From Madrid's Charm to Lisbon's Light - 13 Days

Welcome to Madrid. On arrival at the airport, we transfer you to your hotel, after which you have free time until the tour begins. Please check the noticeboard at reception for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we include a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina – Madrid’s classic area for nightlife and tapas – where you can choose where to dine, with options including Spanish, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisines. 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.

Morning begins with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then visit Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure – you can explore independently. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel.

We depart Madrid in the morning and travel through Castile towards Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza to see the Cathedral–Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We then continue to the serene Poblet Abbey – one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries – with admission included. Afterwards, we head on to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city renowned for Gaudí and Modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas, and the legacy of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. We end at Maremagnum, the modern waterfront complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this vibrant area. The afternoon is at leisure – you can continue exploring at your own pace. We provide a return transfer to the hotel in the evening.

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean and stop in Peñíscola – a medieval walled town surrounded by beaches – where you can take a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon we tour with a local guide, exploring this port city on the Levantine coast with over 2,000 years of history, where monuments from different eras contrast with the modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. We include a traditional local dinner.

We continue through the Valencian Community to Alicante – a Mediterranean city of golden beaches and a charming historic quarter, where the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara stands out. You’ll have free time here for a relaxed stroll. We then cross the arid landscapes of the Region of Murcia, with a stop en route for lunch. Entering Andalusia, our first stop is Guadix, famous for its inhabited cave houses; its historic centre blends a Renaissance cathedral with traditional neighbourhoods and unique views of the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included.

We spend a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we visit the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens – masterpieces from the city’s Arab era. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore – the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, is a highlight.

Important note – Entry to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure admission, tickets are issued once your tour booking is confirmed, and you must provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In the rare event that the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.

We depart Granada and take in changing scenery as we leave the Sierra Nevada behind, then follow the Mediterranean along the area known as the Tropical Coast, where a mild climate supports crops such as guavas, mangoes and avocados – and formerly sugar cane. We stop in Nerja, a seaside town set by impressive cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol. Here you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the historic centre. Afterwards we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda, a white town famous for the dramatic gorge that divides it in two. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.

This morning we take a guided tour of Seville, taking in the cathedral and its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour we include a relaxing cruise on the Guadalquivir – a chance to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.

Leaving Seville, we travel through rolling hills and open pastureland towards Extremadura. In Mérida we include entry to the Archaeological Ensemble – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the remarkably preserved Roman theatre and amphitheatre. You’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll through the pedestrianised historic centre with its restaurants and local character. We then continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

This morning we set out on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the Portuguese capital of seven hills – taking in its narrow lanes, iconic tiles, a distinctive sense of saudade and the Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood, departure point for the great Portuguese navigators in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can wander at your own pace, perhaps heading to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint – or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening we provide a transfer back to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, known for its bars and cafés.

We depart Portugal early, crossing the picturesque Alentejo. We pause for a coffee stop in Estremoz – a charming town known for its medieval castle, cobbled streets and elegant architecture that reflect authentic Portuguese character. We then cross into Spain and reach Cáceres, where you can enjoy lunch and explore the historic centre – renowned as one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban complexes in the world. We continue to Madrid, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Madrid – our services end here. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope the memories of your journey stay with you long after you return home.