Iberian Circuit (Without Alhambra)

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

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.

We’ll depart early for southern Portugal, enjoying beautiful landscapes as we cross the long bridge over the Tagus River. Upon arrival in the Algarve, the southern region of Portugal, we´ll explore the historic city of Lagos, known for its port from where Portuguese ships once sailed to Brazil, and its charming historic center enclosed within ancient walls. There will be time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll travel to the westernmost point of continental Europe amidst windswept cliffs to discover Cape St. Vincent. Nearby, we´ll have the opportunity to photograph the historic Sagres fortress. Later, we´ll spend time in Albufeira, a stunning coastal city where you can relax on its beaches or wander through its lively historic center. Accommodation will be provided in Albufeira or a neighboring city in the Algarve.

We’ll travel to Faro, the peaceful city of the Algarve, for a leisurely stroll. From there, we’ll continue our journey into the Alentejo region. On the banks of the Guadiana River, we’ll visit Mértola, a walled townmuseum, an important center during the Muslim era, dominated by its large castle that invites us to wander through its streets lined with whitewashed houses and historical corners. We’ll then continue to Évora, where we’ll visit the Chapel of Bones (admission included), a unique chapel built with more than 5,000 skeletons. Afterward, we’ll explore this walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings, and ancient Roman temple.

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 travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest wateroperated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glassbottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll visit O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. Our journey will continue to León, where we’ll arrive at lunchtime. In León, we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stainedglass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center. We’ll then cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. We’ll include a tour of the city with a local guide, either upon arrival or the following morning. During this hourandahalf tour, we’ll visit the 9thcentury cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua. A traditional Asturian dinner will be included in typical cider house.

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its wellpreserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

We’ll follow the motorway along the Cantabrian coast, passing through stunning landscapes where mountains meet the sea. Our journey will lead us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. There, we´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. Following the tour, you´ll have free time to savor authentic "pintxos". Later, we´ll continue our travels to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines. We´ll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to delve into the ancient art of winemaking. We´ll arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.

We’ll start the day with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the CathedralBasilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We´ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces. The tour will move on to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After lunch, we’ll head to Catalonia to visit the Poblet Abbey, a stunning walled monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. It is one of the bestpreserved medieval monasteries in the world (tickets included). Our journey will then take us to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the evening.

In the morning, we´ll embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, renowned as one of the most fascinating European capitals. This vibrant city, nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, is famous for Gaudi’s modernist architecture, the bustling Ramblas, and its rich history, highlighted by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics hosted here. You´ll have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining complex by the sea, located near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lively area and choose from a variety of dining options.

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a charming walled town by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, a vibrant port city on the Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Will you try the famous paella? At approximately 04:30 p. m. , we’ll continue our journey to Madrid, but not before making a brief stop at the avantgarde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. We’ll arrive in Madrid between 08:30 and 09:00 p. m. As a way of welcoming you to the city, we’ll include a transfer to the Plaza Mayor, a popular spot to enjoy pinchos or wine at one of its many restaurants. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by highspeed train.

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. Free time in the afternoon. We recommend visiting the Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or strolling through the Albaicín neighborhood and enjoying the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Note: We remind you that the tour you have purchased does not include admission to the Alhambra in Granada. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, we suggest doing it through their official website: https://tickets. alhambrapatronato. es or through companies that organize visits to the city.

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 leave Seville, traveling through pleasant landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pasturelands 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. You´ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the vibrant pedestrian historic center, filled with restaurants and local charm. We will then continue to Portugal, stopping in Évora, another World Heritage Site, known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We’ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

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