Southern Spain & Portugal:
Iberian Splendor
Where Moorish palaces meet Atlantic shores
March 7-19, 2027
Letter 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. Time to wander through whitewashed villages. Time to savor a leisurely lunch with local wine. Time for that all-important afternoon rest before evening adventures. Because nothing is a bother when you're traveling with people who understand that the journey itself is the destination.
March in Iberia is simply magical—mild temperatures perfect for exploring, fewer crowds, almond blossoms in bloom, and the locals going about their authentic daily lives. We'll have front-row seats to witness how the Master's paintbrush has created landscapes that shift from mountain valleys to Mediterranean beaches to Atlantic coastlines.
I can't wait to share music-filled evenings, stunning sunsets, incredible food, and countless moments of wonder with our travel family. This is what sojourning together is all about.
Ready for the adventure,
Martha
Dates
March 7-19, 2027
13 days / 12 nights
Season
Spring
Perfect weather
Group Size
Small Group
12-16 travelers
Where We Stay
Málaga - Gateway to the South
NH Málaga (4-star) - 3 Nights
Granada - At the Foot of the Alhambra
Centrally Located Hotel (4-star) - 2 Nights
Seville - Heart of Andalusia
Centrally Located Hotel (4-star) - 3 Nights
Lagos - Portugal's Algarve Coast
Coastal Hotel (4-star) - 2 Nights
Lisbon - City of Seven Hills
Centrally Located Hotel (4-star) - 2 Nights
Your Iberian Journey
Málaga & the White Villages
3 Nights
- •Arrival in Málaga, transfer to our centrally located hotel
- •Welcome gathering and orientation—meet your travel family
- •Walking tour of Málaga: Picasso Museum, historic center, and port
- •Day trip to the stunning White Villages (Pueblos Blancos)—Ronda, Grazalema
- •Visit Ronda's dramatic gorge and ancient bridge—breathtaking views
- •Explore whitewashed hilltop villages with flower-filled streets
- •Free afternoon for beach stroll or optional wine tasting
- •Group dinner featuring authentic Andalusian cuisine
Granada - The Alhambra & Moorish Magic
2 Nights
- •Scenic drive to Granada through Andalusian countryside
- •Check into our Granada hotel with mountain views
- •Guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- •Explore the stunning Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba fortress
- •Walk through the historic Albaicín neighborhood—medieval Moorish quarter
- •Free time for tapas hopping (Granada's tradition of free tapas with drinks!)
- •Optional: Evening flamenco show in a cave of Sacromonte
- •Time to shop for local ceramics and Moorish crafts
Seville - Soul of Andalusia
3 Nights
- •Travel to Seville, capital of Andalusia
- •Guided tour of Seville Cathedral—largest Gothic cathedral in the world
- •Climb the Giralda bell tower for panoramic city views
- •Visit the Royal Alcázar—stunning Moorish palace with gorgeous gardens
- •Stroll through the charming Santa Cruz quarter—narrow streets and orange trees
- •Walk along the Guadalquivir River and visit Plaza de España
- •Free afternoon to explore at your own pace or relax at a café
- •Optional: Authentic flamenco performance in the Triana neighborhood
- •Group dinner at a traditional Sevillian restaurant
- •Time for shopping, museums, or simply soaking in Seville's vibrant atmosphere
Lagos - Portugal's Golden Coast
2 Nights
- •Scenic drive across the border into Portugal
- •Arrive in Lagos on the stunning Algarve coast
- •Walking tour of Lagos's charming old town and historic port
- •Free afternoon to relax on beautiful beaches or explore coastal cliffs
- •Optional: Boat tour to see the famous Ponta da Piedade rock formations
- •Visit Cape St. Vincent—Europe's southwestern-most point
- •Explore the fortress town of Sagres
- •Fresh seafood dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Lisbon - The City of Light
2 Nights
- •Travel north along the coast to Lisbon
- •Guided tour of historic Lisbon: Alfama district, São Jorge Castle
- •Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon's hillside neighborhoods
- •Visit the Jerónimos Monastery—stunning Manueline architecture
- •Explore the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower
- •Taste authentic pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at the original bakery
- •Free time to explore Bairro Alto, shop, or visit museums
- •Optional: Evening fado music performance with dinner
- •Farewell dinner celebrating our Iberian adventure together
- •Morning departure and airport transfers
Our Route Through Spain & Portugal
Investment in Your Journey
Land & Air Package
Most convenient option
$5,495
per person (double occupancy)
- ✓Round-trip airfare from Chicago (ORD)
- ✓All 12 nights accommodation
- ✓Daily breakfast & 8 dinners
- ✓All entrance fees & guided tours
- ✓Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- ✓Professional bilingual guide
- ✓Welcome & farewell dinners
Land Only Package
Arrange your own flights
$3,995
per person (double occupancy)
- ✓All 12 nights accommodation
- ✓Daily breakfast & 8 dinners
- ✓All entrance fees & guided tours
- ✓Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- ✓Airport transfers in Spain
- ✓Professional bilingual guide
- ✓Welcome & farewell dinners
What's Included
Your Southern Spain & Portugal tour includes all accommodations (4-star hotels), daily breakfast, 8 group dinners featuring regional cuisine, all entrance fees to palaces, monuments, and museums, professional English-speaking guide, deluxe motorcoach with WiFi, and all taxes and service charges (except guide/driver tips).
Payment Terms
$500 deposit per person secures your reservation. Final payment due 90 days before departure. Travel insurance strongly recommended.