From the movement of flamenco to the melodic harmonies of Fado, the historical towns with whitewashed walls to ranches that nurture emblematic bulls, you will discover the spirit of Spain and Portugal on your custom itinerary that will embrace tradition at every turn. Watch the elegant dance of horses as they perform with a regal air, and then explore the impressive fortresses that shimmer with the golden sandstone walls. Lattice filigree indicates Moorish architectural inspiration and...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Seville – Arrive in Seville for a Welcoming Introductory Dinner
Seville is a city of tradition and splendor, a doorway into Spanish history through the flamboyance and charisma of legend, preserved architecture, and captivating dance. Locals perpetuate the myth that Hercules founded the city more than three millennia ago, and Roman ruins confirm the early settlement as the Moorish filigree continues to inspire artists, architects, and visitors from around the world. Your private transfer will greet you at Seville Airport upon your arrival, and then you will make your way to your luxurious hotel that blends Old World grandeur with contemporary luxury.
Horses pull carriages along the historical city center, and their hooves clip against the cobblestones. Orange trees fill the air with the aroma of bright citrus as trams maneuver between the beaux-arts buildings of the more contemporary neighborhood. In the evening, you can make your way to a traditional tapas bar for an introduction into the small plates that are loved by locals and searched for by visitors. You will settle in a restaurant in the neighborhood of San Lorenzo, framed by two plazas and two churches. The aroma of garbanzo beans and sautéed spinach will drift from the doors and speak to the former harmony between Moorish, Jewish, and Christian communities across Spain.
What's Included:
Day 2
Seville – Explore Seville’s Rich Cultural Past on a Private Guided Tour
Day 3
Seville – Visit a Bull Ranch to Learn the History of Bulls in Spain
Day 4
Tavira – View a Horse Show in Jerez de la Frontera en route to Portugal
Day 5
Tavira – Discover the History of the Region before a Sunset Cruise
Day 6
Evora – Travel to Evora for a Stunning Tour of the Layers of Portugal’s Past
Day 7
Evora – Traverse the Marble Towns and Forts of the Alentejo Countryside
Day 8
Lisbon – Venture to Lisbon for a Half-Day Tour of Art, History, and Culture
Day 9
Lisbon – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Visit a traditional bull farm in Spain to learn about the history of cattle raising and its connection to the aristocratic culture of the country
- Watch the noble movement and graceful air of Spanish horses as they perform dressage during a visit to Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
- Listen to the passionate, soulful display of traditional Fado music in Lisbon during traditional dinner performance
- Enjoy the pleasures of the cliffs, ocean, and beaches along the Portuguese shoreline with a private sunset cruise
- Wander down the streets bordered by marble homes and an incredible fortress full of storybook architecture while visiting Elvas and Estremoz
- Marvel at the passionate dance moves of flamenco while enjoying a traditional dinner in Seville
- Discover the opulent tomb of Vasco de Gama on a tour of Lisbon that will lead you to the Jeronimos Monastery
- Indulge in the cobbled streets and grand architecture of Seville’s Gothic cathedral, as well as the Moorish features of the magnificent Alcazar
- Taste the sensational tapas in Spain and petiscos in Portugal
Detailed Description
Lisbon hums with a sensual song as Seville pulses with vibrant movement. Villages glow with white marble as bulls graze on the open fields of they countryside. Your 9-day itinerary through Spain and Portugal will encompass the treasures of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and will highlight the deep roots of tradition and continued passion for traditions and customs. Your adventure will begin with your arrival in Seville, and your private transfer will greet you at the airport and escort you to your gorgeous hotel at the heart of the historical city. The remainder of the day will be yours to take in the layers of the city’s history or to simply relax with a stroll around the boutique shops in the contemporary district. In the evening, you will enjoy an introductory dinner at a restaurant that serves the celebrated regional tapas.
Wake the next morning, and your guide will lead you on a fabulous tour of Seville that will encompass the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, the opulent interior of the Cathedral, and the fascinating décor of the Alcazar. Enjoy a flamenco performance over dinner to learn about the dance’s connection to the city and to Spanish culture. Venture outside of Seville the next day to visit a ranch that raises bulls and cattle. The ranchers eagerly share the rich tradition of raising bulls in the region before providing you with a delicious lunch of hand-picked tapas. The next day, you will travel to Jerez de la Frontera and enjoy the quaint ambiance of the small town before watching a dressage demonstration at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Continue to Tavira in the Portuguese region of Algarve for the evening.
The next day, you will have a half-day tour of the villages around Algarve and experience the mixture of arid landscape, wetlands, and coastline. In Olhao, you will board your private catamaran for a sunset cruise and stick close to the dramatic cliffs of the Atlantic shoreline. Travel to Evora the following day to delight in an in-depth tour of the city’s incredible layers of history. See the Roman ruins and the Moorish architecture, along with a church cloister that has been decorated with the bones of former monks. Venture next into the countryside of the Alentejo region to visit the marble towns of Estremoz and Vila Viçosa.
Make your way to the nearby town of Elvas to view the stunning fortress located near the Spanish border. The next day, your private transfer will escort you to Lisbon to tour the remarkable architecture that runs along the banks of the Tagus River. In the evening, you will watch a soulful Fado performance and listen to the national music of Portugal. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel the next morning and escort you to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.91 stars based on 3444 reviews.
We had a great eight-day trip to Madrid, planned by Zicasso's tour partners. They worked with me every step of the way to update the itinerary multiple times throughout the planning process and also helped provide great attraction, eatery, and transport recommendations.
When we arrived in Spain, we felt we were in good hands the entire time. Every driver and tour guide was on time, responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable! The agency even surprised us with a few gifts throughout our trip to help us celebrate our seven-year anniversary! I would definitely use them again!
Reviewed By Janice T.
We recently used Zicasso's travel specialist to help plan and coordinate our trip to Paris and Lisbon, and the experience was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Every detail of our itinerary was thoughtfully arranged and the entire trip ran smoothly, thanks to their meticulous planning.
In both cities, the accommodations they selected were perfect—centrally located, charming, and comfortable, with excellent service. We truly felt like we were staying in places that matched our style and needs. The staff at both hotels were very accommodating and helpful.
The excursions and tours arranged by the agency were equally impressive. Each guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and added so much depth to our experience. Whether it was exploring hidden gems in Paris or enjoying the culture and history of Lisbon, the tours were well-paced, enriching, and never felt rushed or overly touristy.
We especially appreciated how flexible and responsive the team was throughout the process. They took the time to understand what we were looking for and customized everything to fit our preferences. It made a huge difference knowing we were in such capable hands. We can’t recommend this agency highly enough. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and personal touch turned our trip into an unforgettable experience. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful individuals who made our journey so memorable. Each of them played a unique role in crafting an experience that exceeded our expectations.
Our travel agent, who thoughtfully customized our itinerary with care and creativity. Her ability to listen and tailor the trip to our interests laid the perfect foundation for everything that followed.
Our trip planner, for her warm, personal touches that welcomed us at each hotel and for being readily available throughout our travels. Her kindness, attention to detail, and support made us feel truly cared for every step of the way.
Our culinary tour guide, who led us on a delightful tasting tour. Her friendly energy, deep knowledge, and passion for the local cuisine added a rich and flavorful layer to our time abroad.
Our winery expert, whose expertise and engaging personality made our champagne tastings unforgettable. His insights and enthusiasm helped us appreciate each sip in an entirely new way.
Our history guide, for sharing his deep knowledge of history with such warmth and compassion. His thoughtful storytelling and genuine care made our time together educational and incredibly meaningful.
Reviewed By Michelle S.
Our trip to Spain was fantastic! Zicasso and their travel planner did an amazing job selecting well-appointed hotels in great locations, providing transfers, curating experiences and tours, and providing local tour guides who knew about Spain!
Reviewed By Kimberly T.
We had an amazing trip to Portugal. The Zicasso travel agent's planning allowed us to enjoy a wonderful and stress-free holiday. She and her team even picked us up from and dropped us off at the airport.
We enjoyed all of the activities she planned. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable.
Her restaurant recommendations were great too! Our drivers were friendly and helpful.
Reviewed By Hope M.
Memorable Mother-Daughter Trip!
We had a wonderful mother-daughter trip to Spain and Portugal! I traveled with my 16-year-old daughter and everything was beautifully organized—excellent accommodations, knowledgeable guides, reliable drivers, and thoughtful recommendations throughout. One of the absolute highlights was a cooking tour in Spain, which gave us an unforgettable, authentic experience.
The agency was extremely responsive and a huge bonus was their app, which made it easy to access our itinerary and connect with them via live chat for questions, tips, and extra suggestions along the way. We felt fully supported from start to finish and would enthusiastically recommend Zicasso's travel partners to anyone planning a special trip.
Reviewed By Shela H.
We had an excellent trip! Everything went as planned. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. We would definitely use Zicasso again.
Reviewed By Amy G.