Portugal & Andalucia Explorer

Madrid. On arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers may be Spanish speaking. If this is the case, then English may be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing.

This morning we enjoy a panoramic coach tour of Madrid, discovering its medieval, Habsburg and Bourbon heritage, including landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Puerta de Alcalá. We continue through modern areas like Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana and see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

We have some free time before regrouping and travelling to Toledo. Here, we discover this UNESCO-listed city on a guided walking tour, visiting highlights such as the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, Santo Tomé Church (featuring El Greco’s The Burial of the Count of Orgaz) and Toledo Cathedral. After free time, we return to Madrid where the tour ends.

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). Today we drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City known for its university and architectural beauty. Enjoy free time to explore before we continue towards Portugal, crossing the border and arriving in the charming city of Porto.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. We'll see the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara Church. Then, discover the city’s historic charm with an included cruise along the Douro River and visit the renowned Port Wine Cellars for a wine tasting. The rest of the day is free to explore.

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. We depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado. After free time to explore, we continue to Fátima, a significant Christian pilgrimage site. We visit the impressive Basilica, the Cova da Iria (where the Virgin Mary appeared), and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, are located. In the evening, you have the option to attend the candlelight procession.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcoboca - Lisbon. We depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Next, we visit the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré for some free time, followed by Alcobaça, known for its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Finally, we continue to Lisbon, arriving in the Portuguese capital.

Begin the day with a city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo. We visit its main squares and avenues, the Belem Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. The afternoon is free to explore Lisbon’s charming corners, such as the Alfama district, or join an optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Cordoba. We depart for the Spanish border, and once we have crossed we visit Mérida, the capital of Extremadura and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, we visit the theatre, amphitheatre, Roman bridge, and more. After some free time, we continue to Córdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate.

Cordoba - Seville. After breakfast we visit the impressive Mosque (entrance included) and explore the narrow, winding streets of Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, we continue to Seville, just a short two-hour drive away.

We begin our Seville exploration with a panoramic city tour, visiting the Cathedral (the second-largest in the Catholic world), the Santa Cruz quarter (the setting for Carmen and the home of the Don Juan myth), Maria Luisa Park, and Plaza de España. The afternoon is free to explore Seville's vibrant atmosphere and unique flavours. An optional Flamenco show is available in the evening.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. We drive south, passing typical villages, and reach Ronda, where we have free time to admire the town's Celtic origins and stunning valley views. In the afternoon, we continue to the Costa del Sol, a prominent international tourist destination.

Costa del Sol - Granada. Departing for Granada, the last Moorish stronghold until 1492. Visit the renowned Alhambra complex (entrance included) and the Generalife Gardens, which inspired works like Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving.

Granada - Madrid. After breakfast we drive north to Madrid, and spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure.