Madrid, Portugal and North of Spain

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 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.

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 travel to the north of Portugal, where we’ll visit Fátima, an important pilgrimage site. We’ll then continue to Porto, the country’s secondlargest city. After lunch, 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 medieval 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’ll travel to the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). Our journey will begin with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga. From there, we´ll follow the coastline to Santillana, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns with an intact medieval quarter. We´ll also visit the Altamira Cave Museum (tickets included), located nearby. Later, we’ll head to Santander, the capital of the region, a coastal city offering stunning views of both mountains and beaches. A panoramic tour with a local guide is included, allowing us to explore this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay.

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". We´ll continue towards Madrid. Arrival in the evening, around 08:00 p. m. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Bilbao to Madrid may be conducted by either regular coach or train service.

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