El Duende Español is the charm or allure of Spain. Find your own duende español on this 13-day journey from Castilla through Andalucia to Lisbon. Perhaps it will appear in the magnificent art of masters like Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, or Picasso in Madrid and Toledo. Or possibly when you gaze at the red palace, The Alhambra, high atop the hills of Granada. Some find it in the passionate music and dance of Flamenco in the heart of Sevilla. Or maybe in Lisbon, the "enchanting port", one of the oldest capitals in the world. Wherever you find your duende, this trip will certainly create memories to last a lifetime. 

Organise your own flights to and from Spain/Portugal. The flight will be an overnight flight from the east coast of the USA and you will arrive early Wednesday morning. If you want to allow yourself extra time to overcome jet lag, you are welcome to arrive a day or so early. Our tour will begin on Wednesday, June 18.

Once you arrive at Madrid Barrajas Airport, you will make your way to your downtown hotel.  You can check-in if possible, otherwise they will happily hold your bags until your rooms are ready. We will orient ourselves to the neighborhood, have a light desayuno (breakfast) and then, after a rest, we will tour the city on the Hop On Hop Off bus. And easy way to get to know Madrid on the first day! 

This morning we will have a walking tour of "Madrid del los Burbones" - the Burbon Kings. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore some of the many sights then we will meet in the evening to sample some of the famous "tapas". 

Our first stop will be La Granja,  a stunning 18th-century Baroque residence built by King Philip V as a summer retreat.

The palace features elegant architecture, opulent interiors, and expansive gardens inspired by Versailles, with meticulously landscaped paths, fountains, and sculptures.

In Segovia, we will begin at the Aqueduct of Segovia, a stunning Roman engineering marvel that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. From there,  we will stroll through the charming streets of the old town, heading to the Alcázar of Segovia, a fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Explore its towers, halls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 

 Take a relaxing walk through the Plaza Mayor, the heart of Segovia’s social and cultural life, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés. For lunch,  try the region's signature dish, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), paired with a glass of local red wine or a refreshing tinto de verano. 

Today we will venture out of Madrid to the original capital, Toledo. Only an hour from the city, Toledo is a medieval walled city featuring a natural fortress formed by the Rio Tajo.  It also boasts one of Spain's most beautiful cathedrals and narrow cobbled streets. Learn why Toledo made the best swords in the world and watch artisans design the famous "damasquina" - Toledo's iconic gold inlaid jewelry. 

Toledo showcases Spain's multicultural history; we'll visit the Synagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca and the Iglesia de Santo Tomé featuring one of El Greco's masterpieces.

As we leave the city in the evening, we'll stop at the Mirador del Valle which overlooks the Rio Tajo and is the iconic view that  is featured in the photo above. 

We continue our journey southward through La Mancha. Passing by the famous Molinas de Consuegra, the windmills made famous by Cervantes in his epic work, Don Quijote de la Mancha.  As you travel through the heart of Spain, you'll encounter endless rows of olive trees and vineyards, a testament to the region's agricultural heritage. Small villages dot the landscape, offering a glimpse of traditional Spanish rural life. 

Enjoy the spectacular views of the countryside as we make our way to the city of the pomegranate - Granada.  As we near Granada, the scenery shifts to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The landscape becomes more dramatic, with rugged peaks and fertile valleys coming into view. Depending on the season, you might even see snow-capped summits in the distance. 

Our hotel for our stay in Granada is the Aurea Catedral Hotel located in the heart of the city near the Cathedral. Breakfast each day is included.  You can take a look at the hotel website here.

 Begin your day at the Alhambra, Granada's world-famous palace and fortress complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the stunning Moorish architecture, intricate tilework, and lush gardens. Highlights include the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba Fortress. 

 Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant in the Albayzín. Try traditional dishes like tapas, gazpacho, or berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey). 

In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore and shop.  Perhpas you would like to visit the Granada Cathedral, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and explore the Royal Chapel, the burial place of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, where you can view their tombs and an impressive collection of religious art.

In the evening,  we will visit the Mirador de San Nicolás, a popular viewpoint offering spectacular views of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. Watching  the sun set on the Alhambra is nothing short of spectacular. 

 Finally, we will attend an authentic flamenco performance in a traditional cave setting, immersing yourself in the passionate music and dance of Andalusia. 

Córdoba, Spain, is a captivating city in Andalusia known for its rich history and architectural wonders. Once the capital of the Islamic Caliphate in medieval Spain, Córdoba boasts a unique blend of Roman, Islamic, Jewish, and Christian influences.

At the heart of the city lies the Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking mosque-turned-cathedral renowned for its iconic arches and intricate decor. Stroll through the Judería, the historic Jewish Quarter, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to charming courtyards, artisan shops, and the historic Synagogue.

The Roman Bridge, spanning the Guadalquivir River, offers stunning views and a connection to the city’s ancient past. Córdoba is also famous for its Patios Festival, celebrating vibrant, flower-filled courtyards each spring, though the city’s patios are a delight year-round.

Start your day at the Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Marvel at its stunning architecture and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city. Inside, discover Christopher Columbus’s tomb and exquisite altarpieces. 

The afternoon will be free to explore the city, shop in the old town, wander the tiny streets of the Judería, take a carriage ride around the city, or enjoy tapas and wine at one of the ubiquitous outdoor cafés.

Hotel: Las Casas de la Juderia is a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the old Jewish section of the city. It is beautufully located close to everything. You can visit the website here.

Today you will take a walk over to the Real Alcázar of Seville, a breathtaking palace complex known for its blend of Moorish and Renaissance architecture. Explore the intricate tilework, lush gardens, and historical rooms featured in shows like Game of Thrones. 

Later,  enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local tapas bar. Sample regional specialties like tortilla de camarones (shrimp fritters), gazpacho, and jamón ibérico, paired with a refreshing glass of sherry or local wine. 

In the afternoon,  visit the Plaza de España, an iconic semi-circular plaza adorned with colorful tiles representing Spain’s provinces. Take a leisurely rowboat ride in the canal or simply soak in the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece. 

 The drive from Sevilla to Lisbon is a scenic journey of approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles) that takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and charming towns. 

As you leave Seville, its golden plains and rolling hills fade into the distance. The countryside of Andalusia offers picturesque olive groves and quaint whitewashed villages.  About an hour from Seville is Huelva, known for its maritime heritage.  the Here, at the Monsatery of La Rábida,  is where Christopher Columbus planned his voyage.

 As you cross the Guadiana River into Portugal, you’ll enter the stunning Algarve region, famous for its sun-soaked coastline.  The capital of the Algarve, Faro, offers a blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. 

From here you turn north and after leaving the Algarve, you’ll enter the Alentejo region, characterized by vast plains, cork oak trees, and vineyards. We will make a stop in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Roman Temple, Gothic Cathedral, and the eerie Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos). 

 As we near Lisbon, we’ll cross either the Vasco da Gama Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Europe, or the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. Both offer stunning views of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s skyline. 

Our hotel in Lisbon is the Hotel Marques da Pombal, Ave. da Liberdade 243, Lisbon, Portugal  https://www.hotel-marquesdepombal.pt/en/

This morning will begin with a walking tour in the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Wander its narrow, cobbled streets, passing colorful houses with tiled facades and hanging laundry. Visit the São Jorge Castle, perched on a hill with stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. 

We will stop by the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), a Romanesque treasure and the city’s oldest church. Nearby, explore the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a charming viewpoint adorned with azulejos (Portuguese tiles). 

We'll pause for lunch at a local restaurant where you might try classic dishes like bacalhau à brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes) or sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines). Pair your meal with a glass of Vinho Verde or a refreshing beer.

After lunch there will be free time to explore on your own. Perhaps you might walk  into the Baixa district, Lisbon’s elegant downtown area rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Stroll along the grand Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafés.   Admire the Arco da Rua Augusta, an impressive archway leading to Praça do Comércio, a grand waterfront square. Take a moment to enjoy the open space and views of the river. 

Today we will visit Sintra, a fairytale-like town just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Known for its romantic architecture, enchanting palaces, and mystical forests, Sintra offers a magical day of exploration. Our guide will take us to the Palácio da Pena, a vibrant hilltop palace with a mix of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles. Stroll through the Park of Pena, a sprawling garden filled with exotic plants, winding paths, and hidden viewpoints. Don’t miss the breathtaking terrace views stretching to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Following our tour you will have free time to explore the lovely village. Perhaps you might like to visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-Gothic palace surrounded by lush gardens filled with hidden tunnels, grottoes, and the iconic Initiation Well, a spiral staircase leading deep into the earth. This site is steeped in symbolism and intrigue. 

Later, we'll meet our coach to head back to Lisbon, but before you leave Sintra, you might enjoy a relaxing coffee or pastry in the charming center, soaking in the town’s magical ambiance. 

All good things must come to an end and today we'll be saying "See you later" as we part for home.