Departs August to November 2026Multiple Departures March to November 2027IBERIAN INSPIRATION
Small Group Tour with Back Roads Touring
Sevillian sun-ripened tomato gazpacho, crispy jamón Ibérico croquettes, flaky Portuguese pastel de natas... Take your tastebuds on a tantalising journey as we trace the scenic back roads of Spain and Portugal! Not just a culinary adventure, our path will reveal a heady mix of historical riches – from the Alhambra’s kaleidoscope mosaics to the eye-catching Islamic arches of Córdoba’s Mezquita. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating stories and scrumptious local dishes of ancient Iberia?
DISCOVER THE BACKROADS WAY…
There’s the Europe you see from a highway, then there’s the Europe you feel on the back roads. Join us as we navigate its secluded lanes, reveal its hidden histories, and connect you to the culture that most never find. This is the Back-Roads Way.
Small Group of 18
We keep our groups to just 18 guests to make sure your connection to Europe is personal, not a passing glance.
Luxury Mini Coaches
Whether you are weaving through the back roads of coastlines or country roads, Luxury Mini-Coaches go where 52-seater coaches could never reach.
Passionate Tour Leaders
Do you know that tucked away cove, or the legend behind that weather-worn stone? Your expert Local Leader does.
Characterful Accomodation
Full of charm and historic details, our thoughtfully selected accomodation will fully immerse you in each destination. Expect rustic country inns, elegant town centre villas and even the odd castle!
Designed for Discovery
From cooking silky tagliatelle in a Tuscan Kitchen to sipping smooth wine in a Spanish bodega, your journey is designed for discovery - with every experience carefully curated and always included.
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Madrid to Lisbon
Travel the Back Roads of Spain & Portugal
12 days, 11 Nights
16 meals included
18 guests (max)
Twin-share & Single occupancy options available
12 experiences included
Local Tour Leader & Luxury minicoach
Tour Highlights:
Fully immerse yourself in the historic charm of Córdoba, Granada, Úbeda, Estremoz and Ronda with stays in atmospheric old town hotels.
Close your eyes and soak up the flavours of succulent Jamón Ibérico at a traditional farm in Sierra de Aracena
Tap your toes and clap your hands along to a fiery flamenco show in Seville
Be blown away by the exquisite beauty of the Córdoba Mezquita – a UNESCO-protected mosque-cathederal.
Iberian Inspiration Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid (D)
Did you know that Madrid’s ancient name was Ursaria – meaning ‘land of the bears’? While you won’t find any of these fearsome creatures roaming its streets today, you will be greeted with a glittering array of treasure-filled art galleries, elegant shopping arcades and grand royal palaces.
Meet your small group of fellow explorers in the city’s vibrant heart where we'll settle down for our very first meal together. Local specialties you might spot on the menu? Crispy patatas bravas, simple but tasty tortilla and juicy campo real green olives tossed in fragrant herbs. Buen provecho!
Accomodation
Hotel Quatro Puerta Del Sol (or similar)
Day 2 - Madrid – Toledo (B)
After breakfast, we'll travel south to the historic city of Toledo, spectacularly perched above the Tagus River. Known as the "City of Three Cultures," Toledo's rich Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage comes to life on a guided walking tour as we explore highlights including the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the impressive Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. The afternoon is yours to wander the medieval streets at your own pace, browse local artisan shops, sample Toledo's famous marzipan or relax over traditional Castilian cuisine before returning in the evening.
Accomodation
Hotel Carlos V (or similar)
Experiences
Walking tour of Toledo with Tour Leader (including entrance to cathedral)
Day 3 - Toledo – Valdepeñas – Córdoba (B) (L)
Today we journey through the rolling landscapes of La Mancha, passing the iconic windmills that inspired Don Quixoteand stopping in the charming village of Puerto Lápice. We then continue to Valdepeñas for a winery visit, where we'll enjoy a tasting of three local wines paired with a delicious home-cooked lunch. This afternoon we arrive in the beautiful city of Córdoba, where the rest of the day is free to explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, relax at the hotel, or perhaps experience the city's renowned Royal Stables evening horse and flamenco show.
Accomodation
Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)
Experiences
Wine tasting in Valdepeñas with homecooked lunch
Day 4 - Córdoba (B)
This morning, discover the rich history of Córdoba on a guided tour through its atmospheric Old Town. Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Mezquita, a breathtaking blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, before exploring the charming Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogue, artisan markets and picturesque laneways. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—wander the city's lively squares, browse local boutiques, or relax at a café and soak up the Andalusian atmosphere.
Accomodation
Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (or similar)
Experiences
Walking tour of Córdoba with local guide (including entrance to Mezquita)
Day 5 - Córdoba – Úbeda – Granada (B)
Today we journey through Andalusia's olive groves to the beautiful town of Úbeda, where we'll visit the Olive Oil Interpretation Centre for an insight into Spain's famous extra virgin olive oil, complete with a tasting and expert presentation. After time for lunch, we continue to the historic city of Granada, where you'll have time to settle in and enjoy a stay in a beautifully restored former palace in the heart of this UNESCO-listed destination.
Accomodation
Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)
Experiences
Olive oil tasting in Úbeda
Day 6 - Granada (B)
Spend today discovering the captivating city of Granada, beginning with a guided visit to the magnificent Alhambra, one of the world's finest examples of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace—wander the winding streets of the Albaicín, visit the impressive cathedral, experience the vibrant flamenco culture of Sacromonte, or relax over traditional tapas and local wine in one of Granada's many atmospheric bars.
Accomodation
Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa (or similar)
Experiences
Visit Alhambra with local guide
BREAKFAST (B) LUNCH (L) DINNER (D)
Day 7 - Granada – Ronda (B) (D)
Today we travel to the spectacular hilltop town of Ronda, dramatically set above the El Tajo Gorge. Explore its charming cobbled streets, historic squares and the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge before enjoying free time to discover the town at your own pace, whether wandering through the Old Town or taking in the panoramic views. This evening, we'll come together for a memorable group dinner at a local restaurant.
Accomodation
Hotel Maestranza (or similar)
Experiences
Walking tour of Ronda with Tour Leader
Day 8 - Ronda – Grazalema and Jerez – Seville (B) (L)
Today we travel through the picturesque Andalusian countryside, stopping in the white village of Grazalema before continuing to Jerez for a delicious tapas lunch and a tasting of the region's famous sherry. This afternoon we arrive in vibrant Seville, where the day concludes with a traditional flamenco performance, showcasing one of Spain's most iconic cultural traditions.
Accomodation
Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)
Experiences
Sherry tasting in Jerez with tapas lunch
Traditional flamenco show in Seville
Day 9 - Seville (B)
Discover the highlights of vibrant Seville on a guided tour, including a visit to the magnificent UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar, renowned for its stunning Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure—wander the charming Santa Cruz district, admire the grandeur of Plaza de España, visit the striking Metropol Parasol, or simply relax at a local tapas bar and soak up the city's lively atmosphere.
Accomodation
Las Casas de la Judería (or similar)
Experiences
Walking tour of Seville with local guide (including entrance to Alcazar)
Day 10 - Seville – Sierra De Aracena (B)
Leaving Seville behind, we journey into the peaceful Sierra de Aracena, a beautiful region of rolling hills, white villages and scenic countryside. Along the way we'll visit a traditional Iberian pig farm to learn about the production of Spain's prized jamón ibérico, followed by a tasting of premium cured ham and local cheeses. This evening, relax at our countryside hotel surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sierra de Aracena.
Accomodation
Hotel Convento Aracena (or similar)
Experiences
Cheese and jamón tasting at local pig farm
Day 11 - Sierra De Aracena – Monsaraz (Portugal) – Estremoz (B) (D)
Today we cross into Portugal, travelling through the scenic Alentejo region to the beautifully preserved medieval village of Monsaraz, where you'll enjoy an orientation walk and spectacular views over the Alqueva Lake. After time for lunch, we continue to the elegant marble town of Estremoz, where the afternoon is free to explore its historic centre before celebrating our journey together with a special farewell dinner featuring regional Alentejo cuisine.
Accomodation
Pousada Castelo de Estremoz (or similar)
Experiences
Welcome walk of Monsaraz with Tour Leader
Day 12 - Estremoz – Évora – Lisbon (B)
After breakfast, we continue through the Alentejo region to the historic city of Évora, where an orientation walk introduces its Roman heritage, including the iconic Templo de Diana. There’s time to explore further at your own pace before enjoying a traditional local lunch. This afternoon we travel on to Lisbon, arriving mid-afternoon where our Iberian journey comes to an end.
Experiences
Welcome walk of Évora with Tour Leader
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From $7,269 per person
Single Supplement Available on Request
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A STARRY WINE BODEGA
Feel all five senses tingle as the scent of smooth wine lingers in the air during a guided tour of La Bodega de las Estrellas. Sample full-bodied flavours alongside a lunch prepared by the family using local ingredients as you relax underneath the winery's shaded patio.
FRESH AS CAN BE HAM
Try freshly cured jamón ibérico in the cellars of a local farm where pigs happily frolic in surrounding pastures of Sierra de Aracena.
FLAMENCO FOOT TAPS
Feel the burning passion of a traditional flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco in Seville.
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This tour can be combined with:
Discover Portugal
Complete your journey with our personalised travel planning.
In addition to your tour, we can arrange:International flights
Private airport transfers
Pre- and post-tour accommodation
Rail & Cruise Journeys
Travel insurance
