Compare Granada and the Alpujarras by World Expeditions vs Spain and Portugal Highlights by Eskapas
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 5,290 | $ 3,305 |
| Price Per Day | $ 661 | $ 207 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
15 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners |
| Description | An exhilarating walk in the Alpujarras, through Moorish villages and stunning mountain landscapes |
Cycladic Explorer: Athens – Mykonos – Santorini – Cobblestone streets, arched white facades, ocean-blue roofs, and larger-than-life windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Experience ancient history and open-air museums in the capital of Athens. Then, the quintessential, beautiful Greek islands you’ve been dreaming of come to life on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini. Santorini and Mykonos are the top destinations in Greece. Both located in the Cyclades, Mykonos is famous for the extreme nightlife and the wonderful beaches, while Santorini is famous for the romantic sunset and the impressive caldera. The traditional architecture, the beautiful coastline and the fantastic views are some of the common characteristics that these two islands share. However, each one keeps a different and unique atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors and has made them famous around the world. Easily accessible by ferry or plane from Athens and other islands, Mykonos and Santorini feature regularly in lists with top destinations around the world. Although both tourist developed, they combine the need for relaxation with fabulous environment. Book with a peace of mind. |
Day 1 Arrive Granada
Today you will arrive in the splendid city of Granada. Granada is a small and surprisingly cosmopolitan city with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can spend the afternoon walking through the city and sampling the tapas.
meals : Array
Day 2 Explore Granada and the Alhambra
Today you are free to explore the city of Granada. We recommend visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra. This ancient Moorish palace and fortress is beautiful, and fascinating to explore. NOTE: Make sure to book your Alhambra tickets in advance as these do sell out.
meals : B
Day 3 Bus to Capileira, circular walk through the Río Poqueira Valley (5.5hrs)
This morning you will catch an early local bus to Capileira, the main village of the Alpujarras and situated at an elevation of 1436m. (The first bus departs from Granada bus station at 10am, journey time is just over 2 hours. You will need to bring your luggage with you on the bus). This enchanting village still displays its history as a former Moorish settlement: white-washed houses clinging to the hillside, tiny squares with fountains, and a mysterious network of steep, narrow lanes. Today there is a choice of two walks (either 2.5 or 5 hours) through the Río Poqueira Valley. Walk through fields and past ancient threshing circles and via the villages of Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion and Pampaneira. There are some steep ascents and descents, and you will definitely enjoy the marvellous views. Overnight in Capileira. 5.5hrs: 10km/6.2mi, 560m/1837ft ascent and descent or 3.5hrs: 7.4km/4.6mi, 350m/1148ft ascent and descent
meals : B,D
Day 4 Walk through villages and forests to Taha de Pitres then Portugos (5hrs)
Today you will walk from village to village, visiting Bubion, Pitres, Mencina-Fondales and Atalbeitar to Portugos. Along the route you will pass a variety of scenery and vegetation, including an ancient Mediterranean Holm oak forest, pine tree plantations and irrigated fields. The last section of the walk traverses part of the "Taha de Pitres", with good examples of Moorish remnants. Overnight in Portugos. 12km/7.5mi, 385m/1263ft ascent, 520m/1706ft descent
meals : B,D
Day 5 Ascend to the highest village in the Alpujarras, Trevélez (7hrs)
Today's walk will take you through the Trevélez River Valley, where you can stop at a series of fantastic viewpoints. You will follow a long-distance walking path to the highest village in the Alpujarras. 14.6km/9mi, 750m/2461ft ascent, 530m/1739ft descent
meals : B,D
Day 6 Choice of three walks from Trevélez (3.5 to 8hrs)
Choose from 3 walking routes: a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada; a circular route enjoying the beautiful area around Trevélez; or a shorter walk along the historic Camino de Granada. Pass tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada en route. 5.5hours: 14km/8.7mi, 500m/1640ft ascent and descent, or 3-6hrs: 12-17km/7-5-10.5mi, ascent and descent 285-550m/935-1805ft, or max. 8hrs: 18km/11.2mi, ascent and descent 1400m/4593ft.
meals : B,D
Day 7 Ascend El Portichuelo and continue to Bérchules (5.5hrs)
A pleasant route today will take you through shady woodlands along narrow paths to higher elevations which offer sweeping views of your surroundings. In clear weather you can see Africa from El Portichuelo, the highest point on this route. Overnight in Berchules. 16km/9.9ft, 620m/2034ft ascent, 880m/2887ft descent
meals : B,D
Day 8 Walk through the Río Grande valley, return to Granada by local bus, trip concludes
Today you can return to Granada on the morning bus (departs Berchules at 5:50am) or there is an optional walk (3hrs) through the Rio Grande Valley north of Berchules, where you follow an acequia (ancient irrigation channel) and pass the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. If you choose to do the optional walk, take the afternoon bus (departs 5:05pm) to Granada. The bus takes 3hrs 45mins, and you take your luggage with you on the bus. The trip concludes on arrival in Granada. Additional accommodation can be booked on request. Optional walk: 10km/6.2mi, ascent and descent 180m/591ft.
meals : B
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Upon arrival at Madrid, meet with our driver and transfer with ourto your hotel in Madrid city-center. late after-noon our guide will pick-you up from your hotel to begin two-and-a-half hour private walking touraround the brightest and most symbolic places in Madrid. Throughout the tour, we’ll tell you the most curious stories and legends of Madrid while we visit, among others, the following points of interest: Plaza de Callao, Gran Vía, Palacio Real, Ópera, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Congreso de los Diputados, Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.
Overnight: Madrid Meals: Not Available
Day 2: Prado Museum & Royal Palace
After breakfast you will meet our guide at 9:45 am by the statue of Francisco de Goya, just in front of the main ticket offices to the Prado museum. First of all we’ll visit this legendary gallery, home to some of the most important works of art in the world.
With a tour lasting an hour and a half, we’ll explore the main halls of the Prado Museum. Among the main works on display are “3 de Mayo en Madrid” by Gayo, “ the Maninas” by Velazquez and “The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. And you’ll also be able to see other works by masters such as El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Sorolla and other greats in the history of art.
With the tour of the Prado museum over at around 11:30 am, we’ll take a walking tour around Madrid, a guided tour on which we’ll see some of the most emblematic spots in the Spanish capital, such as the Congress, the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Oriente.
Day 3: Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Porto
Cathedral at Salamanca reflected viewed behind bridge of enrique esteven on river Tormes, Spain.
We’ll leave from central Madrid at 8:30 am, heading to the Castilla-León region, where our first stop will be Ávila. After admiring the impressive Medieval wall that surrounds the old town, you’ll have free time to explore the city.
Continuing onwards, we’ll reach Salamanca, where we’ll leave you discover the beautiful historic centre at your own pace: you’ll soon see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we’ll head over the border to Portugal and we’ll spend the night in Porto.
Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Porto
After breakfast at the hotel in Porto, we’ll spend the day exploring the city, famous for its magnificent bridges over the Douro River.
Late afternoon at 06:00 pm, you will have a reservation at Fado Show at Ideal Clube. Porto’s famous Ideal Clube de Fado is located on 56, Rua da Galeria de Paris. Enter its doors and immerse yourself in the passion of fado music. This typical Portuguese genre of music has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a cultural symbol of the country. This is the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado!
What’s more, this 60-minute show also includes a glass of port wine and a chat with thre musicians! If you wish, although the show starts at 6 pm, you can come half an hour earlier to chat with the musicians and learn more about fado. Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast, Fado Show with one glass of Porto.
Day 5 Porto – Coimbra – Fátima
We’ll leave Porto behind and head south to Coimbra a picturesque Portuguese town famous for its traditional music, known as fado. We’ll then make our way to the sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Catholic centres of worship in southern Europe, before spending the night in this sacred town.
Overnight: Fatima Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon
Bright and early on the morning of day four, we’ll leave Fátima behind and head for Batalha, a well-known town that stands out for its Manueline monastery. We’ll continue our tour south visiting Nazaré, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Portugal, before making a stop in Alcobaça whose Medieval monuments are sure to captivate you
We’ll finish the day in Lisbon, where we’ll spend the night.
Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal at sunset. A popular destination for traveling through Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
We’ll spend this day , exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.
Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Lisbon – Cáceres – Madrid
We’ll leave Portugal behind and travel back to Madrid, stopping on the way in the historically rich Cáceres, packed with Renaissance palaces, Islamic architecture, Medieval fortress-houses, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the old town, its Medieval neighbourhood and the Plaza Mayor.
Overnight: Madrid Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville
After breakfast, depart from Madrid at 8:30a. Admire the landscapes of Castilla La Mancha, Don Quixote’s birthplace, until you get to Despeñaperros, a canyon carved out by a river and entrance into the Andalusian autonomous community.
Cordoba is a city where many civilizations once flourished including the Moors, the Romans, Jews and Christians. Follow your guide into the impressive multiarched Mosque-Cathedral, symbol of the sophistication of the Islamic Spain. Next, you’ll visit the old Jewish Quarter which is packed with pretty white house full of plants and flowers hanging from the balconies and peaceful interior patios.
In the evening, you’ll head to Seville.
Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
Day 10: Seville
Today, you’ll discover Seville’s most symbolic landmarks and learn why it is one of the most-visited cities in Spain. You’ll stroll to the cathedral and its renowned bell tower called Giralda.
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood and wander through the lush María Luisa park and admire the surprising Plaza de España. After the guided tour, you’ll have to time to walk around and try the region’s delicious gastronomy.
At nightfall, and after enjoying dinner at your hotel, you can delight in a Flamenco show (optional).
Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
Day 11: Seville – Granada
Board the coach and head east to<strong> Granada</strong>, through the route of the Caliphate, the last bastion of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Upon arrival, you’ll walk through the charming streets and admire its many palaces, monuments and landmarks and you’ll visit one of the country’s iconic symbols, the renowned Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife.
Overnight: Granada Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
OPTIONAL: Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of Granada and delight in a Zambra show, a type of Flamenco dance, typical of the Gypsies of Granada in the Sacromonte neighborhood (optional).
Day 12: Granada – Valencia
After breakfast, continue the journey to Valencia, by crossing Murcia and Alicante. Discover this charming city full of contrasts with a monumental historic center and fabulous Modernista architecture, like the City of Arts and Sciences.
At night time, you’ll have time to amble around the city and try one of its traditional Valencian paellas.
Overnight: Valencia Meals: Breakfast </span></div>
Day 13: Valencia – Barcelona
In the morning, you’ll continue to explore Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain and its most impressive landmarks.
In the afternoon, you’ll hop on a luxury air-conditioned coach and head north to Catalonia, crossing Tarragona, until you get to Barcelona where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast </span></div>
Day 14: Barcelona
After breakfast, you’ll discover this captivating seaside city accompanied by your English-speaking guide and penetrate its old town to understand why it is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. Packed with Modernista landmarks and Antoni Gaudí’s emblematic buildings, including Casa Milá, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, you’ll not want to leave. Then, you’ll head to the Parque Montjuïc, where you’ll enjoy some stunning views of the city>
View of the entrance to the Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Wander along the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and you’ll have the afternoon free to keep on exploring the city but at your own pace. We recommend going to its beaches, trying its typical dishes and then enjoying the city’s lively night life.
Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid
After a whole day in Barcelona, you’ll get on the coach and drive to Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River, which is the Iberian Peninsula’s largest river. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to discover its cultural heritage and walk back in time to when the Iberians, Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians erected the city little by little. The city’s most emblematic buildings are: </span><span data-offset-key="cc25b-0-5">the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar the Lonja Cathedral of the Savoir.
Day 16: Madrid Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that check-out time is usually noon. End of our services.
Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast
