Portugal and Spain: From Lisbon to Andalusia 12 days from $10,995
Follow in the footsteps of explorers, monarchs, and Moors as you travel from the hills of lovely Lisbon to the whitewashed towns of Andalusia, experiencing centuries-old traditions of art, music, architecture, and cuisine along the way. HIGHLIGHTS �
Ride a tuk-tuk through the picturesque hills of Lisbon on a city tour.
• Set out on a tapas tour of Seville, and cap off the evening with a flamenco performance. • Attend a traditional Andalusian horse-riding demonstration, and sample sherry at its source. • Go hiking in the Alpujarras before spending a relaxing evening on the Costa del Sol. The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–3 – Lisbon and Sintra, Portugal Arrive in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and set out to explore the city’s picturesque hills on a tour by tuk-tuk. The next day, venture to Sintra, a town of misty forests and lavish palaces that tells the story of Portugal’s past. Explore the sites of the town as you wish today: some of your options include the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, surrounded with hidden grottos and lush gardens; the National Palace; or Peña Palace, a whimsical confection of Romanticist architecture. Or hike to the ruins of the Moorish castle. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner accompanied by a live performance of traditional fado music. Spend your final day in Lisbon at leisure before a sunset cruise on the River Tagus, accompanied by wine and canapés. Days 4 & 5 – Seville, Spain Stop for lunch and a visit in lovely Évora on the way to Seville. On a walking tour of Seville’s highlights, visit the World Heritage sites of La Giralda and Real Alcázar. After a free afternoon, take a tapas tour of the city, ending with a special flamenco performance. Days 6–8 – Córdoba, Coastal Andalusia, and Seville On a full-day excursion to Córdoba, visit La Mezquita, a sprawling mosque with a Roman Catholic cathedral built right at its center. Continue to the hilltop Almodóvar Castle, originally built in 760. The next day, head to the coast, visiting a prestigious equestrian school to witness a traditional Andalusian horse-riding exhibition. Stop for lunch by the sea; then sample local sherry in Jerez. On your last day in Seville, enjoy an Andalusian cooking class followed by a free afternoon. Days 9 & 10 – Ronda and Granada Journey to Ronda, set dramatically above plunging gorges. Visit its Roman bridge and its historic center before continuing east to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors. Explore the Alhambra up close on a private guided tour and enjoy lunch on the palace grounds. Then descend into the city center to tour its highlights, from the baroque cathedral to the old Muslim quarter of Albaicín. Days 11 & 12 – Sierra Nevada Mountains and Málaga Take to the trails today, hiking through the Alpujarras, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After your hike, continue on to the seaside town of Málaga to spend your final night at leisure.
WHERE TO STAY H10 Duque de Loulé – A stylish hotel housed within an 18th-century building, with a rooftop bar looking out over Lisbon. Hospes las Casas del Rey de Baeza A whitewashed 18th-century home with a rooftop bar and pool offering views of Seville. Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula – A historic hotel built around a convent and a Moorish home in central Granada, with a sauna and a Turkish bath. Gran Hotel Miramar – A historic waterfront hotel featuring gardens that lead to Málaga’s beach, a pool, a spa, and a hammam.
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