Iberian Adventure Spain and Portugal Odyssey

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will arrange a seamless transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably. Take some free time to unwind and explore at your own pace before our adventure officially begins. Be sure to check the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting, where you will have the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers. As the evening sets in, we'll take you to the vibrant heart of Madrid's nightlife, Plaza Mayor and La Latina. Known for its lively atmosphere and delightful tapas restaurants, you'll have the freedom to choose from a variety of dining options, whether you fancy Indian, Chinese, Spanish, or Middle Eastern cuisine. 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.

We begin our day with a detailed tour of Madrid's vibrant city centre. Youll discover iconic landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, the stunning Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Our exploration continues with a visit to Retiro Park, an urban oasis where well admire the lake and the exquisite Palacio de Cristal. Next, we make our way to the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, the celebrated home of Real Madrid, where admission is included. Considered one of the best football clubs in the world, the stadium offers an insight into the glorious history of Spanish football. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perfect for exploring Madrids cultural delights at your own pace. As the day draws to a close, well provide a return transfer to your hotel, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

We set off early from Madrid and travel south through the storied landscapes of La Mancha. Our first stop is the charming village of Puerto Lpice, nestled in the heart of Manchego country, evoking the timeless tales of Don Quixote. Continuing our journey into Andalusia, we pass through the stunning gorge of Despeaperros before arriving in Granada, where a delightful lunch awaits. In the afternoon, for those who have opted to visit the Alhambra, we'll explore the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and the tranquil Generalife Gardens, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. These exquisite sites were crafted during the Arab period and stand as a testament to Granada's rich history. Please note: Access to the Alhambra is tightly regulated; therefore, it is crucial to provide accurate personal details when booking. Tickets are non-refundable upon cancellation, and in the rare event that a visit to the Alhambra isn't feasible, an equally enlightening tour of the Royal Alczar of Seville will be offered instead.

Our day begins as we leave Granada, setting off towards the vibrant Costa del Sol. Our first destination is Mlaga, where you'll have time to wander through the charming historic district, renowned for its impressive cathedral and the Picasso Museum. From there, our drive takes us along the scenic coastal highway, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.As we arrive in the sophisticated harbour town of Puerto Bans in Marbella, you'll have the chance to explore this luxurious setting, known for its elegant yachts and bustling marina. In the afternoon, we continue our journey through the mountains listening to tales of notorious bandits along the way. Our next stop is Ronda, a breathtaking white town perched on a cliffside, famous for the dramatic gorge splitting it in two.We end the day in Seville, arriving in the evening where dinner will be served at your hotel, providing a delightful end to a day filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

On day five, we begin our exploration of Seville with a guided city tour. You'll encounter iconic sights such as the cathedral, renowned for its Giralda tower, and stroll along the picturesque banks of the Guadalquivir River. We'll guide you through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, each steeped in rich history and unique charm. Midday, we invite you to unwind on a leisurely boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, providing stunning panoramic views of the cityscape. As evening falls, you have the option to experience an authentic flamenco performance at a local tablao, should you wish to delve deeper into the region's cultural heritage.

We'll depart Seville, journeying through serene landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pastures toward Extremadura. In Mrida, we'll explore the Archaeological Ensemble, where admission is included to marvel at the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, a recognised World Heritage Site. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and wander through the vibrant pedestrianised historic centre, brimming with restaurants and local charm. Our travels then take us to Portugal, stopping in vora, another World Heritage Site. Known for its distinctive whitewashed streets and impressive Renaissance palaces, it offers a glimpse into a rich past with sights such as the striking cathedral. We'll arrive in Lisbon in the evening, ready to be captivated by the charms of the Portuguese capital.

This morning, we'll embark on a captivating exploration of Lisbon, a city famously spread across seven hills. Our tour will uncover the charm of its winding alleys, the iconic tiles that adorn its buildings, and the ever-present sense of "saudade" that permeates the city. We'll also visit the historic Belm neighbourhood, a significant departure point for Portuguese explorers during the 15th century. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. You might wish to visit the Bairro Alto and its viewpoints, or consider an optional trip to the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Well round off the day by returning to the hotel from Restauradores Square a vibrant area bustling with lively bars and cafs.

We will venture north through Portugal to visit Ftima, a vital pilgrimage destination known for its spiritual significance. Continuing our journey, we shall head to Porto, the country's vibrant second-largest city. After a leisurely lunch, we will embark on a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional "Rabelo" boat, offering us unique and intimate views of Porto's stunning riverside. Following the cruise, you will have time at your disposal to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, famed for its winding streets, historic merchant houses, and inviting cafs, before we retire for the evening at the hotel.

Today, we embark on a journey through captivating landscapes, beginning in Braga, where we will ascend to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus using the world's oldest water-operated funicular. The stunning views from the top are a highlight, and we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase for a unique experience. Our travels then take us into Galicia, where we visit Cambados in the Ras Baixas region. Here, we'll enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip on the Ra de Arousa, a unique opportunity to observe mussel and oyster farming in action. While on board, indulge in wine and mussel tasting. Later, we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a guided tour, exploring its medieval streets and historic pilgrimage sites that have welcomed travellers since the Middle Ages.

Today, we continue our journey along the renowned Way of St. James, beginning with a visit to Lugo. You will have time to explore this historic town centre, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman walls, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we travel to O Cebreiro, a quaint village in Galicia known for its traditional stone buildings. We then proceed to Len, arriving around lunchtime. In Len, we'll explore the breathtaking Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its stunning stained-glass windows, before taking a leisurely stroll through the historic town centre.Our journey will then take us across the Cantabrian Range, as we head towards Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. Upon arrival or the next morning, we will embark on an hour-and-a-half guided tour of the city. Highlights include visits to the 9th-century cathedral, the modern Calatrava Congressional Palace, the famous Campoamor Theatre, and the charming Calle de la Rua. This evening, enjoy a traditional Asturian dinner at a local cider house, immersing yourself in the unique flavours and hospitality of this captivating region.

Today, we'll set off for the breathtaking Picos de Europa, beginning our explorations at the historic Basilica of Covadonga. Following this, we'll continue our journey along the picturesque coastline until we reach Santillana del Mar, renowned for its well-preserved medieval heart. Here, we will explore the Altamira Cave Museum, which offers fascinating insights into prehistoric cave artentrance to the museum is included in your itinerary. Later, we'll make our way to Santander, the capital of Cantabria, where the mountains meet the sea. We'll take in the stunning coastal views during a panoramic tour with a knowledgeable local guide, discovering the elegant city and its expansive bay.

Today, we'll journey along the picturesque Cantabrian coast, where the dramatic landscape of mountains collides with the sea. Our destination is Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, renowned for its vibrant culture and fascinating architecture. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a brief guided city tour, experiencing the highlights such as the iconic Guggenheim Museum area, the historic casco viejo (old quarter), and the impressive Cathedral of Santiago. After the tour, you will have free time to explore at your leisure, perhaps sampling the city's celebrated "pintxos" to get a taste of local flavours. Our journey continues as we head back to Madrid, with an estimated evening arrival around 8:00 p.m. Please note, depending on our group size, the return journey might be on a standard coach or via train.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey concludes. You'll depart with cherished memories from our trip together.