Spanish Delights to Portuguese Charms - 8 Days

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we'll be on hand to arrange your transfer to the hotel. You'll have some free time to unwind and explore at your leisure until our tour officially begins. Don't forget to check the hotel's reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to the famous Plaza Mayor and the lively neighbourhood of La Latina, known for its vibrant nightlife and an array of tapas restaurants. You can choose a dining experience that suits your palate, with a variety of cuisines on offer, including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern. 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, our adventure in Madrid starts with an in-depth tour of the city's vibrant heart. We explore the elegant Paseo del Prado, home to some of Madrid's most prized art collections, as well as notable landmarks such as Cibeles, Neptuno, and Puerta de Alcal�. Our path takes us through Plaza de Col�n and brings us to the bustling Plaza Mayor, each location offering a glimpse into Madrid's rich history and culture. Continuing our journey, we retreat into the tranquillity of Retiro Park, a serene escape within the city, where we take in sights like the picturesque lake and the striking Palacio de Cristal. In the afternoon, we provide entry to the iconic Santiago Bernab�u Stadium, the legendary home of Real Madrid � a visit that offers insight into the world of one of football's most illustrious clubs. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing time to further explore or relax as you wish. A convenient transfer will return you to the hotel in the evening, rounding off a day filled with discovery and excitement.

As morning breaks, we set off from Madrid, journeying south through the captivating landscapes of La Mancha. Our first stop is Puerto L�pice, a quaint village that instantly transports us to the world of Don Quixote with its traditional Manchego charm. Continuing our adventure, we cross into the vibrant region of Andalusia via Despe�aperros and arrive in Granada just in time for lunch, which we have arranged for you.

The afternoon offers free time to explore. You might consider visiting the impressive Granada Cathedral, resting place of the Catholic Monarchs. Alternatively, wander through the historic Albaic�n neighbourhood, where you can soak in awe-inspiring views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicol�s.

Please note that while our tour does not cover entrance to the Alhambra, tickets can be purchased in advance from their official website or through local tour operators.

On day four, we depart from Granada and set off toward the Costa del Sol. Our first stop is in Malaga, where you'll have the opportunity to explore its historic district, famed for its beautiful cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Following this, we journey along the coastal highway, offering splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea. Our path leads us to Puerto Ban�s in Marbella, a chic and elegant marina that's a hub of recreation. In the afternoon, we venture through the mountains listening to tales of bandits as we approach Ronda, a captivating town perched on a cliff and divided by a dramatic gorge. Our day concludes as we arrive in Seville by evening, where dinner awaits at the hotel.

We begin the day in Seville with a guided city tour, where you'll discover the architectural splendour of the cathedral, crowned by the iconic Giralda tower. As we explore the vibrant streets, we'll visit the banks of the scenic Guadalquivir River and wander through the charming neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, each offering its own unique charm. Following the city tour, we invite you to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, which promises stunning panoramic views of the cityscape. In the evening, immerse yourself in the passionate artistry of flamenco with an optional visit to a renowned tablao, where you can witness this captivating dance form.

We'll depart from Seville and journey through the captivating landscapes of rolling hills and vast pasturelands that characterise Extremadura. Our first stop will be M�rida, where we've arranged admission to the esteemed Archaeological Ensemble, home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, recognised as a World Heritage Site for its historical significance. You�ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore the vibrant pedestrianised historic centre, which is brimming with local charm and a variety of dining options. Continuing our adventure, we�ll cross into Portugal, heading to �vora, another World Heritage Site celebrated for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and striking cathedral. We'll reach Lisbon in the evening, ready to explore more of the Iberian Peninsula.

We begin our day in Lisbon with a captivating tour of the city's most alluring sights. Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon enchants with its winding alleys, signature tiles, and evocative "saudade"�a unique longing pervasive in Portuguese culture. We will delve into the historic Belem neighbourhood, a place synonymous with Portugal's maritime bravado, where intrepid explorers once set sail during the Age of Discovery. In the afternoon, you have the freedom to explore further at your own pace�perhaps visiting Bairro Alto for its scenic viewpoint. For those interested in venturing beyond Lisbon, there is the option to visit the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Our day concludes with a return to the hotel from the bustling Restauradores Square, where vibrant bars and charming caf�s buzz with evening energy.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey concludes in Lisbon, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventures.