Portugal, Andalusia & Barcelona - 13 Days

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). Today, we set off from our established hotels in Madrid and journey towards the historic city of Salamanca. Along the way, we enjoy the changing landscapes as we approach this renowned University City, celebrated for its extraordinary architectural and artistic legacy and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After experiencing the charm of Salamanca, we continue across the Portuguese border, arriving in the vibrant city of Porto.

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.

After breakfast, we embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto, a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey takes us to admire the impressive Cathedral, the elegant Stock Exchange building, and the historic Santa Clara Church.

Later, we gain a unique perspective of the city as we travel along the Douro River, uncovering its rich heritage. To complete the experience, we visit one of Porto's renowned Port Wine Cellars, where we savour a wine tasting that brings the city’s flavours to life.

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. Today, we journey to Coimbra, a city renowned as the seat of one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado. As we arrive, the city’s rich history and academic legacy come alive.

Afterward, we continue to Fatima, a revered centre of Christian faith and pilgrimage. Here, we visit the awe-inspiring Basilica and the sacred Cova da Iria, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared. We also explore the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, which houses the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, who witnessed the apparitions. At night, you will the opportunity to attend the moving procession of candles.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Today, we depart for the Batalha Monastery, a stunning example of Gothic and Manueline architecture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then journey to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare, where the beauty of the coastal landscape captivates us.

After some free time to explore, we continue to Alcobaca, home to another World Heritage site, renowned for its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. Finally, we make our way to Lisbon, arriving in the vibrant Portuguese capital, ready to experience all it has to offer.

After breakfast this morning, we set off on a city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo. We explore its main squares and avenues, admire the Belem Tower, and visit the exterior of the Jerónimos Monastery, before stopping at the Monument to the Discoverers. In the afternoon, we have time to delve deeper into the city, wandering through its charming corners, such as the historic Alfama district.

Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba. Today, we depart towards Merida, the capital of Extremadura. Declared a World Heritage Site, Merida is celebrated for its rich historical heritage, particularly its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the theatre, amphitheatre, Roman bridge, and more. After some time to explore, we continue our journey to Córdoba, once the vibrant capital of the Caliphate.

Cordoba - Seville. Today, after breakfast, we embark on an impressive tour of Córdoba's Mosque and other notable sites, allowing us to soak in the tranquil atmosphere as we stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, a short two-hour ride brings us to Seville, where we’ll continue our journey.

Today, we begin with a panoramic city tour, visiting the magnificent Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome. We’ll explore the enchanting Santa Cruz quarter, the very setting that inspired “Carmen” and where the legend of “Don Juan” was born.

Our journey continues through the serene Maria Luisa Park and the stunning Plaza de España. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander the vibrant city, discovering its unique views and flavours, immersing yourself in its lively energy. Later, you can choose to join an optional Flamenco show to experience the passion of Andalusia’s traditional dance.

Seville - Granada. After breakfast, we drive east along the historic Caliphate Road, heading into the heart of Andalusia. As we journey, we pass endless olive groves, setting the scene for our arrival in Granada, a city renowned for its incredible monumental beauty. Once the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492, Granada’s rich history is evident in its stunning architecture.

We will visit the world-famous Alhambra complex and the tranquil Generalife Gardens, both of which have inspired countless authors, including Washington Irving in his “Tales of the Alhambra.” After a day of exploration, we check into our hotel. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a Flamenco Zambra show to experience the passionate rhythms of Andalusia.

Granada - Valencia. Today, we depart eastwards towards Valencia, one of the principal capitals of the Mediterranean coast. As we arrive, we are greeted by the impressive City of Arts and Sciences complex, a marvel of modern architecture that includes six iconic buildings: the Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanogràfic, Palau de les Arts, and Ágora. Known as the birthplace of the world-famous “Paella,” Valencia also offers a rich blend of culture and history to explore.

Valencia - Barcelona. This morning, we embark on a city tour of Valencia, beginning with a drive through the old town, where we admire its most prominent buildings. We then pass the old riverbed of the Turia, heading towards the avant-garde “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias,” where we are captivated by the striking exteriors of its six emblematic buildings.

In the early afternoon, we continue our journey north along the Mediterranean coast, making our way through Tarragona, the ancient Roman city of Tarraco, before arriving in Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalunya and the home of the famous architect Gaudí, whose works define the essence of Catalonian modernism.

This morning, after breakfast, we set off on a city tour of Barcelona, renowned worldwide for hosting the 1992 Olympic Games. We drive along the main avenues, passing impressive modernist buildings by Gaudí, such as La Pedrera, Casa Mila, and Casa Batlló, all of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We also visit Montjuïc Park, where we are treated to spectacular views of the city, the Olympic Ring, and the monument to Columbus. In the afternoon, we continue exploring this vibrant city, discovering its many attractions and indulging in its exquisite and varied gastronomy.

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid. Today, after our final breakfast, we depart southwest, travelling through an industrial and agricultural area of notable importance within Europe. Our journey takes us to Zaragoza, the capital city of Aragón, nestled on the banks of the Ebro River, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Zaragoza, once known as Caesar Augusta during Roman times, has played a significant role in Spanish history. We take some time to admire the impressive Baroque architecture of the Basilica-Temple of Our Lady of Pilar before continuing our journey back to Madrid.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included on this tour. You will be dropped back at a central Madrid hotel. The exact location can be confirmed on request after your booking, as drop off location varies by departure. You will need to make your own way to the airport or to your independently booked accommodation tonight.