Journey Through Vibrant Iberian Capitals

Upon your arrival in Lisbon, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once settled in, you can enjoy some leisure time to begin exploring the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, detailed information regarding the start of your tour will be readily available on boards located in the hotel reception area. This preliminary day offers you the chance to relax and acquaint yourself with the vibrant atmosphere of Portugal's charming capital. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we will start by delving into the captivating cityscape of Lisbon, famously set upon seven hills. As we journey through the city, youll experience the allure of its narrow alleys and the timeless charm of its iconic tiles. Lisbon's unique atmosphere is enriched by the Atlantic light and a sense of "saudade," a longing that adds to its captivating character. Our exploration will take us to the historic Belem neighbourhood, a place of significant maritime history. Here, you can imagine the great Portuguese explorers setting sail to traverse the oceans in the 15th century. In the afternoon, youll have the freedom to explore further, perhaps wandering through the vibrant Bairro Alto with its panoramic views. For those interested, an optional excursion is available to visit the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. We will reconvene in the evening at Restauradores Square, alive with lively bars and cafes, before returning to the hotel.

On the third day, we depart early from Portugal, journeying through the enchanting Alentejo region. Our first stop is Estremoz, a delightful town where we pause for a coffee break. Known for its medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and serene ambience, Estremoz beautifully captures the essence of Portuguese culture. Continuing on, we make our way to Cceres in Spain. Here, you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore its historic centre, which boasts an impressively well-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban landscape. As the day proceeds, we travel onward to Madrid, reaching this vibrant city by evening. Upon arrival, we transfer you to the lively Plaza Mayor, where restaurants and dynamic city life await.

The day in Madrid promises to be full of exploration and discovery. We start the morning with a thorough tour of the city's central highlights, including the elegant Paseo del Prado, the iconic fountains of Cibeles and Neptuno, and the impressive structures of Puerta de Alcal. We will also see the lively Plaza de Coln and surrounding area, culminating at the historic Plaza Mayor. Then, we visit Retiro Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Madrid, where you can relax by the lake and admire the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Following this, we will offer you entry to the renowned Santiago Bernabu Stadium, the famed home of Real Madrid and a must-visit for football enthusiasts. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, allowing time to delve into Madrid's rich culture or perhaps enjoy some shopping. In the evening, we will conveniently transport you back to the hotel to unwind after a day rich with the quintessential sights of this vibrant capital.

On the fifth day, we begin our journey from Madrid, travelling through the scenic plains of Castile towards the region of Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we will visit the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillara revered site renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. After taking in the beauty of Zaragoza, we continue to the tranquil Poblet Abbey. This remarkable site, with its well-preserved medieval structures, offers a glimpse into monastic life from centuries past. We include entry tickets for you to explore this historical gem. As evening approaches, we will make our way to Barcelona, where you can begin to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city.

We will start the day with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, celebrated for its dynamic culture, unique modernist architecture by Antoni Gaud and its scenic location by the Mediterranean Sea. You'll experience the bustling energy of the Ramblas and note the city's rich history showcased during events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the afternoon, you have time to explore at your own paceperhaps delve into local culture, visit museums, or simply wander through the city's diverse neighbourhoods. As evening sets in, we'll take you to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining hub beside the sea, conveniently near Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk and choose from an array of dining options, relishing the lively atmosphere.

On the seventh day, we venture southwards along the Mediterranean coast, pausing in the enthralling town of Pescola. This medieval walled city is perched by the sea and boasts captivating beaches an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. We then make our way to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, a local guide will lead us on a tour of this historic port city on the Levantine coast. With a rich history spanning over 2000 years, Valencia beautifully blends ancient monuments with the striking modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After soaking in the city's unique charm, you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. To cap off the day, we'll gather for a traditional local dinner, savouring the flavours of this vibrant region.

Today, we'll continue our journey to the captivating city of Alicante. You'll have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk along the scenic coastline. After lunch, we'll head to the Murcia region to explore Caravaca de la Cruz, designated as a Holy City by the Roman Catholic Church. Here, we'll visit the church, which houses a relic of the Cross. A highlight of our visit is a ride on the tourist train to the historic area. Our adventure doesn't end here well travel through picturesque landscapes as we make our way to the heart of Andalusia, concluding our day in the vibrant city of Granada, where dinner will be provided.

We have an entire day to immerse ourselves in the splendour of Granada. For those whose tour includes tickets, we will explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its exquisite Generalife Gardens, showcasing the brilliance of the Arab period. These sites are a highlight for many, steeped in history and architectural beauty. In the afternoon, you will have free time to wander the charming streets of Granada, where you might visit the cathedral, renowned for housing the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs. Please note that entrance to the Alhambra is strictly regulated, requiring personal details such as your full name and passport or ID number at the time of booking to secure admission. The cost of these tickets is non-refundable should you decide to cancel. On the rare occasion that access to the Alhambra is not possible, we will ensure you dont miss out by arranging a visit to the equally significant Royal Alczar of Seville.

Today, we'll depart from Granada and make our way to the enchanting Costa del Sol. Our first stop is Malaga, where you'll have time to explore the charming historic district, home to its impressive cathedral and the renowned Picasso Museum. Continuing along the scenic coastal highway, we'll relish the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea as we journey towards Puerto Bans in Marbella. This sophisticated marina is celebrated for its elegance and lively atmosphere.In the afternoon, our travels will take us through the mountains, dotted with tales of legendary bandits, to the picturesque town of Ronda. Perched dramatically over a deep gorge, Ronda is famed for its breathtaking vistas and whitewashed buildings. As we wind down the day, we'll proceed to Seville, arriving in the evening where a delightful dinner awaits at the hotel.

Today, we'll dive into the heart of Seville with a captivating city tour. We'll explore the majestic cathedral, known for its iconic Giralda tower, and stroll along the Guadalquivir River. Wander through the enchanting neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural tapestry. Later, take a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir, where you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the city's skyline. As the day winds down, consider attending an optional flamenco show at a traditional tablao to experience the passionate rhythms and dances that Seville is famous for.

As we depart from Seville, we'll journey through the gentle landscapes of rolling hills and vast pasturelands on our way to Extremadura. Our first stop will be Mrida, where we'll explore the impressive Archaeological Ensemble, featuring a remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatreboth recognised as World Heritage Sites. After our visit, you'll have some time to enjoy lunch and perhaps wander through the lively pedestrianised historic centre, which boasts a variety of restaurants and some local flair. Our adventure continues as we cross into Portugal, making a stop in vora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its picturesque whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and striking cathedral. We'll reach Lisbon by evening.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the journey.