Iberian Adventure Madrid to Basque Wonders - 10 Days

Upon your arrival in Madrid, we will warmly welcome you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. You'll have some free time to relax and settle in until our journey officially begins. Be sure to check out the details for this evening's welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers – the information can be found on the signs at the hotel's reception area. As the day draws to a close, we'll whisk you away to experience the vibrant heart of Madrid’s nightlife in Plaza Mayor and the lively La Latina district, known for its bustling tapas bars and restaurants. You are free to choose from a variety of dining options, including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines, to satisfy your culinary preferences. 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.

On the second day of our journey, we will delve into the heart of Madrid with a tour showcasing the city's illustrious landmarks. Our morning begins with a comprehensive exploration of central Madrid, where you will have the opportunity to see iconic sites such as the Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the impressive Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the bustling Plaza Mayor. Our itinerary includes a refreshing stroll through the serene Retiro Park—an idyllic oasis in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle—highlighted by views of its picturesque lake and the Crystal Palace. The day continues with a visit to the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, which many consider the best football club in the world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Madrid at your leisure, whether you choose to wander its vibrant streets or relax in a local café. In the evening, we will provide a transfer back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable end to a day rich in culture and discovery.

Departing from Madrid, we set out for Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region, renowned for its rich Roman heritage. Here, we explore the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, both recognised as World Heritage Sites. These ancient ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture and entertainment. Afterward, there’s time to enjoy lunch in Mérida’s pedestrianised historic centre—an area alive with a variety of dining options.

Our journey continues into Portugal with a stop in Évora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is known for its charming whitewashed streets, Renaissance-era palaces, and impressive cathedral. After exploring Évora’s architectural wonders and absorbing its historical ambiance, we proceed to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we embark on a captivating exploration of Lisbon, famously built on seven hills. Wander through its charming alleys, admiring the iconic tiles and soaking up the unique "saudade" atmosphere under the city's famous Atlantic light. Our journey includes a visit to the historic Belem neighbourhood, from which Portuguese explorers once set sail to navigate the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is free for you to explore further; perhaps take a stroll to the Bairro Alto and enjoy its stunning viewpoint. For those interested, an optional excursion is available to the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. In the evening, we'll transport you back to the hotel, departing from the vibrant Restauradores Square, renowned for its lively bars and cafes.

Today, we journey northward through Portugal, beginning with a visit to Fátima, a revered pilgrimage destination known for its religious significance and peaceful aura. Our travels then lead us to Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city. Here, we embark on a delightful 50-minute cruise on a traditional "Rabelo" boat along the Douro River. This offers us an exceptional view of Porto’s enchanting riverside scenery. Post-cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the Ribeira district. This charming area is known for its medieval streets, historic merchant houses, and quaint cafés. Later, we'll regroup and make our way to the hotel for the evening.

Today, we set off through beautiful landscapes towards the historic city of Braga. Here, we'll board the world's oldest water-powered funicular to reach the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a serene hilltop site offering panoramic views. After exploring this sacred sanctuary, you may choose to descend via its picturesque staircase. Our journey takes us onward to Galicia, where we visit Cambados, a charming town in the Rías Baixas region. Here, we'll enjoy a unique glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, offering insights into the region's mussel and oyster production. Wine and mussel tasting are included on board. By lunchtime, we will arrive in Santiago de Compostela. A local guide will lead us on a tour through the city's medieval streets and its renowned pilgrimage sites, which have been significant since the Middle Ages.

Today, we continue our journey along the renowned Way of St. James, beginning our exploration in Lugo. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander around the historic town centre, well-known for its impressive Roman walls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our next stop is the quaint Galician village of O Cebreiro, famed for its charming stone buildings. We then journey onwards to León, arriving around lunchtime. Explore the city’s historic centre, highlighted by its stunning Gothic cathedral famous for its exquisite stained-glass windows. Our route takes us across the scenic Cantabrian Range as we head towards Asturias, reaching Oviedo by evening. In Oviedo, we'll embark on a guided tour either upon arrival or the next morning. This tour will introduce you to key sites including the 9th-century cathedral, the striking Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and the bustling Calle de la Rua. To cap off the day, we'll enjoy a traditional Asturian dinner at a typical cider house.

Today, we will journey to the majestic Picos de Europa, starting our day with a visit to the stunning Basilica of Covadonga, nestled in the breathtaking landscape. From there, we will trace the picturesque coastline, making our way to Santillana del Mar. This enchanting town, famed for its well-preserved medieval quarter, is like stepping back in time. We'll explore the nearby Altamira Cave Museum, where you'll gain insight into ancient rock art. Later, we’ll proceed to Santander, the capital of the region, where mountains and beaches meet. Here, a local guide will lead us on a panoramic tour of this sophisticated coastal city, showcasing its beautiful bay and vibrant culture.

We'll travel along the scenic Cantabrian coast, where dramatic landscapes of mountains meet the sea. Our destination is Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, where a local guide will lead us on a short tour, showcasing highlights such as the Guggenheim Museum area, the historic old quarter, and the city's Cathedral. Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some free time and indulge in the region's famous "pintxos" (small snacks typical to the area). We will then continue our journey towards Madrid, expecting to arrive in the evening at around 8:00 p.m. Please note that the journey from Bilbao to Madrid may be by either coach or train, depending on the size of the group.

Following breakfast, our tour draws to a close, concluding your journey with a collection of cherished memories.