Spain & Portugal Seasonal Explorer - 12 Days

Embark on an inspiring 12-day tour of Spain and Portugal. This morning, we meet in Madrid with your tour leader and fellow travellers before setting off for Toledo. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkable architecture and picturesque landscapes.

Next, we journey south to Granada, a city rich in Moorish history and vibrant culture. This evening, you have the opportunity to indulge in the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing to savour authentic local cuisine—please remember this must be booked before the tour begins.

Begin your day with an optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace, a must-see destination in Spain. This trip requires advance booking. Alternatively, you can spend your morning exploring Granada at your leisure.

Later, we head to Costa del Sol, where we will enjoy sunny adventures. En route, admire the impressive Eagle Aqueduct before arriving in the charming town of Nerja for an orientation tour. We then continue to Malaga, a coastal city celebrated for its stunning beaches, splendid architecture, and vibrant arts scene.

Accompanied by your tour leader, embark on a city tour and afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, join the group for an included dinner.

After breakfast, we set off for Ronda, a mountaintop city renowned for the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge) spanning the Tajo Gorge. We’ll take an orientation tour to enjoy the stunning vistas and learn about this iconic structure.

Next, we proceed to Seville, often referred to as the “Pearl of Andalusia”. On arrival, we’ll join a guided tour to explore the city’s captivating landmarks, including the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, and Calle Sierpes. We will also visit the extraordinary Plaza de España, celebrated for its remarkable examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Moorish Revival architecture.

This evening, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant in Seville.

Today is a free day to explore the vibrant city of Seville at your leisure. You may wish to join our optional excursion to the magnificent Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, both celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their stunning architecture and rich history.

Alternatively, you can set your own pace and wander through Seville. Consider visiting the Flamenco Museum to delve into the origins of this iconic Spanish dance. In the evening, enhance your cultural experience by attending an optional traditional Flamenco show and dinner, offering an authentic taste of colourful Spanish traditions.

This morning, we head to Portugal, beginning our journey through the captivating Algarve region. The Algarve, known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, promises a day full of discovery.

Our first destination is Tavira, where we embark on an orientation tour of this charming town. You will see highlights such as the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Following this, we visit a local cork factory. Here, you can learn about the area's diverse ecosystems and enjoy a tasting session featuring a traditional liquor.

Our day continues as we venture to Faro, the Algarve's capital. This city boasts a delightful old town surrounded by scenic mountains. Join us on an orientation tour to explore the historic centre and admire architectural gems, including the Faro Cathedral.

After breakfast, we leave the Algarve and set off for Lisbon, Portugal's captivating capital. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided driving tour to explore the city's remarkable sights. As we travel along the scenic Tagus River, our guide will share fascinating insights into Lisbon's rich history, highlighting key landmarks such as the Monument to the Discoveries, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Belem Tower, all testaments to Portugal's Age of Exploration.

After we've checked into the hotel, you'll have some leisure time before we reconvene for a group dinner. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal featuring local culinary delights.

Make the most of your free day in Lisbon today. You have the opportunity to delve deeper into the attractions you explored yesterday. Wander through the bohemian Bairro Alto neighbourhood and visit the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge for stunning views of the city. Alternatively, join our optional trip to Fátima, a renowned religious pilgrimage site in Portugal. This excursion also includes a visit to the limestone Coin Caves and the impressive Sanctuary of Fátima.

Later, consider a highly recommended half-day optional visit to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Romanticism architecture. Here, you can explore the vibrant Pena Palace at your leisure. Today, the choice is entirely yours, with no wrong decisions.

Today, we depart Lisbon and set our sights on Porto. En route, we’ll stop in the medieval town of Óbidos for an orientation tour. Here, we'll explore charming cobbled streets, admire quaint houses, and see the impressive fortress. Next, we visit Nazaré, famous for its jaw-dropping, record-breaking waves.

This afternoon, we'll arrive in Porto and embark on a guided tour by both foot and vehicle. We’ll explore the city’s key attractions, including the iconic Ponte Dom Luís I bridge that spans the River Douro. Following this, we’ll indulge in a Port wine tasting and uncover why this beverage is one of Portugal's most celebrated exports.

Our day concludes with a group dinner before checking into our hotel.

Start your day in Porto by greeting the city with a cheerful "bom dia" and prepare to enjoy a day full of exploration at your own pace. Porto, one of Portugal's oldest cities, offers a myriad of activities to engage in. You might begin with a leisurely walk along the Douro River in Ribeira, the city's most dynamic area.

For a taste of local culinary tradition, consider trying your hand at making pastel de nata in an optional cooking class. You'll learn to create this iconic Portuguese pastry and celebrate your success with a glass of Port wine.

As evening approaches, you have the option to immerse yourself in traditional Portuguese culture by attending a live Fado show. Experience the evocative sounds of Fado music before dining on a three-course meal at a nearby restaurant, all while enjoying scenic views of the Douro River.

This morning, we bid farewell to Portugal as we head back into Spain. Our first stop is Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic city renowned for its artistic heritage. Here, we'll take an orientation tour to discover more about this fortified city, famed for its well-preserved 12th-century walls and captivating architecture.

We then continue to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a guided tour, you'll explore its magnificent historical landmarks, including the 12th and 16th-century cathedrals and the University of Salamanca, one of Europe's oldest educational institutions.

This evening, savour a delightful three-course dinner showcasing local culinary traditions.

Today, our journey through Spain and Portugal takes us from Salamanca to Avila, Spain's highest provincial capital, standing at 1,130 metres. In Avila, we'll enjoy sweeping countryside views and explore the city's renowned medieval walls and remarkable Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Afterwards, we return to Madrid for a guided city tour. Our local guide will introduce you to the city's highlights, including the lively Plaza Mayor, the bustling Mercado de San Miguel, and the majestic Royal Palace.

In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner, reflecting on our adventure together.

Today marks the end of our 12-day journey through the top attractions and hidden gems of Spain and Portugal during the low season. Enjoy one final breakfast with us. Don't forget to exchange contact information with your fellow travellers. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming you on another tour soon!