Madrid, Portugal & Andalusia (ENGLISH ONLY - SMALL GROUP) 16 Days
16 Days : Barcelona - Madrid - Porto - Coimbra - Lisbon - Cordoba - Seville - Ronda - Granada
Tour overview:
Your amazing 16-day trip begins in Madrid to see the medieval origins of the city and the many historical buildings. You will drive to Avila, a city still preserved with its medieval walls. Next you will head over to see amazing views of Porto and end the day in a wine cellar for a wine tasting. Visit Fatima, the center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary. In Lisbon, drive through its main squares and avenues. Explore Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate with its impressive Mosque and Jewish Quarter. You will find yourself in Seville for you to discover wonderful views and flavors of this light city.
Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona
Arrival at Barcelona Airport and transfer to your hotel. Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with remarkable architecture, world-renowned gastronomy and a lively cultural scene. Accommodation in Barcelona. (D)
Day 2 - Barcelona
Breakfast at the hotel. Make your way to our office (Carrer de Sardenya, 311) to visit the magnificent Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and one of the world's most extraordinary architectural landmarks. Afterwards, continue discovering Barcelona at your own pace with your included 1-day Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the city's elegant boulevards, vibrant neighbourhoods, Mediterranean waterfront and many of its most celebrated attractions. Accommodation in Barcelona. (B)
Day 3 - Barcelona - Madrid
Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Barcelona Sants Railway Station to board the high-speed train to Madrid. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable journey through the heart of Spain before arriving in the country's dynamic capital. Renowned for its elegant avenues, rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere, Madrid perfectly combines historic charm with a modern cosmopolitan spirit. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Join your tour director and fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation in Madrid. (B/D)
Day 4 - Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, immerse yourself in the Spanish capital on a guided tour with your Local Expert. Discover the historic heart of Madrid, from the medieval Barrio de la Morería and the elegant Habsburg Quarter to the magnificent Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, where the city's origins come to life. Continue through the stately avenues of Bourbon Madrid, admiring landmarks such as the impressive Royal Palace, the graceful Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá. The tour also reveals Madrid's cosmopolitan side, passing along the lively Gran Vía, the sophisticated Salamanca District, the broad Paseo de la Castellana, and the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is free to experience Madrid at your own pace. Explore its charming neighborhoods, visit its celebrated museums, indulge in world-class shopping, or simply soak up the city's lively café culture and unmistakable energy. Accommodation in Madrid. (B)
Day 5 - Madrid - Salamanca - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Bound for Portugal, we will drive towards Salamanca. Enjoy some free time in this University City and World Heritage Site of great architectural and artistic wealth. Continue to the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European towns, and proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Accommodation in Porto. (B)
Day 6 - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a charming city renowned for its rich history and riverside beauty. Discover its main highlights, including the majestic Cathedral, the elegant Stock Exchange Palace and the beautiful Church of Santa Clara. Continue with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, offering unique views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, before visiting one of the famous Port Wine Cellars, where you will enjoy a tasting of the region's world-renowned wine. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's lively atmosphere at your own pace. Accommodation in Porto. (B)
Day 7 - Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra
After breakfast, depart for Aveiro, a charming coastal city affectionately known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque network of canals. Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard a traditional, brightly coloured moliceiro boat before continuing to Coimbra. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of this historic city, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Wander through its charming medieval streets, admire its remarkable heritage and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has made Coimbra one of Portugal's cultural treasures. Accommodation in Coimbra. (B)
Day 8 - Coimbra - Batalha Nazare - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Batalha to visit its magnificent Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's finest examples of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Continue to the picturesque seaside town of Nazaré, famous for its golden beaches, fishing traditions and spectacular Atlantic views, with free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, travel to Lisbon. In the evening, cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas and enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation in Lisbon. (B)
Day 9 - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Discover its main highlights, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Marquês de Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city's unique atmosphere, perhaps wandering through the charming Alfama district, with its narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses and traditional taverns, where the authentic soul of Lisbon comes to life. Accommodation in Lisbon (B)
Day 10 - Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba
Breakfast at the hotel. Bound for Andalusian soils, back in Spain, we drive to Mérida, founded by the Romans in 25 BC and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts an extraordinary Roman legacy, including its magnificent Theatre and Amphitheatre, elegant bridges, temples and ancient streets that reflect the splendour of the former capital of Roman Lusitania. Enjoy free time to discover its remarkable historical heritage before to Cordoba, once the flourishing capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and one of medieval Europe's greatest centres of culture, science and learning. Accommodation in Cordobal. (B)
Day 11 - Cordoba - Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the impressive tour of Cordoba´s Mosque (entrance included), one of the world's greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture, whose striking arches and richly decorated interior reflect the city's glorious past, and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Seville Accommodation in Seville..(B)
Day 12 - Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville with your Local Expert. Seville unfolds along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the city's lifeblood, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the radiant light of Andalusia. Its iconic skyline is defined by medieval towers and elegant domes, crowned by the unmistakable silhouettes of the Giralda and the Cathedral. Discover the lush María Luisa Park and the magnificent Plaza de España, Seville's most spectacular and cinematic landmark, before wandering through the enchanting Santa Cruz Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, picturesque squares and timeless Andalusian charm. These are just a few of the many treasures that make Seville one of Spain's most captivating cities. Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light. Accommodation in Seville. (B)
Day 13 - Seville - Jerez - Ronda
After breakfast, travel south through Andalusian villages to Jerez. Jerez de la Frontera is a city where Andalusian tradition comes to life through its world-renowned sherry wines, magnificent horses and the passionate rhythms of flamenco. Elegant squares, stately palaces and centuries-old churches reflect its rich cultural heritage, while its historic centre invites visitors to wander through charming streets full of authentic local character. Continue to Ronda. Dramatically perched above the impressive El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of Andalusia's most beautiful and historic towns. Connected by the iconic Puente Nuevo, its charming streets, whitewashed houses and rich cultural heritage reflect centuries of Roman, Moorish and Christian influence. Combined with its spectacular scenery and authentic Andalusian atmosphere, Ronda offers an unforgettable experience. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the secrets of Ronda. Accommodation in Ronda. (B)
Day 14 - Ronda - Malaga - Granda
After breakfast, depart for Malaga. Visit the city and explore its historical and cultural attractions. Malaga is a city full of corners that look back on several centuries of history, from the time of the Romans (with its magnificent theater) to the Arab, with the Alcazaba or the Castle of Gibralfaro. Continue to Granada, this city, located at the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, is one of the jewels of Andalusia. Here, the impressive Andalusian legacy, represented by the Alhambra, is complemented by Renaissance architectural gems. Accommodationin Granada. (B)
Day 15 - Granda - Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the world-famous Alhambra complex with your Local Expert (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra is Granada's greatest treasure and one of Spain's most iconic monuments. This magnificent palace and fortress complex, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, captivates visitors with its exquisite courtyards, intricate decoration, beautiful gardens and breathtaking views over the city and the Sierra Nevada. After the visit has ended, depart to Madrid. In Madrid, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Accommodation in Madrid. (B/D)
Day 16 - Depart Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Madrid Airport for your departure flight. (B)