Indulging in Southern Spain & Portugal

Transcription

1 Indulging in Southern Spain & Portugal From Granada to Lisbon, immerse yourself in the history and the culture, and relish in the traditional culinary delights of these extraordinary countries on this escorted journey accompanied throughout by an expert local guide. September 29, 2016 October 10, 2016 This comprehensive gastronomic journey uncovers the delights of Southern Spain, with a sprinkle of Portugal. Our crafted itinerary includes the impressive Alhambra in Granada and the stunning Mezquita in Cordoba, not forgetting Seville, all significant parts of Spanish history. The beautiful towns and villages truly come alive when we meet the people, farmers, chefs, musicians and wine makers, all giving you a true insight into local life.

2 Highlighted by tasting menus, fine dining and scrumptious, delectable foods, this culinary extravaganza will surpass all expectations. Bodegas, fincas and highly sought after local restaurants are featured. Not forgetting some of the worlds best wines!

3 The well- appointed accommodation has been carefully selected to include boutique style posadas, casas and distinctive hotels for you to feel at home and, all with a strong sense of place, and a touch of class and individualism. Day 1 Granada - Thursday Sept 29, 2016 Welcome to Granada - the last stronghold of the Moors in mainland Spain and home to its most spectacular monument, The Alhambra Palace. This evening we will be greeted by our experienced, well versed and knowledgeable leader, who will accompany the entire journey. A welcome dinner is a terrific introduction to the region s superb cuisine and fine local wines, as we dine at one of Granada s most impressive restaurants, on the terrace overlooking The Alhambra Palace with the sun set as a backdrop. Day 2 Full day in Granada Friday Sept 30, 2016 Starting the day at The Alhambra Palace, considered to be one of the world masterpieces of Islamic art. Our private guide will help us discover its hidden corners and allow us to enjoy the beauty of its detailed decoration and the peace of its courtyards and gardens. Touring the fascinating Albaicin neighbourhood and its distinctive Arabic influences by electric bike, is another highlight of today.

4 Finally a drive into the Sacromonte neighbourhood, which consists of many cave houses dug back into the hills. A very traditional Gypsy neighbourhood and one of the homes of flamenco, where we will enjoy a performance of this most passionate of art forms inside one of the original cave houses. Day 3 To Seville via Cordoba - Saturday Oct 1, 2016 The journey to Córdoba takes us through the vast expanses of olive groves of inland Andalucia, tens of millions of trees cover the hillsides as far as the eye can see. Cordoba was the cradle of learning in Europe for half a millennia. A thousand years ago, this was the largest city on the continent a beacon of learning and culture. The greatest expression of Cordoba s importance was in the great mosque intended to rival that of Damascus. A private tour of the mosque (also known as the Mezquita) and the heart of the city, unlocks the history of what is now a charmingly sleepy small town. In the afternoon we make the short trip to Seville where we settle in the old Jewish quarter of the city, and explore the local Tapas bars on our doorstep of our hotel in the evening. Day 4 Insider s Seville - Sunday Oct 2, 2016 This morning our local guide introduces us to the wonders of Seville off the beaten track. The old convents where nuns still make sweets to sell to the public. Perhaps a medieval palace home to precious Roman mosaic floors rescued from nearby Italica. The winding streets of Seville s centre are alive with history and culture this morning is all about soaking that up, before a tapas lunch on the Banks of the Guadalquivir River and waterfront cruise. The afternoon features the beautiful Royal Palace or Alcazar which is the highest expression of Mudejar architecture in Spain this is the art created by Muslim workers in the employ of Christians. It is therefore a hybrid style unique to Spain. In fact, it is the gardens of the Alcazar which are perhaps the best part of the visit beautifully filled with fragrant flowers and flowing water. From the Alcazar it s a short stroll to the vast cathedral, the largest gothic structure in the world and also final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Or is it...? After a long, though slow paced day, the shops will be reopening at around 5pm so from this point there is free time to continue enjoying this most beautiful city. Day 5 Ronda - Monday Oct 3, 2016 Today we head into the high hills of the Sierra de Ronda. The town of Ronda is perched spectacularly over a gorge but more than this, the town is one of remarkably rich history. From the Romans to the Moors, there are spectacular remains of Spain s ancient cultures all around. It is also birthplace of bullfighting in its modern form (on foot) so the bullring holds a special place in the taurine culture of the south. After a morning and lunch at leisure in the town, we cross the Grazalema hills to the pretty white

5 town of Arcos de la Frontera and our base for the next two nights, visiting a traditional olive mill, almazara, en route. Day 6 The Coast of Cadiz - Tuesday Oct 4, 2016 We spend the day exploring the coast of Cadiz and its rich history and culinary tradition. Your guide knows all about the fishing culture of the nearby coastline and the variety of its resources, from the world class red tuna to the traditional fried fish. Immerse yourself into the traditional world of fishermen, learning about the traditional almadraba red tuna fishing in the Straits of Gibraltar. Stroll around Cadiz, one of the oldest towns in Europe, known as Little Habana due to its almost unbelievably laid back nature. Visit the port and watch the fish arriving, all the while led by your local guide who can teach you all about this ancient way of living. Have lunch in the coastal village of Conil de la Frontera, looking out over the sea. After lunch drive the short distance to Canos de Meca, from where you have great views of Cape Trafalgar, a vital spot in the history of Europe. In the afternoon we walk along the cliffs and pine forest of the Barbate Natural Park from Canos de Meca to Barbate to enjoy the views before returning to Arcos for the night. Day 7 Horses and Wines of Jerez - Wednesday Oct 5, 2016 Travelling the short distance to Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is world famous for its wines, flamenco and Spanish horses. Savour the essence of Andalucía as we see the skills of the Spanish horses and riders before visiting the monumental sherry wineries. At the Royal Equestrian School we enjoy the show of dancing horses. It may be a well known tourist attraction but the Real Escuela is not just there for show. There will undoubtedly be Olympic medal winning horses and riders showing off their dressage skills. A fascinating stop at the oldest winery in Jerez, belonging to the Domecq dynasty. The bodega gives a great insight into the history of sherry production. All within easy reach, we make our way to the town of Aracena, dominated by its Moorish hilltop castle and also known for the caves which sit underneath the heart of the town. And then onwards to our charming rural hotel in the hills, where we will spend the next two nights. Day 8 Aracena Hills and Ibérico Pigs - Thursday Oct 6, 2016 Spoilt by amazing views, we walk in the pretty Aracena Hills, which rise up to the west of Seville. This is an area of chestnut trees, cork oaks and free range Iberico pigs. Whitewashed villages retain a charm and rural culture which feels incredible so close to the city of Seville. We visit the region s only organic Iberico ham producer to learn about this most sustainable of products in the company of the wonderful Armando and Lola. This is slow food at its very best.

6 From the farm, it is a pretty drive through the sierra to the lovely village of Linares de la Sierra, home to a restaurant which specialises in food sourced from the surrounding hills. As one client recently put it Michelin star cooking without the fuss. After an unforgettable tasting lunch with a variety of local wines, the hotel is a short hop up the hill. A splendidly comfortable bolt- hole sitting high above the village of Alajar. Relax on the terrace or by the side of the pool before dinner which will be another highlight - at the hotel. Day 9 Overland to Lisbon - Friday Oct 7, 2016 Reluctant to leave the hills, just four hours away, you will be delighted by the beautiful town of Évora, most famous for its striking Roman temple and one of the finest Roman remains in Iberia. There is also the Capela dos Ossos a chapel lined with the bones and skulls of thousands of townspeople. It also has a huge 16th century aqueduct which we can walk all the way out of town. Évora is capital of the Alemtejo region, famously the most rural in Portugal. The more flashy urban types look down on the slow pace of life out here but the locals don t care, they like the slow lane. Plus, they have fantastic wines. Lunch today is made up of local specialities including cheeses, cured meats and wines. After lunch, we head to Lisbon, pausing at the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a peaceful and pretty site of over 100 granite monoliths one of the largest megalithic monuments in Europe. Surrounded by cork oaks, this is also the perfect place to learn about the importance of cork as a crop in this part of the world.

7 Day 10 Full day in Lisbon - Saturday Oct 8, 2016 Today is dedicated to understanding the rich history of not just Lisbon but of Portugal - from the giddy heights of colonial expansion through the silver trade to the lows of the dictatorship an d subsequent carnation revolution. A little way along the banks, towards the spectacular road bridge over the Tajo river, lies the San Jeronimo monastery. This 15th century display of power and wealth is a reminder of just how important Portugal was, notably in Asia, for several centuries. Here at the monastery lie the greatest of Portugal s golden era monarchs. Further along the estuary is the Torre de Belem, one half of the maritime entrance defences to Lisbon, with sweeping views out to the Atlantic. Back in the heart of the city, we will spend time exploring the central neighbourhoods of Barro Alto, Alfama and Graca perhaps hopping on one of the city s old trams and finish with a visit to the castle. Lisbon isn t just history though, it is a city which has reformed and refreshed itself enormously in the past 20 years. It is now the European hub for innovation in mobile technology so it also has a youthful buzz and energy which contrasts wonderfully with the ancient stones. The afternoon is free for exploring and wandering. Day 11 Full day at leisure in Lisbon - Sunday Oct 9, 2016 Today is free to explore at leisure. Our local guide however is on hand, as ever, to help. This evening s farewell dinner is an evening of fado. Fado, meaning fate, is akin to flamenco with its often mournful, moving blend of guitar, song and dance. Tonight s farewell dinner will again be an excellent selection of wines, accompanied by a similarly notable feast. Day 12 Farewell Lisbon - Monday Oct 10, 2016 Although our trip comes to an end after breakfast today, the experiences enjoyed on this wonderful journey will be etched in your memory for a lifetime. PRICING & INCLUSIONS FOR THIS EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE IN SPAIN & PORTUGAL FEATURES A gastronomic journey with an emphasis on traditional foods and fine wines from some of the oldest regions in Spain and Portugal. Bodegas, fincas and highly sought after local restaurants and unique hotels are all keys features. ACCOMMODATION The well- appointed accommodation has been carefully selected to include boutique style posadas, casas and distinctive hotels, all with a touch of class and individualism.

8 MEALS A combination of degustation, tapas and tasting menus a culinary extravaganza. Fine local wines are included with all lunches and dinners as per itinerary. Breakfast all days; Lunches 4; Dinners 5 LEADER & SPECIALIST GUIDES This journey is fully escorted by an experienced, well versed and knowledgeable local guide. In addition to your permanent leader, there will be specialist on hand - local guides, farmers, chefs, musicians and wine makers are all part of this experience. This particular departure (September 29, 2016) is also hosted by Wandering the World Co Founder, Jane Reed. Please refer to our website to learn more about Jane. TRANSPORT Private comfortable vehicles included in line with the itinerary. Airport transfers are not included. CULTURAL All entrance fees as per itinerary are included. The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba, and museums. PRICES: Please note the prices are a from price. Prices vary according to season, availability and booking lead in time. Please refer to our full booking conditions. Per person price for Indulging in Southern Spain and Portugal 12 Days: From Euro 5,190 Single supplement upon request: From Euro 1,590. Please note: A single supplement will apply is there is no gender share option. Deposit: AUD 1,500 per person Please note we have priced this trip in Euro and taking the deposit in Australian Dollars. The balance due 60 days prior to the trip departing will calculate the Euro amount at the Westpac Telegraphic transfer rate of the day and deduct the deposit from the balance due. Wandering the World is proud to present this exclusive journey.