Iberian Explorer Madrid to Barcelona Adventure

Upon your arrival in Madrid, you'll be promptly transferred to your hotel, giving you time to settle in and unwind before exploring the city. Keep an eye out for the information board in the hotel reception area, which will detail your welcome meetinga great opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers. As the day gives way to evening, we'll whisk you away to the heart of Madrid's social scenePlaza Mayor and La Latina. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars, this area provides a perfect setting to indulge in your culinary preferences, with restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from Indian and Chinese to traditional Spanish and Middle Eastern. Enjoy the freedom to dine where you choose as you soak in the lively atmosphere. 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 our second day in Madrid, we will embark on an enriching tour of the city's vibrant central district. Our morning takes us along the grand boulevards and notable landmarks, including the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, and the historically significant Puerta de Alcal. We'll continue to the spacious Plaza de Coln before heading to the elegant Plaza Mayor, encapsulating the soul of Madrid. Our tour will then guide us to the lush greenery of Retiro Park, where we'll stroll by its serene lake and marvel at the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Following this, we offer you the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, revered as the home of Real Madrid a legendary football club celebrated worldwide. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore further or relax. To conclude the day, we will return you to the comfort of your hotel in the evening.

Departing from Madrid, we travel to Mrida, the capital of Extremadura, where we will explore the remarkable Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Known for its exceptional preservation, this archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After immersing ourselves in history, there is time to enjoy lunch amidst the vibrant pedestrian streets filled with restaurants in the city's charming historic centre. Our journey then continues into Portugal, with a stop in vora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its picturesque whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and the grand cathedral. We will proceed to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we'll commence our exploration of Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital known for its seven hills. Wander through its charming alleys, observe the iconic tiles, and soak in the essence of "saudade," all while basking in the citys stunning Atlantic light. Our itinerary includes a visit to the historic Belem neighbourhoodan area from which famed Portuguese navigators once set sail on their ocean-crossing voyages in the 15th century. The afternoon is yours to discover at your leisure. We recommend a visit to Bairro Alto, where you'll find a viewpoint offering splendid city vistas. Alternatively, you might opt for an excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, or Estoril. In the evening, we'll return to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a vibrant hub brimming with lively bars and cafs.

Today, we journey north from Lisbon and make our way to Ftima, recognised as an important pilgrimage site renowned for its spiritual significance. After exploring the serene atmosphere of Ftima, we continue to Porto, Portugal's vibrant second-largest city. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a delightful lunch before experiencing a memorable 50-minute cruise along the Douro River. Travelling aboard a traditional "Rabelo" boat, you'll have the opportunity to admire Portos stunning riverside scenery from a unique vantage point. Afterwards, you'll have free time to wander through the medieval Ribeira district, famous for its winding streets, historic merchant houses, and inviting cafs. As the day draws to a close, well head to our hotel, providing you with a comfortable retreat to relax after an enriching day.

Today, we journey through a landscape of remarkable beauty. Our first destination is Braga, where we'll enjoy the unique experience of ascending to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus using the world's oldest water-powered cable car. As we explore the sanctuary, you'll be treated to impressive views over the surroundings. For those feeling adventurous, we recommend descending on foot via the sanctuary's famous staircase.We then continue our travels onward to Galicia, heading to the historic town of Cambados in the picturesque Ras Baixas region. Here, we'll indulge in a glass-bottom boat tour along the Ra de Arousa, offering insight into the local mussel and oyster cultivation. Whilst onboard, savour a wine and mussel tasting session, learning about the region's rich traditions.As the day progresses, we arrive in Santiago de Compostela, where a local guide will lead us through this city's medieval streets and significant pilgrimage sites. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for this renowned destination with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.

We'll continue our journey along the historic Way of St. James by heading to Lugo. You'll have the opportunity to explore the charming town centre and marvel at its well-preserved Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our next stop is O Cebreiro, a picturesque Galician stone village. From there, we'll travel to Len, arriving around lunchtime. In Len, we'll visit the stunning Gothic cathedral, renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town centre. As we cross the Cantabrian Range, we make our way to Asturias. By evening, we will reach Oviedo, where a local guide will show us the highlights of the city, either upon our arrival or the next morning. During this enlightening tour, we'll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congress Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and the vibrant Calle de la Rua. To conclude our day, we'll indulge in a traditional Asturian dinner at a typical cider house.

Today, our adventure takes us to the breath-taking Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range where we begin with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga, an important historical and religious site nestled in this awe-inspiring landscape. From there, we continue along the scenic coastline to Santillana, a beautifully preserved medieval town often described as one of Spains most picturesque. Here, we will explore the Altamira Cave Museum, where you can appreciate the remarkable prehistoric art found nearby, with tickets included for your convenience. Later, we will make our way to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. This elegant seaside city boasts a perfect blend of mountain views and sandy beaches. A panoramic tour with a knowledgeable local guide will introduce you to the citys highlights and its stunning bay, offering a delightful glimpse into the region's unique charm.

We will journey along the picturesque Cantabrian coast, where mountains seamlessly meet the sea, as we make our way to Bilbao, the Basque Country's largest city. Upon arrival, we'll set out on a brief city tour with a local guide, taking in key sights such as the striking Guggenheim Museum, the historic old quarter, and the Cathedral of Santiago. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to indulge in the local culinary delight of "pintxos." Later, our travels will take us to La Rioja, a region celebrated for its outstanding wines. Here, we will delve into the rich history of winemaking with a visit to the Wine Culture Museum in Briones. Our day concludes with our arrival in Zaragoza in the evening.

We begin our day in Zaragoza with a panoramic tour led by a local expert. Our first stop is the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, where we will explore its architectural grandeur. We will also delve into the artistic legacy of the renowned painter Goya, appreciating some of his masterpieces. Continuing our journey, we will visit the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, followed by a leisurely stroll alongside the Aljafera Palace.After enjoying lunch, our adventure takes us across to Catalonia, where we visit the magnificent Poblet Abbey. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, this impressive walled monastery is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval sites, and our entry tickets are included. The day concludes with our arrival in Barcelona in the evening, ready to discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.

This morning, we will set off on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, widely regarded as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Situated by the Mediterranean Sea, the city is celebrated for its unique modernist architecture by Gaud, the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas, and its rich cultural and historical legacy, notably marked by the Universal Exposition and its role as an Olympic host. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your leisure. In the evening, we'll arrange a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern complex dedicated to entertainment and dining, located conveniently near Plaza de Coln by the sea. Here, you can take a pleasant stroll around the vibrant surroundings and choose from a selection of dining experiences to suit your taste.

On the final day of our journey, you can savour a leisurely breakfast in Barcelona as we wrap up our adventure, cherishing the wonderful memories you've gathered along the way. As you enjoy your morning, reflect on the vibrant cities, historical sites, and cultural experiences that have enriched your journey. We hope these memories will linger long after your return home. Safe travels as you continue your adventures!