Spain is a country that truly has it all – fun-filled festivals, intriguing history, pumping nightlife, delicious food and now a world cup title. But everything typically Spanish – from flamenco to bullfighting to tapas – come from the South.
The Iberian Adventure is your chance to experience the 'real' Spain. You'll explore bustling cities, medieval towns and seaside treasures, all drenched with Spanish culture and history. Throw into the mix a touch of beach time, some local markets, a few tapas crawls and a lot of sangria and by the end, you and Espana will be Amigos Para Siempre.
The world may have been created in 7 days, but look at what you can do:
- Marvel at the Moorish Castle, the Alhambra, the most visited attraction in Spain and what some people consider to be one of the 'wonders of the world'
- Explore the magical mountain village of Ronda – one of the famous Pueblos Blancos or 'White Towns of Andalucia'
- Cruise through the picturesque landscape of La Mancha, famous for its vineyards, olive trees, windmills and of course, Don Quixote
- Wander through the fascinating, fortified town of Toledo. Once the capital of Spain and a famous medieval city known for its sword making
- Be mesmerised by the art of Flamenco in its spiritual home. The thrilling combination of Spanish guitar, singing and dancing is sure to take your breath away
- Get lost in the little streets of Lagos, Portugal – especially after a night on the town. Tip: Kayaking around the grottoes the following day may seem a little ambitious but it's totally worth it...and the ultimate hangover cure!
- See Seville's immense cathedral, the third largest in the world and where Columbus' remains are allegedly held. Be sure to walk up the Giralda to experience a breathtaking view of the city
- Try sherry in the home of sherry (Jerez) with a guided tour through the world famous 'Tio Pepe Bodega'
- Indulge in some delicious tapas – seafood, ham, tortilla, cheese, olives... just to name a few!
- A hop, skip and a jump across to Morocco (optional night tour). That's right, a whole new country, a whole new continent and one, incredible cultural experience
- Relax and unwind in a traditional Hammam or Arab steam bath complete with a massage that will leave you floating for days. (Optional)
- Get on 'Spanish time' – that's right - relax and embrace the laid-back (sometimes apathetic) nature of the Spanish people. Enjoy the odd siesta (our coaches are pretty comfy!) and don't ever rush. Spaniards certainly won't
- If you're hanging around Madrid for a bit and are curious about the tradition, bullfights are on every Sunday at the Las Ventas bullring. Sit in the cheap seats because that's where the party's at!
Iberian must do's
The Alhambra
While Europe was struggling in the Dark Ages, the Moors in Spain were going from strength to strength. Don't believe us? Check out the Alhambra, the beautiful Moorish palace in Granada built in the 13th Century. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and carvings while hearing tales of sultans, concubines and Spanish royals that once inhabited these walls.
Tio Pepe
Try and come out of this tour without a smile on your face. Bet you can't... learn about the different types of sherry and where the Tio Pepe name comes from before tasting some of the local varieties. Oh yeah, did we mention the mouse that like sherry as much as we do?
Lagos
The party capital of the Algarve. Narrow, winding streets hide a multitude of restaurants, bars and clubs. Take the opportunity to stuff yourself silly on seafood or just bum around on the beach
Tapas
Little snacks available at just about every bar in Spain. Tapas is very special in Andalucia. Most bars will give you something free every time you order a drink! Try some bocadilloes (bread rolls with filling) or tortillas (omelette-style) – and the obligatory olives!
Flamenco
You just can't leave Southern Spain without having the authentic flamenco experience. Stunning dancers perform intricate moves to Spanish guitar while a singer tells stories of angst, love and war. It's intense and passionate and you have to see it to believe it!
Spain is known for its Tapas Bars, serving a mixture of little snacks. The Spanish usually hop from Tapas bar to Tapas bar drinking and snaking till the early hours! Here's a few suggestions to wet your appetite:
Jamon Iberico
You'll run into these cured hams all around southern Spain. Cured for at least 12 months before being approved for sale, you'll find these legs of ham for sale in tapas bars, service stations, restaurants... and after tasting them you'll see why!
Olives
It's tough to go anywhere in Spain without running into these bad boys. Great as a quick snack with a tapas or soaked in garlic for a unique taste.
Sherry
Jerez' most famous export. We head to the Tio Pepe bodega in town, where a guide will take you through the different types available. Find out exactly why it's the tipple of choice for 9 out of 10 grandmothers (survey of ten grandmothers at the bodega).
Paella
Try some in Tarifa for that traditional Spanish dish. A good paella will contain a variety of meats or seafood and generally comes in a big pot that you share with your friends.
Portuguese seafood
Lagos is right on the ocean, meaning the seafood is amongst the freshest available. Delicious fish and great prawns await...
Pastel de Nata
This egg tart pastry is one of the most famous and most popular Portuguese desserts of all. It's believed to have been created by two Catholic nuns in the 18th century... and God bless them! Just about every cake shop in Lagos will serve this little slice of heaven.
Bull's Tail
For a different taste of Spain, try Cola del Toro (bull's tail). You'll find it on plenty of menus in Seville. It tastes like... er... you just have to try it for yourself!
Iberian nightlife
Spanish people are lively and passionate and find any excuse to party... and on the Iberian Adventure, you will too! Granada and Seville are vibrant student towns that don't wake up until the sun goes down. And our famous Lagos pub crawl... that's a whole other story.
Lagos
Joe's Garage in Lagos is a place where anything and everything and and/or will happen. Try the cheap cocktail buckets before getting up on the table for a bit of a boogie...
Seville
Seville has a large student population that's eager to get out on a Saturday night. Follow the crowds through the city centre before heading down to the river for the bigger nightclubs.
Granada
Granada has plenty of opportunities for bar hopping well into the night. In fact, the later, the better. If you want to chill out, the city is home to some top class wine bars (with free tapas). With the city's Moorish heritage still very much alive, you can go even go for some mint tea and shisha in many bars in the Albaicín district.
Madrid
They reckon Madrid started partying around the time of General Franco's death in the mid-70's – and the certainly haven't stopped yet! There are a number of clubs close to the Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid – what better way to finish your Iberian Adventure than to party the Spanish way: until the sun comes up!