Andalucia Explorer From Porto - 12 Days

Arrival at Porto Airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and begin discovering the charm of this riverside city.

We explore Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its character and history. A panoramic tour includes the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange Palace and St. Clara Church, concluding with a visit to a local wine cellar for a tasting of the city’s renowned Port wine.

Meeting point:R. Diogo Macedo 220, 4400-107 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal at 7:30am

Porto – Coimbra – Fátima – Lisbon. We travel south to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and considered the birthplace of fado. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Fátima, one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites, where you may visit the Basilica and Sanctuary. We then continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital. In the evening, there is an optional opportunity to attend a traditional fado performance.

A panoramic tour reveals the beauty of Lisbon, located at the mouth of the River Tagus. We visit Eduardo VII Park, Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade and the historic Madragoa district, where fado was born. In the Belém district, we see the iconic Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery. The afternoon is free to explore, with an optional excursion available to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.

Lisbon – Mérida – Seville. We cross the Spanish border to reach Mérida, known for its impressive Roman remains, including the Theatre and Amphitheatre – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is free time to explore before continuing through Andalusia along the historic “Silver Route” to Seville.

A guided tour introduces Seville’s main sights, including María Luisa Park, Plaza de España, the exterior of the grand Cathedral and its bell tower, La Giralda, as well as the charming Santa Cruz district with its narrow lanes and flower-filled courtyards. Optional experiences include a cruise along the Guadalquivir River or a visit to the Maestranza bullring. In the evening, you may choose to attend a traditional flamenco performance.

Seville – Córdoba. We journey to Córdoba and begin a guided walking tour through Almodóvar Gate and the historic Jewish Quarter, continuing to the magnificent Mosque–Cathedral, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

Córdoba – Ronda – Costa del Sol. We travel along the scenic Route of the White Villages towards Ronda, a striking town set on a dramatic gorge dividing its old and new districts. Enjoy free time to wander through its picturesque streets and admire the views before continuing to the Costa del Sol.

Costa del Sol – Granada. We journey to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, the former residence of Moorish kings. These splendid monuments, with their courtyards, fountains and terraces, are among Spain’s most celebrated landmarks.In the evening, you may choose an optional visit to the caves of Sacromonte for a flamenco show performed by the local gipsy community.

Please Note: If, for any reason, the Patronato of the Alhambra and Generalife does not grant tickets for the scheduled visit, an alternative tour of Granada will be arranged. This will include visits to the Palace of Charles V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and a walk through the Alcaicería (the old silk market) and Cathedral Square.

Granada – Toledo – Madrid. We head north to the Imperial City of Toledo, once the capital of Spain and a symbol of coexistence between Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures. After a panoramic view from the Mirador del Valle, we take a guided walk through its historic old quarter before continuing to Madrid.

Madrid – Salamanca – Vigo. We travel to Salamanca, a distinguished university city renowned for its golden sandstone architecture. Take time to explore the historic centre and admire the splendid Baroque Plaza Mayor before continuing to Vigo on Spain’s Atlantic coast.

Vigo – Viana do Castelo – Braga – Porto. Crossing into Portugal, we arrive in Viana do Castelo, beautifully located between the River Minho and the Atlantic Ocean. Explore its cobbled streets and historic buildings before travelling on to Braga, known as the “City of Archbishops” and one of Portugal’s oldest cities. We then continue to Porto, where the tour concludes.