DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid
![Start of tour in Madrid]()
Welcome to Madrid and the start of this exciting 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal! Arrive at the hotel this morning and meet your tour leader. Then it’s time for the travel fun to begin! The tour kicks off with a locally guided tour of Madrid to learn more about Spain’s beautiful capital city and its highlights. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city this afternoon. Why not choose to join the Madrid Tapas Food Tour optional excursion to sample mouthwatering local dishes? This evening, meet up with your tour leader at the hotel for an included welcome dinner. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Spain and get to know the rest of the travellers on this group tour.
Experiences
Guided tour of Madrid: See top attractions in Madrid with a local guide and find out more about the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. Highlights include Plaza Mayor, Sobrino de Botín (the oldest restaurant in the world!) and San Miguel Market.
Welcome dinner in Madrid: Look forward to your first taste of Spain and celebrate the first night of the tour with a welcome dinner! Meet the rest of the tour group who you will be travelling with for the next two weeks and enjoy some delicious Spanish cuisine.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Elba Madrid
Sercotel Madrid Aeropuerto
Optional Excursions
- Madrid Tapas Food Tour i 75
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 2: Segovia - San Sebastian
![Segovia - San Sebastian]()
Depart Madrid this morning and travel to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, stop off in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Arrive in San Sebastian in the late afternoon. San Sebastian is a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas!
Experiences
See the historic town of Segovia: Explore the historic old town of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights in the old town include the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar (royal palace) and Segovia Cathedral.
Enjoy a night out in San Sebastian: Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, stroll the charming city streets and then get to know the locals as you hit the beachfront bars for traditional pintxo!
DAY 3: Pamplona - Zaragoza
![Pamplona - Zaragoza]()
Today’s first stop is Pamplona - the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Pamplona is packed with history! Enjoy free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. After seeing Pamplona, travel to Zaragoza and enjoy a wine tasting along the way. Arrive in Zaragoza and take a locally guided walking tour of the city. The city has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries. The storied history of Zaragoza can be seen in the architecture of the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace, the Roman theatre and more.
Experiences
Explore the city of Pamplona: Visit the historic city that was made famous by the “running of the bulls” and see top sights including the Baroque facade of the town hall in Plaza Consistorial, the Gothic church of San Saturnino and Cámara de Comptos (the oldest building in the city, dating back to the 13th century).
Sample local Spanish wines: Drive through the popular wine-growing regions of northern Spain and enjoy a tasting of local Spanish wines. Typical Spanish grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño and Macabeo.
Locally guided walking tour of Zaragoza: Wander through the streets of Zaragoza on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Experience the legacy of the many different cultures that have influenced the city’s history. The city centre is compact and easy to walk around; perfect for an evening stroll.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Zaragoza Centro
DAY 4: Andorra - Barcelona
![Andorra - Barcelona]()
It’s time to hit the road to Barcelona! Today’s first stop is the tiny principality of Andorra. Enjoy free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. Arrive in Barcelona in the late afternoon. The cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region is bursting full of beautiful sights and great things to see and do. Embark on a driving tour with your tour leader and become acquainted with the city’s vibrant energy. Look out for the famous La Sagrada Família and other examples of eclectic art and architecture. The hotel for the next two nights is located in Sant Cugat, just outside the city. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Experiences
Visit Andorra and Andorra la Vella: This tiny, independent principality has a population of just 85,000 and is located in the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France. Explore Europe’s highest capital city - Andorra la Vella - and enjoy free time in this beautiful city.
Orientation tour of Barcelona: In this city renowned for its art and architecture, you’ll see incredible sights such as the fantastical Sagrada Família, which is unlike any building you will have ever seen, and other spectacular modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. See Barcelona’s top attractions and gain insight into this vibrant city on a driving tour led by your tour leader.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sant Cugat Hotel
DAY 5: Barcelona: Free Day
![Barcelona: Free Day]()
Enjoy a free day in Barcelona! A fantastic way to see the city is on the Highlights of Barcelona optional excursion. See top destinations including Palau Güell, the famous La Boqueria market, the Gothic Quarter and the magnificent Sagrada Família! Alternatively, visit the Old Town, stroll along Las Ramblas, enjoy authentic tapas or simply relax in one of the city’s parks. The best panoramic city views can be found in Park Güell, another creation by Antoni Gaudí. Las Ramblas is a street lined with restaurants, market stalls, museums, theatres, art galleries, street performers and more! Why not join the optional Flamenco show and dinner excursion tonight? This dance of passion is performed with style, flair and energy, and is an experience not to be missed!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sant Cugat Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Barcelona Flamenco Show & Dinner i €80
- Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família i €100
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Peniscola - Valencia
![Peniscola - Valencia]()
Leaving Barcelona behind, travel along the south coast towards Valencia. En route, stop for lunch in Peniscola. Home to a historic old town, a beautiful promenade and sandy beaches watched over by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar - this is surely one of the most picturesque spots in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop! Arrive in Valencia and enjoy a driving tour of this thriving port city. Discover Valencia’s uniqueness in how it retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. Enjoy dinner in the city tonight Look forward to tasting paella - one of the dishes Valencia is famous for!
Experiences
Enjoy lunch in picturesque Peniscola: Visit and enjoy lunch and the amazing views! This fortified seaport is on a rocky headland with only a narrow strip of land connecting it to the mainland. The scenery is sure to take your breath away! The castle built in the early 14th century served as the home of the Avignon pope Benedict XIII from 1415 to 1423.
Orientation tour of Valencia: Embark on a driving tour of Valencia with your tour leader. Experience the bold architecture (both contemporary and Art Nouveau) of spots like the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Colón Market, Turia Gardens, and the Cathedral.
Paella dinner: Tuck into Valencia’s most famous dish! Paella, a hearty rice dish, is one of the most well-known dishes in Spanish cuisine.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Silken Puerta Valencia
DAY 7: Valencia - Castillo de Belmonte - Madrid
![Valencia - Castillo de Belmonte - Madrid]()
Today, it’s time to travel onwards to Madrid. Journey through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote - an ageing knight who, inspired by his literary heroes, sets off with his squire in search of chivalrous adventure. Next up, explore Castillo de Belmonte. Located on the hill of San Cristobal, tour the medieval castle and discover grandly furnished rooms and dungeons, and learn more about the intriguing history. Arrive in Madrid later in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy an included dinner where travellers from the Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour will join the group.
Experiences
Visit the medieval Castillo de Belmonte: Tour the halls of this impressive historic sight. This beautifully restored medieval castle was built in the 15th century on the hill of San Cristobal. The interiors are dominated by spectacular stucco works in the Gothic and Moorish styles, and a beautiful Neo-Gothic courtyard. It was once the home of France’s Empress Eugénie after her husband, Napoleon III, lost the French throne in 1871.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Elba Madrid
Sercotel Madrid Aeropuerto
DAY 8: Toledo - Granada
![Toledo - Granada]()
This morning, say farewell to Madrid and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, an ancient city in central Spain. Fall in love with this charming medieval town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive cathedral. The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada, which was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors, and the legacy is evident all around! Arrive in the afternoon and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Your tour leader will point out top attractions including the famous Alhambra and share great insight into this beautiful region of Spain. Tonight, choose to taste local cuisine on the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening optional excursion.
Experiences
Experience the historic city of Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn more about its varied history. Toledo is known as the city of three cultures due to Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences. 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 "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors who travelled there from North Africa in the 8th century. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Macia Condor Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Granada Local Food & Wine Evening i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Ronda - Seville
![Ronda - Seville]()
The journey through Andalusia continues! Spend the morning exploring the city of Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace (please note: this excursion must be pre-booked). In addition to a rich Moorish and medieval history, Granada is a fascinating city that is packed with street art, culture and wonderful restaurants. This afternoon, travel to Ronda and admire the spectacular views from the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge) before enjoying free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, arrive in the enchanting city of Seville and get to know the city’s sights on a short driving tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana and sit down for an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.
Experiences
Visit the town of Ronda: Stopover in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Located on both sides of the El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, you’ll get to take in some truly breathtaking views!
Seville driving tour: Enjoy a short driving tour of this wonderfully compact city and see the highlights of Seville.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Virgen de los Reyes
Optional Excursions
- Alhambra Palace & Gardens i €80
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Seville
![Seville]()
A full day in Seville awaits! Start off with a locally guided walking tour of the city and soak up the culture, sights and sounds of Seville! Later, explore this beautiful and pleasingly compact city at your own pace. This is a town steeped in history, found in the architecture, culture and general atmosphere. Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, many thousands of years ago! Seville is famous for its flamenco dance, tapas bars and orange trees. You could visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views, tour the Seville Alcázar of Seville or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Tonight, opt-in to join the Flamenco dinner show excursion for vibrant Spanish culture and flavours!
Experiences
Explore Seville on a guided walking tour: Join a local guide on a tour of the city and learn more about its history, culture and architecture. See the historic centre complete with gothic churches, Mudéjar palaces and medieval streets. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Virgen de los Reyes
Optional Excursions
- Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner i €75
- Seville Alcázar & Cathedral Tour i €60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 11: Algarve - Lisbon
![Algarve - Lisbon]()
Today, cross the border and travel to Lisbon in Portugal! En route, visit the Algarve, the stunning southern coastal region of Portugal that features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Make a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches and enjoy the impressive views, golden sand, and azure blue waters. Arrive in Lisbon and it’s time to set out on an orientation tour of Portugal’s capital city. See Lisbon’s top sights and attractions from the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town - Lisbon has it all! Take note of any spots you would like to explore on the free day tomorrow!
Experiences
See the stunning Algarve region: Drive through the southern coastal region and make a comfort stop at one of the Algarve’s gorgeous beaches. Enjoy some time relaxing by the ocean!
Driving orientation tour of Lisbon: Drive alongside the Tagus river and along some of Lisbon's most famous streets and learn all about the history, the 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 12: Lisbon: Free Day
![Lisbon: Free Day]()
Today is a free day to explore Lisbon at your leisure. See iconic landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, or discover the wonderful hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Be sure to taste a delicious pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) during your free time! Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Fátima - Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site. Or, visit colourful Sintra for a tour and lunch; this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village is known for its strikingly colourful monuments and was once the summer retreat for Portugal’s royal families! This evening, find a spot to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music which is some of the oldest urban folk music in the world!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
VIP Executive Zurique Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Colours of Sintra: Pena Palace with Lunch i €75
- Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves i €55
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 13: Obidos - Porto
![Obidos - Porto]()
Say tchau to Lisbon this morning, as Porto awaits! The first stop today is Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Enjoy free time to explore. Continue the tour of Portugal and arrive in Porto - the second largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest European centres. Head out on a driving and walking tour with your tour leader. See sights including Ponte de' Luis - a stunning bridge which crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. One of Portugal’s famous exports is Port wine, which is named after Porto, and you will have the opportunity to taste it this afternoon at an included Port wine tasting.
Experiences
Explore the town of Obidos: Enjoy some free time to explore the well-preserved, picturesque medieval streets of this charming town. The main gate into Obidos, Porta de Vila, contains a beautifully tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ, and the walls of the town can be walked in approximately one hour.
Driving and walking tour of Porto: 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.
Enjoy a Port wine 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 14: Guarda - Salamanca
![Guarda - Salamanca]()
It’s time to wave goodbye to Portugal and travel back across the border to Spain. Journey through the countryside this morning and make a stop in Guarda, where you can enjoy some free time. Guarda was founded in the 12th century by King Sancho I, and many of the fortified towers and defensive walls he built survive to this day. Arrive in Salamanca in Spain, and check into the hotel. Enjoy free time this afternoon to see more of the magnificent city. A visit to the Old Town and the Cathedral Bell Tower is highly recommended. To cap off the evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner, offering three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca.
Experiences
Visit the town of Guarda: Enjoy free time to explore the highest city in Portugal. At its heart is a Cathedral built in a mix of Gothic and Manueline styles. In addition to the medieval castle and fortified walls, 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.
Farewell dinner in Salamanca: It’s the last night of the tour! Enjoy a three-course, authentic Salamanca meal at the farewell dinner.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Zenit Hall 88 Studios
DAY 15: Avila - Madrid
![Avila - Madrid]()
It’s the last day of the tour and time to travel back to Madrid. Depart Salamanca this morning and travel to Avila to enjoy some free time. Nestled amongst rolling hills in Spain’s countryside, Avila is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as its famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Finally, continue on to Madrid, where this amazing 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal concludes.
Experiences
Visit the city of Avila: Make a comfort stop in Avila. This walled town and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have 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.