Fado and Flamenco - Special tour through Portugal & Spain / Temporarily unavailable

On the first day of your special theme tour 'Fado and Flamenco, Portugal & Spain', you are welcomed by your private guide & driver at Lisbon airport. Afterwards, you are taken to your hotel to unpack and freshen up. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you can visit one of the districts of Lisbon.

So put on your walking shoes, stretch your legs and enjoy Portugal's beautiful capital. Lisbon is built on seven hills so some of the streets can be quite steep. Also bear in mind that most of the streets are paved with bumpy cobblestones and the pavements can be very narrow at times.

After or during this walk, which brings you into the atmosphere of Lisbon, choose a restaurant for dinner. Ask the guide for tips!

• Welcome at Lisbon Airport
• Transfer to your hotel
• A short visit to one of the city districts, depending on your arrival time
• Overnight stay in Lisbon

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we start our 'Fado & Flamenco' tour with an exploration of Portugal's capital city. Lisbon is a huge, exciting city, which unfortunately you can't see in one day. It's a cosmopolitan place and at the end of the day, you'll understand why Lisbon has won several awards as best travel destination. Your private guide will make sure you get to all the places you want to see. As it is difficult to drive around Lisbon and park close to the sights, we suggest you use public transport or a hop-on/hop-off bus, depending on your personal preference and wishes.

Below is a list of the sights we can visit on this day. Discuss with your guide what you would like to do and see!

- Belèm Palace: since 1910 the residence of the Portuguese president.
- Pasteis de Belèm: during our walk from the palace to the monastery, you almost can't resist joining the queue to taste a popular and delicious Pasteis de Belèm.
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: Well preserved monastery that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The church houses the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea (15th century).
- Monument of the Discoveries: the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located on the northern bank of the Tagus opposite the Jerónimos Monastery. This monument was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, an important figure in Portuguese history of exploration.
- Belèm Tower: This monument, located a little further along the banks of the Tagus, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built in 1515 to guard the entrance to the channel to Lisbon. As the starting point of numerous voyages of discovery, for many sailors this monument was a symbolic last sight of their homeland.
- Pálacio Nacional da Ajuda: With its rich interior, this palace is one of Europe's most romantic buildings. We think it is one of the most beautiful palaces we have ever seen.

The commercial district of Baixa begins on the northern bank of the Tagus River with the Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's ceremonial entrance. This large square is surrounded by classical buildings with white and yellow facades, interrupted in the middle by an imposing triumphal arch, which provides a gateway to Rua Augusta, a popular shopping street with cosy side streets. In one of the side streets you will be surprised by the Elevador Santa Justa, a wrought iron industrial age Art Nouveau wonder.

Between all the visits we take the time to have lunch in a restaurant of your choice.

Before dinner, you will of course have the opportunity to freshen up in your hotel. Then we continue our city walk to Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon. Among the many historical buildings, you cannot miss the São Jorge castle and the Sé (cathedral). The most picturesque facet, however, is undoubtedly the labyrinth of narrow streets with a surprise around every corner.

During this visit you can choose to dine in a typical Portuguese restaurant and then enjoy an evening of music in one of the intimate local Fado bars.

• Guided tour of Lisbon: walking alternatively with public transport or hop-on/hop-off bus
• Visit to the Belèm district
• Visit to the commercial district Baixa
• Evening visit to the old town district Alfama
• Overnight stay in Lisbon

After breakfast, we say farewell (or goodbye) to Lisbon and the romantic Alfama district, where you may have started a love affair with Fado.

Today we continue our tour of Portugal and Spain to an equally fascinating city: Évora. To get there, we have to travel through the warmer plains of the Alentejo region. If you wish, we will stop along the way at a beautiful pousada near Arraiolos for lunch and also visit the tiny town. Traditional carpets inspired by Persian carpets are made here. Afterwards we continue to Évora.

The historic city of Évora is best explored on foot. You will undoubtedly enjoy the narrow streets, squares with cosy terraces, the rich cultural heritage and the relaxed atmosphere. The entire city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some highlights are: the Roman temple, the cathedral, the São Francisco church with the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) and many more!

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with local dishes and rich Alentejano wines in the restaurant of your choice. Ask the guide for tips!

• Visit to Arraiolos if desired
• Visit to Évora
• Overnight stay in Évora

Leave your suitcase at the hotel today, because tonight you will sleep here again. After breakfast, don't forget your camera, because today several treats await you!

Like the Cromeleque dos Almendres, the largest group of menhirs on the Iberian Peninsula. These mysterious stones date back to the 6th millennium before Christ, but surprisingly enough were only rediscovered in 1966!

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, our drive takes us past aqueducts, 16th-century fortresses and monasteries. Maybe you would like to taste some wine at Cartuxa? Let the guide know!

Afterwards we drive back to Évora, where you are free to walk around, relax and have dinner of your choice.

• Visit to Cromeleque dos Almendres
• Exploration of the surroundings: aqueducts, fortresses, monasteries
• Possible wine tasting
• Free time in Évora
• Overnight stay in same hotel in Évora

The Spanish castles and the sound of castanets are calling us, so it is high time to cross the border into Spain today!

On the way, we briefly visit the fortified town of Elvas, still on Portuguese territory but a stone's throw from the Spanish border. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and played an important role in Portugal's independence and history. Your private guide will tell you all about the military stronghold, the medieval city walls and the colossal aqueduct with 843 arches spread over 7 km.

And then we are in Spain! It is an hour later here, so don't forget to adjust the time on your watch.

The first Spanish town we pass through is Badajoz. Either we stop here for lunch or we continue straight to Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region.

Mérida was founded in 25 BC by Roman Emperor Augustus and has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain including the Roman theatre, amphitheatre, temple of Diana and the Casa del Mitreo (Roman villa).

You will then have free time to explore the city further on your own. Your guide will give you tips, depending on your interests. Maybe you would like to do some shopping or sit on a terrace and watch the world go by. Would you like your guide to stay with you? Fine too!

• Visit to the fortified town of Elvas (Portugal)
• Possible stop in Badajoz (Spain) for lunch
• Visit to Mérida (Spain)
• Overnight stay in Mérida

After breakfast today, we continue our 'Fado and Flamenco' tour through Portugal and Spain to the old Moorish city of Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. This beautiful medieval city has a rich history and numerous monuments. The historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Under the rule of the Moors, in the year 1000, Cordoba was the largest city in the world with half a million inhabitants! It was the most important financial, commercial and cultural centre in the world. During this period, the impressive Mezquita (mosque-cathedral) with its characteristic red and white arches was built. Today, it remains one of Spain's cultural treasures.

The atmosphere of Cordoba is unique. We are sure that you will appreciate the narrow, flowery streets and picturesque houses in the Jewish quarter. The synagogue and the Alcázar de los Reyes (royal palace) are also very attractive. And then there is the impressive Puente Romano (Roman bridge).

Let your guide know what you want to visit, and he will guide you! If you prefer to have the free time to wander around the historic city centre on your own, feel free to do so.

Ask your guide for tips on restaurants for lunch and dinner!

• Discover the historic centre of Córdoba: Mezquita, Jewish Quarter and Synagogue, Alcázar de los Reyes, Puente Romano
• Overnight stay in Cordoba

Pack your bags, because after breakfast the city of Seville is the next stop on our tour of Portugal and Spain. Seville is undeniably famous as the birthplace of flamenco. The city is also situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Absorb the rich history, the atmosphere in the labyrinth of narrow streets in the oldest district of Santa Cruz and large sprawling squares elsewhere in the city. Seville is full of beautiful monuments and buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Because there is so much to see and do in Seville, you will stay here for two days. During these two days you can visit the following:

The Gothic cathedral Maria de la Sede with Giralda tower: after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the largest church building in Europe and the largest in the world in Gothic style. The Giralda, the church's bell tower, is 104.5 metres high.

The Alcázar Real (a royal palace from the 14th century) is probably the oldest palace still in use in Europe. It is an important example of Mudejar architecture, a style strongly influenced by the Moorish culture.

The Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Its shape is a semi-circle flanked by two tall towers. It is decorated with elaborate mosaics, Andalusian tiles and 52 statues representing the 52 Spanish provinces.

Plaza de Toros is the largest bullring in Spain and dates back to the 18th century.

Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter of Seville. This beautiful maze of old narrow streets, terraces and restaurants is very close to the cathedral.

Torre del Oro (the gold tower) dates back to the 12th century. Located on the Guadalquivir River, it was part of the Moorish city walls and served as a storehouse for New World gold.

Real Fábrica de Tabacos is the old tobacco factory. The enormous neoclassical building accommodated about 10,000 (mainly female) employees. The most famous employee was Carmen, the inspiration for the opera of the same name by the French composer Georges Bizet. She was known for being able to roll cigars between her thighs! Nowadays, the factory halls are part of the University of Seville, but inside you can still feel the authentic atmosphere.

Don't forget to have lunch on a terrace (with or without sangria) between visits! Ask your guide for restaurant tips, both for lunch and dinner.

• Visit Seville's many monuments and buildings today (and tomorrow)
• Overnight stay in Seville

Get ready for your second day in the atmospheric city of Seville! Explore the city further together with your private guide.

In the afternoon, we provide free time so you can stroll through the city and do some shopping.

As this is the last full day of your holiday, why not spend an unforgettable evening with tapas and fantastic Flamenco! Experience the magic of Flamenco with its exotic sounds, exuberant musical panache and powerful rhythms. Listen to the hypnotic sounds of the flamenco guitar and the singing accompanied by castanets, hand clapping and the delightful footwork.

Ask your guide for tips and help with any reservations.

• Further exploration of Seville
• Free time in the afternoon
• Evening with tapas and Flamenco
• Overnight stay in Seville

It is time to pack your bags. After breakfast, we drive back to Portugal where we end our 'Flamenco & Fado' themed tour at Lisbon airport. Here we have to say goodbye.

Depending on the departure time of your flight, we might make a stopover in the Portuguese city of Beja, the traditional capital of the Baixo Alentejo. Beja reveals its conflict-filled history through its imposing 13th-century castle, built on earlier fortifications by the Moors and Romans. With 197 steps, the 40-metre-high tower is the tallest in Portugal. At the top, you are rewarded with sensational views over Beja and the rolling plains below.

• Transfer to Lisbon airport
• Possible visit to Beja