9 Days Private Luxury Tour Fado To Flamenco

Itinerary

Day 1: Lisbon

Stop At: Alfama, Lisbon Portugal
On your first day of the Fado and Flamenco luxury tour, you arrive at Lisbon airport. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport’s Arrivals hall. Look out for the sign with the TOURS FOR PORTUGAL logo. He will meet and greet you and transfer you to your hotel, so you can unpack and freshen up.

If your flight isn´t too late in the day and if you are not too tired from traveling we can visit one of Lisbon’s vibrant city quarters. So, be prepared to wear your walking shoes, stretch your legs and go exploring.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because Lisbon is built on seven hills, so some streets might have steep inclines. Most of the streets in Lisbon have cobblestones, but there are many flatter foot-friendly footpaths too.

After this walk, which will get you into the vibe of Lisbon, we go back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner at a good quality restaurant.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at a 5-star hotel.

Day 2: Belèm - Ajuda - Baixa city quarter - Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest city quarter

Stop At: Torre de Belem Garden, Avenida de Brasilia avenida da torre de Belem/avenida de Brasilia next to combattentes memorial, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
This is a full day, with lots to see and take in! With the walk of day 1 included, you will be able to visit:

The Belèm city quarter with:
– Belèm Palace: the residence of Portugal’s president since 1910.
– Pasteis de Belèm: on the way from the palace to the monastery, you will probably see people queueing on the street for the popular and delicious Pasteis de Belèm.
– Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: this monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the resting place of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea (15th century).
– Discoveries Monument: the iconic Padrão dos Descobrimentos which is located across from the Jerónimos Monastery on the north bank of the Tagus River. It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.

– Belèm Tower: this UNESCO World Heritage Monument is located a little further along the riverbank. This fortress built in 1515 guards the entrance to the harbour of Lisbon. It was the starting point for many voyages of exploration and discovery.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa, Portugal
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda: this palace is one of Europe’s most romantic buildings with rich interior as a testimony of a once wealthy kingdom and one of the most beautiful palaces you will ever see.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cidade Baixa, Lisbon Portugal
The Baixa city quarter starts on the bank of the Tagus River with the Praça do Comércio, the ceremonial entrance to Lisbon. This square is surrounded by classic buildings with the triumphal arch as the gateway to the Rua Augusta, a popular shopping street and its intimate side streets. One of them accommodates the Elevador Santa Justa, a splendid wrought-iron industrial marvel. Take a trip up and enjoy the view. You can spy many boutiques in the area which you can visit for a little retail therapy!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Alfama, Lisbon Portugal
Before dinner, you will get a chance to freshen up at your hotel. Then, we proceed to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest city quarter. Of course, your guide will tell you why this is the eldest city district and what its name means. It is home to the São Jorge castle, the Sé (cathedral) and many other historic buildings. However, probably the most bewitching quality is its maze of labyrinthine streets and passages with a surprise around every corner.

Dinner will be recommended at one of the excellent local restaurant with a unique atmosphere and typical food of the area. And when you have satisfied your appetite, it`s time to feed your soul with an enthralling experience of a Fado performance in one of the intimate local Fado bars right in the home of Fado!
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your 5-star hotel in Lisbon.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at the same 5-star hotel in Lisbon.

Day 3: Arraiolos - Évora

Stop At: Tapetes de Arraiolos - Centro Interpretativo, Praca do Municipio 19, Arraiolos 7040-027 Portugal
Today, we leave Lisbon, this amazing city, to visit another equally fascinating, but totally different place, Évora.

To get there, we need to travel through the flatter and warmer plains of the region of the Alentejo.
En-­route, we can stop at Arraiolos for lunch at a gorgeous pousada (luxury historical hotel) and enjoy an introduction to ‘Arraiolos’, a beautiful, traditionally made embroidered tapestry inspired by Persian carpets.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Capela dos Ossos, Praca 1 de Maio, Evora 7000-650 Portugal
After lunch, we drive to Évora and check-in at your luxury hotel where you will have time enough to freshen up. This historic city is best explored on foot. We’re sure you will enjoy the narrow streets and cloistered houses, its squares with outdoor cafés, marble fountains, its rich cultural legacy and laid-back atmosphere. Évora is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site and some highlights include the Roman temple, the cathedral, the São Francisco church with its incredible Capela dos Ossos (chapel of bones), and much more!
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your 5-star hotel in Lisbon.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Évora.

Day 4: Cromeleque dos Almendres - Évora

Stop At: Cromeleque dos Almendres, Via R. do Cromeleque village of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe - Almendras, Evora 7000-223 Portugal
Leave your suitcase at the hotel, as you will be staying here again tonight. After tucking into a great breakfast, remember to keep your camera at the ready because today, you are in for several treats!

For instance, there are several megaliths in this region. We will be visiting the Cromeleque dos Almendres site to observe the largest existing group of structured menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula and the wider continent. These mysterious stone structures date back to the 6th millennium BC but surprisingly were only rediscovered in 1966!
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Evora, Evora, Evora District, Alentejo
Afterwards, we drive back to your hotel in Évora where you will have some relaxing time before dinner. Feel free to stroll around or put your feet up before we step out to another excellent restaurant that we suggest just ten minutes away.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel in Évora.
Accommodation included: Your overnight stay will be at the same luxury hotel in Évora.

Day 5: Elvas (Portugal) - Mérida (Spain)

Stop At: Elvas, Elvas, Portalegre District, Alentejo
The sight of Spanish castles and sound of castanets is calling today because it`s time to cross into Spain!

On the way, we make a short visit to the fortified city of Elvas, still on Portuguese soil, but a stone`s throw away from the Spanish border. This world heritage ranked city, played a major role in Portugal’s independence and wider history. Your guide will tell you all about it as a military stronghold, the medieval city walls and the colossal aqueduct with 843 arches spread over 7 km.

After this unforgettable visit, we shift locations and time. After crossing the Portuguese-Spanish border you’ll have to set your watch forward as it is one hour later in Spain.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Anfiteatro Romano de Merida, Calle de Margarita Xirgu s/n, 06800 Merida Spain
The first Spanish city we pass, is Badajoz on our way to Mérida in time for lunch. Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region, was founded in 25 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The city has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain such as: the Roman theatre, amphitheatre, the temple of Diana and the Casa del Mitreo, a Roman villa.

When the visit is complete, you are free to discover the city further on your own. Your guide will inform you where to go, depending on your interests. Maybe you just want to shop or stop at a café and watch the world drift by, it`s all up to you!
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel in Évora.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at a 5-star hotel in the city centre of Mérida.

Day 6: Córdoba (Spain)

Stop At: Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, Calle del Cardenal Herrero 1, 14003 Cordoba Spain
Today, after breakfast, we drive to the ancient Moorish influenced city of Córdoba, located on the banks of the river Guadalquivir. This is a stunning medieval city with a rich history and numerous monuments and buildings. Its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the rule of the Moors, Córdoba was the largest city in the world in the year 1000, with nearly half a million habitants! It was the most important financial, commercial and cultural centre in the world.

In this period, the impressive Mezquita (mosque-cathedral) with its characteristic red-white arches was built, now one of Spain’s cultural treasures.

The atmosphere of this city is unique. We are sure you will love the narrow, flower-filled streets and picturesque houses of the Jewish quarter. Also, the synagogue and the Alcázar de los Reyes (royal palace) are so appealing. And then, there’s the impressive Puente Romano (Roman bridge)!

Let your guide know what you would like to visit, and it will happen! Or, if you would like some free time to wander the historic city centre by yourself, just let your guide know.
Duration: 6 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at a 5-star hotel near the Mezquita.

Day 7: Sevilla

Stop At: Torre Giralda, Avenida La Constitucion S/N, 41001 Seville Spain
After breakfast, we drive to the city of Sevilla (or Seville in English) which is famed for many things as well as being the birthplace of Flamenco. It stands stately on the banks of the river Guadalquivir. There`s a rich ancient history to absorb here, not least in the centre which has intricate narrow streets and large expansive squares inviting you to explore. The city is brimming with exquisite monuments and buildings and it also bristles with UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As there are so many things to see and do in this city, you will be staying here for two days! During these two days, you will be able to visit:

The gothic cathedral Maria de la Sede with Giralda tower. After the St. Peter’s Basilica of Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the largest church building in Europe and the largest in the world in the gothic style. The Giralda is the cathedral’s 104.5 meters high bell tower.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Real Alcazar de Sevilla, Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Seville Spain
The Alcázar Real (a royal palace from the 14th century) which is probably the oldest palace in Europe that`s still in use. It`s an important example of Mudejar architecture which is a style that is strongly influenced by the Moorish culture.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Plaza de Espana, Avenida de Isabel la Catolica, 41004 Seville Spain
The Plaza de España at the Maria Luisa Park built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929. The shape is a half-circle, flanked by two high towers. It is decorated with elaborate mosaics, Andalusian tiles and 52 statues, representing the 52 Spanish provinces.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville Spain
Plaza de Toros is the largest bullfighting arena in Spain and dates back to to the 18th century.

Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter of Seville. This wonderful maze of old narrow streets, terraces and restaurants is located very close to the cathedral.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Torre del Oro, Paseo de Cristobal Colon Near Puente de San Telmo, 41001 Seville Spain
Torre del Oro (tower of gold) dates from the 12th Located on the Guadalquivir river, it was part of the Moorish city walls and served as a storage place for New World gold.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Seville, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
Real Fábrica de Tabacos is the old tobacco factory. The enormous neoclassical building offered space for more than 10,000 (mainly female) employees. It`s best known employee was Carmen, the inspiration for the opera of the same name by the French composer Georges Bizet. She was known for the fact that she could roll the cigars between her thighs! Today, the factory halls are part of the University of Seville, but you can still feel the authentic atmosphere inside.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel in Córdoba.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at a charming house-palace hotel in the heart of Sevilla.

Day 8: Sevilla

Stop At: Seville, Seville, Province of Seville, Andalucia
Prepare for your second day in the atmospheric city of Sevilla! Today, you will be able to explore this city further to see more sights and visit more great monuments.

In the afternoon, you will also have free time to ramble the city and explore on your own and do some shopping.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Flamenco in Sevilla, Seville Spain
As this will be your last day with your driver/guide, there`s a great treat in store. You will be having an unforgettable evening of Spanish tapas and fantastic Flamenco.

You can experience the magic of Flamenco with its exotic sounds. exuberant musical ornamentation and strong rhythms. Listen to the hypnotic strumming of the Flamenco guitar, a key feature to the unique sound, and singing accompanied by percussive castanets, hand clapping and the rapid stomping, tap dance style of footwork.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel in Seville.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at the same house-palace hotel.

Day 9: Seville - Lisbon

Stop At: Lisbon Portela Airport, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisboa, Portugal
It is time to pack your suitcases. After breakfast, we drive back to Portugal and Lisbon airport, where, unfortunately, we have to say goodbye.

Depending on your flight’s departure, we might stop on the way in the Portuguese city of Beja.

Of course, it is possible that you extend your stay either in Spain and/or Portugal. If required, let us know and we will make the necessary arrangements!
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel in Seville.
No accommodation included on this day.