Paradores & Pousadas of Spain & Portugal

Arrive in Portugal’s capital, where you’ll be welcomed by a Newmarket Representative. A transfer will then take you to the Baixa district, and you’ll check into your first historic hotel, housed in a restored iconic building next to the Arco da Rua Augusta.  

You can unpack, settle in, and explore the area, perhaps strolling around Praça do Comércio, the nearby public square lined with restaurants and shops. The lively neighbourhoods of Alfama and Chiadois are also within walking distance, as is the boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade.  

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Lisbon, built across seven hills, and along the Atlantic Ocean and Tagus River. As you wander the narrow, steep cobbled and colourful streets, lined with the tracks of yellow historic trams, you’ll encounter centuries-old cathedrals, Moorish influences in architecture, and colourful tiles known as azulejos that tell stories of Portugal's past. 

Starting with the Alfama district, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, you’ll see Lisbon Cathedral, and the winding staircases leading up to the Moorish São Jorge Castle, or St George’s Castle. The Rua Augusta Arch, a stone memorial-like arch on Praça do Comércio is another highlight, as well as Rossio Square and Figueira Square, historic squares bustling with open-air cafés.  

The coastal town of Estoril on the Portuguese Riviera is next, with its golden sandy beaches and sprawling promenade. One of Europe’s largest casinos can also be found here, and the town boasts a glamorous history as a haven for royal families and spies during World War II. Numerous luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment options sit alongside a pristine seafront, which you’ll have time to discover.  

Sintra set in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, is next, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors with its 19th-century Romanticist, whimsical architecture, and lush, manicured gardens. A resort town and former royal sanctuary, Sintra is made up of a wooded landscape adorned with palaces, historic estates, and pastel villas. Sintra National Palace is the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal with a minimalist Gothic façade and incredibly ornate rooms. You’ll also see Plácio Nacional da Pena, a multi-hued structure, ringed by enchanting gardens, and perched on a hilltop and Castelo dos Mouro, a walled Moorish fortress dating back to the 8th century. The historic centre of Sintra will be explored, with some time to admire the traditional Portuguese architecture.   

Upon returning to the city, stop for a coffee break in the district of Belém. It was from here that explorers set sail during the Age of Discovery. This area is also home to Torre de Belém and UNESCO-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Don’t miss trying the famous pastéis de nata (custard tart) at the Pastéis de Belém bakery – these treats are a local speciality.  

Later in the day, you’ll return to the hotel, and you can opt to relax or join an optional Fado dinner and dance show. During this excursion, you’ll get to feast on Portuguese delicacies while enjoying the traditional genre of music, Fado, known for its heartfelt songs. Sitting in a softly lit venue and listening to soulful singing and strumming of a classic guitar will serve as a memorable and moving experience.  

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel, leave Lisbon and travel south towards the Algarve. This scenic journey involves crossing the famous Vasco da Gama Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering that spans the Tagus River. The longest bridge in Western Europe, this striking cable-stayed structure connects the northern and southern regions of the Greater Lisbon metropolitan area.

Alcácer do Sal, your coffee stop on route, is a charming town of white-washed buildings with roots tracing back to the Roman Empire. You’ll have some time to meander around its historic centre and observe its well-preserved medieval castle, which sits on a hill looking out over the city and the Sado River.

As the afternoon progresses, you’ll also pause in Alentejo, a region often referred to as ‘Portugal’s Tuscany’ because of its picturesque countryside laden with vineyards. The coach will pass by Roman ruins, ancient castles, and pretty villages before calling at a winery to sample the local wine labels and learn about the production process.

In the evening, you’ll pass Monte Gordo, a coastal town, fronted by a stretch of sandy beach and promenade. Shortly afterwards, arrive in Pousada Vila Real de Santo Antonio, a delightful historic building.

When you’ve settled in, you have a free evening, perhaps to swim in one of the outdoor pools before finding somewhere for dinner around Praça Marquê de Pombal.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll delve even deeper into the real Algarve. The first stop will be Olhão, with its local market, a bustling hub of activity, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Portugal's fishing communities. You can walk along its waterfront promenade admiring views of the Ria Formosa lagoon and browse the vibrant market stalls brimming with fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and artisanal crafts.

Tavira, your next destination, is a pleasant riverside town with a 13th-century castle, a Roman bridge, and collection of Moorish churches. At the centre, the Praça da República is bounded by cafés and restaurants, where you can sip on a drink while people watching. The area is also known for its salt production, and you can see the surrounding salt flats.

Your last visit of the day will be Cacela Velha, a small, quiet village bounded by walls, with rows of white-washed houses built in a typical Algarve style. From the hill it’s located on, you can view the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also see the 16th-century church and the ruins of a medieval fortress.

Monte Gordo's long sandy beach, where you'll end the day, is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It's the perfect spot to lounge, swim, and savour the beauty of the Algarve coastline as the sun sets.

Have breakfast, check out and board the coach to make the journey across the border into Spain in the middle of the Guadiana River.  

You’ll then arrive in Seville, a lively, colourful city, abounding with grand monuments, and famed for flamenco dancing, which will be soaked up with the help of a guided walking tour. Traverse its narrow lanes, bordered with tightly packed shops, cafés, and bars by foot, pausing to rest in the shade of an orange tree-ringed piazza. 

Towering over Seville, the Giralda bell tower is unmissable, as is the Royal Alcázars of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its chambers, towers, and gardens adorned in vibrant Moorish tiles. The Cathedral of Seville, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest churches in the world, as well as the largest Gothic church, and houses 80 chapels. 

The city’s biggest and most eye-pleasing piazza, Plaza de España, built in 1928, will also be sought out, with its canal, mosaic-lined alcoves, trickling fountains, and Venetian-inspired bridges. You’ll then have a break for lunch, which is best enjoyed in the tapas bars of the old town and complemented by a cold beer or glass of wine – tapas is an integral part of life in Seville after all. 

Later, the tour will continue to Jerez de la Frontera, a lesser-known city, and a hidden gem rich in history with a beautifully preserved old town. At its historic centre, you’ll discover Alcázar de Jerez, a Moorish fortress, which was built in the 11th century and is bounded by a pretty estate. The Catedral de Jerez is another highlight and was only built in the 17th century, despite looking medieval with its bell tower. 

You’ll then partake in an activity to celebrate the city’s long heritage of port and sherry production. Visit a popular sherry bodega for a tasting and to learn about the fermentation process and the different styles. 

As the day ends, you’ll check into a parador, a traditional hotel looking out over the Guadalete River and the Castle of Arcos de la Frontera. You can freshen up and then enjoy an included dinner at the hotel, with views of the city illuminated at night.   

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll embark on a full day exploration of the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Cadiz within the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Each charming village of white-washed Moorish architecture features its own collection of castles, churches, and archaeological sites, and is surrounded by rows of olive trees and sprawling Andalusian plains. 

El Bosque is first, with its mountainous landscapes and remarkable main church, followed by Ubrique, renowned for its long-standing tradition of leather craftsmanship. Next, you’ll visit Villaluenga with its history of cheese production and traditional cheese-making industry. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste the local goat's cheese, a culinary tradition deeply rooted in the region. Lastly, the tour will call at Grazalema, popular for its traditional woollen productions and filled with workshops producing these high-quality items.  

Back at the hotel, you’ll enjoy another included dinner at the hotel.  

Once you’ve had breakfast, check out of the hotel, and then head to Ronda, uniquely positioned on a cliffside and the dramatic El Tajo Gorge, which separates the city’s new town from its old town. A visit here will allow you to see Ronda's Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress originally built in the 13th century and serving as a defensive structure during the Arab rule.  

Continue to the Costa del Sol and the resort town of Marbella, with the Sierra Blanca Mountains in the background. After arriving, you’ll get to see the ‘Golden Mile’ of stylish hotels, bustling clubs, and lively beach bars and the 15th-century old town, with its whitewashed houses and colourful flower displays. Of course, you’ll also visit the world-famous marina, known for its beach clubs and nightlife. Luxury yachts satiate the harbour and trendy alfresco restaurants, and high-end shops border the streets. 

You’ll then conclude the tour with a stop at Mijas with its historic whitewashed old town and flower-pot fringed streets. Survey its chapel, Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, built into the rocks, Mijas Bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, and the lovely main square, Plaza de la Constitución.  

This evening, you’ll check into your final parador, positioned next to a golf course and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  

Enjoy your last breakfast, and depending on the time of your flight, take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, visit the beach in front of the hotel or the nearby Plaza Mayor shopping centre.  

A transfer will then collect you and take you the short distance to Malaga airport for your flight home.