Exploring Iberia
Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal
From Martha
Dear Readers,
As I sit here planning our Southern Spain and Portugal adventure, I can almost feel the warmth of the Andalusian sun and smell the orange blossoms that line Seville's streets. This journey is special to me—it's where Europe meets Africa, where Christian and Moorish architecture intertwine, where flamenco passion meets Portuguese fado melancholy.
We'll travel as a small family through some of the most enchanting corners of the Iberian Peninsula. From the breathtaking Alhambra in Granada to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, from Seville's vibrant tapas bars to Lisbon's historic hillside neighborhoods—each place has its own rhythm, its own story to tell.
This is slow travel at its finest, dear friends. We're giving ourselves time to truly soak in each destination. March in Iberia is simply magical—mild temperatures, fewer crowds, almond blossoms in bloom.
Ready for the adventure,
Martha
Tour Details
Day 1
Arrival in Málaga
Málaga, SpainWelcome to Andalusia! Arrive and settle into the centrally located hotel I have selected in Málaga's historic center.
- •Private transfer to hotel
- •Welcome gathering and orientation
- •Free time to explore
- •Welcome dinner with Andalusian cuisine
Day 2
Málaga Discovery
MálagaExplore Málaga's historic center—Picasso Museum, cathedral, and the vibrant port area.
- •Walking tour of Málaga
- •Visit Picasso Museum and historic center
- •Free afternoon for beach or wine tasting
- •Evening at leisure
Day 3
White Villages & Ronda
Ronda, SpainDay trip to the stunning Pueblos Blancos—Ronda's dramatic gorge and whitewashed hilltop villages.
- •Visit Ronda's dramatic gorge and ancient bridge
- •Explore whitewashed villages—Grazalema, etc.
- •Breathtaking views and flower-filled streets
- •Group dinner
Day 4
Journey to Granada
Granada, SpainScenic drive through Andalusian countryside to Granada, at the foot of the Alhambra.
- •Travel to Granada
- •Check into hotel with mountain views
- •Free time to explore Albaicín
- •Optional: Evening flamenco in Sacromonte caves
Day 5
The Alhambra
GranadaA full day at the magnificent Alhambra Palace—UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Moorish architecture.
- •Guided tour of Alhambra Palace
- •Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba
- •Walk through Albaicín neighborhood
- •Tapas hopping (Granada's free tapas tradition!)
Day 6
Seville - Soul of Andalusia
Seville, SpainTravel to Seville, capital of Andalusia. Guided tour of the Cathedral and Royal Alcázar.
- •Travel to Seville
- •Guided tour of Seville Cathedral and Giralda
- •Visit Royal Alcázar—stunning Moorish palace
- •Stroll Santa Cruz quarter
- •Optional: Flamenco in Triana
Day 7
Seville Discovery
SevilleContinue exploring Seville—Plaza de España, Guadalquivir River, and the city's vibrant atmosphere.
- •Plaza de España and Guadalquivir River
- •Free afternoon to explore
- •Museums, shopping, or café relaxation
- •Group dinner at traditional restaurant
Day 8
Estremoz – Alentejo Castle
Estremoz, PortugalCross into Portugal and stay at the magnificent Pousada Castelo de Estremoz—a historic castle in the heart of the Alentejo.
- •Scenic drive through the Alentejo countryside
- •Arrival at Pousada Castelo de Estremoz
- •Explore the medieval town and marble quarries
- •Dinner at the castle
Day 9
Lagos - Portugal's Algarve
Lagos, PortugalContinue to the stunning Algarve coast—golden cliffs and turquoise waters.
- •Scenic drive to Lagos
- •Walking tour of old town and port
- •Free afternoon for beaches or coastal cliffs
- •Fresh seafood dinner overlooking the Atlantic
Day 10
Algarve Coast
LagosExplore Cape St. Vincent, Ponta da Piedade rock formations, and the fortress town of Sagres.
- •Optional: Boat tour to Ponta da Piedade
- •Visit Cape St. Vincent—Europe's southwestern tip
- •Explore Sagres fortress
- •Evening at leisure
Day 11
Córdoba & Seville Legacy
Andalusia, SpainExplore Córdoba's famed Mosque-Cathedral and continue through Andalusia's cultural heart before heading west.
- •Visit Córdoba and the Mosque-Cathedral
- •Andalusian history and architecture walk
- •Time for local cafés and plazas
- •Continue toward Portugal
Day 12
Lisbon, Sintra & Portuguese Riviera
Lisbon Region, PortugalDiscover Lisbon and the coast, with an excursion to storybook Sintra and colorful Pena Palace.
- •Lisbon orientation with tram experience
- •Excursion to Sintra and Pena Palace
- •Portuguese Riviera coastal views
- •Farewell celebration dinner
Day 13
Departure
LisbonFarewell to Iberia. Morning departure and airport transfers.
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Airport transfers
- •Depart with Iberian memories
Practical Information
Travel Logistics
Getting There
Fly into Málaga (AGP) for the start. The tour ends in Lisbon (LIS). We'll arrange group transfers. Detailed arrival instructions provided upon booking.
Best Time to Pack
March offers mild weather—typically 60-70°F (15-21°C). Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, and don't forget your camera for almond blossoms!
Physical Activity Level
Level 3 (Active): expect longer walking and standing periods, uneven surfaces, and full sightseeing days, balanced with free time.
Booking Information
This departure is managed on Collette's booking platform for Martha's group.
Pricing and availability are live and may change based on room category and current promotions.
For up-to-date categories, terms, and booking details, please use the official page below.
Open official Iberia booking pageOur Route Through Spain & Portugal
Ready to Explore the Iberian Peninsula?
For this departure, please use the official Collette page for live availability and pricing.
