From Madrid to Lisbon, a world of history and culture awaits. Along a journey of just over 400 miles, you’ll encounter incredible Roman ruins, medieval castles, mosques, cathedrals and picturesque villages. Inspired by the city of Cáceres, this route offers a blend of cultural and architectural treasures, taking in Almohad, Gothic, Renaissance and more modern historic influences along the way. More than a mere road trip, this is a veritable history book about the Iberian Peninsula.
This route was created by Toño Pérez, Chef of Atrio
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Hotel and restaurant in town. The immaculate façade of the Heritage Hotel stands proudly in one of the most elegant districts of the Spanish capital. The listed building, built at the beginning of the 20th century and decorated in a belle-époque style, today houses a hotel that tastefully marries classicism with the urban environment. Designer Lorenzo Castillo has created a warm decor of lacquered wood, polychrome marble and handmade wallpaper, which serves as a showcase for a magnificent collection of European antiques and artwork dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. In much the same way, chef Mario Sandoval Huertas, gastronomic advisor of the Haroma Restaurant, elevates the finest ingredients through his eclectic and sophisticated cuisine.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. In the heart of Madrid, just five minutes from the Museo del Prado, where Hieronymus Bosch’s masterpiece, The Garden of Earthly Delights, hangs among the paintings of Vélasquez, Titian and Rubens, another garden of delights awaits. The Hotel Orfila, a small palace built in 1886, has the feel of an art gallery, with its period furniture, feature marble and superb trompe l’oeil effects in the green garden courtyard. In the 1920s, the hotel was made famous by the plays staged within its walls. Today, its flowered patio invites you to dine under the stars and its tea room is imbued with English chic. This is an ideal place from which to explore Madrid at its own rhythm.
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Two unique stores on El Rastro, the funky and authentic Portobello of Madrid. In the L. A. Studio, original vintage furniture and special designs, a place appreciated by trendsetters, decorators and film makers such as Pedro Almodóvar. Photography lovers agree, Fotocasión is the place.
Relais & Châteaux COQUE
A few steps from the center of Madrid, the Sandoval brothers present you with a culinary voyage that is far from conventional. Mario, Coque’s chef, experiments with innovative techniques such as the hydrolysis of an egg, the study of vegetable DNA and the extraction of polyphenols from wine. The unique...
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Secrets of the authentic Madrid
Two unique stores on El Rastro, the funky and authentic Portobello of Madrid. In the L. A. Studio, original vintage furniture and special designs, a place appreciated by trendsetters, decorators and film makers such as Pedro Almodóvar. Photography lovers agree, Fotocasión is the place.
Relais & Châteaux COQUE
A few steps from the center of Madrid, the Sandoval brothers present you with a culinary voyage that is far from conventional. Mario, Coque’s chef, experiments with innovative techniques such as the hydrolysis of an egg, the study of vegetable DNA and the extraction of polyphenols from wine. The unique...
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On the route
The two cities of Toledo
Fortified on a crag and defended by the River Tajo which surrounds it like a moat, Toledo seems like an island in the middle of the steppe. Wandering around it, the medieval city is a labyrinth with ten gates, enclosing almost one hundred important monuments: Muslim, Jewish and Christian. Among my favorites:...
Restaurant and hotel in town. Located inside the walled town of Cáceres with its extraordinary Almohad, Gothic, Renaissance and colonial buildings, Atrio boasts sublime architecture by Emilio Tuñón Álvarez and Luis Moreno Mansilla, masters of modern design. In the heart of the old stone buildings of this medieval town, Chefs José Polo and Toño Pérez prepare cuisine with unique, authentic flavours in a heavenly, extremely contemporary setting. Truffles, pasta and mushrooms, razor clams with cured Iberian ham, pig’s trotters, oyster and other gourmet creations are in complete harmony with the splendid building.
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Breakfast in the moment at a chosen site. From the room which looks onto San Mateo and towards the garden patio. And an indispensable visit to the Helga de Alvear Center of Visual Arts
Return to the Renaissance
Outside of the walls, don’t miss the plateresque chapel and the restored bell tower of the church of San Juan or the Plaza Mayor. Within the walls, entering through the Arco de la Estrella, a series of three squares full of monuments: Santa María, San Jorge and San Mateo, the highest in the city. Along...
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Swim in the swimming pools as night falls
When the time comes to return to the hotel, nothing could be better than a little dip in the twin pools on the terrace, with the burning red city at your feet.
Contemplating the city by night
With the monuments illuminated. From the roof terrace or taking a little solitary walk around the old city, before sleeping sweetly.
Dine regally
Let yourself go and I will make up a tasting menu for you, with products from here and elsewhere, and personal recipes such as shrimp with a mask of Iberian ham.
Eating in the Old Atrio
Our parent company, in the new city, where we offer you the classic recipes of grandmother’s cooking. Baroque decoration, Berruguete soup tureens and boards. Authentic cuisine at a reasonable price (Avenida de España 22).
Admire the wine cellar
Our wine cellar of contemporary design has treasures such as the “chapel” Château d’Yquem, a unique collection, Wine Spectator Grand Award.
Departure
Breakfast in the moment at a chosen site. From the room which looks onto San Mateo and towards the garden patio. And an indispensable visit to the Helga de Alvear Center of Visual Arts
Return to the Renaissance
Outside of the walls, don’t miss the plateresque chapel and the restored bell tower of the church of San Juan or the Plaza Mayor. Within the walls, entering through the Arco de la Estrella, a series of three squares full of monuments: Santa María, San Jorge and San Mateo, the highest in the city. Along...
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On the route
The large and small squares
To the south, where the Extremadura takes on a more Andalusian flavor, a getaway to Zafra to discover one of the most singular urban areas of Spain. Two adjoining squares with porticos of medieval flavor, with shining white houses and arches of brick, which are still the heart of this historical city
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Crossing the line
To get acquainted with Monsaraz, already 18 kilometers into Portugal. Within its walls, an Alentejo village which maintains intact its medieval layout, with its whitewashed houses, its large noble manors, and its castle with splendid views. Nearby, in Reguengos it is worth buying the handmade carpets....
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Roman Spain at its apogee
In the archeological complex of Merida : the theater where the Festival of Classical Theater takes place. The National Museum of Roman Art of Rafael Moneo, Pritzker Prize, and the temple of Diana and its surroundings, a work of the young and award-winning architect José María Sánchez García
Stripes of glory
At kilometer 590 on the highway, take the turn off for the EX 382 into the meadows where the Iberian pig is raised. When you arrive at Montánchez, go to Casa Bautista to learn about the world of this unique animal, to taste and buy the authentic high-quality ham. A product as fine as caviar. Visits upon...
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Nightfall by the sea
In the seaside village of Cacela Velha, encircled by walls and hanging from a cliff or going through the historic quarter of Faro, hearing the sound of your own footsteps.
The large and small squares
To the south, where the Extremadura takes on a more Andalusian flavor, a getaway to Zafra to discover one of the most singular urban areas of Spain. Two adjoining squares with porticos of medieval flavor, with shining white houses and arches of brick, which are still the heart of this historical city
Read Moreless
Crossing the line
To get acquainted with Monsaraz, already 18 kilometers into Portugal. Within its walls, an Alentejo village which maintains intact its medieval layout, with its whitewashed houses, its large noble manors, and its castle with splendid views. Nearby, in Reguengos it is worth buying the handmade carpets....
At L'AND Vineyards, everything revolves around the pleasures of the vine: 6 hectares/15 acres of organic vineyards and the possibility of taking oenology courses, or creating your own bottles with labels that grace your own name, all thanks to the Wine Club. At Mapa restaurant, cuisine is elevated to the level of a universal language, celebrating the fusion of culinary cultures born from the numerous sea voyages of the Portuguese. This is a journey conducted to the rhythm of exceptional wines, some of which are produced in the property's own vineyards. The oenological experience continues at the vinotherapy spa in which some of the treatments are grape-based.
Surrounded by vines, an outdoor infinity pool seems to extend into the waters of the lake. Ideal for relaxing, this family property is particularly appreciated by wine lovers as well as fans of the countryside and architecture. The castle of Montemor o Novo is within sight, and Évora, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only about twenty minutes away. Discover an original and sensory way to explore Portugal.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Valverde Lisboa Hotel & Garden is hidden behind a discreet door on Avenue da Liberdade, in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon. All the more charming for its hidden character, the hotel evokes the air of a stately town house with its perfectly polished design.
The deep colours that shade the walls contrast with the bright tones of the fabrics and cushions. A clever mix of retro details and antiques, vintage furniture and art prints extends from the entrance to the rooms.
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Punching your ticket on Tram no 28 is synonymous with escape! Recognisable by its yellow colour and wooden seats, the most popular tram in town takes passengers between Campo Ourique and Martim Moniz. A slow, ambulant picture postcard, striking and Romanesque, between tight turns and steep slopes. On...
By taking over Belcanto in 2012, chef José Avillez has opened a new chapter in the history of this award-winning restaurant that has been installed in the romantic neighbourhood of Chiado since 1958. Its complete renovation did not disappoint. Amid its sober and sophisticated decor, the restaurant provides...
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Fado Concert in the Alfama, Lisbon
In the heart of the Alfama working district the Lisboetas come to listen to fado singers. A song which expresses the feeling of saudade, Fado is the heart of the town itself. Popularised by the tremendous Amália Rodrigues, it is as much a song of love as a devastating cry. A concert at the Clube de Fado,...
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A ticket for Tram n°28, Lisbon
Punching your ticket on Tram no 28 is synonymous with escape! Recognisable by its yellow colour and wooden seats, the most popular tram in town takes passengers between Campo Ourique and Martim Moniz. A slow, ambulant picture postcard, striking and Romanesque, between tight turns and steep slopes. On...
By taking over Belcanto in 2012, chef José Avillez has opened a new chapter in the history of this award-winning restaurant that has been installed in the romantic neighbourhood of Chiado since 1958. Its complete renovation did not disappoint. Amid its sober and sophisticated decor, the restaurant provides...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
From Madrid to Lisbon, a tale of two capital cities
This route was created by Toño Pérez, Chef of Atrio
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