Charming Portugal and Northern Spain Odyssey - 11 Days

Upon arriving in Lisbon, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, giving you some time to unwind and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you can find detailed information about the commencement of your tour on the boards located in the hotel reception area. This introductory day is all about settling in and familiarising yourself with your surroundings, as you prepare for the exciting experiences ahead in this vibrant city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

In the morning, we set out on a captivating tour of Lisbon, a city known for its seven hills, picturesque alleys, and iconic tiles. Immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere infused with a sense of 'saudade' and bask in the striking Atlantic light. We will visit the historic Belem neighbourhood, the departure point for pioneering Portuguese navigators of the 15th century. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore further; you might choose to wander through Bairro Alto and its viewpoints or opt for an excursion to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. As evening draws near, we return to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a vibrant area teeming with lively bars and cafés.

On the third day of our journey, we will leave early for southern Portugal, taking in the picturesque scenery as we cross the long bridge over the Tagus River. Upon reaching the Algarve region, we'll visit the historic city of Lagos. This city is famed for its port, from where Portuguese ships once embarked on voyages to Brazil, and its charming city centre, enclosed by ancient walls. We'll pause for lunch before continuing our exploration.

In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Cape St. Vincent, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Here, you'll have the chance to capture some stunning photographs of the rugged, windswept cliffs and nearby Sagres fortress, a site rich in maritime history. Later, we will make our way to Albufeira, a beautiful coastal city known for its inviting beaches and vibrant historic centre. You’re free to spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the lively town. Accommodation for the evening will be provided in Albufeira or a nearby location in the Algarve.

We will start our morning in Faro, a serene city in the Algarve, where you are free to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the calm ambiance. Our journey then leads us into the Alentejo region, where we will explore Mértola, a captivating town steeped in history. Positioned on the banks of the Guadiana River, Mértola is a veritable open-air museum, notable for its roots during the Muslim era and its imposing castle. Wander the narrow streets adorned with whitewashed houses and discover intriguing historical spots along the way.

Our next destination is Évora, a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will visit the Chapel of Bones, an extraordinary sight, constructed with over 5,000 skeletons. After this unique experience, we will delve into Évora’s charms—explore its medieval palaces, admire Gothic religious architecture, and stand before ancient Roman ruins.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of the Alentejo region. Our first stop is the picturesque, walled town of Marv?o, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. After soaking in the scenery, we make our way to Castelo de Vide, noted for its impressive castle. You'll have the chance to explore the town's old Jewish quarter and perhaps visit the medieval synagogue, now a museum. After a leisurely lunch, our adventure continues to the historic city of Tomar, home to the Convent of Christ. This former castle-convent of the Order of the Templars is a highlight of the day, with admission included in your visit. On our way to F?tima, we pause in the village of Aljustrel, birthplace of the three young shepherds who witnessed the Virgin Mary's apparitions, where we'll see Lucia's house. In F?tima, you have free time at the Sanctuary, where you may choose to participate in the candlelight procession if you wish (please note, the procession does not take place in winter). Dinner is included this evening.

Today, we'll journey north to Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, where we are expected to arrive by 11:00 a.m. Our visit kicks off with a leisurely 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat. This delightful voyage offers a unique perspective of Porto's picturesque riverside. After the cruise, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant Ribeira district at your leisure. This charming area is famed for its narrow streets, historic merchant houses, and quaint cafés. As you soak up the local atmosphere, keep an eye out for the district's rich blend of history and modern vibrancy. Once you've had your fill of exploration, we'll head to the hotel for the evening.

We begin our day by travelling through picturesque landscapes to Braga, where we'll board the world's oldest water-powered cable car. This unique ascent takes us to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, a remarkable religious site with breathtaking views. After taking in the sights, you might choose to descend via the sanctuary's scenic staircase. Our journey continues into the heart of Galicia, where we stop in the historic town of Cambados, nestled in the Rías Baixas region. Here, we embark on an exciting glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, where you can learn about the local mussel and oyster production. Savour the experience with a wine and mussel tasting aboard the boat. Around lunchtime, we arrive in Santiago de Compostela. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, we explore this city's medieval streets and its famed pilgrimage sites, which have attracted visitors since the Middle Ages.

We will embark on our journey following the famous Way of St. James, beginning our day in the historic town of Lugo, renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have time to explore the town centre, soaking in its rich history. Our travels then take us to O Cebreiro, a quaint Galician village known for its traditional stone architecture. As we continue onwards to León, we will arrive in time for lunch. In León, we will visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its stunning stained-glass windows, and take a stroll through the charming historic centre. Our journey will then take us across the picturesque Cantabrian Range as we make our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. In Oviedo, we will either conclude our day with a guided city tour or begin it the following morning. This hour-and-a-half tour will include visits to landmarks such as the 9th-century cathedral, the contemporary Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua. To end the day, we will enjoy a traditional Asturian dinner in a local cider house, immersing ourselves in the region’s culinary delights.

We will set off to explore the breathtaking Picos de Europa, or Peaks of Europe, starting with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga. Embedded within a dramatic landscape, this site holds significant historical and cultural importance. Our journey will then take us along the coastline to Santillana del Mar, renowned for its wonderfully preserved medieval architecture, allowing you to experience a slice of Spain as it once was. Nearby, we will visit the Altamira Cave Museum, where you can admire remarkable prehistoric art with included admission. Later, we will proceed to Santander, a vibrant coastal city set against a backdrop of stunning beaches and mountains. Here, a local guide will lead us on a panoramic tour to uncover the elegance of Santander and its picturesque bay.

Today, we travel along the picturesque Cantabrian coast, where the dramatic landscape of mountains meeting the sea is truly awe-inspiring. Our destination is Bilbao, a vibrant city renowned as the largest in the Basque Country. Upon arrival, we embark on a guided city tour, exploring key attractions such as the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the charming old quarter, and the impressive Cathedral. You'll then have some leisure time to enjoy authentic "pintxos" – a local culinary delight. Following this, we continue our journey towards Madrid, with an expected arrival in the evening around 8:00 p.m. The last leg of the trip from Bilbao to Madrid may be via regular coach or train service, depending on the number of travellers.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes in Madrid, where you’ll depart with a collection of cherished memories from your journey.