plaza de España, which adorns many a guide book and the modern ‘Las Setas’.
Be sure not to miss out on this incredible tour and enquire today for groups as small as 12 passengers.
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Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by air
Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon
Fly from your local airport to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you will be met then transferred to your hotel in Portalegre. Along the way make a stop, next to Évora, where you not only be able to admire a palace from the XVIII as well as the wine produced in this farm. Rest of the day free.
Day 2
A village in the top of the Mountain
In the morning, together with your guide explore Castelo de Vide, one of the best preserved Jewish quarter in Portugal. Then, visit a medieval village in the top of the hill of São Mamede natural Park – Marvão. Here, enjoy a light lunch or picnic and enjoy unique moment, to learn about the history of Alentejo’s cuisine and the importance of the Mediterranean diet. Followed by a visit to an olive oil mill where you will learn about the history of the family that owned the mill and the olive oil. Before returning to Portalegre, we recommend to make a stop and visit a XVIII century manor house, from the Nazoni period to taste the flavours of the Alentejo wine.
Day 3
Feel the Alentejo
This morning, we will make a visit to an old equestrian school founded by King D. João V in 1748 to develop the Lusitano horse. Then, take guided visit to Vila Viçosa and let yourself be amazed by its historic centre. After lunch, visit an old plum factory-museum in Elvas and explore the village at leisure. Your journey will take you today crossing the borders from Portugal to Spain.
Day 4
The Magical Medieval City of Extremadura
This morning, we set off early to visit magical medieval city of Extremadura. Enjoy a guided tour through the narrow and silent streets of Cáceres. Here, travel through time, for it seems that modern times have passed by the side of this living fortress. The narrow cobbled streets shatter through Renaissance mansions and palaces and traces of the enormous Roman, Arab and Jewish historical legacy. All framed by solid 12th century walls and more than twenty towers, the majority of inhabitants are the local storks that have become a symbol of Cáceres.
In the mid-afternoon, visit a traditional cheese factory. Take the opportunity to discover this art and end the visit tasting the delicious cheese.
Day 5
Follow the Roman footsteps
Find yourself in a city has also been lost in time, and take a guided walk in the old Roman city of Emerita Augusta, now called Mérida, a city founded by the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus in the 1st century BC and declared in 1993 by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. While walking on the streets go back in time 2 thousand years and discover some of the best-preserved Roman ruins of the time of the Hispanic province under the control of Rome. In the afternoon, make your way Seville, along the way, we will make a stop in a family company from the very beginning was founded in 1931 to visit their cellars and try the wine.
Day 6
Seville
Today, visit Seville, the true home of the Spanish spirit. Spend some time at leisure to explore and we recommend to start with a walk in the most photogenic pearl of Seville – Plaza de España and end your walk with a visit to Moor royal palace of stunning beauty – the Real Alcázar. Join us in the heart of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter, for a show that will embark you on a journey through all of the different branches of Flamenco, which allows the artists to unleash all of their talents, dinner will follow the show.
Day 7
Return to the UK
Transfer from the Hotel to Seville airport for your flight back to the UK.
We have a selection of excellent 3 and 4 star hotels available.
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| Dates | 7 days / 6 nights |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
