Castilla, Portugal & Andalucia - 11 Days

Madrid - Salamanca - Vigo. We set off from our Madrid departure point at 8:00 am, heading northwest to the historic city of Salamanca. Upon arrival, we have free time to explore this enchanting university town, known for its golden sandstone buildings and elegant Plaza Mayor – the heart of local life. After soaking in the charm of Salamanca, we continue our journey to Vigo, a lively coastal city in Galicia. Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel, enjoy dinner together, and unwind for the evening.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual, and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting Point: C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid at 8:00.

Vigo - Viana do Castelo - Braga - Porto. After breakfast, we cross into Portugal and make our way to Viana do Castelo, a picturesque town nestled between the Minho River and the Atlantic Ocean. There's time to explore its historic centre, where cobbled streets and ornate buildings reflect centuries of heritage. From here, we continue to Braga – the spiritual heart of Portugal and one of its oldest cities, famed for its ecclesiastical architecture. After some free time to discover its highlights, we travel onward to Porto, where we check into our hotel for the night.

Following breakfast, we set out to explore Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its riverside charm and architectural splendour. Our panoramic tour takes in landmarks such as the grand Cathedral, the historic Stock Exchange Palace, and the baroque St. Clara Church.. We end the tour on a flavourful note with a visit to a local wine cellar, where we sample the region's world-famous Port wine. The afternoon is free for further exploration at your own pace.

Porto - Coimbra. This morning we travel south to Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. After checking in and enjoying lunch together, the rest of the day is yours to roam this atmospheric city. Wander through its narrow lanes, visit the university’s grand library, or simply soak up the soulful rhythms of Fado, which originated here.

Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon. After breakfast, we journey to Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. Here you’ll have time to explore the Sanctuary at your own pace and reflect at this deeply spiritual place. We then continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital on the banks of the Tagus River. .After checking in, you may choose to join an optional evening out to enjoy a traditional Fado show – an unforgettable experience of Portugal’s musical soul.

This morning, we discover Lisbon’s highlights on a guided panoramic tour. From the panoramic viewpoint of Edward VII Park, we descend through the elegant avenues of the city, including Rossio Square and Liberdade Avenue. We explore the traditional Madragoa district, birthplace of Fado, before heading to the Belem district to see the iconic Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the impressive Jeronimos Monastery. The afternoon is free to explore more of the city at your leisure, or you might opt to join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril for a scenic escape beyond the city.

Lisbon - Caceres - Seville. After breakfast, we cross the border back into Spain and stop in the historic city of Caceres. With free time to explore the remarkably preserved medieval quarter and its grand Plaza Mayor, it’s easy to imagine life centuries ago. After lunch on your own, we travel south into the heart of Andalucia, arriving in Seville for dinner.

Following breakfast, we set out on a guided tour of Seville. We visit the lush Maria Luisa Park, the impressive Plaza de España, and admire the exterior of the city’s vast Cathedral with its famed bell tower, La Giralda. We also explore the Santa Cruz quarter, a maze of narrow alleys and hidden squares. In the afternoon, you may wish to join an optional river cruise on the Guadalquivir or visit the historic Maestranza bullring. After lunch at a local restaurant, there’s time to relax or join an optional flamenco show in the evening.

This morning we travel along the Route of the White Villages, known for their whitewashed houses clinging to hillsides. We stop in Ronda, a dramatic cliffside town with deep gorges and ancient bridges, where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. From here, we continue to the Costa del Sol, arriving in time for dinner.

Costa del Sol - Granada. After breakfast, we head inland to Granada. Our visit includes the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens – a legacy of the Nasrid dynasty, full of ornate architecture, flowing water, and serene courtyards. This evening, you may choose to visit the Sacromonte caves and attend a traditional gypsy flamenco show.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. Our final day begins with breakfast and a journey to Toledo, a former capital of Spain perched above the Tagus River. After lunch, we enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador del Valle and take a walk through Toledo’s old town, rich in medieval, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture. In the afternoon, we return to Madrid, where our tour concludes. You will be dropped on Ferraz Street, near the Plaza de Espana at approximately 17:30, though this time is subject to external factors such as traffic and passenger delays.