Epic Iberian Adventure from Madrid to Barcelona

Upon your arrival in Madrid, well be ready to transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Once you've settled in, enjoy some leisure time before the tour officially begins. For details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers, please consult the information signs in the hotel reception. This evening, well take you to the vibrant area of Plaza Mayor and La Latina, renowned for its lively nightlife and excellent tapas restaurants. Here, you have the freedom to choose dining options that cater to your palate, with cuisines ranging from Indian and Chinese to Spanish and Middle Eastern. 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 of our itinerary in Madrid, we begin the morning with a comprehensive tour of the city's vibrant centre, showcasing notable landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and Plaza Mayor. Our exploration continues with a visit to Retiro Park, a serene haven in the heart of the city, where we will enjoy the tranquil lake and view the striking Palacio de Cristal. The day also includes a visit to Santiago Bernabu Stadium, home to the esteemed Real Madrid football club, with admission fully included. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. In the evening, we will provide a convenient return transfer to your hotel, rounding off an eventful day in the Spanish capital.

On the third day of our journey, we will depart from Madrid and make our way to Mrida, the capital of Extremadura. Here, we will explore the archaeological complex of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its remarkable preservation. Tickets for this site are included, allowing you to fully appreciate its historical significance. We will then enjoy some free time for lunch in the lively pedestrianised historic centre, which offers a variety of restaurants and a chance to soak up the local atmosphere.Afterwards, our journey continues into Portugal, where we will stop in vora, another city recognised by UNESCO for its heritage value. vora is known for its picturesque white streets, Renaissance palaces, and impressive cathedral. In the evening, we will arrive in Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, ready for another day of exploration.

In the morning, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring this captivating city known for its seven hills and charming neighbourhoods. As we wander through its alleys, you'll experience the unique atmosphere of "saudade" and appreciate the beautifully intricate tiles that adorn many buildings. Our tour includes a visit to the Belem district, renowned as the departure point for the great 15th-century Portuguese explorers. Here, you can delve into the city's rich maritime history. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisureyou might choose to discover the lively Bairro Alto and its scenic viewpoints, or perhaps consider an optional excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. In the evening, we'll return you to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a bustling area filled with vibrant cafs and bars, perfect for immersing yourself in the local nightlife.

Today, we will journey northward through Portugal to the revered pilgrimage site of Ftima. After our visit, we continue to Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. After lunch, we'll partake in a delightful 50-minute cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat, which offers a splendid view of the city's picturesque riverside. Following this, you'll have free time to wander through Porto's lively medieval Ribeira district, renowned for its quaint, narrow streets and historic merchant houses. Enjoy your exploration before we regroup and head to the hotel for the evening.

Today, we'll journey through Portugal's picturesque landscapes, starting with a visit to Braga. Here, we'll experience a ride on the world's oldest water-operated cable car to reach the iconic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where sweeping views over the region await. After exploring the sanctuary, it's worth descending via its scenic staircase for a different perspective. Our route continues into Spain, as we make our way to Galicia, where we'll discover the historic town of Cambados in the Ras Baixas region. Here, we embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ra de Arousa, where we'll learn about the region's renowned mussel and oyster farming practices. During the excursion, you'll have the chance to sample local wines and freshly harvested mussels. Following this, we'll arrive in Santiago de Compostela, where a local guide will lead us on a tour of the citys medieval streets and famous pilgrimage sites, all steeped in history from the Middle Ages.

As we continue our journey along the renowned Way of St. James, we reach Lugo, a city famed for its exceptional Roman wallsa UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to explore this historic town centre, which seamlessly blends ancient roots with vibrant modern life. Our next stop is the picturesque village of O Cebreiro in Galicia, known for its distinctive stone buildings and rich cultural heritage. Afterwards, we proceed to the city of Len, where we will arrive just in time for lunch. Here, we will visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its stunning stained-glass windows, and enjoy wandering through the charming historical centre. Our route then takes us across the Cantabrian Range towards Asturias, concluding our day in the lively city of Oviedo by the evening. Either upon arrival or the following morning, we will enjoy a guided city tour covering must-see attractions, including the 9th-century cathedral, the striking Calatrava Congressional Palace, and the renowned Campoamor Theatre. The day's adventures culminate in a traditional Asturian dinner at a typical cider house.

We continue our adventure by exploring the majestic Picos de Europa, commencing with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga a site of great historical significance and natural beauty. From here, we follow the scenic coastline to Santillana del Mar, renowned for its well-preserved medieval quarter. Here, we explore the Altamira Cave Museum (tickets provided) and delve into the regions prehistoric art heritage. Our journey continues to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. This elegant coastal city, nestled between mountains and the sea, offers a splendid panorama. We'll uncover its charm during a guided panoramic tour, embracing the city's vibrant culture and stunning bay views.

On the ninth day of our journey, we'll continue along the Cantabrian coastline, marvelling at the dramatic scenery where mountains meet the sea. Our path leads us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, we'll enjoy a brief guided tour, uncovering the vibrant Guggenheim area, the historical old quarter, and the captivating Cathedral. Following our tour, youll have the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine by sampling some authentic pintxos during your free time.Later, our travels take us into the heart of La Rioja, a region celebrated worldwide for its exquisite wines. We'll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones, providing an insightful glimpse into the timeless craft of winemaking. As the day draws to a close, we'll make our way to Zaragoza, where we'll arrive in the evening, ensuring you have time to settle in and enjoy the local surroundings.

We begin our day in Zaragoza with a panoramic tour guided by a local expert. Our first stop is the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an architectural gem that is both a cultural and religious icon. Following this, we'll explore some of the remarkable works by the famed painter Goya. The tour continues with visits to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, before we enjoy a leisurely stroll past the Aljafera Palace, a stunning example of Moorish architecture.Post-lunch, our adventure takes us to Catalonia to visit the stunning Poblet Abbey. This impressive walled monastery, beautifully nestled in its scenic surroundings, is among the best-preserved medieval monasteries worldwide. Admission to the abbey is included. As our day unfolds, we journey further to Barcelona, arriving in the evening, ready to explore the vibrant and dynamic energy of this iconic city.

On our eleventh day, we will immerse ourselves in a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Nestled beside the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is celebrated for its vibrant culture, with highlights including Gaud's modernist architectural masterpieces and the bustling energy of Las Ramblas. The city boasts a rich history, having hosted landmark events such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. You will have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, we will arrange for a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary hub for dining and entertainment by the sea, conveniently located near Plaza de Coln. Here, you can wander along the lively area, indulging in the diverse dining choices available, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.

We will journey south along the Mediterranean coast, with a stop in Pescola, a picturesque medieval walled city graced with beautiful beaches. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the charming scenery. Our journey continues to Valencia, where we will arrive around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you will experience a guided tour led by a local expert who will introduce you to this vibrant port city on the Levantine coast. Valencia boasts more than 2000 years of history, where ancient monuments blend seamlessly with the modern architectural marvel of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, we invite you to indulge in a traditional local dinner, giving you a taste of Valencia's rich culinary heritage.

Today, we depart from Valencia and head towards the picturesque city of Alicante. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along its charming coast, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this lovely seaside destination. After lunch, we'll set out for the Murcia region to explore Caravaca de la Cruz, a city recognised by the Roman Catholic Church as a Holy City. It's renowned for housing a relic of the Cross. We'll include a delightful ride on the tourist train, offering a unique perspective of the historic area. The day continues with a scenic drive as we journey along captivating roads towards Andalusia, finally arriving in the vibrant city of Granada. A delightful dinner awaits us, rounding off a day filled with diverse cultural experiences.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Granada. If your package includes tickets, we will have the privilege of visiting the iconic Alhambra Palace and its enchanting Generalife Gardensboth splendid artefacts from the Arab era that stand as testament to artistic and architectural brilliance. In the afternoon, you are free to roam the city at your own pace. Make sure to visit the city's cathedral, which holds the tombs of the revered Catholic Monarchs. Please note: Due to strict regulations, entry to the Alhambra is limited. To secure your visit, tickets will need to be confirmed at the time of booking, necessitating accurate personal details such as full name and passport or ID number. Bear in mind that ticket costs are non-refundable. In the unlikely event that a visit to the Alhambra is not feasible, we will arrange an alternative tour of the Royal Alczar of Seville, which offers comparable historical and architectural significance.

On day 15, we depart from Granada and make our way towards the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, starting with a visit to Malaga. Here, you'll have time to explore the historic district, renowned for its impressive cathedral and the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the citys famous son. We then journey along the scenic coastal highway, taking in splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea. Our next stop is Puerto Bans in Marbella, a glamorous marina famed for its luxury yachts and vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, we venture into the mountains, where tales of local bandits spring to life as we continue to Ronda. This charming white-washed town is renowned for its dramatic clifftop position, offering spectacular vistas over the surrounding countryside and its impressive gorge. Finally, we arrive in Seville by evening, where a delightful dinner awaits us at the hotel.

Today, we fully immerse ourselves in the lively spirit of Seville. Our morning begins with a guided city tour, showcasing the architectural grandeur of Seville Cathedral, with its iconic Giralda tower. We then explore the picturesque surroundings along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and wander through the character-filled streets of Santa Cruz and Triana, neighbourhoods brimming with history and culture. After the tour, we invite you to unwind on a leisurely boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, taking in the cityscape from a refreshing perspective. As night falls, you might choose to experience the passion and energy of a traditional flamenco show at a local tablaoa truly memorable way to conclude the day.

Today, we depart Seville and journey through the picturesque Guadalquivir Valley to reach Crdoba, a city renowned for its Islamic heritage as the capital of the Caliphate of Crdoba. Accompanied by a local guide, well explore the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral, with entrance included, a monumental symbol of religious and cultural fusion. Well also wander through the historic Jewish Quarter, famed for its maze of narrow lanes and vibrant, flower-adorned patiosauthentic expressions of the citys charm. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we continue our journey into Castilian territories, pausing in Consuegra. Here, youll have the opportunity to admire Spains iconic landscape, characterised by 12 giant windmills and a medieval castle that overlooks the La Mancha plains. Well visit the Rucio Windmill, enriching our understanding of the areas history, before making our way to Madrid as the day closes.

On our final day in Madrid, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the incredible experiences from your journey. Our tour concludes here, but the memories you've made will linger long after your departure.