The first full day of our tour takes us through the spectacular mountains of Andalusia as we head towards the Sierra de Grazalema for a break. Vultures will be hovering overhead, riding the thermals, while we ride some of the finest twisting roads in Spain. We pass to the north of Seville, traverse the lowlands of the mighty Guadalquivir, and arrive at our day’s destination in the Sierra Aracena.

We leave Aracena through spectral cork oak forests with wonderful views of several pueblos blancos along the way. Discover the uncanny stillness of the mines of Tharsis, once the world’s biggest copper mine. The formidable craters bear witness to the industriousness of past cultures going right back to ancient times. We cross into Portugal over the Guadiana bridge near Mertola, with its castle and impressive battlements. We continue into Portugal, serenely, trying not to get too distracted by the magnificent views, pass mighty windmills and enter the green forests of Sierra Monchique, which is where we’ll stay tonight.

More of the Atlantic coast today. Big ocean views and coastline await you on the way to Lisbon. There is a short ferry crossing from Cabo de Sines to Setúbal, across the Troia peninsula. Before hitting Lisbon’s bustling down-town, we’ll pause at the Christo Rei monument and enjoy views of the April 25th bridge, Europe’s longest suspension bridge. Any resemblance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge is not coincidental – it was designed by the same architects, the American Bridge Company.

Journey details: visit the splendours of Lisbon
Why visit Lisbon? In 2017 CNN named Lisbon one of the coolest European
cities, and today that still rings true. The Portuguese capital perfectly
balances old and new, filled with historical treasures and modern charms. It
is a city known for its food, nightlife, colourful buildings, fado music,
and friendly locals. A great place to spend a rest day

We’ll visit Europe’s most westerly point, the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, before bidding farewell to the Atlantic and heading inland, towards the medieval town of Obidos. Traditional salt mining in Rio Maior, the impressive monastery of Bathala and the pilgrimage site of Fatima are further points of interest on your way to the ancient Templar city of Tomar. On the approaches to Tomar, we’ll catch a glimpse of the magnificent six-kilometre aqueduct Pegões.

A visit here wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Convento do Christo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then get ready for some curves, lots of them, for the next 2 days in the Serra de Estrela, one of the most mesmerizing places in Portugal. Serra da Estrela means “mountain range of the star”. It is a well-protected park that boasts the highest mountain range in the country. You will come across charming valleys that are towered over by massive granite outcrops, as well as icy lakes and gurgling rivers.

Enjoy views over the peaks as we leave the Serra, then drop down into lands farmed for wheat, olives and grapes. We exit Portugal over the roman bridge of Alcantara, and discover one of Spain’s least know regions, Extremadura, once the heart of the Western Roman Empire. In Mérida, another UNESCO world heritage site you’ll see Roman remains that rival anything Italy has to offer. Archaeologists from the world over make regular pilgrimages to this Spanish gem.

Malaga beckons, as we traverse the Sierra Morena, an area of sparsely populated rolling hills that run across northern Andalucia, creating a natural barrier between Extremadura to the north and Andalucia itself. Few tourists venture into these wild and remote pine- and oak-clad hills, but we will, before dropping down into Malaga via the Montes that overlook the city. Back we come, simultaneously tired and yet energized by the experiences just lived.

Day 10 Departure day. We hope you’ll go home with fabulous memories (and a few souvenirs) and look forward to seeing you again. Hasta la vista!