Discover three of the most popular city destinations of the Iberian Peninsula with guided sightseeing in Madrid, Porto and Lisbon on this 9-day coach tour of Spain and Portugal. Cruise the picturesque Douro River, tuck into authentic Tapas and sample local Port wine on a visit to a Port wine cellar. Explore Aveiro and Salamanca, attend a Fado show in Porto and stop in Merida, home to ancient Roman ruins.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel. There is an included Tapas dinner this evening to get to know the group.
2024 departures: In 2024, the welcome Tapas dinner is offered on day 2 instead.
Overnight: Madrid | Dinner
Exploring Madrid
Today we take an all-encompassing coach tour of Madrid. Highlights of the excursion include 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.
During our tour, enjoy the chance to taste typical chocolate and churros, a popular sweet treat in Spain. The rest of the day is at leisure.
2024 departures: In 2024, chocolate and churros tasting is not included.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Salamanca & Porto
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
Porto sightseeing
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. This evening, enjoy an included dinner and Fado show at one of the oldest Fado venues in the whole of Porto.
2024 departures: In 2024, the included Fado show and dinner will instead take place in Lisbon.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast, Dinner
Aveiro & Coimbra
Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra. Departing Porto after breakfast, our first stop today is in Aveiro. Here we enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional boat used for navigating the canals of the town. Aveiro is known as the "Venice of Portugal", and rightly so! Our next stop is Coimbra. This riverfront city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which was established in 1290. It was also the birthplace of Fado music. We are spending the night in Coimbra and there's free time to explore.
2024 departures: Please note in 2024 we visit Fatima instead of Aveiro and enjoy guided sightseeing of the Basilica and the Cova da Iria. The night will be spent in Fatima instead of Coimbra.
Overnight: Coimbra | Breakfast
Batalha, Nazare & Lisbon
Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Lisbon. This morning we visit the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery, a 14th Century Gothic masterpiece, built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. We then enjoy some free time in the quaint fishing village of Nazare before arriving in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. We enjoy an included seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
2024 departures: Please note in 2024 our departure will be from Fatima instead of Coimbra and dinner is not included this evening.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast, Dinner
Lisbon sightseeing
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 rest of today 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: Please note that in 2024, the included Fado show and dinner takes place tonight.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast
Merida & return to Madrid
Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Madrid. Departing Lisbon, we cross back into Spain and make a stop in Merida. We have time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for its incredible Roman ruins. We can see the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre before we complete our journey back to Madrid. Enjoy an included farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
2024 departures: Please note in 2024 we will visit Caceres instead of Merida. Here we will explore the Old Town and the Plaza Mayor main square.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast, Dinner
Madrid
Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.
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 Riu Plaza Espana, Madrid
Housed in the striking red and white Edificio Espana building in the centre of Madrid, the 4-star Riu Plaza Espana boasts an outdoor swimming pool on the 21st floor, free Wi-Fi throughout, a fitness centre and a sky bar offering sweeping vistas of the city. All rooms come equipped with ensuite bathrooms, mini-fridge and air-conditioning. Buffet breakfast is served in the onsite restaurant and travellers can tuck into authentic Tapas at the El Eden Gastrobar a la carte restaurant. This hotel is located on the Gran Via, often referred to as the 'Spanish Broadway', with a host of shopping and dining opportunities at hand. It is also an easy walk to the Royal Palace.
BessaHotel Boavista, Porto
Located in Porto's popular Boavista district, the BessaHotel Boavista is just a few minute's walk from the Casa da Musica concert hall and other attractions. Bright and spacious guest rooms offer private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and TV. There is an onsite gym and dining options include the BRestaurant & Bar, where Head Chef Vitor de Matos serves impeccable Iberian cuisine. Breakfast is served buffet style and there is also an outdoor terrace serving an array of cocktails and regional Douro Valley wines. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also offered.
Smart Design Hotel Lutecia, Lisbon
This recently renovated hotel features 9 themed floors, with rooms and corridors decorated in varying contemporary patterns and pastel hues. Smart Design Hotel Lutecia is located just 200m from the nearest metro station, giving guests quick and easy access to different parts of the city. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as design chairs, smart TV's and espresso coffee machines. In the morning enjoy an expansive buffet breakfast.
At a Glance
