Spain & Portugal in Low Season

Get ready for an unforgettable experience on this 12-day Spain and Portugal tour! After meeting up with your tour leader and travel companions in Madrid this morning, hit the road to Toledo. Upon arrival, head out on an orientation tour of this UNESCO World Heritage town with its fairytale architecture and natural landscapes. Then, travel to the south of Spain for the next stop, Granada. This Moorish city is packed with history, culture and many tales! This evening, join the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing to tuck into local gastronomy. Take note that the optional has to be booked prior to the start of the tour.

Start the day with an exciting optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace, one of the top sights to see in Spain. For that reason, this optional excursion must be booked in advance. Otherwise, spend the morning exploring Granada as you wish! Next, journey to Costa del Sol for some sunny experiences. Admire the remarkable Aqueduct Eagle on the way to the beautiful town of Nerja. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour before journeying to the coastal city of Malaga, famed for its stunning beaches, incredible architecture and palpable arts and culture. Embark on a city tour with your tour leader before enjoying free time to explore. Join the group this evening for an included dinner.

This morning after breakfast, travel towards Ronda, a mountaintop city on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. This city is famous for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Head out on an orientation tour to savour the scenic views and learn more about this beloved bridge. Next, journey to Seville, the city known as the “Pearl of Andalusia". Arrive and embark on a locally guided tour of this enchanting city's sights, including the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes and the extraordinary Plaza de Espana. This imposing public square is home to some of Spain's most stunning examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival Spanish architecture. This evening, visit a local restaurant for an included dinner.

Today is a free day to make the most of your time in Seville! Choose to join the optional excursion visiting the stunning Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of these destinations is a Spanish travel highlight on its own, showcasing awe-inspiring architecture. Otherwise, the day is free to explore as you wish. You could meander through the city and visit the Museum of Flamenco where the iconic Spanish dance was born. This evening, join the optional Flamenco show and dinner for a firsthand look into colourful Spanish culture!

This morning, journey onwards to Portugal! Today's first stop is the stunning Algarve. This southern coastal region is a masterpiece of picturesque destinations, two of which are upcoming stops. First, travel to Tavira and embark on an orientation tour. Take note of some of the town's highlights, such as the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. Next, visit a local cork factory to learn more about this area's rich biodiversity and taste some liquor! Lastly, travel to the capital of the Algarve region, Faro. This destination is home to a quaint and picturesque old town encircled by stunning mountain scenes. Head out on an orientation tour to see the historic centre and marvel at architectural beauties like the Faro Cathedral.

Leave the Algarve behind after breakfast and journey towards Lisbon, the enchanting capital city of Portugal. Upon arrival, head out on an expertly guided driving tour to see this historic city's stunning sights. While driving along the Tagus River, learn more about Lisbon's interesting history and spot must-see attractions like the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Tomorrow's a free day, so make a list of things you'd like to explore more in-depth. After hotel check-in, enjoy some free time and sit down for an included group dinner, a three-course meal consisting of delectable local foods.

Take full advantage of today's free day in Lisbon! Now's your chance to explore some of yesterday's attractions in more detail. Or, meander through the bohemian Bairro Alto neighbourhood and stop by the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge. For an unmissable experience, join the optional trip slightly further out to Fátima. Portugal's top religious pilgrimage site is home to limestone Coin Caves and the imposing Sanctuary of Fátima. Later, embark on the highly recommended half-day optional trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fairytale sights, which is also the Romanticism capital of Portugal. Enjoy a tour of the vibrant Pena Palace followed by a delicious dinner. Today, the choice is yours and there are no wrong decisions!

Leave Lisbon behind today in exchange for the iconic Porto. On the way, stop in Obidos for an orientation tour to uncover this medieval town's picturesque houses, an impressive castle and the twists and turns of its cobbled streets. Then, visit the stunning seaside town of Nazaré, where the world's biggest waves can be found! This afternoon, arrive in Porto and enjoy a guided walking and driving tour to learn more about Portugal's second-largest city's top attractions, such as the famed Ponte Dom Luis crossing the River Douro. Next, enjoy a Port wine tasting and discover why it's the country's best-known export. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner before hotel check-in.

Bid Porto a " bom dia " and get ready to explore the sights of Porto on a full free day! You'll be spoilt for choice with things to do in one of Portugal's oldest cities. Stroll along the banks of the Douro as you explore Ribeira, the most vibrant and lively area in Porto! Or, head out of the city and discover Portugal’s charm on the Douro Valley & Guimarães optional excursion, where breathtaking views, rich history, and local wine tastings await. Choose to join this evening's optional live Fado show. Soak up Portuguese musical culture before tucking into a three-course meal at a local restaurant with Douro River views!

This morning, bid Portugal " adeus " before the journey back to Spain begins. Across the border, stop in the historic and artistic Spanish city of Ciudad Rodrigo. Embark on an orientation tour and uncover more about this fortified city. The city's Old Town is surrounded by well-preserved city walls from the 12th century and is home to intriguing history and exquisite architecture. Then, journey to Salamanca. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the myths and historical sights. One of Europe's oldest universities, the University of Salamanca, can be found here along with 12th and 16th-century cathedrals that will take your breath away. Tonight, enjoy a local feast at a three-course dinner.

This Spain & Portugal exploration has one more stop before heading back to Madrid to wrap up the tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and arrive in Avila, Spain's highest provincial capital at 1,130m above sea level. Marvel at the widespread countryside views! Explore the medieval city walls and Romanesque and Gothic churches that this city is famous for. Next, journey back to Madrid and embark on a city tour with a local guide upon arrival. Be sure to take note of the top attractions, such as the buzzing Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel to the grand Royal Palace. Sit down for a farewell dinner with the group this evening.

Today, end off 12 days of exploring Spain and Portugal's top attractions and hidden gems during low season with one last breakfast. Be sure to exchange contact details with your new travel family! We wish you safe travels ahead and look forward to hosting you on tour again soon!