Lisbon to Malaga

The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of history. Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, its downtown, the Baixa, is located in the 18th-century area around Rossio. The Alfama, one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa, still retains much of its original layout since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755.

Portimao is the largest city in the western Algarve, and was traditionally a centre for sardine fishing and processing. It makes a great base from which to explore the entire western Algarve. Two of the more popular trips are Lagos and Silves. Lagos was the centre for Portugal's 14th century age of exploration and Silves served as the Algarve region's ancient capital and so the tourist attractions here reflect its rich and extensive history.

Cadiz called 'the cup of silver' is almost African in appearance, its streets are lined with palm trees, its churches topped with dome-like cupolas. Take advantage of our optional tours to Seville, the irresistible capital and cultural centre of Andalusia with its colourful and festive lifestyle.

Tangier was the real model for the famous American film «Casablanca» with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It still retains its faded mongrel charm - not entirely Moroccan, European or African but a heady mix of all three.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and headland, on Spain's south coast. It's dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. The Cable Car is one of the ways to the Top of the Rock and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Gibraltar. The view is spectacular and you can watch the islands famous apes. A lesser known wildlife attraction are the dolphins leaping in the sparkling waters of Gibraltar Bay. Whole families of dolphins visit the bay and the chances of seeing them are good."

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace.