Porto & Lisbon From Madrid

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). We depart Madrid this morning - please refer to your documentation for detailed departure information. We travel first to Salamanca, where you’ll have free time to explore this university city. After some time to explore, we say farewell to Spain and cross the Portuguese border, arriving in Porto.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers are Spanish, so English will 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.

Today we enjoy an included panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, we'll take in the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Then, we enjoy a unique view of the city with a cruise along the Douro River, followed by a visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar, complete with a wine tasting. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. This morning, we depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado. Enjoy free time to explore the city before we continue to Fatima, a major Christian pilgrimage site with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary appeared. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, where the tombs of the three shepherds - Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta are located. In the evening, you may choose to attend the famed candlelight procession.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Our first stop today is the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. After some time to take in the monastery, we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare for some free time. Nazare is known to have some of the tallest waves in the world, and is one of the world's best surf spots.

Next, we head to Alcobaca, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we can see its Gothic church and the Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Our final destination this afternoon is the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. On arrival, enjoy your first evening in the city at leisure.

This morning, we enjoy an included city tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo. During the tour, we take in the city's main squares and avenues, as well as landmarks like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s charming districts, such as Alfama, or join an optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Madrid. We depart Lisbon for the Spanish border, stopping in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merida. The capital of Extremadura is renowned for its rich history, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the theatre, amphitheatre, and Roman bridge. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Madrid, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included on this tour. You will be dropped back at a central Madrid hotel. The exact location can be confirmed on request after your booking, as drop off location varies by departure. You will need to make your own way to the airport or to your independently booked accommodation tonight.