Iberian Explorer - 16 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 - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). Today, we journey onwards to the captivating city of Salamanca, a treasure trove of architectural and artistic splendour and a designated World Heritage Site. As we arrive, you will have free time to wander and immerse yourself in the charm of this historic university city, renowned for its golden sandstone buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Explore its iconic landmarks, from the stunning Plaza Mayor to the impressive Cathedral complex, or simply soak up the lively ambience at your leisure.

Later, we continue our travels, crossing the Portuguese border and winding our way through picturesque landscapes until we arrive in Porto, a city brimming with character and charm.

We begin our day with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto, a city of remarkable beauty and a designated World Heritage Site. As we explore, we admire the grandeur of the Cathedral, the historic charm of the Stock Exchange building, and the intricate beauty of Santa Clara Church.

Afterwards, we take to the waters of the Douro River, gaining a unique perspective of the city’s timeless scenery. Our journey continues with a visit to the renowned Port Wine Cellars, where we delve into the rich heritage of Porto’s iconic wine, complete with a tasting to savour its distinct flavours.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of Porto’s vibrant streets, relax by the river, or discover optional activities, the city invites you to make it your own.

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. After breakfast, we set off for Coimbra, a city brimming with history as the home of one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore at your own pace—whether you choose to wander through the university's ancient halls, admire the charming streets, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

Our journey continues to Fátima, one of the most significant centres of Christian faith in the world. Here, we visit the awe-inspiring Basilica and the Cova da Iria, the sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared. At the heart of the sanctuary, we find the Chapel of the Apparitions, home to the tombs of the three shepherd children Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.

In the evening, you have the opportunity to attend the moving candle procession, a deeply spiritual experience that fills the air with reverence.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Today, we depart for the stunning Batalha Monastery, a true masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take in the intricate details of this architectural marvel, with its rich history and awe-inspiring design.

Next, we continue our journey to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, where you will have free time to explore at your leisure. Whether you choose to stroll along the beach, savour the local seafood, or simply enjoy the serene coastal atmosphere, Nazaré offers a peaceful retreat.

We then make our way to Alcobaca, another UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its magnificent Gothic church and the Cistercian monastery whose origins date back to the 12th century. We take time to admire the grandeur of this historical gem before continuing our journey to Lisbon.

As we arrive in the vibrant Portuguese capital, we prepare to immerse ourselves in the charm and beauty of Lisbon.

In the morning, we embark on a fascinating city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo, uncovering its rich history and vibrant character. We explore the city’s grand squares and lively avenues, admiring the iconic Belem Tower standing proudly on the riverbank. We also visit the exterior of the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, and the imposing Monument to the Discoveries, commemorating Portugal’s Age of Exploration.

In the afternoon, the time is yours to discover Lisbon at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Alfama district, with its picturesque alleys and vibrant atmosphere, or simply relax in one of the city's many charming cafés. Alternatively, you have the option to join an excursion to the enchanting towns of Sintra and Cascais, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, where you can explore their fairy-tale palaces and scenic coastline.

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Cordoba. Today, we depart for Mérida, the capital of Extremadura, a city steeped in history and renowned for its rich Roman heritage. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mérida boasts an impressive collection of well-preserved Roman ruins, including the magnificent theatre, the grand amphitheater, and the iconic Roman bridge. We explore these ancient treasures, stepping back in time to witness the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

You will have free time to wander the city, perhaps visiting other historical landmarks or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the town.

We then continue our journey to Córdoba, once the capital of the mighty Caliphate, where the echoes of its rich cultural past await us.

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.

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid. Today, we depart southwest, travelling through an industrial and agricultural region that holds significant importance within Europe. As we continue our journey, we arrive in Zaragoza, the capital city of Aragón, situated along the banks of the mighty Ebro River, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Known as Caesar Augusta during the Roman period, Zaragoza has played an important role in Spanish history, with many fascinating stories to tell.

Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the impressive Baroque architecture of the Basilica-Temple of Our Lady of Pilar, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Take in the grandeur of this stunning building and the surrounding sights before we continue our journey to Madrid.

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