Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Get ready for the ultimate 9-day trip to Spain and Portugal! After touching down in Madrid, head to the hotel where you'll mingle with your tour group and tour leader. Once the group is all ready, head out and discover the incredible Spanish capital on a guided tour. Be sure to look out for the top attractions in Madrid! Afterwards, explore the city some more on your own. Later, chat and learn about your tour group as you enjoy the first night together on tour over an included dinner.

Say 'adiós' to Madrid and travel to Toledo, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town. This ancient walled town features Gothic architectural influences as well as a spectacular Cathedral that visitors will remember forever! The next stop is Granada, a Moorish city steeped in history and culture in the south of Spain. Upon arrival, the tour group will embark on an orientation tour of this enchanting city with your expert tour leader. Be sure to listen for fun facts and interesting nuggets about Granada and this region in general. Tonight, choose to join the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing for a delicious introduction to local cuisine and wine. Please note that this optional excursion must be booked before the start of the tour.

This morning, traverse the city of Granada or join the optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. Please note that this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Ronda is next on the route and situated on either side of Tajo Gorge. Marvel at the scenic landscape visible from ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge), one of the most popular attractions in the area, and grab lunch here. Today's last stop is Seville, Spain’s most romantic city! Make the most of some free time in the stunning Plaza de Espana before checking into the hotel and enjoying an included dinner.

Today is all about exploring Seville's magic and history. A guided city tour with an expert local guide kicks off the day's activities. After that, enjoy the remainder of the day your way! Your first option is touring the Alcázar and Cathedral of Seville on an optional excursion. Alternatively, choose to explore the incredible views at Metropol Parasol or opt for a trip to the Museum of Flamenco. Otherwise, why not explore the city on foot and see where its charm guides you? According to legend, the city was discovered by Hercules himself. This evening, take advantage of the opportunity to experience what Seville is famous for – tapas and flamenco! Join tonight's optional excursion for an unforgettable cultural immersion.

The next stop, Lisbon, Portugal, is calling! En route, discover Portugal's breathtaking southern coastal region, the Algarve, with shimmering beach fronts and impressive cliffs. A comfort stop at one of these beaches provides the perfect opportunity to add some colour to your skin or cool off in the bright blue ocean. Upon arrival in Lisbon, a driving tour showcases this capital city's top attractions, including the grandeur of Sao Jorge Castle and the charm of the old town's array of colours. This evening concludes with an included dinner.

Discover the beauty of Lisbon your way today! From incredible attractions like the Monument of the Discoveries and Belém Tower to the district of Bairro Alto on a hilltop, Lisbon offers a lot to explore. Otherwise, opt for an optional excursion to Sintra. This scenic village is Portugal's capital of Romanticism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for incredible monuments. Tuck into a delicious lunch after a visit to Pena Palace or choose to partake in another optional excursion to Fátima – the most renowned pilgrimage site in Portugal. Fado music is a cultural highlight in Portugal, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to discover it. This ancient folk music unique to Portugal can be enjoyed in many of the nearby bars!

Today, the tour continues to Porto with a stop in Obidos en route. Explore the thin cobblestone roads, scenic homes and impressive castle in this bolstered town. Next, say hello to Porto where the country's top export, Port wine, is produced. Traverse Porto on a guided tour by foot and marvel at top attractions like the Ponte Dom Luis bridge across the Douro River and the Clerigos Tower. This afternoon, make the most of your time in Porto by sipping on the country's famous Port wine at an included tasting. Tonight, join the optional Evening on the Douro excursion for a cruise along the picturesque Douro River with a memorable gastronomical experience!

The tour leaves Portugal today as we traverse the stunning countryside on our way back to Spain. Before exiting Portugal, enjoy a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful cathedral city with defensive walls that date back centuries! Later, arrive in Salamanca and set off on a tour with a local guide. See and learn about top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and the Art Deco Casa Lis museum before enjoying free time in the Plaza Mayor. End the day with an included dinner before the last day of tour tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.

This exciting and jam-packed Spain and Portugal tour concludes after nine days of travel. Travel from Salamanca to Avila, a breathtaking city known for a plethora of Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as medieval walls that are still preserved. Finally, head back to Madrid for the conclusion of the tour. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange details with your new tour friends so you can stay in contact! Adiós !