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Ranches & Royal Palaces of Portugal & Spain - WOZN Radio
Lisbon
Alentejo Region
Spanish Culture & Flamenco Dancing
Tapas-style Dinner
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
Pam Jahnke
Pam Jahnke
Growing up on a small, family dairy in Northeast Wisconsin planted the seed for her future career in farm broadcasting.
Discover the fascinating history, vibrant cities, and rich agriculture of Europe’s breathtaking Iberian Peninsula. Our adventure starts in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon, where we marvel at the iconic Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, vibrant neighborhoods, and bustling Rossio Square. Take a day trip to romantic Sintra and visit the enchanting Pena Palace, followed by wine tasting in Colares. Venture into the scenic Alentejo and Algarve regions to see pureblood Lusitano horses at a stud farm, gaze upon rolling hills of vineyards, witness the process of creating cork, and more. Cross into Spain to be immersed in Aracena’s Andalusian heritage, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and high-quality Iberian pork. Experience the lively culture of Seville, with its famous Gothic cathedral, Royal Alcazar, and bullfighting ranch. In Cordoba, see spectacular architecture and ancient history on a guided tour that includes the Grand Mosque, then taste exquisite olive oils in Montilla. After visiting some of Toledo’s renowned neighborhoods and cathedral with gold monstrance, our journey concludes by exploring the city of Madrid, a Royal Palace tour, and a traditional flamenco show.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Royal Palace of Madrid
Take a captivating journey into Spanish royalty and history with a tour of this 18th-century palace, the largest in Western Europe. The moment you step into the vast courtyard, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of monarchy. The opulent rooms and chambers, adorned with priceless art, chandeliers, and furnishings, offer a window into the lifestyle of Spain’s royals. Don’t miss seeing an actual throne used by past kings in the Throne Room!
Agricultural Wonders
Journey through the agricultural heartlands of these two countries to enjoy a wide variety of enriching visits while indulging in locally grown goods! Begin by sipping wine in the Colares region, one of Portugal’s oldest wine-producing areas, and learn about the unique Ramisco grape that thrives on the vines growing directly through the sand near the Atlantic. At Herdade da Malhadinha Nova estate, meet the highly prized and rare Lusitano horse breed, then indulge in the unique flavors of wine in the Alentejo region. We also explore the fascinating world of sustainable cork production at Eco-Cork Factory, witnessing firsthand how the bark of the noble cork oak tree transforms into fashion accessories and other products.
Royal Alcazar of Seville
Walk through the life of royalty in this 10th-century palace, a long-time residence for Spanish kings and still a home for the royal family today. Wander through the courtyards adorned with lush gardens and sparkling fountains, then step inside to see the majestic rooms that have hosted monarchs and dignitaries for centuries. As Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use today, the intricately decorated halls hold more stories than you can imagine.
Pena Palace
Travel into the picturesque Sintra Mountains to visit one of the most recognizable palaces due to its brightly colored exterior. This whimsical palace is a beautiful expression of 19th-century Romanticism. Enter through the Door of Alhambra, embellished with ceramic tiles depicting flowers and knights in armor. Wander the gardens and terraces, then step inside to explore the lavish rooms including Noble Hall, where the king threw his parties.
- Day 1: Fly to PortugalOur journey begins with a flight across the Atlantic.
- Day 2: Belem Tower & Jeronimos MonasteryUpon arriving in Portugal, our local guide takes us through the vibrant capital city of Lisbon for views of the gorgeous coastline, the famous 16th-century Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Jeronimos Monastery. Next, enjoy leisure time in Rossio Square before checking in to our accommodations. This evening, we get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Lisbon NeighborhoodsAfter breakfast, we see the city’s most famous neighborhoods, including Baixa, Chaido, and Bairro Alto. Afterwards, we break for lunch at the 19th-century Time Out Market to independently savor some of the best regional cuisine. Our final stop is the medieval Alfama neighborhood, the capital’s oldest district, to discover its traditional character, shop for authentic crafts, and soak up the breathtaking vistas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: Sintra’s Pena Palace & Rare WineThis morning, we’re off to discover UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra’s spectacular architecture and royal history, as it was once a peaceful escape for the noble. On our guided tour of Pena Palace, admire its striking Romanticism, unique statues, and beautiful terraces with views of the Sintra Mountains. Then, spend time exploring on your own. Later, we travel to Portugal’s oldest cooperative winery in Colares, home to rare red wines. Learn how these vinos are crafted and enjoy a tasting surrounded by vineyards and mountains before we return to our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Alentejo Country EstateToday, our travels take us to Albernoa in the Alentejo region, known for its red wine, beautiful countryside, environmental sustainability, and preservation of ancient traditions. We stop at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova estate to learn about the art of training pureblood Lusitano horses, a rare breed, then indulge in their most popular wines. Afterwards, we depart for the country’s southernmost region – the Algarve – and break for leisure time in Castro Verde. Views of pristine beaches, red cliffs, and magnificent architecture unfold before us as we reach the resort town of Vilamoura.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: Traditional Cork FactoryOur day begins with a drive to the 19th-century Eco-Cork Factory in Sitio da Mesquita Baixa. Marvel at the traditional process of preparing and packing cork created from a noble oak tree, then see its latest uses in fashion accessories. We are also treated to regional sweets, like fig biscuits with tea! Afterwards, we have time at leisure in Tavira, nestled within a salt extraction area of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy views of medieval buildings overlooking the Gilao River. Later, we cross the border into Spain and reach Huelva.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 7: Aracena’s Iberian PigsWe depart this morning for Aracena, an Andalusian village surrounded by Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. During our stop at Jamones Eiriz, we see Iberian pigs roaming free in beautiful pastures, then visit the drying rooms and natural ham cellars. The Eiriz family has built a 200-year legacy of curating high-quality ham and Iberian sausages, which we have the opportunity to taste! Later, we enjoy a tapas-style dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8: Seville & Bullfighting Ranch TourToday, we cherish Seville’s lively culture as we stroll the Santa Cruz Quarter and Parque de Maria Louisa, then view the world’s largest Gothic cathedral – the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Our exploration continues at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Alcazar, a 10th-century palace used by Spanish Kings and currently occupied by the royal family. This afternoon, we venture into the countryside to be immersed in the traditional world of bullfighting at Finca La Capitana! A farm manager takes us through the facilities while detailing the challenges they face as owners of Toros Bravos, magnificent Spanish bulls. They also treat us to an authentic Andalusian snack. Back in Seville, we have leisure time at Mercado Lonja del Barranco to taste cuisines from around the world.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 9: Cordoba’s Grand MosqueThis morning, we travel to Cordoba for a tour with a local guide to view the Jewish Quarter, Roman Bridge, and iconic squares while learning about its Roman and Islamic history. We also visit the synagogue, the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and the famous Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the only one of its kind in Europe. Afterwards, we check in to our hotel with free time to stroll the courtyards or the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Montilla Tour & Olive Oil MillWe journey into the Sierra de Montilla mountains today and stop in the vibrant town of Montilla, famous for its wine and olive oils. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Plaza Llano de Palacio, the location of the Palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, and visit the 16th-century Convent of Santa Clara. Don’t miss an opportunity to purchase traditional sweets from the nuns who still live onsite! Next, we visit Juan Colin Olive Grove, Mill, and Museum to learn the process of making their extra virgin olive oil from cultivation to harvesting, then indulge in a tasting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11: Toledo & Traditional FlamencoThis morning, we drive to the ancient hilltop city of Toledo. Known as the City of Three Cultures, it has strong influences from medieval Arab, Hebrew, and Christian occupants. Embark on a guided tour that includes Iglesia de Santo Tome and the Toledo Cathedral, renowned for its gold monstrance and grandiose chapel. Afterwards, we settle into Spain’s capital city of Madrid and enjoy an immersive cultural experience at a local restaurant with a flamenco show.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Royal Palace of MadridToday, we take a guided tour of Madrid to see its most beloved monuments, streets, and squares. We also see the illustrious interior of the Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe and home to several generations of royal families. The remainder of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure with a Farewell Dinner that features authentic paella.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 13: Fly HomeWe board our flight home, returning with fond memories of uncovering agricultural and historical wonders in Spain and Portugal.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights in Lisbon
- 1 night at Cegonha Country Club in Vilamoura
- 1 night at Hotel NH Luz Huelva
- 2 nights at Hotel Hesperia Sevilla
- 2 nights at Hotel Cordoba Center
- 2 nights at Hotel Emperador in Madrid
Attractions & Highlights
- Lisbon guided city tour feat. 19th-century Time Out Market
- Pena Palace tour
- Colares Regional Winery tour & tasting
- Herdade da Malhadinha Nova tour feat. stud farm & wine tasting
- Eco-Cork Factory tour & tasting
- Jamones Eiriz Iberian pork production tour & tasting
- Mercado Lonja del Barranco
- Finca La Capitana ranch tour feat. Toros Bravos & Andalusian treat
- Seville guided city tour feat. Seville Cathedral & Royal Alcazar
- Cordoba guided city tour feat. Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, Synagogue & Mosque-Cathedral
- Montilla guided walking tour feat. Convent of Santa Clara
- Juan Colin Olive Grove, Mill & Museum tour & tasting
- Toledo guided city tour feat. Iglesia de Santo Tome & Toledo Cathedral
- Flamenco dinner & show in Madrid
- Time at leisure in Lisbon, Castro Verde, Tavira, Seville, Cordoba & Madrid
- Madrid guided city tour feat. Royal Palace of Madrid
19 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Lisbon
- Daily breakfast
- Tapas-style dinner in Seville
- Farewell Dinner feat. authentic paella in Madrid
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