IBERAIN CONTRASTS

SOTHERN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

IBERIAN CONTRASTS – SOUTH SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

We immerse ourselves in the vibrant south of the Iberian Peninsula – Andalusia and the Algarve, where the bright sun caresses the skin, picturesque beaches stir the soul, cultural heritage comes to life at every corner, and traditional aromas tempt you to enjoy life with all your senses. From the Moorish spirit of Andalusia to the golden sands of the Algarve, every step is an invitation for adventure. We stroll through the thriving Málaga, wander the colourful streets of Seville, explore the charming towns of the Algarve, and revel in the breathtaking views of the rugged Atlantic coastline, dotted with majestic lighthouses. We admire the proud Cádiz, and discover the romantic side of Marbella. We experience Southern Spain and Southern Portugal with a rich variety of activities, and indulge in true culinary pleasure, featuring tastings of local specialties, discovering authentic flavours, and getting acquainted with culinary traditions.

DATES 2025

7th – 14th June
21st – 28th June
6th – 13th September

DATES 2026 – COMING SOON

PROCE | 1980 €

WHAT WE WILL EXPERIENCE

• Walking tour of Málaga
• Walking tour of Seville
• Visit to an eco cork factory
• Walking tour of Faro and Olhão
Boat ride through the channels of the Ria Formosa Nature Park with two stops at authentic untouched fishing islands with small villages, and the chance to see flamingos
Mini-cruise along the Algarve’s Atlantic coastline to explore the jagged cliffs, hidden beaches, and caves
Secret beach destination for afternoon coffee
• Panoramic tour of the Atlantic coastline with a visit to the southwesternmost point of the continent, the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, with stops at the most remarkable natural formations and beaches
• Walking tour of Silves
Olive oil tasting at a picturesque organic farm
• A hidden village in Andalusian province
• Walking tour of Puerto de Santa María
• Visit and tasting at a legendary sherry winery with a gallery
• Walking tour of Cádiz with a Camera Obscura experience
• Walking tour of Marbella’s historic centre
• Walking tour of Jerez de la Frontera
• Dinner at a Mediterranean beach “chiringuito”
Lunch with a tasting menu at the oldest tavern in Seville
Lunch at a typical southern Portuguese restaurant featuring cataplana and other local specialties
BBQ lunch with local wine on a secluded beach
Lunch with entirely local products under a thousand-year-old olive tree at a family-run winery
Lunch at a traditional “bodegon” restaurant specializing in grilled dishes
Lunch with tapas in a centuries-old “tabanco” with a flamenco show
Lunch at the restaurant known as “the locals’ secret” in Marbella
6 Andalusian cities and towns
6 towns in the Algarve
• We will count the beaches after the journey

WHAT WE WILL EXPERIENCE

• Walking tour of Málaga
• Walking tour of Seville
• Visit to an eco cork factory
• Walking tour of Faro and Olhão
Boat ride through the channels of the Ria Formosa Nature Park with two stops at authentic untouched fishing islands with small villages, and the chance to see flamingos
Mini-cruise along the Algarve’s Atlantic coastline to explore the jagged cliffs, hidden beaches, and caves
Secret beach destination for afternoon coffee
• Panoramic tour of the Atlantic coastline with a visit to the southwesternmost point of the continent, the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, with stops at the most remarkable natural formations and beaches
• Walking tour of Silves
Olive oil tasting at a picturesque organic farm
• A hidden village in Andalusian province
• Walking tour of Puerto de Santa María
• Visit and tasting at a legendary sherry winery with a gallery
• Walking tour of Cádiz with a Camera Obscura experience
• Walking tour of Marbella’s historic centre
• Walking tour of Jerez de la Frontera
• Dinner at a Mediterranean beach “chiringuito”
Lunch with a tasting menu at the oldest tavern in Seville
Lunch at a typical southern Portuguese restaurant featuring cataplana and other local specialties
BBQ lunch with local wine on a secluded beach
Lunch with entirely local products under a thousand-year-old olive tree at a family-run winery
Lunch at a traditional “bodegon” restaurant specializing in grilled dishes
Lunch with tapas in a centuries-old “tabanco” with a flamenco show
Lunch at the restaurant known as “the locals’ secret” in Marbella
6 Andalusian cities and towns
6 towns in the Algarve
• We will count the beaches after the journey

WHO IS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR

    This exclusive programme is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and culinary delights. It is designed for travellers who love to explore new places with all their senses – from tastes and aromas to the beauty of nature, architecture, and the heritage of history. We follow a clear motto: the south is for enjoyment. In addition to the activities, we have carefully selected four accommodation spots that embody the spirit of the destination and are centrally located, allowing for plenty of free time in the evenings for relaxation and dinner.
*No minimum number of participants is required for this trip to take place.

*This programme can also be organised as a private experience for your family, friends, or corporate needs.

*A fully original and exclusive itinerary.

* A deposit of one-third of the total price is required upon booking, with the option to pay in two installments up to one month before departure.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

  • Round-trip airfare Sofia – Málaga – Sofia with Bulgaria Air, including 10kg hand luggage and 23kg checked luggage
  • All transfers as per the itinerary in a comfortable minibus with an accompanying guide and translation throughout the trip
  • 1 night with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Malaga
  • 1 night with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Seville
  • 3 nights with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Tavira, Portugal
  • 2 nights with breakfast in Puerto de Santa Maria
  • All entrance fees, tastings, and experiences mentioned in the programme
  • All meals listed in the programme
  • Travel insurance up to €10,000

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

  • Additional charge for single accommodation – €360
  • Personal expenses and all other meals not included in the programme
  • Entry fees to museums and other attractions not specified in the itinerary

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

  • Round-trip airfare Sofia – Málaga – Sofia with Bulgaria Air, including 10kg hand luggage and 23kg checked luggage
  • All transfers as per the itinerary in a comfortable minibus with an accompanying guide and translation throughout the trip
  • 1 night with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Malaga
  • 1 night with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Seville
  • 3 nights with breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Tavira, Portugal
  • 2 nights with breakfast in Puerto de Santa Maria
  • All entrance fees, tastings, and experiences mentioned in the programme
  • All meals listed in the programme
  • Travel insurance up to €10,000

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

  • Additional charge for single accommodation – €360
  • Personal expenses and all other meals not included in the programme
  • Entry fees to museums and other attractions not specified in the itinerary
Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

SOL DIAS DAY BY DAY




DAY 1 – ¡BIENVENIDOS!

We greet you at Málaga Airport – the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Picasso’s birthplace is often considered the unsung Spanish city, now experiencing its renaissance. This Mediterranean city enjoys year-round sunshine, a rich history, a revival of the arts, and an abundance of authentic, high-quality food. We take in Málaga from above before descending to its beautiful historical part, centred around a massive Renaissance cathedral. Our walk leads us through the marina to our dinner stop – a cosy “chiringuito”. It’s impossible to understand the Spanish coastline without its “chiringuitos” – traditional beach bars that, in recent years, have transformed from modest establishments into respected restaurants where ingredients are carefully selected, service is top-notch, and wine lists are abundant. In these places, fresh fish is often cooked in a boat over an olive wood fire, and paella is invariably featured on the menu. As we await the next day, we bid farewell to this one with a sea view.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.
Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 2 – SEVILLE, THE ANDALUSIAN HEART

Baroque cathedral, Moorish architecture, Roman ruins, and forward-looking modern design: Seville is undoubtedly one of the most captivating destinations in Spain and the hottest city in Europe. The
capital of Andalusia has something for everyone – it is romantic, enchanting, and Spanish without a hint of apology. Unlike the more cosmopolitan tastes of Barcelona and Madrid, Seville wears its heritage proudly, with a love for bullfighting and flamenco as symbols of honour. This is the real Spain, as Hemingway saw it: vibrant people, a colourful mix of facades, and labyrinthine streets that unexpectedly lead to orange-filled squares brimming with inviting taverns. From an extraordinary gastronomic scene to some of the best flamenco performances in the country, this is a city filled with creativity. We dedicate the day to a walking tour, and for lunch, we stop by the oldest tavern in Seville. In a space worthy of a museum, decorated with mosaic tiles and wrought-iron lamps, we are served a menu of specialities inherited from the traditional Andalusian-Mozarabic cuisine.

DAY 2 – SEVILLE, THE ANDALUSIAN HEART

Baroque cathedral, Moorish architecture, Roman ruins, and forward-looking modern design: Seville is undoubtedly one of the most captivating destinations in Spain and the hottest city in Europe. The
capital of Andalusia has something for everyone – it is romantic, enchanting, and Spanish without a hint of apology. Unlike the more cosmopolitan tastes of Barcelona and Madrid, Seville wears its heritage proudly, with a love for bullfighting and flamenco as symbols of honour. This is the real Spain, as Hemingway saw it: vibrant people, a colourful mix of facades, and labyrinthine streets that unexpectedly lead to orange-filled squares brimming with inviting taverns. From an extraordinary gastronomic scene to some of the best flamenco performances in the country, this is a city filled with creativity. We dedicate the day to a walking tour, and for lunch, we stop by the oldest tavern in Seville. In a space worthy of a museum, decorated with mosaic tiles and wrought-iron lamps, we are served a menu of specialities inherited from the traditional Andalusian-Mozarabic cuisine.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 3 – CRAZY ABOUT ALGARVE

The Algarve is Portugal’s postcard-perfect destination. A region shaped by ocean winds, where ancient towns blend seamlessly with endless beaches. We set our clocks back an hour and indulge in the pleasures this southern Portuguese region has to offer. And believe us, the list is long! In the delicate contrast between the wild and the urban, you can feel the deep satisfaction of escaping from the world. Life here moves to a different rhythm — one dictated by the tides, which open and close pathways accessible only to those who know their secrets. We visit an eco-friendly cork factory, then head to the Algarve’s capital, Faro, to admire its charming southern-style architecture. Stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, we savour the renowned cataplana. As the sun sets over the next enchanting town, we board a boat through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, journeying towards islands along the Atlantic coast with timeless, untouched fishing villages.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 4 – MORE BEACH, PLEASE

A mini cruise introduces us to a landscape that plays with shapes, textures, and colours. It paints hidden sandy beaches, quirky rock formations, fishing boats, and whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant decorations. Just when we think the cliffs of the Algarve can no longer surprise us, we discover yet another marvel: the Benagil Cave, known as the “Cathedral of the Algarve”, where nature puts on a breathtaking show. Sunlight pours through the “eye” of the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the golden sand, kissed by the shallow, turquoise sea. We sail effortlessly through coves and stone arches before stepping onto a secluded beach for a barbecue, freshly prepared by the crew. Embraced by the breeze and the sun, on our way back we make a stop at a secret beach—calm waters, no crowds, and a vast, reddish-hued rock cliff that gives us the perfect picture. We do not miss the charming town of Tavira, with its courtyard-filled houses steeped in Moorish history, a castle and a tower offering stunning views, and Gothic and Renaissance churches scattered along both banks of the Gilão River, connected by an ancient Roman bridge.

DAY 4 – MORE BEACH, PLEASE

A mini cruise introduces us to a landscape that plays with shapes, textures, and colours. It paints hidden sandy beaches, quirky rock formations, fishing boats, and whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant decorations. Just when we think the cliffs of the Algarve can no longer surprise us, we discover yet another marvel: the Benagil Cave, known as the “Cathedral of the Algarve”, where nature puts on a breathtaking show. Sunlight pours through the “eye” of the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the golden sand, kissed by the shallow, turquoise sea. We sail effortlessly through coves and stone arches before stepping onto a secluded beach for a barbecue, freshly prepared by the crew. Embraced by the breeze and the sun, on our way back we make a stop at a secret beach—calm waters, no crowds, and a vast, reddish-hued rock cliff that gives us the perfect picture. We do not miss the charming town of Tavira, with its courtyard-filled houses steeped in Moorish history, a castle and a tower offering stunning views, and Gothic and Renaissance churches scattered along both banks of the Gilão River, connected by an ancient Roman bridge.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 5 – MORE LANDSCAPES, PLEASE

The festival of beauty continues all the way to the southwesternmost point of the continent, crowned by a magnificent lighthouse. The views from Cape St. Vincent are breathtaking, taking us back to the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries. They say this is the secret the Portuguese don’t want you to know. Our journey back includes spectacular stops at some of the most famous towns and beaches in this part of the peninsula. For lunch, we gather at a winery under an ancient olive tree—believed to be over 2,000 years old—that seems to whisper stories of the past. The view stretches over vast vineyards, and the menu is crafted entirely with traditional recipes, using local ingredients, paired with the family’s own wines. This way, we can continue indulging in life’s true pleasures, only to realise that in this corner of the world, this is simply a way of life. Our afternoon in medieval Silves is a true visual delight, thanks to the striking red hues of its impressive castle, contrasting beautifully against the lush green orange groves and the deep blue sky.

DAY 6 – THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

The day begins in one of those hidden gems of southern Portugal that instantly captivate you — an idyllic farm, far from the city’s hustle, nestled among olive groves, exotic flower gardens, and a grand entrance lined with palm trees. We learn about the production process and taste premium olive oils before leaving the Algarve and heading back towards Andalusia. Lunch awaits in a charming town with picturesque streets and squares adorned with colourful tiles. These tiles not only enhance the town’s beauty and character but also serve as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. A typical bodegón is a cosy, informal eatery, renowned for its grilled specialities. Our next destination is El Puerto de Santa María — a port city deeply connected to the great explorers, often called “The City of 100 Palaces”. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries by wealthy merchants trading with the Americas, many of these grand mansion-palaces remain intact today, standing as a reminder of the city’s glorious past.

DAY 6 – THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

The day begins in one of those hidden gems of southern Portugal that instantly captivate you — an idyllic farm, far from the city’s hustle, nestled among olive groves, exotic flower gardens, and a grand entrance lined with palm trees. We learn about the production process and taste premium olive oils before leaving the Algarve and heading back towards Andalusia. Lunch awaits in a charming town with picturesque streets and squares adorned with colourful tiles. These tiles not only enhance the town’s beauty and character but also serve as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. A typical bodegón is a cosy, informal eatery, renowned for its grilled specialities. Our next destination is El Puerto de Santa María — a port city deeply connected to the great explorers, often called “The City of 100 Palaces”. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries by wealthy merchants trading with the Americas, many of these grand mansion-palaces remain intact today, standing as a reminder of the city’s glorious past.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 7 – CADIZ THROUGH THE SENSES

Puerto de Santa María is part of the so-called “Sherry Triangle”.To fully experience the region, we visit one of the “bodegas” – wineries often compared to neoclassical cathedrals. We explore the facilities, museum galleries, and barrel rooms filled with century-old casks, discovering the unique sherry production system of “criaderas” and “soleras,” followed by a satisfying tasting. Jerez, the city that gives its name to the triangle and the wines themselves, is a true gem. Full of small squares, alleys, and charming nooks, Jerez is also one of the epicentres of flamenco, with an endless gastronomic offering. We watch a captivating flamenco performance in the oldest “tabanco” while enjoying local tapas, of course, paired with sherry. The afternoon is ours to spend in Cádiz. With more than 3,000 years of history and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, this city is one of the most alluring in Spain and the world! Its golden beaches, like La Caleta, narrow streets filled with life, and the iconic cathedral with views of the ocean invite us to lose ourselves in its charm. At the Tavira Tower, we use a Camera Obscura—a fascinating optical device, the predecessor of modern photography—to view a panoramic live image of Cádiz from above, capturing the essence of this timeless city.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

DAY 8 – MARBELLA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Marbella is a garden for all seasons and all the senses, offering hidden treasures beyond its glamorous coastline, beaches, and luxury yachts in Puerto Banús. The city conceals historical gems — picturesque neighbourhoods with colourful flower pots, whitewashed houses adorned with hand-painted tiles, and balconies draped in bougainvillaea. Its narrow Andalusian-style streets open into charming squares, such as Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), adding to the enchantment of the old town. For lunch, we head to a family-run restaurant, proudly considered Marbella’s best-kept secret. The menu is just one page long and is handwritten daily because the chef draws inspiration fresh from the market each morning. We stroll through the old town, and before we know it, it’s time to head to the airport. But we won’t say goodbye—we’ll say ¡Hasta luego!, promising to meet again on another unforgettable journey.

DAY 8 – MARBELLA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Marbella is a garden for all seasons and all the senses, offering hidden treasures beyond its glamorous coastline, beaches, and luxury yachts in Puerto Banús. The city conceals historical gems — picturesque neighbourhoods with colourful flower pots, whitewashed houses adorned with hand-painted tiles, and balconies draped in bougainvillaea. Its narrow Andalusian-style streets open into charming squares, such as Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), adding to the enchantment of the old town. For lunch, we head to a family-run restaurant, proudly considered Marbella’s best-kept secret. The menu is just one page long and is handwritten daily because the chef draws inspiration fresh from the market each morning. We stroll through the old town, and before we know it, it’s time to head to the airport. But we won’t say goodbye—we’ll say ¡Hasta luego!, promising to meet again on another unforgettable journey.

Sol Dias Travel - organizing authentic tours with a wide range of activities in Spain and Portugal, offering unique vacations for small groups and individual travel programs. For the more adventurous, we also offer camper trips. Adventures, holidays, vacations and tourism in Spain and Portugal.

* The program contains activities that are weather dependent; although our trips are tailored to the best time to visit a given destination, in the unlikely event that we are unable to perform an activity, we have a suitable alternative available

* Sol Dias Travel reserves the right to change the days in the program if this is dictated by weather conditions, changes in the working hours of a visited site and other circumstances beyond the control of the Tour Operator.

* Sol Dias Travel reserves the right to change the dates if the airlines change their flight times and dates.

*The participants must notify in advance when registering about any allergies and/or intolerances so that their menus can be adapted.

*The programme can be combined with the next in the calender and become a 2-week programme.

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“The south is warmer, more colourful, and more delicious!”

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