Southern Spain & Portugal
Embark on a captivating journey through Southern Spain and Portugal, where you'll encounter a fusion of rich cultures, historic wonders, and delectable cuisine. Experience the enchanting charm of Andalusian landscapes, delve into Moorish history, and savor the vibrant atmosphere of Portuguese cities. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of traditions, landscapes, and flavors that these regions offer.
May 8–10, 2024: Madrid
- Independent Booking (2 nights)
May 10 – 14, 2024: Lisboa
- Palacio Real Principe (4 nights)
May 14 – 17, 2024: Vejer de la Frontera
- Casa la Siesta (3 nights)
May 17 – 20, 2024: Sevilla
- Corral del Rey (3 nights)
May 20 – 21, 2024: Córdoba
- Hospes Palacio del Bailio (1 night)
May 21–22, 2024: Madrid
- Independent Booking (1 night)
May 22, 2024: Departure
In May, Portugal experiences mild and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Southern Spain also enjoys warm and sunny conditions during this month, with temperatures typically ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (64 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
U.S. passport holders traveling to Spain and Portugal do not need any special visa when entering for tourism.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
The appeal of Spain’s capital city is how laidback it is. Visitors don’t come for the big-name attractions, but for the local lifestyle. Wander labyrinthine streets through colorful neighborhoods, stumbling in and out of tapas bars along the way. Meals are served late and last for hours since the locals would never rush good food, wine, and company. Of course, there are some sights you can’t miss, including a glitzy royal palace and cherished art museums.
Meet your driver after exiting baggage claim for a private transfer to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Your days in Madrid are left at leisure for you to explore independently. If you need any recommendations of things to do, we're happy to help!
Dining recommendations will be provided closer to your travel date, and reservations can be made on your behalf.
Your accommodations in Madrid are independently booked. If you'd like to include this in your scenset itinerary, just let us know.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, although it was practically rebuilt from scratch after a 1755 earthquake. The only neighborhood to survive was the Alfama district, where cobbled streets and the sounds of fado music recall a nostalgic past. Throughout the rest of Lisbon, new restaurants and bars continue to reinvent the seaside city, often by serving modern takes on traditional tasca cuisine like fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local wine.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in a private transfer and taken to the airport to catch your flight to Lisbon.
Booked By Scenset
Catch your flight from Madrid to Lisbon to start the scenset portion of your trip.
Travel TIme: 1 hour 25 minutes
Booked By scenset
Your driver will pick you up at the arrivals area and transport you to your hotel.
Booked By Scenset
Why we love it for you: Located in Lisbon's vibrant Principe Real neighborhood, Palacio Principe Real stands as an enchanting boutique hotel, occupying a meticulously restored 1877 mansion adorned with original details. Overseen by a couple, the 25 thoughtfully designed rooms showcase a fusion of local amenities and personalized touches, complemented by an exclusive restaurant and bar that enhance the establishment's welcoming ambiance. With a bougainvillea-draped garden and spa facilities, the hotel offers an ideal retreat in a residential setting, conveniently close to Lisbon's popular neighborhoods, delivering an authentic local experience while providing a peaceful escape from tourist crowds.
Palacio Real Principe
1x Cosy Room
- Breakfast included
Meet up with your private guide and explore the streets of Lisbon on this full-day, immersive tour.
- Visit Saint George's Castle. Located at one of the highest points of the city, it offers some of the best views of Lisbon.
- Continue to Baixa, an area that became the heart of Lisbon after its destruction in the 1755 earthquake.
- Continue to the enchanted Chiado and visit the famous Elevador de Santa Justa, a remarkable iron elevator built in the late 19th century.
- Go the Alfama district, the unmistakable soul of the capital. Alfama unfolds through a charming network of slender cobbled streets, with charming traditional old houses and many of Lisbon’s most important historic buildings.
- Enter the Jerónimos Monastery, a wondrous example of Gothic architecture in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Private Experience
Booked By Scenset
Palacio Real Principe
1x Cosy Room
- Breakfast included
Embark on a transformative full-day journey from Lisbon to Fatima, where spirituality and history converge. Delve into the sacred atmosphere of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and experience the profound tranquility of the Chapel of the Apparitions. Amidst these spiritual encounters, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and savor the unique flavors of this pilgrimage destination.
May 12 is the celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Fatima. This is the most exciting time of year to visit the town, but it will be very crowded. There will be lots of activity during the day that your guide will help you navigate to fully enjoy it.
If you want to stay later into the night for the Candlelight procession, additional hours with your guide can be added for an extra cost.
Includes: 8 hours with your guide, transportation to and from Fatima
Private Experience
Booked By Scenset
Palacio Real Principe
1x Cosy Room
- Breakfast included
Indulge in a day of leisure in Lisbon, where the city's charm unfolds at your own pace. Wander through historic neighborhoods like Alfama, savor local delicacies at a quaint café, explore cultural gems such as the Jerónimos Monastery, or simply unwind along the scenic waterfront. Lisbon's vibrant ambiance invites you to embrace the art of relaxation and create your own memorable moments in this captivating city.
Recommended by Scenset—nothing has been booked.
Palacio Real Principe
1x Cosy Room
- Breakfast included
Head south to the folkloric heart of Spain, where the influence of its Moorish past can not only be seen across the architectural landscape but also felt within the reverberating sound of the Spanish guitar or the stomping of a fervent flamenco dancer. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba come alive in the evenings once the midday sun has set, oftentimes with boisterous outdoor festivals. The bars in Andalucia are known for their generous tapas, and a couple of drinks can easily turn into dinner.
Your driver will pick you up and take you to Lisbon Airport in time for your flight.
Booked By Scenset
Catch your direct flight from Lisbon to Seville in Southern Spain.
Booked By Scenset
The remainder of your itinerary is planned out with the assumption that you will have a rental car for your time in Spain, to be picked up at the Seville Airport upon arrival. The rental car is booked independently, but we can assist with recommendations.
If you prefer to use private transfers and trains, we can arrange that as well.
Booked Independently
Upon collecting your rental car, drive to your countryside estate in the charming town of Vejer de la Frontera.
Why we love it for you: Casa la Siesta in Vejer de la Frontera unfolds as a captivating tale of love entwined with property development. Scenseting from a chance meeting in a local Spanish class, the owners embarked on a journey that saw them fall in love, purchase, sell, and ultimately construct this haven from the ground up. Despite being a new-build, the property exudes the timeless charm and elegance reminiscent of centuries-old residences. Impeccable details weave a narrative of perfection, from exquisite dinners and the fragrant lavender-filled surroundings to meticulously curated music and romantically adorned bedrooms.
Drive to Jerez to enjoy a private tour of a sherry bodega, followed by a tapas tour in this Andalucian gem.
Travel Time: About 50 minutes
Make a pitstop in Jerez to try the local speciality: sherry. The Spanish word for sherry is jerez, so there's no better place to try it. You'll stop at a local bodega in town that's been producing sherry for generations, getting a tour and, of course, a tasting.
Private Experience
Booked By Scenset
Casa la Siesta
1x Double Room
- Breakfast included
Today, enjoy a day at leisure at your countryside estate. Relax at the pool and take in the views of the town.
The town of Vejer de la Frontera is one of the pueblos blancos or white towns of Andalucia, and one of the most picturesque ones at that. Take a walk around the town and enjoy the views, before heading back to your hotel to relax.
Recommended by Scenset—nothing has been booked.
Casa la Siesta
1x Double Room
- Breakfast included
In Sevilla, it’s easy to pretend you’re an explorer preparing to set off for the New World. The labyrinthine streets, the towering Gothic cathedral, and the tranquil gardens of the Alcázar have preserved their seductive charm through the centuries, while newer neighborhoods continuously reinvent themselves with new bars, restaurants, and art.
Drive yourselves in your rental vehicle from Vejer to Sevilla. Your hotel is on a narrow street that cannot be accessed by cars. As your trip gets closer, we'll give you specific instructions on where to park.
Booked Independently
Enjoy a spectacular show at the intimate Tablao de los Gallos where you can witness some of the best flamenco musicians and dancers interpret famous alegrias.
Booked By Scenset
Why we love it for you: A tiny corridor in the hip Alfama neighborhood takes you to an almost hidden doorway, which opens up like a portal to a secret garden that seems impossibly spacious. Everything at Corral del Rey is coolly laidback, from the traditional Andaluz breakfast on the patio to sherry tastings in the evening. You’ll likely be on a first-name basis with the owners by the time you leave, who enthusiastically share their love for Seville with the best insider recommendations.
Corral del Rey
1x Deluxe room
- Breakfast included
To avoid having to drive and park in Rocio during the festival, you'll be picked up in a private transfer with your guide for the drive to Rocio.
Travel Time: about 50 minutes
Booked by Scenset
Embark on the El Rocio pilgrimage, a cultural and spiritual journey deeply embedded in Andalusian tradition. Explore the revered Hermitage of El Rocio, where emotional ceremonies unfold against the backdrop of sacred surroundings. Witness the unique pilgrimage atmosphere and the vibrant festivities that define this annual event, offering a memorable glimpse into the rich heritage of Andalusia.
This Saturday, is the day that all of the brotherhoods arrive at El Rocio after their multi-day pilgrimage. It's celebrated with flamenco dancing, live music, and food in the streets.
Booked By Scenset
Corral del Rey
1x Deluxe room
- Breakfast included
Your guide will take you to explore Seville’s immense cathedral, awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty, and enjoy access to its spectacular rooftop. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what had previously been the city’s main mosque. Highlights include the Giralda, the mighty bell tower which incorporates the mosque’s original minaret, the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Capilla Mayor with an astonishing gold altarpiece.
Booked By Scenset
The Alcazar of Seville is a royal palace in the city of Seville, Spain. It was built in the 14th century and features a blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. The palace is known for its intricate tilework, beautiful gardens, and historical significance as a symbol of Spain's rich cultural heritage.
Booked by a scenset
Corral del Rey
1x Deluxe room
- Breakfast included
Today you'll depart Seville and head to Cordoba, a charming town famous for its centuries old mosque—La Mezquita.
Drive yourselves in your rental from Sevilla to Cordoba. Parking is available at your hotel in Cordoba.
Booked Independently
One cannot visit Andalucia without paying tribute to the most beautiful architectural wonder of southern Spain. The style hints at a refined age when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side and enriched their city with vibrant cultures. Visit this cultural and architectural treasure with your expert guide to learn about its fascinating history.
Booked By Scenset
Why we love it for you: This evocative five-star hotel is both a luxe urban retreat and a slice of Córdoba history, set within a thoughtfully restored centuries-old mansion built on the ruins of a Roman villa, with a soothing pool, an elegant restaurant and a candle-lit spa.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
1x Dreamer's Room
- Breakfast included
Head back to Spain's capital city for one final night in Madrid!
Use your rental car for a self-transfer from Cordoba to Madrid. Once you arrive in Madrid, you can drop off your rental car at the appropriate office.
Booked Independently
Your accommodations in Madrid are independently booked. If you'd like to include this in your scenset itinerary, just let us know.
It's time to head back home, but it's been an incredibly spiritual trip. Thankfully, in Spain, they don't say adiós, but rather hasta luego, or until next time.
You'll be picked up from your hotel this morning for a private transfer to the airport in time to catch your international flight out.
Booked by Scenset
Catch your international flight home. Details will be provided as soon as they are available.
Booked Independently
