Spain & Portugal in Depth 2027- 17 days

Once you have arrived in Barcelona, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time that you arrive, you may have some time to start exploring the city, grab a meal or relax.

Later, we will join our tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, we will enjoy a guided tour of Barcelona, driving through the Avenues where we will admire the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, starting with La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

We then make our way to Montjuïc Hill, passing the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument and the lively waterfront on the way to the viewpoint, where we will enjoy views over the city and the harbour. Afterwards, we will visit the unfinished masterpiece of Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to continue exploring Barcelona; you may want to visit the Gothic Quarter, browse the boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia or relax by the Mediterranean

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona - Bilbao. This morning, we will depart southwest, heading through Spain's most important agricultural and industrial regions. We will first arrive in Zaragoza, known as the capital of Aragón, on the banks of the Ebro River. You will have free time to see the magnificent Baroque Basilica of Nuestra Senora del Pilar.

We then make our way to Pamplona, known for its world-famous San Fermín festival. Here, you will have time to walk through the historic city while admiring the medieval old quarter and impressive Gothic Cathedral. founded during the Roman Era.

Afterwards, we will continue to our hotel in Bilbao.

Bilbao - San Sebastián - Bilbao. After breakfast, we set out on a panoramic tour of Bilbao, where we will see the Transfiguration of the modern architecture and culture. You will have free time to explore the sights around the Guggenheim Museum to admire its striking titanium-clad design.

This afternoon, we will make our way to San Sebastian, known for its seaside resorts and for hosting the International Film Festival. Here, we will enjoy a tour of La Concha Bay with its beautiful beach and Belle Époque architecture. We continue to Mount Igueldo, where we will enjoy views over the city, before having free time to take in the city at your own pace.

Later, we will make our way back to Bilbao, where we will enjoy a traditional dinner featuring the famous Basque pintxos. After we will return to our hotel for the night.

Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. Today, we travel west, heading along the coastline of Green Spain to Santander. We first stop in Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing town, known for its medieval harbour and the Gothic Church of Santa Maria, which overlooks the Bay of Biscay.

Afterwards, we continue to the capital of Cantabria, set near one of the world's finest bays. We arrive in Santander, known for being a retreat for the Spanish Royal Family and combining majestic architecture, seaside promenades and the renowned El Sardinero Beach. You will have free time to explore the city at your own pace before heading to the hotel.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. We depart for one of Spain's finest medieval villages, Santillana del Mar, where historical heritage has been preserved. Here, we will visit the surroundings of the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Next, we make our way to the spiritual heart of Asturias, Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the Holy Cave housing the revered image of Our Lady of Covadonga.

This afternoon, we continue to Oviedo, passing by the magnificent Church of Santa María del Naranco, a jewel of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace, taking in the impressive Gothic Cathedral part of the UNESCO World Heritage; grabbing a meal or relaxing

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. This morning, we continue our journey into the landscapes of Galicia, heading toward Santiago de Compostela. We first make a stop in one of Galicia's oldest cities, the town of Mondonedo. Here, you will have free time to explore the 13th-century Cathedral, walk through the squares or sample the famous almond cake, considered a Galician delicacy.

We then make our way to Lugo, a city that is encapsulated by a well-preserved Roman wall that is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore the historic centre, where Roman remains blend harmoniously with medieval streets, squares and the impressive Cathedral of Saint Mary.

Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual heart of Galicia and the final stage of the Camino de Santiago.

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage destinations. We will visit the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, traditionally believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle.

You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city's old quarter, granite streets, elegant arcades and lively squares lead to the Obradoiro Square.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas (Spain) - Porto (Portugal). Today, we depart for Rias Bajas, Galicia's picturesque estuary region, famous for its seafood, vineyards and stunning coastal scenery. Here, we will enjoy a cruise along the Ría de Arousa. As we travel, we will enjoy a tasting of local Albariño wine and fresh mussels.

Afterwards, we will make our way to the Portuguese border, continuing to the riverside city of Porto, overlooking the Douro River and known for its historic centre, port wine traditions and its UNESCO World Heritage status.

We will enjoy a guided tour of Porto, known for its rich history and riverside charm. We will see the majestic Cathedral, the elegant Stock Exchange Palace and the beautiful Church of Santa Clara.

Next, we will enjoy a river cruise on the Douro River, allowing us to take in unique views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Afterwards, we will visit one of the famous Port wine cellars to enjoy a tasting of the world-renowned wines.

You will then have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city, grab a meal or relax.

Today, you will have a full day at leisure to experience Porto however you wish. Take your time exploring the city’s winding streets, discover local boutiques and cafés, or enjoy a relaxed walk beside the Douro. You might cross the river to sample Port wine, visit the striking São Bento Station, or explore the enchanting Lello Bookstore. With no set schedule, you are free to choose your own highlights, find a quiet spot to enjoy the city’s character, or simply spend the day soaking up Porto’s distinctive charm.

Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra. This morning, we depart for the coastal city of Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal for its network of canals. Here, we will board a brightly coloured moliceiro boat.

Next, we make our way to Coimbra, where we will meet our local tour guide for a tour of the historic city and home of one of Europe's oldest universities. We will walk through the medieval streets, seeing the heritage and atmosphere of one of Portugal's cultural treasures.

Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Lisbon. We depart for Batalha to visit its magnificent Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's finest examples of Gothic and Manueline architecture.

We continue to the picturesque seaside town of Nazare, well known for its golden beaches and fishing traditions, where you have free time to explore at your own pace - perhaps strolling along the seafront or taking in the views over the Atlantic.

Afterwards, we travel on to Lisbon. This evening, we cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas for a seafood dinner together at a local restaurant.

This morning, our guide leads a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. We take in its main highlights, including Belem Tower, Jeronimo's Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Marques de Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city's unique atmosphere at your own pace - perhaps walking through the charming Alfama district, with its cobbled streets, colourful houses and traditional taverns, where the authentic soul of Lisbon comes to life.

Lisbon (Portugal) - Merida (Spain) - Madrid. After breakfast, we head back into Spain, driving to Mérida, founded by the Romans in 25 BC and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage city holds an extraordinary Roman legacy, including its magnificent Theatre and Amphitheatre, elegant bridges, temples and ancient streets that reflect the splendour of the former capital of Roman Lusitania.

You have free time to discover this remarkable heritage for yourself before we continue to Madrid, known as the capital of Spain, the grand boulevards, historic landmarks, and vivid atmosphere blended throughout the city through food, culture and the nightlife.

Today, our guide leads a tour through the historic heart of Madrid, from the medieval Barrio de la Moreria and the elegant Habsburg Quarter to the grand Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, where the city's origins first come to life.

We continue through the stately avenues of Bourbon Madrid, passing the impressive Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcala, before taking in the more cosmopolitan side of the city along the lively Gran Via, the elegant Salamanca district, the broad Paseo de la Castellana and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Madrid at your own pace - perhaps visiting one of its celebrated museums, browsing its shops, or simply enjoying the lively cafe culture.

Please note: If the panoramic tour of Madrid cannot go ahead for technical reasons, it may be replaced with a one-day Madrid hop-on hop-off bus ticket or a walking tour.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time you may have some time for last minute shopping, exploring or relaxing before being transferred to the Madrid Airport.