Madrid & Iberian Exploration

Upon arrival at Madrid airport, you will be greeted in the Arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to explore the vibrant streets of Madrid, visiting its many museums or sampling tapas and drinks in one of the city’s numerous bars. Alternatively, you can relax and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities. In the evening, the hotel reception can provide recommendations for restaurants where you can experience Madrid’s renowned cuisine. You will spend your first night in Madrid.

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a panoramic tour of Madrid. Discover the city’s medieval roots at the remains of its Arabic fortress and the historic Barrio de la Morería, known for its preserved architecture. Drive through the Habsburg district, shaped by Philip II, featuring Renaissance and Baroque buildings. You will see key landmarks including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Next, explore the Madrid of the Bourbon dynasty, with its grand urban planning under Charles III. Admire the Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, and the Puerta de Alcalá. We also pass the 19th-century Prado Museum, a highlight of Madrid’s cultural heritage. Finally, experience modern Madrid with views of Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, the Salamanca district, Plaza Castilla, and the commercial and financial hubs, including Las Ventas Bullring and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, we board the coach for a relaxed journey to Zaragoza. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to explore the city’s charming old streets at your own pace. Be sure to visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant religious site praised by Pope John Paul II as the ‘mother of the Hispanic peoples’. In the afternoon, we continue northwards to San Sebastián, a vibrant city renowned for its beautiful bay and as the host of the annual International Film Festival. We will spend the night here.

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a panoramic tour of San Sebastián, an elegant city shaped by its stunning bay and the famous La Concha Beach. We will ascend Mount Igueldo to enjoy spectacular views over the city and coastline. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish. In the afternoon, there is an optional excursion to the charming villages of Hondarribia and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, just across the border in France. Overnight in San Sebastián.

After breakfast, we travel to Bilbao for a panoramic drive around the city. You will then have some free time on the esplanade by the Guggenheim Museum to admire this striking example of contemporary architecture. Next, we continue to the charming fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere at your own pace. Later, we proceed to Santander, a coastal city nestled between sea and mountains, known for its elegant Sardinero Beach. You will have free time to explore this refined city before settling in for the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most significant historical and artistic towns, renowned for its well-preserved architecture including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a fine example of Cantabrian Romanesque style. We then continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the Grotto, home to Our Lady of Covadonga, the patroness of Asturias. In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, where you can admire the Church of Santa María del Naranco, a classic example of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture set on a series of hills. You will have some leisure time to explore Oviedo’s largely pedestrian city centre, including its Gothic Cathedral, a designated World Heritage Site. Overnight in Oviedo.

After breakfast, we travel to the Galician region, stopping en route in Mondoñedo for some free time. Here, you can visit the impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the local speciality, Mondoñedo cake. We then continue to the medieval city of Lugo, where you have free time to walk along the remarkably preserved Roman walls, a designated World Heritage Site. Later, we proceed to Santiago de Compostela, whose historic centre is also a World Heritage Site and a key Christian pilgrimage destination, marking the end of the Camino de Santiago. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela, beginning at the impressive Obradoiro Square. We visit the magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, with entrance included. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—wander the narrow cobbled streets and soak up the city’s vibrant, youthful atmosphere. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we travel to Porto, passing through the scenic Rías Baixas region, often called the Spanish fjords for its striking coastline. Along the way, we stop briefly at La Toja Island, known for its wellness centre and thermal springs. Continuing our panoramic drive along the River Arousa, we cross into Portugal and arrive in Porto. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax and explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast, we set out on a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its rich history and distinctive architecture. We visit key landmarks including the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Afterwards, we take a relaxing cruise along the Douro River, offering a unique view of the city’s riverside charm. The tour concludes with a visit to a famous Port wine cellar, where you can enjoy a tasting session. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Porto at your own pace. Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Porto. Take the opportunity to explore this vibrant city on the banks of the Douro at your own pace, whether wandering through its historic centre, visiting museums, or sampling local cuisine. Overnight in Porto.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music. You will have some free time to explore the city at your own pace before we continue to Fátima, a renowned Christian pilgrimage site. Here, we visit the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, the sacred spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, at the heart of the sanctuary, houses the tombs of the three shepherd children who witnessed the miracle: Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. In the evening, weather permitting, you may choose to attend the candlelight procession. Overnight in Fátima.

After breakfast, we set off for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Gothic and Manueline architecture. Next, we continue to the charming fishing village of Nazaré, where you will have some free time to soak up the local atmosphere. Later, we visit Alcobaça, another World Heritage site, to explore its 12th-century church and the tombs of Pedro and Inês de Castro. From there, we drive to Lisbon, where you will check in to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, we set out on a morning sightseeing tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo in Roman times. We will drive through the city’s main squares and avenues, visiting notable landmarks such as Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—wander the nostalgic streets of the Alfama Quarter, nestled beside the city castle, where narrow, winding lanes are lined with colourful houses and traditional taverns where Fado music is often performed late into the evening. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, we depart for Mérida, the capital of Extremadura. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its remarkable Roman ruins, including a theatre, amphitheatre, and Roman bridge. You will have some free time to explore these historic landmarks at your own pace. Later, we continue to Córdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the historic city of Córdoba, beginning with a visit to the impressive Mosque–Cathedral, a remarkable monument reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, taking in its unique atmosphere and historic charm. In the afternoon, enjoy a short two-hour drive to Seville, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, we set off on a morning panoramic tour of Seville. You will see the city’s cathedral, the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world after St Peter’s in Rome. We then explore the Santa Cruz quarter, a charming neighbourhood that inspired the stories of Carmen and Don Juan. Later, we visit Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de España. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to discover more of Seville’s unique views and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, we travel east along the historic Caliphate Road into the heart of Andalusia. As we approach Granada, take in the vast olive groves that line the route to this remarkable city, the final stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Upon arrival, we visit the renowned Generalife Gardens, celebrated for their beauty and tranquillity, and famously featured in Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra. Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we set off towards the Mediterranean coast. Passing through Murcia, the capital of the fertile Segura river region, we continue north via Alicante, the second largest city in the Valencia region. Upon arrival in Valencia, step off the coach and begin exploring this vibrant Mediterranean city, renowned as the birthplace of the world-famous paella. Be sure to seek out a local restaurant to savour this iconic dish during your stay. Overnight in Valencia.

After breakfast, we set off on a morning tour of Valencia, exploring the city’s historic centre and notable landmarks. You will see the old city’s charming streets and pass by the former riverbed of the Turia, now transformed into a vibrant green park. Next, we drive along the Mediterranean coast towards Catalonia, passing Tarragona—known as Tarraco in Roman times—before arriving in Barcelona. This iconic Mediterranean city is renowned for its architecture by Antoni Gaudí, a leading figure of Catalan Modernism. You will have the evening at leisure to begin discovering Barcelona’s unique atmosphere. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, we begin a city tour of Barcelona, renowned worldwide and host of the 1992 Olympic Games. We will drive along its broad avenues, admiring impressive Modernist architecture, including several iconic buildings by Antoni Gaudí such as La Pedrera (Casa Milà), recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour continues to Montjuïc Park, perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city. You will also visit the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument, and the Olympic Port. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore Barcelona at your own pace—whether discovering its vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural landmarks, or diverse culinary scene. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast at the hotel, say farewell to Barcelona and transfer to the airport at the designated time for your onward journey. Breakfast is included.