DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid
![Start of tour in Madrid]()
Welcome to the start of your 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and the other travellers in the tour group this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore Madrid which is the beautiful capital of Spain, on an orientation tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore more of the city - you could choose to enjoy a taste of Spain on the Madrid Tapas Food Tour! This evening, enjoy your first taste of Spain at an included welcome dinner - a great opportunity to meet the other travellers in the group!
Experiences
Orientation tour of Madrid: Explore Spain’s vibrant capital city with your tour leader. Wander the streets of Madrid and see top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more!
Traditional dinner in Madrid: Get a taste of Spanish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader over dinner at a local Madrid restaurant.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Elba Madrid
Sercotel Madrid Aeropuerto
Optional Excursions
- Madrid Tapas Food Tour i TBC
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 2: Toledo - Granada
![Toledo - Granada]()
This morning, leave Madrid behind and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. This charming, ancient walled town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral, is sure to have travellers falling in love with it! The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada. Arrive this afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic city. Listen in for great insight into this beautiful region of Spain as well as the history, culture and highlights of Granada.
Experiences
Visit Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture found throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. The history of this region goes all the way back to the Bronze Age!
Orientation tour of Granada: Learn more about the Moorish influence in southern Spain. Granada is often called the "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors in the 8th century. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture. Granada is also home to the famous Alhambra.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Macia Condor Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Granada Local Food & Wine Evening i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville
![Granada - Ronda - Seville]()
The journey through Andalusia continues! Spend the morning exploring the city of Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. In addition to a rich Moorish and Medieval history, Granada is a fascinating city packed with street art, culture and the best restaurants. Next, travel to Ronda, a town located on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Take in the spectacular views from the bridge before enjoying a leisurely lunch stop. Finally, travel to Seville. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of this enchanting city before enjoying free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana. Next, it’s time for an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.
Experiences
Visit Ronda: Stop over in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Found on top of the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, catch a glimpse of some truly breathtaking views!
Driving tour of Seville: Learn more about Seville’s history, culture and architecture on a driving tour. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Dinner in Seville: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Seville. Paella, ratatouille and profiteroles are on the menu.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Virgen de los Reyes
Optional Excursions
- Alhambra Palace & Gardens i TBC
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Seville
![Seville]()
Discover the history and charm of Seville today! Begin with a guided tour of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! Choose to tour the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion, visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Alternatively, simply wander the historic city and see where your feet take you! Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, and it certainly boasts a colourful history, from the Romans to the Moors! Seville is famous for its flamenco and tapas bars and tonight is your chance to experience this dance of passion at the lively optional Flamenco dinner show!
Experiences
Guided tour of Seville: Explore Seville on a tour with a local guide. Learn more about its history, culture and architecture. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. This is the ideal way to take to the streets of Seville to soak up the culture, tastes, sights and sounds of the city!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Virgen de los Reyes
Optional Excursions
- Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner i €65
- Seville Alcázar & Cathedral Tour i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Algarve - Lisbon
![Algarve - Lisbon]()
Today it’s time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal! Along the way, visit the Algarve. This stunning southern coastal region of Portugal features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Look forward to a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches so you can top up your tan or take a dip in the cool, blue ocean. Arrive in Lisbon, set off on an orientation tour of the capital and see Lisbon’s highlights. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, Lisbon has it all! Enjoy an included dinner in Lisbon tonight.
Experiences
Visit the Algarve: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve. This is definitely one of Portugal's most spectacular regions - complete with rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crashing waves! Spend some time on one of the stunning Algarve beaches, enjoy lunch here or explore the local town.
Lisbon driving tour: Drive alongside the Tagus River and along some of Lisbon's most famous streets and learn about the history, culture and Portuguese lifestyle. Sights like the Sao Jorge Castle and the colours of the Old Town are not to be missed. There are seven miradouros (viewpoints) dotted around the city - all offering glorious views of the city and its surrounds!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
VIP Executive Zurique Hotel
DAY 6: Lisbon: Free Day
![Lisbon: Free Day]()
Today is your free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. You could visit Lisbon's landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its striking monuments. While there, visit Pena Palace and enjoy lunch. Or, join an excursion to Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, Fátima. This evening is your chance to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music. Unique to Portugal, it is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world - you are sure to discover many bars nearby playing Fado!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
VIP Executive Zurique Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Colours of Sintra: Pena Palace with Lunch i €70
- Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Obidos - Porto
![Obidos - Porto]()
On the way to Porto this morning, enjoy a stop in Obidos. This classic fortified town is home to narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. We continue our tour of Portugal and enter Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city and home of one of the country’s most famous exports - port wine! Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, where you will see Ponte Dom Luis - a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Enjoy the opportunity to sample a glass of port wine this afternoon at the included Port tasting.
Experiences
Visit Obidos: Enjoy some free time to explore the picturesque medieval streets of this charming town. The main gate into Obidos, Porta de Vila, contains a beautiful tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ, and the walls of the town can be walked in around one hour.
Porto driving and walking tour: See picturesque Porto from the coach and on foot. Learn about the history of the architecture, sights and the culture of this city and its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical centre.
Port tasting: Try Portugal's most famous drink - Port! It's a sweet, fortified red wine, often served as a dessert wine in dry, semi-dry and white varieties.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Porto Gaia
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 8: Guarda - Salamanca
![Guarda - Salamanca]()
It is time to depart Portugal and travel back to Spain through beautiful stretches of countryside. En route, make a stop in Guarda, Portugal. Founded in the 12th Century by King Sancho I, Guarda is the highest city in Portugal and is home to centuries-old fortified towers and defensive walls. Arrive in Salamanca, freshen up at the hotel and enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Afterwards, enjoy some free time. A visit to the Old Town and Cathedral Bell Tower is highly recommended! Cap off the evening with an included farewell dinner, offering three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca.
Experiences
Visit Guarda: Enjoy free time to explore the highest city in Portugal. Guarda is a historic city home to fortified towers and walls built during King Sancho I’s reign that survive to this day. At its heart is a Cathedral built in a mix of Gothic and Manueline styles. Other highlights include the Guarda Museum, Jewish Quarters and the Corgas da Matança Dolmen, a portal tomb that provides a window into the lives of the people who lived across the Iberian Peninsula during the Neolithic Period.
Orientation tour of Salamanca: Join your tour leader for a tour of this Spanish city that was founded nearly one thousand years ago! Salamanca boasts incredible architecture, impressive cathedrals, plazas and palaces.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Zenit Hall 88 Studios
DAY 9: Avila - Madrid
![Avila - Madrid]()
After nine fun-filled days on the road, today is the last day of this Spain and Portugal tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and travel to the stunning city of Avila, which is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Then, continue on to the capital Madrid. Arrive in Madrid and the tour concludes this afternoon. Make sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! Adios!
Experiences
Visit Avila: Visit this beautiful medieval city en route to Madrid. This walled city and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights in the historic centre, such as San Vicente de Ávila, a church that is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the whole of Spain.