Discover Iberia From Madrid to Lisbon - 10 Days

We depart Madrid early, travelling south across La Mancha to Puerto Lápice – a classic Manchego village linked to Don Quixote. We continue through the Despeñaperros pass into Andalusia and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included. In the afternoon, if you have selected the Alhambra option, you visit the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens – both dating from the Arab period – with a local guide.

Important ticket information: Alhambra entry is strictly regulated. To secure admission, tickets are issued once your tour reservation is confirmed – please provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Ticket costs are not refundable if you cancel. In the rare event the Alhambra visit cannot be arranged, we will instead tour Seville’s Royal Alcázar, which offers similar historical and architectural significance. 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.

We leave Granada, tracing the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada before following the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a stretch with a mild microclimate that supports guavas, mangoes and avocados, and once sugar cane. We pause in Nerja, a seaside town framed by cliffs, then continue to Málaga – capital of the Costa del Sol with a lively historic centre. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to Ronda, a striking white town split by a dramatic gorge, before continuing to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.

In the morning, we set out on a guided tour of Seville, taking in the cathedral with its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Afterwards, we include a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you may choose to attend a flamenco tablao.

We leave Seville, travelling through gentle hills and wide pasturelands towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include entry to the Archaeological Ensemble – home to the remarkably preserved Roman theatre and amphitheatre and recognised by UNESCO. You’ll have time for lunch and to wander the pedestrianised historic centre. We then continue into Portugal, arriving in Évora – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – noted for its whitewashed lanes, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. You’ll have free time to explore.

We travel through the Alentejo’s wide landscapes to Marvão, a picturesque walled town with far‑reaching views. We continue to Castelo de Vide to see its impressive castle and walk the old Jewish quarter – there’s time for you to visit the medieval synagogue, now a museum, or simply explore the winding streets. After lunch, we head to Tomar, where admission is included to the Convent of Christ – a former castle–convent of the Order of the Templars. Before reaching Fátima, we stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children, to see Lucia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you have free time at the Sanctuary – in the evening you can join the candlelight procession if it is taking place, as it is not held in winter. Dinner is included.

We travel north from Fátima to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, arriving at around 11:00. On arrival, we enjoy a 50 minute cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional Rabelo boat – once used to carry port wine – for panoramic views of the riverside. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets, historic merchant houses and cafes, before we head to the hotel.

Today we travel through northern Portugal’s scenic countryside. We begin with a stroll in Braga – Portugal’s religious capital – and ride the world’s oldest funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for sweeping views. You may wish to walk back down to appreciate the baroque stairway. We then continue to Guimarães, the country’s first capital, where the Palace of the Dukes reflects its historic importance. You’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon we head west to the Atlantic and Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal and known for its colourful houses. Here we include a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat to explore the canals and salt flats, with a tasting of a typical local sweet on board. We continue to Coimbra, arriving in the late afternoon, with dinner included at the hotel.

We spend time in Coimbra, Portugal’s third-largest city, known for its historic university and steep streets. Continuing south, we visit the Monastery of Batalha – entrance included – an impressive medieval royal mausoleum.

In Nazaré, you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through this traditional fishing town and seaside resort. We then take the elevator up to the old city – tickets included – for sweeping ocean views. On the way to Lisbon, we pause in Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most beautiful towns, with its pretty white streets lined with flowers. We arrive in Lisbon at approximately 7:30 p.m.

This morning we take a panoramic tour of Lisbon – a capital of seven hills, narrow alleys and iconic tiles, with a distinct sense of saudade and luminous Atlantic light – before continuing to the Belém neighbourhood, from where Portuguese navigators set sail in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can explore independently, make your way to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening we meet at lively Restauradores Square – known for its bars and cafés – for the return to the hotel.

After breakfast in Lisbon, we conclude the tour – we’ll say our farewells and you depart with lasting memories of the journey.