Andalusia and Portugal completely Madrid

Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll be ready to transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some free time until the tour begins. Please check the information signs in the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighborhood for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference—options include Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

The morning will begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, featuring highlights like Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. We’ll then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the city center, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid—considered by many to be the best football club in the world. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.

We will depart from Madrid early in the morning, heading south through La Mancha. Our first stop will be in Puerto Lápice, a charming Manchego village evocative of Don Quixote. We will then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros, arriving in Granada, where lunch will be included. In the afternoon, if you have chosen the option that includes a visit to the Alhambra, we will explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife Gardens, both built during the Arab period, with a local guide. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It´s essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are nonrefundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.

Departure from Granada. We´ll head towards the Costa del Sol. First stop, Malaga, where we´ll have time for a stroll through its historic district, famous for its cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Afterward, we´ll proceed along the coastal highway, enjoying picturesque views of the Mediterranean. Puerto Banús, in Marbella, is a stunning and sophisticated recreational harbor. In the afternoon, we´ll continue our journey through the mountains listening to stories of bandits before reaching Ronda, a picturesque white town known for its cliffside location and a deep canyon that divides the town. Finally, Seville. We’ll arrive in the evening and dinner will be included at the hotel.

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll see the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

We´ll depart from Seville amidst delightful landscapes of gentle mountains and vast pastures as we head towards Extremadura. In Mérida, admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, which features a Roman Theater and Amphitheater. This site is renowned for its excellent preservation and its designation as a World Heritage Site. There will be time to enjoy lunch and explore the lively pedestrian historic center, bustling with restaurants. Continuing into Portugal, we´ll arrive in Évora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its white streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. Free time will be available to explore.

Today we´ll travel amidst the beautiful landscapes of Alentejo. We´ll stop in Marvão, a very picturesque walled town that offers a fantastic panoramic view of the region. After that, we´ll get to know Castelo de Vide with its impressive castle. We´ll also have time to walk through its old Jewish quarter, where we can visit the medieval synagogue (now a museum) or explore the winding streets of the town. After lunch, we´ll continue to Tomar, a city renowned for the Convent of Christ, a former castleconvent that belonged to the Order of the Templars (admission included). Before arriving in Fátima, we´ll stop in Aljustrel, the village where the three young shepherds who witnessed Virgin Mary´s apparitions were born. We´ll have the opportunity to see Lucia´s house. Upon arrival in Fátima, you´ll have free time at the Sanctuary of Fátima, where you can watch the candlelight procession if you wish (not held in winter). Dinner will be included.

We’ll travel to the north of Portugal, arriving in Porto, the country’s secondlargest city, around 11:00 a. m. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a 50minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.

Today, we´ll experience the stunning landscapes of northern Portugal. We´ll begin with a stroll through Braga, known as the religious capital of Portugal, with its historic cathedral. Next, we´ll ascend to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus on the world´s oldest cable car, enjoying beautiful views. Afterward, we recommend you descend via the impressive staircase. Guimarães, Portugal´s first capital, awaits with its magnificent Palace of the Dukes. After lunch amidst picturesque vineyards, we´ll descend into the Douro Valley, passing by Sabrosa, the birthplace of Magellan. In Pinhão, we´ll explore its charming train station adorned with traditional tiles and enjoy a onehour cruise along the Douro River, showcasing the region´s beauty (from November to March, the cruise is not available, so it will be replaced with a scenic drive with stops at viewpoints along the Douro River). Finally, we´ll continue to Coimbra, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.

We´ll spend time in Coimbra, the third largest city in Portugal known for its old University and charming, steep streets. Continuing southward, we´ll stop at the Batalha Monastery (entrance fee included), an impressive medieval mausoleum of kings. There will be time for lunch and a stroll in Nazaré, a town of fishermen and a seaside resort. We´ll take the elevator that ascends to the old city (tickets included), offering impressive views of the ocean. As we travel towards Lisbon, we´ll make a stop in Óbidos, one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, with its picturesque white streets adorned with flowers. We´ll arrive in Lisbon at approximately 07:30 p. m.

In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.