Iberia Encompassed - 22 Days

Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore Madrid at your own pace.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers may be Spanish speaking. If this is the case, then English may be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing. This tour also combines different programmes, meaning some travellers may join and leave the tour part way through, and your tour escort may also change.

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Madrid, delving into the city's rich history and vibrant character. Our journey begins with a glimpse into Madrid’s medieval origins, including the Arab fortress and the atmospheric Barrio de la Morería, renowned for its ancient buildings and charming traditional taverns.

We meander through the historic district of the Hapsburgs, shaped by the reign of Phillip II and graced with Renaissance and Baroque architecture at iconic landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continuing, we uncover the grandeur of the Madrid of the Bourbons, a vision brought to life by the urban planning of Charles III. Here, we admire the majestic Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptune fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá.

Our exploration also takes us to 19th-century highlights, including the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the renowned Prado Museum. The tour transitions seamlessly into contemporary Madrid, where we traverse bustling avenues like Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. We pass through the exclusive Salamanca neighbourhood, the verdant Parque del Oeste, and the thriving commercial and financial hubs of modern Madrid, culminating with a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to relax, explore further, or discover optional activities, the rest of the day is an opportunity to experience Madrid in your own way.

Please note: if the panoramic tour cannot operate, it will be replaced by either the Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus or a walking tour of the Hapsburg Quarter.

Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. Today, we depart from our established hotels in Madrid, heading towards Zaragoza. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to visit the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of Hispanity, and wander through the charming old streets of this historic city.

After exploring Zaragoza, we continue our journey to San Sebastian, a city renowned for its beauty and the prestigious International Film Festival. As we arrive in this vibrant destination, you’ll feel the allure of its scenic landscapes and lively atmosphere.

After breakfast today, we embark on a panoramic tour of this elegant and refined city, where the landscape is dominated by the stunning Bay and the iconic La Concha Beach. We’ll take a scenic ride up to Mount Igueldo, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city stretching out before us. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

San Sebastian - Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. r. Today, we depart for Bilbao, where you’ll have free time to stroll along the esplanade of the iconic Guggenheim Museum and marvel at this stunning example of modern architecture. After soaking in the atmosphere, we continue our journey to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.

Next, we head towards Santander, a picturesque port city nestled between the sea and the mountains, with beautiful beaches like the renowned El Sardinero. Here, we’ll embark on a guided tour with a local expert, who will take us on a thorough exploration of this stunning city, uncovering its rich history and hidden gems.

Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo. After breakfast today, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most historically and artistically significant towns. Here, you'll find architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece and the most important of its kind in Cantabria.

We then continue our journey to Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the sacred grotto, where the image of the Virgin rests.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Oviedo, a city beautifully set on a series of hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. With its pedestrian streets and stunning monuments, Oviedo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Gothic Cathedral stands as one of the finest

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today, we depart towards the Galician region, making our way to Lugo. On the way, we stop in Mondoñedo, where you’ll have free time to explore its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the delicious local treat, "Mondoñedo cake."

We then continue to Lugo, where you’ll have time to admire the Roman remains that the city still preserves, including its ancient walls, which have earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history. Its ancient heart is a World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most important monumental centres. As the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela has long been a place of Christian pilgrimage, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire.

Today, we will enjoy a city tour of Santiago de Compostela, starting with a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro, where we’ll take in the stunning surroundings before entering the magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor.

Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore this vibrant city, known for its university atmosphere and lively student culture, with plenty of charming streets, historical sites, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Porto (Portugal). After breakfast today, we set off towards the picturesque Galician Rías Bajas, often referred to as the Spanish fjords, where we’ll journey through stunning landscapes. Our route takes us to the island of La Toja, famous for its luxurious spa and natural beauty, offering you free time to explore and enjoy its tranquil surroundings.

We then continue our journey through the Arosa estuary, making our way towards Portugal. Later, we’ll arrive in Porto, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the charm of this captivating city.

Our day starts with a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll admire the grandeur of the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Next, we’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Porto as we cruise along the scenic Douro River, taking in the city’s stunning skyline. We’ll also visit a renowned Port Wine Cellar, where you can discover the region's winemaking heritage and enjoy a delightful wine-tasting experience.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto at your own pace, with plenty of charming streets and cultural landmarks waiting to be discovered.

After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore at your own pace or relax. You can stroll through Porto's charming Ribeira district, visit the Livraria Lello, or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views. You can discover local cuisine at traditional eateries, shop for artisanal goods, or unwind along the Douro River's scenic banks.

Porto -Coimbra - Fatima. Today, after breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, a city that proudly hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe and is considered the birthplace of Fado. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps wandering through the university grounds or soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Later, we continue our journey to Fatima, a revered centre of Christian faith and a major pilgrimage destination. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, the sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, holds the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lucía, Francisco, and Jacinta. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the moving candlelight procession, a truly unforgettable experience.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Today, we set off for the Batalha Monastery, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll explore this remarkable monument, which stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich history. Next, we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have some free time to wander along its beautiful beaches or visit the charming streets.

From Nazaré, we head to Alcobaca, home to another UNESCO World Heritage site – its impressive Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. After taking in the serene beauty of Alcobaça, we make our way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, where we’ll arrive and settle in for the night.

This morning, we embark on a city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo, where we’ll explore its vibrant main squares and avenues. We’ll visit the iconic Belem Tower, stand in awe of the Jerónimos Monastery (from the exterior), and admire the Monument to the Discoverers, celebrating Portugal’s seafaring legacy.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander through the city’s charming corners, perhaps getting lost in the narrow streets of the Alfama district or enjoying a coffee with a view. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais, both offering stunning landscapes and rich history.

Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Mérida, a city of immense historical significance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we arrive, we’ll be captivated by its rich heritage, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the magnificent theatre, the amphitheatre, and the Roman bridge, each telling the story of the city’s ancient past.

You’ll have some free time to explore Mérida’s captivating sights or relax in its historic surroundings before we continue our journey to Cordoba, the capital of the Caliphate.

Cordoba - Seville. After breakfast, we embark on an impressive tour of Córdoba, where we visit its world-famous Mosque, a stunning masterpiece that blends Islamic and Christian architectural styles. As we wander through the tranquil streets, we explore other significant sites that will soothe our minds and spirits. We then stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of the Jewish Quarter, where history comes alive in every corner, and the charm of its narrow, winding streets invites us to linger.

In the afternoon, after a short two-hour ride, we arrive in Seville, ready to uncover the beauty and history of this enchanting Andalusian city.

This morning, we set off on a panoramic city tour of Seville, exploring its most iconic landmarks. We begin with a visit to the grand Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome, where we marvel at its stunning architecture and rich history. We then wander through the charming Santa Cruz quarter, the very heart of the city and the setting for the legendary stories of "Carmen" and "Don Juan."

Next, we visit the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, a tranquil haven, before arriving at the magnificent Plaza de España, a striking example of Renaissance Revival architecture.

In the afternoon, the time is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to explore Seville’s exclusive viewpoints, sample its unique flavours, or simply soak in the vibrant energy of this sunlit city. Accommodation will be provided at our hotel.

In the evening, you have the option to attend a captivating Flamenco show, a passionate and unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Andalusia.

Seville - Granada. After breakfast, we drive east along the historic Caliphate road, heading towards the heart of Andalusia. As we journey through the landscape, we are surrounded by an endless expanse of olive trees, a sight that stretches as far as the eye can see. Our destination is Granada, a city renowned for its incredible and awe-inspiring monumental heritage, once the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492.

Upon arrival, we visit the world-famous Alhambra complex, a magnificent palace and fortress that has captured the imagination of countless travellers throughout history. We also explore the tranquil Generalife Gardens, where the sounds and sights have inspired authors like Washington Irving, whose "Tales of the Alhambra" immortalised this enchanting place.

In the evening, you have the opportunity to attend the optional Flamenco Zambra show, a passionate and soulful performance that will transport you to the heart of Andalusian culture.

Granada - Valencia. We depart for the east, heading towards Valencia, one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast. As we arrive, we are greeted by the city’s striking modern architecture, particularly the remarkable City of Arts and Sciences complex. This futuristic site is made up of six awe-inspiring buildings: the Hemispheric, the Umbracle, the Science Museum, Oceanogràfic, the Palau de les Arts, and the Ágora, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s visionary approach to design and culture.

Valencia is also the birthplace of the world-famous dish, "Paella," a culinary delight that has earned international acclaim. You will have the opportunity to discover this iconic dish and more as we immerse ourselves in the flavours and culture of this vibrant city.

Valencia - Barcelona. This morning, we set off on a city tour of Valencia, a vibrant and bright city that perfectly blends the old with the new. We begin with a drive through the historic old city, passing by its most prominent buildings, before making our way to the old riverbed of the Turia. Here, we marvel at the stunning "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias," a futuristic architectural complex, where we can admire the emblematic exteriors of its six awe-inspiring buildings.

In the early afternoon, we depart northward, travelling along the beautiful Mediterranean coast towards Catalunya. We pass through Tarragona, once the Roman city of Tarraco, with its rich history and impressive ruins. Finally, we arrive in Barcelona, the principal Mediterranean city and the homeland of the legendary architect Gaudí, whose work remains a symbol of Catalan modernism. We prepare to uncover the wonders of this dynamic city, where art, culture, and history seamlessly come together.

After breakfast, we embark on a fascinating morning city tour of Barcelona, a city famous worldwide for hosting the Olympic Games in 1992. We drive along the main avenues, admiring the impressive modernist buildings by Gaudí, including the iconic La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló, both declared World Heritage sites for their unique and visionary architecture.

We continue to Montjuïc Park, where we are treated to spectacular views of the city, the Olympic Ring, and the monument to Columbus, offering a perfect vantage point to appreciate Barcelona’s beauty.

In the afternoon, the time is yours to continue discovering this dynamic city. Whether you wish to explore its vibrant streets, enjoy its diverse and exquisite gastronomy, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere, Barcelona offers a wealth of attractions to suit every taste.

After our final breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.