Iberian Odyssey Tapas, History, and Culture

Welcome to Madrid! On your arrival at the airport, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to settle in before the adventure begins. Be sure to check the information signs in the hotel reception area, detailing the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we'll take you to the vibrant Plaza Mayor and the bustling La Latina neighbourhood, renowned for its lively nightlife and delicious tapas. You'll have the freedom to dine at a restaurant of your choice with a variety of cuisines on offer, including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern delights. 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 journey in Madrid, we will embark on a thorough tour of the citys vibrant centre. Our excursion will cover notable landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and Plaza Mayor. Following this, we will make our way to the serene Retiro Park, a lush green space right in the heart of the city, where we will visit the enchanting lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the esteemed Santiago Bernabu Stadium, home to the world-renowned Real Madrid football club, is included in our itinerary. You are free to spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. In the evening, we will provide a return transfer back to the hotel.

On the third day, our adventure begins with an early departure from Madrid as we journey southwards through the vast plains of La Mancha. Our initial stop is Puerto Lpice, a quaint village that conjures images of the iconic tales of Don Quixote. Continuing our drive, we traverse the Despeaperros gorge, a natural gateway into the captivating region of Andalusia. Upon reaching Granada, an included lunch awaits us to refuel. In the afternoon, if you have opted to visit the Alhambra, we'll explore this splendid palace and the serene Generalife Gardens, both stunning examples of Islamic architecture from when the Moors ruled Spain. A local guide will enrich your experience with insights into their rich history. Please note that visitor numbers to the Alhambra are strictly controlled, so it's crucial to provide accurate personal details upon booking and be aware that ticket fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Should the Alhambra visit be unavailable, an equally enriching visit to the Royal Alczar of Seville will be arranged. This day promises an engaging mix of cultural discovery and picturesque landscapes as we immerse ourselves in Spain's historic charm.

On the fourth day of our adventure, we depart from Granada, heading towards the sun-kissed Costa del Sol. Our first destination is Malaga, a city steeped in history. Here, you'll have time to explore its charming old town, well-known for its impressive cathedral and the renowned Picasso Museum. We then continue our journey along the breathtaking coastal highway, where you can relish beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.Our next stop is the glamorous harbour of Puerto Bans in Marbella, famed for its sophisticated atmosphere. In the afternoon, we journey through the mountains, where you'll hear tales of the region's infamous bandits, before arriving in Ronda. This picturesque white town is dramatically perched on a cliff with a deep gorge carving through its centrea sight to behold.As evening draws near, we reach Seville and settle in for a delightful dinner at the hotel, rounding off a day rich in culture and captivating landscapes.

Today begins with a captivating tour of Seville. We'll guide you through the city's impressive cathedral, home to the iconic Giralda tower. You'll also explore the charming districts of Santa Cruz and Triana, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Guadalquivir River. Following this, relax on an included leisurely boat ride on the river, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you have the option to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Seville by attending a traditional flamenco performance at a local tablao, a venue dedicated to this passionate dance that is an essential part of Andalusian heritage.

Leaving Seville, we venture through soothing landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pastures en route to Extremadura. In Mrida, we include a visit to the renowned Archaeological Ensemble, home to one of the best-preserved Roman Theatres and Amphitheatres, which proudly holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, you'll have time to savour lunch and meander through the lively, pedestrianised historic centre, rich with restaurants and local charm. Our journey then takes us into Portugal, where we pause in vora. This quaint town, also a World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its charming whitewashed streets and impressive Renaissance palaces. We continue towards Lisbon, arriving in the evening.

Today, we begin our exploration of Lisbon, a city renowned for its unique character and beauty, spread across the citys famous seven hills. We delve into its quaint streets, adorned with iconic tiles, bathed in the distinctive Atlantic light, and rich with a sense of "saudade." As part of our morning tour, we will visit the historic Belem neighbourhood, a place of great maritime heritage, where intrepid Portuguese explorers of the 15th century embarked on voyages that would change the world.In the afternoon, you'll have free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere of Bairro Alto, an area celebrated for its vibrant culture and splendid views. If you wish, you may opt to take a trip to the charming nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's heritage.As evening falls, we return to the hotel after exploring the lively Restauradores Square, home to an array of cheerful bars and inviting cafes, perfect for unwinding after a day full of discoveries.

Today, we venture north from Lisbon, starting with a visit to Ftima, a revered pilgrimage destination set in beautiful surroundings. From there, we travel onward to Porto, Portugals vibrant second city. Following lunch, you will enjoy a delightful 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional "Rabelo" boat, providing an enchanting view of Porto's picturesque riverside. After the cruise, there's free time for you to explore the medieval Ribeira district at your leisure, its narrow streets rich with historic merchant houses and quaint cafs. Once you've taken in the charm of this lively quarter, we'll make our way to the hotel for the evening.

Today, we'll journey through breathtaking landscapes, starting our day in Braga. Here, you'll experience the world's oldest water-powered cable car as we ascend to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where stunning views unfold before you. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend making the descent on foot through its scenic, baroque staircase, an experience not to be missed.Our adventure continues into the beautiful region of Galicia. We'll visit the historic town of Cambados in the picturesque Ras Baixas area. Here, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ra de Arousa. This unique experience offers insights into mussel and oyster production, accompanied by a delightful tasting of local wine and mussels onboard.We arrive in Santiago de Compostela around lunchtime for a guided tour. You'll explore its medieval streets and significant pilgrimage sites, steeped in history dating back to the Middle Ages. As you wander through this storied city, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural and historical significance.

Today, we continue our journey along the renowned Way of St. James, with our first destination being the historic town of Lugo. Here, we'll explore its well-preserved town centre and the impressive Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for immersing yourself in the rich history of the area. As we move onward, we make a stop in the quaint Galician village of O Cebreiro, known for its traditional stone architecture that exudes charm and character. By lunchtime, we reach the city of Len, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its magnificent stained-glass windows. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Len's historic centre, soaking in its medieval ambiance. As the afternoon unfolds, we depart Len around 5:00 p.m., aiming to reach Madrid by approximately 9:00 p.m. Please note that, depending on the size of our group, the final leg of our journey from Len to Madrid may be completed by either train or regular coach transport.

After enjoying breakfast, your adventure concludes, leaving you with a wealth of enduring memories from your travels.