Barcelona, Portugal & Andalucia - 16 day tour

On arrival in Barcelona, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free for you to head out and explore the city.
Overnight: Barcelona

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour in Barcelona this morning. Driving down the city's main streets, we will admire some of Gaudi's impressive modernist works, such as Le Pedrera and Casa Mila. We stroll through Montjuic Park to admire the surrounding views of the city and we end our tour with a visit to La Sagrada Familia. This is the crown jewel of Gaudi's work and is due to be completed in 2026, exactly 100 years since the great architect died. Entrance to the cathedral is included. After our tour, the rest of today is free for you to continue exploring Barcelona. Perhaps head for a walk along the beach, find some dinner along La Rambla, or head to Parc Guell to see even more of Gaudi's work!
Overnight: Barcelona  |  Breakfast

Barcelona - Madrid. After breakfast this morning there is an included transfer to the train station, from where you will take the high speed train to Madrid - you will travel unescorted but will be met by your guide when disembarking in Madrid. There's an included transfer to the hotel. Join your fellow travelers for an authentic Tapas Dinner. Spend the rest of the day is at leisure.

2024 departures: In 2024 The tapas dinner is included on day 4.
Overnight: Madrid  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore the Spanish capital on a coach tour. We take in highlights of the city including the historic Barrio de la Morería region, Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol central square, Plaza Mayor and the Neptuno Fountains. These are dedicated to Neptune, a Roman water god. In the more modern part of the city we see the Salamanca district, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste. We also see the Santiago Bernabeu, the football stadium of Real Madrid, the most successful European club.

There's an included tasting of chocolate with churros. After the tour, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

2024 departures: In 2024 The tapas dinner is included today. Tasting of chocolate with churros is not included.
Overnight: Madrid  |  Breakfast

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). Departing Madrid after breakfast, we make a stop in the university city of Salamanca, with free time to enjoy a stroll around. After our visit, we cross the border into Portugal and complete our drive to Porto. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is located along the Douro River estuary and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Overnight: Porto  |  Breakfast

Today is spent exploring Porto with a number of included activities. We enjoy a guided city tour, taking in highlights such as the Cathedral, Stock Exchange and Santa Clara Church. We also take a cruise on the Douro River, which runs through the heart of Porto. And we visit one of the riverfront Port Wine Cellars, with included tasting of this local drink.

2024 departures: In 2024, the included Fado show and dinner will instead take place in Lisbon.
Overnight: Porto  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra. After breakfast, we set off for Aveiro, famous for its charming canals that have earned it the nickname "The Venice of Portugal." Here, we will take an exciting ride on a moliceiro, a traditional colourful boat perfect for exploring Aveiro's picturesque waterways.

Afterwards, we continue our journey to Coimbra, where we will meet our local guide for an engaging tour of this historic city. With its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe, quaint medieval streets, and stunning riverfront, Coimbra promises to be a fascinating stop on our adventure.

2024 departures: In 2024, we travel from Porto to Coimbra and finally Fatima. We do not visit Aveiro. Please refer to the trip notes for more detail.
Overnight: Coimbra  |  Breakfast

Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Lisbon. We’ll begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Batalha Monastery, a stunning example of Gothic and Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From there, we continue to the charming fishing town of Nazaré, where we’ll have some free time to explore. Then, we’re off to Lisbon! In Lisbon, we will cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas, where we’ll enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant. After a wonderful day of sightseeing and great food, we’ll settle into our hotel for the night.

2024 departures: In 2024, We travel from Fatima through Batalha, Nazare and Alcobaca on our way to Lisbon. Local seafood dinner is not included.
Overnight: Lisbon  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Our day starts with a city sightseeing tour, taking in many of Lisbon's highlights. We see the city's main plazas, the fortified Belem Tower, Jeronimo's Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers and the Marquis of Pombal Square roundabout.

The afternoon is free, and we recommend you head into the Alfama Quarter, the oldest part of Lisbon. Crowned by the Sao Jorge Castle, this part of the city features narrow alleyways and colourful 'tabernas'.

2024 departures: In 2024, the Fado dinner will be today.
Overnight: Lisbon  |  Breakfast

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Cordoba. We start our day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Andalusia. Crossing back into Spain, our first stop is Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its impressive Roman ruins, including the stunning Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. We’ll have time to explore the rich history of this remarkable city before continuing our journey to Córdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate and filled with fascinating stories waiting to be discovered.

2024 departures: In 2024, we travel to Caceres instead of Merida. Please refer to the trip notes for more details.
Overnight: Cordoba  |  Breakfast

Cordoba - Seville. This morning we tour Cordoba, an important Roman city that was also an Islamic centre during the Middle Ages. The most important landmark here is the sprawling La Mezquita mosque-cathedral, which dates back to 988 AD. Entrance to the mosque is included on our tour and we also take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter before departing the city and travelling south-west to Seville, capital of Andalusia. Tonight, we’ll have the chance to indulge in delicious Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant, sharing this culinary experience with our fellow travellers.

2024 departures: In 2024, dinner is not included.
Overnight: Seville  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore Seville on a guided tour. Entrance to the city's cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world, is included. We also visit the Santa Cruz Quarter, where the famous opera 'Carmen' is largely set. Wander through Maria Luisa Park and the picturesque Plaza Espana. After our tour, the afternoon is free for you to further explore Seville at your own pace.
Overnight: Seville  |  Breakfast

Seville - Jerez - Ronda. After breakfast, we journey south through charming Andalusian villages to Jerez, where we’ll immerse ourselves in two quintessential aspects of Andalusian culture: wine and horses. We will visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, followed by a delightful wine tasting at one of the renowned local wineries.

Our adventure then continues to Ronda, where we’ll stop at LA Organic to explore an olive oil production facility and taste their exquisite organic olive oil. The rest of the day is ours to uncover the hidden gems of Ronda at our leisure.

2024 departures: In 2024, we do not visit Jerez. We make a stop in Ronda before arriving at the Costa del Sol, with free time to relax. Sherry wine tasting in local winery in Jerez & Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez are not included in 2024.
Overnight: Ronda  |  Breakfast

Ronda - Malaga. After breakfast, we depart for Malaga, a city rich in history and culture. We'll explore its fascinating landmarks, from the impressive Roman Theatre to the Moorish Alcazaba and the towering Castle of Gibralfaro. Our journey then takes us to Granada, a true gem of Andalusia nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers. Granada's rich Andalusian heritage, highlighted by the magnificent Alhambra, is beautifully complemented by its Renaissance architecture. We’ll have the exciting opportunity to learn flamenco dancing before enjoying a delightful dinner accompanied by a flamenco show at one of Granada's most iconic venues. After dinner, we’ll head to one of the city's viewpoints to take in the stunning views of Granada, offering the perfect end to a vibrant day.

2024 departures: Costa Del Sol - Granada. In 2024, We will travel from Costa Del Sol to Granada, with an included visit to Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. The master class Flamenco Lesson is not included in 2024.
Overnight: Granada  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Granada - Madrid. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off to explore the legendary Alhambra complex with a local guide, immersing ourselves in its breathtaking palaces and enchanting Generalife Gardens. Once we’ve soaked up the magic of this iconic site, we’ll journey to Madrid. There, we’ll gather with our fellow travellers for a fabulous farewell dinner, a perfect chance to toast to our unforgettable adventures and the cherished memories we’ve created together.

2024 departures: In 2024, We make a stop in the imperial hilltop city of Toledo en-route to Madrid. Farewell dinner is not included. Please check the trip notes for more details.
Overnight: Madrid  |  Breakfast, Dinner