Mediterranean Marvel Spain to Portugal Adventure

Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel. You'll have some leisure time before the tour officially begins. For details on the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers, please check the information signs at the hotel reception. As the evening unfolds, we'll whisk you away to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, the heart of Madrid's vibrant nightlife and renowned for its tapas restaurants. Here, you can savour dinner at your leisure with a diverse range of cuisines to choose from, including Indian, Chinese, 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.

Today begins with a morning tour through the vibrant heart of Madrid. We'll explore iconic sights such as the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Colon, and the bustling Plaza Mayor. Following this insightful walk through the city, we'll head to Retiro Park, an expansive oasis amid the urban landscape where you can enjoy the serene lake and the striking Palacio de Cristal. Next, we'll be visiting the magnificent Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, proudly home to Real Madrid. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Later in the evening, a convenient transfer back to the hotel will be provided, allowing a relaxing end to your day immersing in Madrid's lively culture.

We set out in the morning, leaving behind the vibrant city of Madrid as we travel through the historic landscapes of Castile. Our first stop is in Zaragoza, where we'll take time to admire the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a stunning example of Baroque architecture that holds significant religious importance. From Zaragoza, we continue our journey to Poblet, home to the tranquil Poblet Abbey. This well-preserved medieval monastery, nestled in serene surroundings, is a remarkable piece of heritage, and your admission is included in our tour. As our day of exploration unfolds, we head towards Barcelona, arriving in the evening to enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

On the fourth day, we will kickstart our exploration of vibrant Barcelona with a panoramic tour. This captivating city, set along the Mediterranean coast, is celebrated for its unique blend of modernist architecture by the renowned Gaudi, lively boulevards such as La Rambla, and its significant historical events including the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting the local markets or art galleries. As the evening falls, we'll head to Maremagnum, a contemporary centre for entertainment and dining situated by the sea and near Plaza de Colon. Here, you can relish in the vibrant atmosphere and choose from an array of dining options, rounding off a day well spent in this remarkable city.

We'll journey south along the striking Mediterranean coast, pausing in the enchanting town of Peniscola. This charming medieval city is encircled by inviting beaches, and you'll have time to explore its captivating streets at your leisure. Our adventure continues to the vibrant city of Valencia, where we'll arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can look forward to a guided tour of this historic port city, which boasts over 2,000 years of heritage. Valencia's urban landscape blend monuments from diverse eras with the avant-garde architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. Following the tour, you'll have the freedom to discover more of the city on your own. The day will culminate with a traditional local dinner, providing you with an authentic taste of Valencian cuisine.

Today, our journey takes us to the captivating city of Alicante, where you'll have the opportunity to stroll along its scenic coastline. Following lunch, we'll head into the Murcia region to visit Caravaca de la Cruz, a significant site in Roman Catholicism, housing a revered relic of the Cross. We'll include a ride on the tourist train to explore the historic district. Our adventure continues across picturesque roads as we make our way to Andalusia, concluding the day in the vibrant city of Granada, where dinner will be provided.

Today is dedicated to the captivating city of Granada, where history and culture abound. Explore at your leisure, perhaps beginning with a visit to the majestic Alhambra - an iconic fortress complex renowned for its Islamic architecture and expansive gardens. Please note: that entry to the Alhambra is not included in your tour, so you will need to secure tickets in advance through the official website or reputable local operators.

You might also wish to admire Granada Cathedral, which holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, or wander through the charming Albaicin neighbourhood. This area offers a glimpse into Granada's Moorish past and stunning views of the Alhambra from the celebrated Mirador de San Nicolas. Enjoy your day soaking in the city's unique blend of cultures and stunning vistas.

We depart from Granada today, heading towards the sun-kissed Costa del Sol. Our first stop is Malaga, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the historic district, noted for its impressive cathedral and the renowned Picasso Museum. As we continue along the coastal highway, take in the stunning Mediterranean vistas. We'll make our way to Puerto Banus in Marbella, a chic and sophisticated harbour known for its luxurious yachts and lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, our journey continues through the mountains, where you'll hear intriguing tales of bandits as we head to Ronda, famed for its dramatic cliffside setting and a dramatic canyon that bisects the town. Our day concludes in Seville, where we will arrive in the evening and a delightful dinner awaits you at the hotel.

We begin our day in Seville with a guided tour exploring the city's rich tapestry of culture and history. You'll marvel at the grandeur of Seville Cathedral, home to the iconic Giralda bell tower, and wander the charming streets of Santa Cruz and Triana, each neighbourhood steeped in unique Andalusian flair. Afterwards, relax on a delightful boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Seville from the water. In the evening, you'll have the chance to experience a spirited performance at a traditional flamenco tablao, immersing yourself in the vibrant art that embodies the soul of southern Spain.

Departing from Seville, we journey through the picturesque landscapes of Extremadura, characterised by gentle hills and sprawling pasturelands. Our first stop is Merida, where we include entry to the acclaimed Archaeological Ensemble, featuring a remarkably preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre - both recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to enjoy lunch and explore the vibrant pedestrianised historic centre, where a wealth of local eateries and charming boutiques await. We then make our way into Portugal, with a visit to the historic town of Evora. Known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and imposing cathedral, Evora is another distinguished World Heritage Site that offers insights into Portugal's rich past. We conclude our day by arriving in Lisbon in the evening, where you can settle in and perhaps begin exploring this captivating city.

In the morning, we will set off on a guided city tour of Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital known for its undulating hills, quaint alleyways, and distinctive tiles. As we explore, you will sense the unique "saudade" and experience the city's beautiful Atlantic light. Our visit will include a stop in the historic Belem district, the departure point for the great Portuguese navigators during the 15th century. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Consider wandering through the vibrant streets, taking in the view from Bairro Alto, or opting for an excursion to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. We will gather back in the evening at Restauradores Square, known for its lively atmosphere, filled with bustling bars and cafes, before returning to our hotel.

We will set off from Portugal early in the morning, journeying through the scenic Alentejo region. We'll make a brief stop in Estremoz, a delightful town celebrated for its medieval castle and quaint cobblestone streets, which exude genuine Portuguese charm. After enjoying a coffee, we'll cross the border into Spain. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore Caceres, known for its exceptionally preserved medieval and Renaissance urban areas. You'll find time for lunch and a leisurely stroll through its historic centre. Our travels will then take us back to Madrid, where we will arrive in the evening.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with a wealth of cherished memories from this journey. Safe travels as you continue exploring, or as you head home, enriched with experiences and stories to share.