SMALL GROUP TOUR: Travel across the heart of Iberia on this 13-day group tour from Barcelona in the east, to Lisbon in the west. See the dramatic monastery of Montserrat and hike amongst the forests and mountains of Monte Perdido National Park. Visit Zaragoza and San Sebastian, sample regional wines at a La Rioja winery and arrive in Madrid for an entire free day to explore. Stop in Toledo, visit La Mezquita and spend a night in Cordoba. Visit the legendary Alhambra in Granada, take in the best of Seville independently and end your journey in the Portuguese capital.
Included
Itinerary
Montserrat Mountain, Lleida & Huesca
Barcelona – Montserrat – Lleida – Huesca. Leaving Barcelona this morning, we journey to the dramatic Montserrat mountain. This unique landscape is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Spain's revered Madonna and Child statue. We enjoy leisure time for lunch, and you can join an optional visit to the monastery or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Catalonia.
We continue our journey, making a stop in the quiet town of Lleida, renowned for its Roman heritage. There's free time for you to discover its ancient castle and cathedral independently. As day turns to evening we reach Huesca. The evening is free to wander the hilly town's medieval streets, discovering numerous churches and picturesque facades.
Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 9:00) - Barcelona Pick Up, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona.
Overnight: Huesca
Monte Perdido National Park & Jaca
Huesca – Monte Perdido National Park – Jaca – Huesca. Today we'll be outdoors and there will be some walking involved, so wear a good pair of shoes! Our first stop is Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to Monte Perdido National Park. Here we take in stunning cliffs, lush oak and pine forests, and stunning 1,700-meter-high views over the Pyrenees.
Journeying through the mountains to Jaca, we discover the only surviving Spanish star-shaped fortress. There is also time for you to savour some of Aragon's regional cuisine before we return to Huesca for the evening.
Overnight: Huesca | Breakfast
Huesca to Haro
Huesca – Zaragoza – Haro. Arriving in enchanting Zaragoza in the morning, we take an included visit to the 11th-century Aljaferia Palace. After admiring its beautiful porticos, we have some free time to explore. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings, history enthusiasts can discover Roman remains, and foodies can savour chireta, a delicious local dish.
Our next stop is Tarazona, known for its stunning medieval Mudejar style architecture, blending Muslim and Christian elements. Moving on to the village of Haro, the evening is free to enjoy a glass or two of local La Rioja red wine.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
The Basque Country
Haro – San Sebastian – Pamplona – Haro. Today we explore the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. We begin in San Sebastian, a food lover's paradise that boasts the highest Michelin star density per capita. Enjoy lunch and stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach.
We then journey inland to Pamplona, known controversially for ‘the Running of the Bulls'. There is free time for you to stroll along the impressive walls of the town fortress before we return to Haro for the evening.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
Cathedrals, castles & wine tasting
Haro – La Rioja – Haro. Today we embark on a scenic morning drive through La Rioja's gentle hills to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is free time to wander its medieval streets or explore the cathedral. Then we travel to a family run winery to savour the local flavours of its wine and snacks with an included wine tasting.
In the afternoon we visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra. We cross the medieval Ebro River bridge for stunning valley views from the castle on the other side. We return to Haro in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax in the hotel, or head out for a final dinner in northern Spain.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
Journey to Madrid
Haro – Burgos – Real Sitio de San Ildefonso – Madrid. Say goodbye to La Rioja and journey to the region of Castile and Leon today. Our first stop is in Burgos, where we have a few hours to explore. You'll want to check out the cathedral, one of Spain's most spectacular.
After lunch in Aranda de Duero, a haven for wine and food enthusiasts, we head south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often called Spain's 'mini-Versailles.' We explore its opulent rooms and stunning grounds with an included ticket. We reach Madrid in the evening.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Madrid free time
Today is completely free for you to explore the Spanish capital. There are many ways to spend your day; for sightseeing, we recommend the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, taking in highlights such as the Royal Palace and the main square, Plaza Mayor. You could also take in the home of one of sport's greatest teams, Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium. Art lovers can explore the Prado Museum, or you can simply unwind in a tapas restaurant with a jug of sangria - the choice is yours!
Please note: In Madrid, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Toledo & Cordoba
Madrid – Toledo – Cordoba. Departing the current Spanish capital, we head south to Toledo, the former capital of the country. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tajo River, it's often called the 'City of Three Cultures.' There is free time to explore its cobbled streets and seek out the remnants of Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Christian cathedrals.
Next, we travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the backdrop for literary hero Don Quixote's adventures. Along the way, we stop at Despenaperros Natural Park, the gateway to Andalucia. Arriving in Cordoba, the evening is free to head out for dinner and discover some of the city's lively squares and charming architecture.
Overnight: Cordoba | Breakfast
Cordoba to Granada & La Mezquita
Cordoba – Granada. In the morning we enjoy an included visit to La Mezquita, a stunning Moorish mosque featuring rows of adorned arches, a serene interior, and even a cathedral inside. Then we journey through olive tree-covered hills, signalling our entry into the olive oil-producing province of Jaen.
We continue our trip south and pay a visit to the hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota. We arrive in Granada early in the evening, where we'll stay for the next two nights.
Overnight: Granada | Breakfast
The Alhambra & Caves of Guadix
Granada – Guadix – Granada. This morning we take in one of Spain's most famous attractions, the UNESCO-listed Alhambra fortress and palace. Entrance is included and there will be time to explore this cavernous architectural wonder.
In the afternoon, we visit the unique Barrio de las Cuevas of Guadix and you can opt to visit the Guadix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre, nestled within original cave dwellings. If time permits, we enjoy a photo stop of the Sierra Nevada mountains before returning to Granada. The evening is free - why not head out for some mouth-watering tapas this evening?
Overnight: Granada | Breakfast
Mountains, El Tajo Gorge & olive oil
Granada – Ronda – Seville. We begin our journey today in the El Torcal de Antequera nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal Mountains. Marvel at the incredible limestone formations sculpted over millions of years.
We continue through Andalucia's countryside, taking in the landscapes of Malaga's 'Lake District' before reaching Ronda. This town is dramatically perched on the cliffs of El Tajo Gorge and is known for its rich literary history, old city walls, and charming plazas. There's free time to explore and savour a leisurely lunch.
Next, we enjoy an included visit to an olive oil farm, to find out more about the production of Spain's 'liquid gold'. It's then time to complete our journey to Seville, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Overnight: Seville | Breakfast
Seville free time or optional Jerez tour
Today is at leisure to explore Seville, one of Spain's most popular cities. You could visit the iconic cathedral, enjoy a glass of wine in the buzzing Plaza de Espana or take a stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Your guide can help you with suggestions!
Alternatively, you can join an optional half day tour to Jerez, best known for flamenco, horses and sherry production. The evening is free back in Seville.
Overnight: Seville | Breakfast
Journey to Portugal
Seville – Huelva – Tavira (Portugal) – Lisbon. Departing Seville, we head west to the Costa de la Luz, known for its bright sunshine and golden sandy beaches. We make a stop in Huelva, a seaside city where Christopher Columbus once mapped his voyage to seek a western sea route to China and India. There's an included visit to the waterside exhibition of Muelle de las Carabelas, housing life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships.
We then say Adios to Spain and cross the border into neighbouring Portugal. Heading through the Algarve, we stop in Tavira, nestled along the River Gilao. There is some free time to wander its cobblestone streets, admire the ancient Roman bridge, and enjoy some delectable Portuguese cuisine.
We then complete our journey to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour finishes at 19:00 - Lisbon Drop Off, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 1 person. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single' price applies for solo travellers who require their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Pedro I de Aragon, Huesca
Located in the centre of Huesca, the Hotel Pedro I de Aragon is the perfect gateway to the beauty of northern Spain. Ideally situated near Huesca's historic centre and within easy reach of attractions such as the Cathedral de Huesca and the picturesque city gardens, this hotel offers a prime location for exploring both the city and the region. Rooms are well-appointed and each is thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. You'll enjoy modern amenities and a peaceful feel. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious Spanish cuisine, a bar for relaxing, and an outdoor pool. With its convenient location and comfortable amenities, Hotel Pedro I de Aragon is the perfect base for a memorable stay in Huesca.
Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos, Haro
Nestled in the heart of Haro, the Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos offers a charming escape in the heart of Spain's renowned La Rioja wine region. Situated within a historic 14th-century monastery, this hotel seamlessly blends history with modern comfort. Featuring a selection of inviting rooms, each uniquely designed to provide a calm and relaxing feel. Many rooms feature rustic architectural elements that pay homage to the building's heritage. The hotel also boasts a delightful restaurant offering local cuisine, a bar for relaxation, and event facilities for special occasions. With its central location in Haro, Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos is the perfect base for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a delightful Spanish getaway.
Hotel Eurostars Conquistador, Cordoba
Set on the Guadalquivir River, the Hotel Eurostars Conquistador offers an enchanting retreat in the heart of Andalusia's historical gem. Located just steps away from the iconic Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and the enchanting Jewish Quarter, this hotel provides a prime location for exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. Rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, with modern amenities such as TV, minibar, and A/C. The hotel also features a restaurant serving Spanish cuisine and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. The Eurostars Conquistador ensures a memorable stay in this historic city.
Hotel Porcel Alixares, Granada
Hotel Alixares is located just a stone's throw away from the breathtaking Alhambra palace and fortress complex. The hotel is nestled in a peaceful residential area, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering panoramic views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with ensuite bathrooms, wooden flooring and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi connection, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and a sauna. Hotel Alixares also boasts an on-site restaurant that serves delicious traditional Andalusian cuisine, as well as a cafe, bar and a summer terrace with barbecue.
Hotel Macia Sevilla Kubb, Seville
Found in the vibrant heart of Seville, the Hotel Macia Sevilla Kubb offers a captivating blend of modern comfort and Andalusian charm. Located near the historic city centre, it's within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Giralda and the Alcazar. The hotel provides a variety of well-designed rooms, each offering a comfortable and stylish retreat with modern amenities such as a television, A/C, and en-suite. Guests can enjoy a peaceful night's rest after a day of exploration. Hotel amenities include a restaurant serving delectable Spanish cuisine and a rooftop pool with panoramic views. With its central location and contemporary comforts, Hotel Macia Sevilla Kubb is the ideal base for a memorable stay in Seville.
At a Glance
