From Madrid's Charm to Lisbon's Light

Upon your arrival in Madrid, we will be there to transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Spend some leisurely time settling in until your tour kicks off. Make sure to check the hotel reception for information about the evening's welcome meeting, where you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers. As the night unfolds, we'll whisk you away to the charming Plaza Mayor and the bustling La Latina neighbourhood, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and tempting tapas bars. Delight in the culinary options on offer and choose a dining experience that suits your taste, with a selection from Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. 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.

Our day in Madrid begins with an engaging exploration of the city centre. We'll take in iconic sights such as the Paseo del Prado, the ornate Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, and the historic Puerta de Alcala. We'll also visit Plaza de Colon and the bustling Plaza Mayor, offering a rich tapestry of Madrid's vibrant atmosphere. Following this, we'll unwind in the verdant Retiro Park, a tranquil retreat featuring a scenic lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal.A highlight of the day is our visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the revered Real Madrid football club. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether that's exploring further, relaxing, or sampling local cuisine. In the evening, we'll ensure a comfortable return to the hotel, capping off an inspiring day in the Spanish capital.

In the morning, we journey from Madrid, heading into the heart of Aragon through the landscapes of Castile. Our first destination is Zaragoza, where we'll marvel at the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a revered site of great beauty. Our travels then take us to the tranquil Poblet Abbey, a wonderfully preserved medieval monastery, where entry is included. As the day concludes, we continue onwards, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona by evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a city celebrated for its captivating blend of modernist architecture by Gaudi, lively streets, and rich historical significance as a host of the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona's allure is unmistakable. Following our tour, you'll have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we'll organise a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining hub located by the sea near Plaza de Colon. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely evening, choosing from a selection of dining options in a vibrant seafront setting.

We begin our day travelling south along the Mediterranean coast, with our first stop being the enchanting medieval town of Peniscola. Known for its charming fortified walls and stunning beaches, you'll have the opportunity to wander through its picturesque streets. Our journey then takes us to Valencia, where we arrive around lunchtime. In the afternoon, a guided tour will allow you to explore this port city on the Levantine coast, rich with over two millennia of history. The city's skyline highlights a blend of historic monuments and the avant-garde architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you'll have free time to discover more at your leisure. In the evening, we will savour a traditional local dinner together, offering you a true taste of Valencian cuisine.

We set off from Valencia towards the captivating city of Alicante, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk along its picturesque coastline. After lunch, our journey takes us to the Murcia region for a visit to Caravaca de la Cruz. Recognised as a Holy City by the Roman Catholic Church, this significant site houses a revered relic of the Cross. While there, we include a ride on the tourist train, taking you to the historic area for a deeper insight into its spiritual heritage. As our adventure continues along scenic routes, we make our way to the vibrant city of Granada in Andalusia, where a delightful dinner awaits to conclude our day.

We will spend a full day in Granada, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace, with included tickets. This grandiose fortress, along with the exquisite Generalife Gardens, stands as a testament to the city's rich Arab heritage. In the event tickets are unavailable, we will arrange a visit to the Royal Alcazar of Seville, equally significant in historical and architectural value.

The afternoon is reserved for you to discover Granada at your own pace, with highlights including its cathedral and the resting place of the Catholic Monarchs.

We depart from Granada and head towards the renowned Costa del Sol. Our first stop is Malaga, where you can wander through its historic district, noted for its impressive cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Later, we continue along the scenic coastal highway, which offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, we visit Puerto Banus in Marbella, a dazzling and upscale marina perfect for a leisurely stroll. Our journey then takes us through the mountains, where we hear tales of local bandits, before arriving at the charming mountain town of Ronda. Known for its dramatic position atop a cliff and the deep gorge that splits the town, Ronda provides a unique perspective on Spanish culture. We conclude the day by travelling to Seville, where you will enjoy an inclusive dinner at the hotel upon arrival.

We begin our day in Seville with a guided city tour, where you'll explore the city's vibrant history and culture. Highlights include the magnificent cathedral, crowned by the Giralda bell tower, and the scenic banks of the Guadalquivir River. As we walk through the charming neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, breathe in the lively atmosphere that defines this beautiful city. Afterwards, unwind with a relaxing boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, offering stunning panoramic views of Seville from the water. In the evening, immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms of local culture with an optional visit to a popular flamenco tablao, where the soulful music and dances of Andalusia come to life.

Leaving Seville, we venture through the picturesque landscapes of undulating hills and vast pasturelands as we head towards the region of Extremadura. Our first stop is Merida, where we will visit the Archaeological Ensemble, a World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. You will have time to enjoy lunch and explore the vibrant pedestrian historic centre, which is brimming with character and local dining options. As we continue our journey, we cross into Portugal and arrive at Evora, another World Heritage Site. This charming city is famous for its whitewashed streets, stunning Renaissance palaces, and impressive cathedral. We will conclude the day's travels by reaching Lisbon in the evening.

In the morning, we'll set out on a tour of Lisbon, Portugal's enchanting capital, famously spread over seven hills. Discover the city's picturesque winding streets and its iconic azulejos tiles while soaking up the unique "saudade" atmosphere and the distinctive Atlantic light. Our visit includes the historic Belem district, a site linked to Portugal's age of exploration, where renowned navigators embarked on their global voyages in the 15th century. You'll have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. We recommend a visit to Bairro Alto, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, consider an optional excursion to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. As the day winds down, we'll return to our hotel after a visit to Restauradores Square, a vibrant area known for its lively bars and cafes.

We leave Portugal early today, travelling through the picturesque Alentejo region with a stop for coffee in Estremoz, a charming town celebrated for its medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and delightful architecture, all of which exude authentic Portuguese charm. Afterwards, we cross into Spain, heading towards Caceres. Here, you can enjoy lunch and explore its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its superbly preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Our journey then continues to Madrid, where we will arrive in the evening.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, bringing your explorative journey to an end. We hope your time with us has left you with a collection of cherished memories to take home. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!